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Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
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PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2004
CONTACT: David Zenian
E-mail: [email protected]

REP. CARDOZA COMMITTS TO JOIN ARMENIAN CAUCUS

MODESTO, California – The Armenian Assembly thanked first term Congressman
Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) for his commitment Thursday to join the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues during a meeting with Armenian Assembly activists
at his Modesto district office.

Cardoza, who has often demonstrated his support on issues of importance to
American-Armenians, asked his visitors to tell the community that he was
sympathetic to their cause.

“I was pleased today to meet with several members of the Armenian Assembly
of America. I look forward to working with them in the future and supporting
their efforts, particularly through the Armenian Caucus, which I intend to
join,” Cardoza said after the meeting which was attended by Assembly Western
Office Director Lena Kaimian along with activists Dick Shahenian, Hagop
Karakashian, Levon and Violet Apelian, Haig Arakelian and Daniel Ayvazian.

Kaimian said the discussions with Congressman Cardoza covered a wide range
of issues, including U.S.-Armenia trade, military parity and other issues of
importance to Armenia and the American-Armenian community.

“We thanked the Congressman for his involvement, understanding and support
of Armenian issues, not only since joining the House of Representatives, but
also earlier in the California State Assembly where he stood up in support
of legislation to include the Armenian Genocide in the school curriculum,”
Kaimian said.

As a Congressman, Cardoza has signed the Congressional letter in the past
two years to President George W. Bush urging him to properly acknowledge the
Armenian Genocide in his annual April 24 commemorative statement. He is
also a co-sponsor of H.R. 528, a measure that would grant Armenia permanent
normal trade relations (PNTR) status, and of H.R. 193 – the Armenian
Genocide Resolution.

Cardoza’s announced commitment to join the Caucus came on the heels of a
similar decision by Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) at an earlier meeting this
week in Salina, CA which was also attended by Assembly Affiliate member
David Nikssarian, who is also a representative of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of Monterey County.

Congressman Farr, now serving his sixth term, is a member of the
Appropriations Committee. He has on more than one occasion commemorated the
Armenian Genocide with statements before Congress, has repeatedly signed the
Congressional letter to President Bush urging him to properly recognize the
Armenian Genocide, and is a co-sponsor of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act,
H.R. 942 which was introduced in February 1995.

The imminent joining of Congressmen Cardoza and Farr will bring the
membership in the ever-growing Caucus to 135.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

NR#2004-074

Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:

Caption: L to R: Daniel Ayzenian, Haig Arakelian, Dick Shahenian, Hagop
Karakshian, Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Violet and Levon Apelian and
Western Office Director Lena Kaimian in Modesto, CA on August 19.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MONTREAL
Assaulted taxi driver in coma found with money in his pockets

Police search for four suspects. After dropping off customer in St. Laurent,
three men hit cabbie’s head and face

MIKE KING, DANIELLE ADAMS contributed to this report
The Gazette

August 18, 2004

Police are still searching for four suspects wanted in connection with
the severe beating of a taxi driver in north-end Montreal Monday
evening.
Garo Tachijian, a veteran of more than 20 years with the Champlain cab
company, remains in a coma as a result of his head injuries.
But according to Montreal police Constable Miguel Alston, Tachijian’s life
isn’t in danger and his condition is considered stable.
Money was still in Tachijian’s pockets when he was found at the back of an
isolated building on Place Henri Bourassa in Cartierville, so police are
treating the incident as an armed assault rather than armed robbery.
Alston said the motive for the vicious attack remains unknown.
A nephew who answered the phone at the family residence refused to comment.
A young woman age 16 to 18 years old whom Tachijian picked up as a fare is
one of the suspects.
She had him take her to the Cartierville address, possibly from somewhere
around St. Laurent, and apparently asked him to get her purse from his trunk
once they arrived.
Investigators say it was then that three men in their early 20s jumped
Tachijian and began hitting him on the head and in the face with a blunt
object.
All four are said to have fled the scene in a Chrysler van.
“These things happen often,” said Antonio Perez, a fellow Champlain taxi
driver who has driven a cab in Montreal for 24 years. Perez said he has
heard of many cabbies who have been robbed and assaulted over the years.
A few years ago, Perez recalled, one of his fares jabbed a revolver into his
ribs and demanded whatever cash the cabbie could hand over.
“I was very afraid. I thought right away that I would die. I thought of my
children,” he said.
The robber just grabbed the money and Perez’s car keys, and took off.
It was only when Perez got to a phone to call police that he realized he was
bleeding. The barrel of the gun had been shoved into his ribs so hard that
it broke the skin.
Perez said, however, that he feels lucky having had only one such incident
in 24 years.
Richard Leblanc of the city’s taxi bureau said there have been 16 armed
robberies of taxi drivers so far this year.
He noted that is down from the corresponding period the past two years – 22
in the first six months of 2003 and 21 during the first half of 2002.
Comparatively, the number of armed robberies of Montreal depanneurs the
first six months of the past three years were 327, 350 and 262 respectively.
Leblanc reminded taxi drivers that they can refuse fares if they feel
threatened or are asked to take someone to an isolated area like an
industrial park late at night – when most assaults occur.
He said cabbies should trust their instincts and act accordingly.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RIA Novosti, Russia
Aug 18 2004

LAVROV ON NAGORNY KARABAKH, CASPIAN AND IRAQ SETTLEMENT

MOSCOW, August 18 (RIA Novosti) – The settlement of the Nagorny
Karabakh issue is possible only through agreements between Armenia
and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told
journalists after talks with Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov.

“Russia is interested in the resolution of the Nagorny Karabakh
problem. The conflict can be settled only on the basis of the sides’
agreements,” Mr. Lavrov said.

He noted that Russia is ready to contribute to the negotiating
process both as “a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and as a friend
and partner.”

“We are satisfied with the fact that the negotiating process was
resumed early last year,” Mr. Lavrov said.

“We hope that the working group on the Caspian will work out
acceptable decisions on the Caspian status at its regular meeting, to
take place in Moscow,” the minister told journalists.

He noted that these decisions would be in the field of international
law.

In his turn, Mr. Mamedyarov stressed that “the diplomatic resource
must be intensified.” He also expressed confidence that “points of
contact will be found to reach a final decision in determining the
Caspian status.”

Russo-Azeri relations have been developing actively, Sergei Lavrov
said after talks with Elmar Mamedyarov.

“We discussed a wide range of bilateral relations, regional and
Caspian cooperation, the Nagorny Karabakh settlement and
international cooperation. We agreed on a number of issues called
upon to remove the existing problems,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Mamedyarov said that Azerbaijan regards relations
with Russia as strategic partnership.

Russia speaks for involvement of all forces in Iraq, including the
opposition, in the creation of national structural bodies, he said
after the talks with his Azeri counterpart.

“Developments in Iraq cause concern. In the framework of UN
resolution 1546, the key issue is creation of national structural
bodies on the basis of involvementof all political forces, including
oppositional. This idea underlies our approach to settlement,” he
said.

“Convocation of all Iraqi forces may serve as a core for boosting the
process of overcoming the crisis with involvement of the UN Security
Council,” the minister said.

“Activation of this mechanism could become an important impetus for
all countries to help Iraqis,” Mr. Lavrov said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Schweizerische Depeschenagentur AG (SDA)
SDA – Service de base francais
17 août 2004

28e festival de La Btie à Genève Une invitation à la découverte tous
azimuts

Genève (ats) Dans un peu plus d’une semaine et jusqu’au 11 septembre,
Genève vivra au rythme du festival de La Btie. La manifestation ne
dérogera pas à la tradition. Elle se voudra avant tout un lieu de
découverte d’artistes, un moment d’innovation, d’exploration de voies
nouvelles.

Une cinquantaine de projets, dont 13 créations, figure au programme,
ont annoncé mardi les organisateurs du festival. Ces derniers,
conscients de la difficulté d’opérer des choix dans une offre aussi
large, ont recommandé aux spectateurs de se laisser guider par leur
curiosité, d’accepter les surprises.

Bashung à la cathédrale

Les moins téméraires se contenteront de la poignée d’artistes
confirmés invitée à se produire à Genève. Alain Bashung interprétera,
avec sa femme Chloé Mons, le poème biblique “Le Cantique des
Cantiques”. Un spectacle qu’il avait créé à l’occasion de son mariage
et qu’il jouera à la cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Le festival a également réussi à faire venir Christoph Marthaler.
L’ancien directeur du Schauspielhaus de Zurich, présent pour la
première fois sur les bords du Rhône, arrive avec dans ses bagages
“O.T. eine Ersatzpassion”, sa dernière production jouée dans la ville
alémanique.

Charme de La Btie, le public pourra assister à des spectacles dans
des lieux insolites. Le duo de musiciens finlandais Pan Sonic se
produira sous les arches du Pont Butin, un construction vertigineuse
qui enjambe le Rhône. L’aéroport de Genève servira quant à lui de
cadre à une performance de Massimo Furlan.

Du noir, rien que du noir

Les amateurs de sensations nouvelles pourront assister au concert du
groupe allemand Bohren & Der Club of Gore. Cette formation de Cologne
fuit la lumière. L’obscurité est son royaume. Dans la salle de
l’Alhambra, seuls les instruments bénéficieront d’un éclairage
minimaliste, le reste sera plongé dans le noir.

Des artistes seront aussi là pour déranger. Dans ce registre,
l’écrivain d’origine argentine Rodrigo Garcia devrait tenir un rôle
central. Les deux spectacles qu’il présente à La Btie, deux
critiques sans concession de la société contemporaine, promettent de
faire du bruit avec leurs “moments de vrai liberté”.

Un ukrainien pas comme les autres

Le spectacle sera aussi dans la rue, avec une perfomance de l’artiste
ukrainien Alexander Petlura qui se balladera à travers Genève habillé
de vêtements russes historiques. La place des Volontaires, elle, se
drapera d’une ambiance arménienne, avec des sons retransmis en direct
d’Erevan, 24 heures sur 24.

NOTE: festival de la Btie, du 26 août au 11 septembre. Billetterie
en ligne sur le site ou numéro de tél 022 738 19 19.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

L’Humanité
18 août 2004

L’homme – du jour Julien Lauprêtre

Ils débarquent aujourd’hui. Cinq mille enfants, sur les plages
normandes, armés de pelles et de sceaux, prêts à dresser un mur de
l’Atlantique en ptés. De sable. S’il faut un responsable à ce
déferlement cocasse, il est le coupable indiqué. Julien Lauprêtre
dirige depuis cinquante années le Secours populaire français qui
organise cette journée à la mer. Une initiative renouvelée depuis
1979, dans le cadre de la Journée des oubliés des vacances,
échantillon de la solidarité concrète que l’homme prétend faire vivre
via son association. Une part d’humanité qu’il porte en boutonnière.
En 1998, Geneviève Anthonioz-de Gaulle, présidente d’ATD quart-monde,
la lui a agrafée au revers de sa veste. Une larme rouge, qui rappelle
son présent engagé. Mais aussi son passé. Titi parisien, fils de
cheminot, Julien est déjà vitrier quand les forces nazies prennent
possession de Paris. Avec une bande de potes, il monte un réseau de
résistants et rejoint les Jeunesses communistes. Il sera arrêté en
novembre 1943. L’anecdote est connue de beaucoup: emprisonné, il est
embastillé dans la même cellule que Manouchian et sa bande. «Mais je
ne le savais pas», précise-t-il quand il raconte l’histoire. Il ne
l’apprendra que plus tard, en voyant l’Affiche rouge. «Il faut
continuer la lutte», l’aurait encouragé le résistant arménien. Un
conseil que Julien Lauprêtre, à soixante-dix-huit ans passés, n’a pas
encore omis. Pas plus que la recommandation prodiguée par un
instituteur. «Bon, mais peut mieux faire.» Il s’en est, dit-il, fait
une devise.
M.-N. B.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected]
http: //gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com

RETIRED TURKISH COMMANDER ADMITS ORDERING THE DEATH OF SOLOMOU

A former Commander of the Turkish occupation forces has admitted the
ordering of a killing of a Greek Cypriot demonstrator during a protest march
in Dherynia on 14 August 1996.

According to a Turkish Cypriot opposition daily paper Halkin Sesi, retired
Turkish Army Lieutenant General Hasan Koundakci recently described in public
his part in the murder of 26 year old Solomos Solomou as he climbed a
Turkish flag pole outside the fenced city of Famagusta.

Speaking at a gathering in the village of Sinda, Koundakci was quoted as
saying the following: “I had withdrawn my soldiers into the trees…When I
saw the young Greek Cypriot (Solomou) climbing on the flag pole I got very
angry and I gave an order consisting of two words: ‘Bring him down!’ You saw
what happened afterwards.”

On evidence supplied by the Cyprus Government Interpol later issued
international arrest warrants against Koundakci and three other mainland
Turks involved in the murder. One of them was Kenan Akin, so called
‘Agriculture Minister’ of the pseudostate at the time who is seen in a
photograph firing with his pistol at Solomou from a balcony. Akin, a Turkish
settler, was an officer of the Turkish army during the 1974 invasion of
Cyprus and was later employed by the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT).

The young victim was protesting the bludgeoning to death of Tasos Isaak 22,
another Greek Cypriot demonstrator by Turkish Grey Wolves extremists and
Turkish Cypriot ‘policemen’ in the Buffer Zone a few days earlier.
After shooting Solomou, the Turks continued firing indiscriminately into the
crowd injuring 11 civilians and two UN soldiers. Both killings were
perpetrated in the presence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who was
seen taking photographs.

The notorious interview/document
Kenan Akin: Why are you making the killing of a dog sound so important?

Weekly AKTUEL (31.10.96 – 6.11.96) publishes the text of an exclusive
interview with Kenan Akin, so-called Minister of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. Under the title, “I wish I was there during the incident. I could
kill”, the interview goes as follows:
“Question: Were you there on the day of the incident?
Akin: In the morning I was there, at around 9:30 I left.
Question: Did you return after the incident?
Akin: No.
Question: Did you see your picture published in the Greek Cypriot press
which was taken from television and enlarged?
Akin: Could have. I was not there when the incident took place. But I felt
sorry for not being there. I wish I was there. I could have pulled the
trigger at least once. I wish I was there, definitely I was going to shoot.
Question: Don’t you think that this is an issue to be tackled by the
security forces? Apart from this, it is reportedly said that in your
election region you were saying that you have killed and you took the
responsibility.
Akin: No… During the incident I was on a picnic near the beach with my
wife and my child.
Question: Do you have a gun?
Akin: Yes, but I do not carry it.
Question: Following the claims against you, is there any investigation
against you by your party, by the government or by the legal organs?
Akin: The esteemed President asked me at one of our meetings. I told him I
was on a picnic by the beach with my wife and my child. There was no
investigation within the party. Only our general chairman put a question at
the party’s general assembly. He should have been convinced of what I had
said, so that he would not have considered it necessary to establish a
commission to open an enquiry.
Question: Do you envisage making any attempt to clear your name of these
claims against you by opening an inquiry?
Akin: These are Greek Cypriot lies. The other side are educating their
children with Turkish animosity. You are never writing this. Why are you
making the killing of a dog sound so important?”

WHICH ARMENIAN ISSUE ?

By Etyen Mahcupyan – Zaman, Turkey – August 7, 2004

During Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tour of France, one of the most
anticipated meetings was the one with Socialist Party leader Francois
Hollande.

Because in previous statements, the party had emphasized that it expected
the Armenian issue to be taken up in the human rights context. It seems that
the prime minister’s visit did not change the other side’s expectation. In
other words, the French Socialist Party wants Turkey to make a gesture
concerning the events that happened in 1915, which perhaps will not even
necessitate a debate on “genocide.”

That is to say, it wants Turkey to accept that these events took place. On
the other side, it is obvious that there is no such condition in terms of
the Copenhagen Criteria because these criteria were determined collectively
for all the countries concerned. Therefore, handling specific historical,
geographical or cultural problems of countries in the “human rights”
context, could turn into a sort of psychological condition according to the
disposition of the person or institution dealing with the issue. This is
extremely natural because European Union (EU) membership is both a legal and
political issue; and the political aspect of the issue cannot be independent
of the perceptions, expectations and domestic policies of the societies.

However, this situation causes historical events, like those in 1915, to be
protracted and become a natural part of today’s politics. Hence, many
different Armenian issues surface… Today, European Union (EU)
institutions, the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, the government of the Turkish
Republic as well as the state, and finally, the Armenian congregation in
Turkey, all have different perceptions of the “Armenian issue,” and the
political functions and meanings of these approaches may differ from one
other. Therefore, the critical point is how to shape the required strategy
that will make Turkey play an active role both in the EU process and in its
own geography. Here, three important factors come to the fore: The first one
is naturally Turkey’s own objectives, its responsibility before its own eyes
and its position before its own society. The second point is what the right
attitude should be when looking forward in light of the globalization
process in the world. And the third is to what extent honesty over
historical facts would be adopted…

Such an analysis cannot arise independently of the mentality you possess;
however, if being active in the future world is desired, then the probable
mentality of the future needs to be shared. What this implies is that a
solution to the Armenian problem needs to be sought with a democratic
mentality. Above all, this approach implies being open to talks, and
basically, Turkey talking to itself. For example, the fact that Turkish
historians with different approaches, still cannot come together on the same
platform, is an attitude that implies that they are dodging the truths.
Turkey taking this [positive] step will bring two advantages: On one side,
“a moment to take a breath,” that will ensure the elimination of accusations
reflected from “abroad” will be gained, and the depression caused by the
“illegitimate” attitude carried out so far will be eradicated. On the other
side, Turkey will be able to come closer to some of the “different Armenian
issues” hovering around, it will particularly be able to bring to the agenda
different aspects of this event thanks to approaches that will include
Armenians living in Turkey and various coalitions.

The distinguishing aspect of the “genocide” concept kills the debate and
makes the quest of living together more difficult. However, it is necessary
to see that the logic of mutual conflict, that reaches the point of
rejecting historical events, will not benefit any of the sides. The Turkish
Republic overlooking this fact is a burden too heavy to bear before the
international community.

‘YERKIR’ EDITOR CALLS AZERI WAR STATEMENTS ABSURD

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Responding to the recent hostile statements made
by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, ARF- Dashnaktsoutiun Armenia Supreme Body
member and Editor in Chief of “Yerkir” newspaper Spartak Seiranian said the
appeal “to declare war on Armenia and liberate Karabagh” was made to incite
the public.

On August 5, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported that the
chief spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, Colonel Ramiz Melikov,
publicly stated that “within the next 25 years there will exist no state of
Armenia in the South Caucasus.” He added: “Modern Armenia is built on
historical Azerbaijani lands…I think that in 25-30 years’ time, its
territory will again come under Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction.” Seiranian called
such statements “absurd,” adding it is meant for the uneducated people.

According to Seiranian, if Azeris believe they have such military force that
can fight and win, one should not forget that the Armenian fighters are also
ready to die for their homeland. “The Azeri warrior isn’t ready to die for
Karabagh, as he knows very well that Karabagh isn’t his land; on the
contrary, the Armenian fighter knows that he defends his homeland, and
that’s why he will go to all lengths,” he said. Seiranian, recalling the
victory of Armenian troops in the Karabagh war, stated confidently that if
the situation recurs in the future, the outcome would not be any different.

INTRODUCING YOUR BUSINESS TO GIBRAHAYER
Gibrahayer has been receiving requests from Armenian businesses, to promote
their products and services through the pages of Gibrahayer e-newsletter. I
call upon Armenian Cypriot businesses to make donations to Armenian
organisations and Charities for the advertising space provided by Gibrahayer
and urge all of you to support Armenian businesses and our advertisers !
Simon Aynedjian
Gibrahayer e-newsletter –

AMERICAN RECORDING PRODUCTIONS are leaders in the production and
distribution of Armenian and Middle Eastern traditional music. In 1991, Ara
Topouzian founded this world music label and it has always been the
intention to create global awareness of the traditional elements of Middle
Eastern music. Currently, his music is selling around the world through our
mail order/internet division and in 2,000 major record outlets.

‘It has been an amazing business; we currently are growing at a rate of four
to five new recordings per year. As a musician (kanun player) and enthusiast
of Armenian and Middle Eastern music, I have enjoyed producing recordings
that have become popular in homes around the world. The support we have
received and compliments from our customers have been tremendous. Your
support has kept our recordings, and more importantly the type of music we
produce, alive and visible. The year 2001 marks out 10th Anniversary of
American Recording Productions and we are in the works to commemorate this
milestone anniversary.’ said Topouzian.
ARP productions have been honored in several ways over these last few years.
Borders Inc. incorporated music from FULL CIRCLE into their telephone
on-hold music; FOR THE CHILDREN OF ARMENIA and STRINGED TRANQUILITY have
been included in several collegiate plays as well as the PBS documentary
“The Armenian Americans.” ARP has also taken part in humanitarian efforts
such as donating proceeds to Armenian relief causes for children, such as
FACES OF BRAVERY. To date, ARP has over thirty releases featuring some of
the finest musician ship from around the globe. Visit them at

CD OF THE WEEK: Eastern Winds (features Ara Topouzian, Ben Temkow, Mark
Sawasky, and Doug Shimmin) From calming meditative strains of ancient folk
song to invigorating, provocative rhythms of festive dance medley, EASTERN
WINDS soar gracefully over the music of Armenia, the Mediterranean and the
Middle East. Listeners who allow themselves to be swept up in these currents
are equally rewarded and challenged. The collection of pieces on this CD
offers a faithful representation of traditional melodies with specifics
origins, yet the innovative treatment and original arrangement of the
material is a testament to the universality of the music.

Special Offer: If you mention this newsletter, ARP will give a 15% discount
on your first total order! Eastern Winds can be purchased for $16.00 USD and
add $2.00 for US shipping. Add an additional $1.00 for all foreign orders.

Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.

OLYMPICS FACT SHEET
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Trdat III Arshakuni Armenian king Varazdat Arshakuni became the champion in
boxing at 291st Olympic Games held in 385.

The philosopher Plato (427-347) was a double winner of the pankration.

The 14 articles of the Olympic regulations included an article on
corruption: any corruption of a judge or an opponent would be punished by
whipping.

Some women, who were prohibited from attending the Games, did not accept
this segregation and dressed up as men, at the risk of being thrown from the
mountain of Typaion, as stipulated in the rules.

In 1990 the National Olympic Committee of Armenia was founded to further
development of physical education and sports. At present about 60 events are
popular in Armenia, there are 32 National Federations recognized by NOC of
Armenia.

The website of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia is at

Follow the online results of the Armenian & Cypriot athletes at

VERCHIN JAM: Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis beat France’s Gregory
Carraz in the Men’s Singles First Round 5-7, 7-6 and 7-5 during 28th Olympic
Games in
Athens.;id=3D271750

NEWS IN BRIEF
– Armenian Azeri and Turkish delegations clashed at the 3rd Youth Festival
in Barcelona in which more than 10,000 youth from around the world were
participating. The Turkish and Azeri delegation demanded that the
information on the genocide be removed from the poster board; however, the
ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Youth delegation refused, resulting in commotion.

– Based on the first half results of 2004 on the GDP of Armenia (9.2%) a
two-digit growth of the economy in Armenia is expected.

– Browse Google in Armenian. Check the following site

– A hand grenade was thrown at an internet-club in 2 Paronian street in
Yerevan and the owner 42 years old Laura Mnatsakanian died as a result of
the explosion.

– Georgian troops and separatist forces in South Ossetia exchanged sporadic
shelling and gunfire clouding talks between Russia and Georgia on the status
of the pro-Russian region.

– 18 sportsmen will represent Armenia in the Olympic Games, expected to do
well in weight-lifting, wrestling and boxing. Olympic champion Albert
Azarian carried the Armenian flag during the opening ceremony which was held
on August 13, 2004 in Athens.

g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r

â=80¢ The Armenian Youth Federation completed its 17th Annual Summer Camp at the
Morphou Prelature Camp Site at Kalopanayiotis on Sunday 15 August 2004.
Pictures from Camp can be viewed in our next issue.

â=80¢ A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members.

â=80¢ The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter will take place on Tuesday September
14, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at A.Y.M.A.

The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 23 August, 2004.

â=80¢ Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can beheard
via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus
time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News bulletins at 17:15 local time on Sundays,
Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on the following radio
frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia listeners) 94.2 FM
(Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca) 96.5 FM (Paphos).

â=80¢ Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues” together with Robert Camassa.
The programme which is now in its second year can also be heard on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on . A repeat
programme can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.

â=80¢ AYMA announces that the weekly practices of the football team begin in the
second week of September. Contact the AYMA Sports Committee for more
details.

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Armenian National Committee of Florida
PO Box 741364
Boynton Beach, FL 33474
954-401-9787
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
August 18, 2004

Contact: Bedo Der-Bedrossian
[email protected]

ANC FLORIDA ACTIVISTS MEET
WITH KEY REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS

— Strengthen ties with Cuban American Community

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – ANC Florida activists continued their meetings
with South Florida Congressional offices today, discussing
community concerns with six-term Republican House Member Lincoln
Diaz-Balart and senior representatives from the offices of Rep.
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. E. Clay Shaw (R-FL).

During the first meeting, participants discussed the status of the
Genocide Resolution (H.Res.193) and asked Rep. Diaz-Balart for his
support in encouraging the House Leadership to schedule a vote on
the measure. The group also urged the Representative to
participate in upcoming commemorative events marking the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, both in Washington, DC and in
his local district. ANC South Florida Chairman Bedo Der-Bedrossian
thanked the Congressman for joining with the South Florida Armenian
American community this past April 24th to mark this solemn
occasion. In turn, Rep. Diaz-Balart expressed appreciation to the
Armenian community for their solidarity on several issues of
concern to the Cuban American community. Specifically, the
Representative made reference to Armenian participation at a
protest against Communist repression in Cuba held during an
international summit in Geneva, Switzerland last year. The ANC
delegation pledged to work even more closely with the Cuban
American community on issues of mutual concern.

Participants at the meeting included ANCA Eastern Region Director
Doug Geogerian, ANCA Government Affairs Director Abraham Niziblian,
ANC South Florida Chairman Bedo Der-Bedrossian, Naomi Davityan,
ANCA intern and Florida activist Michael Toumayan, and Tony
Yaghjian as well as Armenian Assembly Grassroots Director Nancy
Hiteshue and recent Armenian Assembly intern Daniel Koushagjian.

Following this meeting, Geogerian, Niziblian, Der-Bedrossian and
Toumayan went on to discuss Armenian Genocide legislation and U.S.-
Armenia trade relations with Deborah Zimmerman, District Chief of
Staff for Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. The ANCA delegation expressed
appreciation for a key Committee vote Rep. Ros-Lehtinen had cast in
September 2000 in support of the Armenian Genocide Resolution
(H.Res.596). They went on to discuss a number of U.S. – Armenia
economic issues including continuing high levels of U.S. assistance
to Armenia, the importance of maintaining U.S. military assistance
parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan and providing U.S. assistance to
Nagorno Karabagh

During the meeting with Rep. E. Clay Shaw’s District Director Joel
Gustafson, the ANCA delegation again focused on proper U.S.
reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide as well as efforts to
strengthen U.S. – Armenia economic and political relations. The
delegation included Geogerian, Niziblian, Der-Bedrossian, Toumayan
as well as local activists Siran Der-Bedrossian and Allen
Jaknavorian.

At each of the meetings, ANCA activists encouraged Members of
Congress to co-sign a letter, initiated by Representatives George
Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) urging the House
Leadership to support inclusion of the Schiff Amendment in the FY
2005 Foreign Aid Bill and to schedule a vote on the Genocide
Resolution (H.Res.193). The Schiff Amendment, adopted unanimously
by the House by a voice vote, would bar Turkey from utilizing U.S.
foreign assistance to lobby against the Genocide resolution
(H.Res.193).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Aug 18 2004

K.KOSACHEV: RUSSIA RECOGNIZES TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF AZERBAIJAN
[August 18, 2004, 16:20:03]

Russia’s stance is unambiguous: the Russian Federation recognizes
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and this fact is reflected in a
plenty political documents signed between Azerbaijan and Russia ,
Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian State
Duma Konstantin Kosachev told AzerTAj Moscow -based reporter.
Overwhelming majority of the Russian State Duma members, according to
him, support the thesis on Russia’s recognition of the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan.

Asked how does Russia value the facts of Armenia’s military exercises
in the occupied Azerbaijani territories and the `elections’ in
Nagorno-Karabakh, and can Azerbaijan count on fair stance of the
Russian Federation as the OSCE Minsk group co-Chair considering that
Armenia is a Russia’s military appendage, Konstantin Kosachev noted
that Russia’s only aspiration is to work not in favor of either side
but enduring resolution of the conflict that, according to him, is
possible only in case of peaceful, not military methods. Russia will
accept any decision made by Azerbaijan and Armenian for the
conflict’s resolution, he said.

Commenting on why does Russia not urge Armenia to fulfill the UN SC
four resolutions on release the occupied Azerbaijani territories,
whereas Russia stands for the UN’s leading role in solving
international problems, Mr. Koshachev said: Russia has always
supported these resolutions, and confirms its positions in both OSCE
and Minsk Group. However, he added, we believe that the role of third
countries here is minimal, and bears just intermediary character. But
our role, at the same time, our historical mission is to make the
Armenian side sure to accept the principles on which the
international law is based, the Chairman concluded.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Los Angeles Times
Aug 18 2004

Dad’s in His Corner
Vanes Martirosyan’s immigrant father gave him a love of boxing and a
belief in the American dream. Now the son wants to give him a medal.

By Diane Pucin, Times Staff Writer

ATHENS – Norik Martirosyan lost a hand in a grenade explosion, so he
uses his other one when he’s smoking cigarettes, one after another.
It is an old, unhealthy habit and Martirosyan’s son, Vanes, has
begged his father to stop.

So Martirosyan said, “Vanes, if you win the Western boxing trials and
qualify for the Olympic trials, I’ll stop smoking.”

When Vanes won those trials, Norik said, “Vanes, if you qualify for
the Olympic team, I’ll stop smoking.”

When Vanes won the Olympic trials after the two favorites in his
weight class were disqualified in controversial circumstances, Norik
said, “Vanes, if you win a gold medal, I’ll quit smoking.”

So here he is, Vanes Martirosyan of Glendale, an 18-year-old
underdog, son of an Armenian immigrant, in love with the home cooking
of his mother and the rap music of America and determined to win an
Olympic gold medal in the 152-pound welterweight class so that his
father will quit smoking. And for one other reason.

“For all the time I have been boxing,” Vanes said, “my father has
told me what a lucky boy I am to be growing up in the United States,
where we have freedoms to do what we want and be what we want. He has
told me, since I can remember, that there would be no greater honor
for a sportsman such as me to win a gold medal to honor our country.
The United States is our country now.”

“Yes,” said Norik Martirosyan, his younger brother Serge translating
Norik’s Armenian words. “It would be our gift to the United States.
>From Vanes and from Norik, our gift.”

Martirosyan will fight 2003 Pan American Games gold medalist Lorenzo
Aragon of Cuba in the second round today. Martirosyan out-pointed
Benamar Meskine of Algeria in the first round.

At the Olympic trials, Andre Berto was disqualified – he later joined
Haiti’s Olympic team – for a flagrant foul that injured his opponent,
Juan McPherson. Berto and McPherson were considered the two strongest
fighters in the weight class. Berto had thrown McPherson to the mat
and sent him to the hospital with a head injury. McPherson appealed
to reenter the tournament after leaving the hospital but his appeal
was denied and Martirosyan won the trials.

Because of his youth and because he didn’t beat the top competitors,
Martirosyan isn’t given much chance to win a medal here.

“But that doesn’t matter,” Martirosyan said. “Our family has been
underdogs for a long time and what I have learned from here, so far,
is that anything can happen if you work hard.”

In 1990, as the Soviet Union was breaking apart. Armenia and
Azerbaijan, two former republics, were readying for a war rooted in a
history of religious conflict and Norik Martirosyan was doing what he
thought was best.

Martirosyan was foraging in an aging Soviet bomb-making facility,
looking for repairable weapons, when he picked up a grenade. Before
he even knew what was in his hand, the thing exploded.

But out of that accident, a dream was born. Looking for freedom and
peace, longing for a chance to raise his three sons in a land where
they could prosper, Martirosyan decided to go to the United States
with his parents and his brother. They would join other families in
California and start over.

Vanes, the middle child, was 4 in 1991, when they left Armenia. Norik
had been an amateur boxer in the Soviet Union before he had to join
the Soviet army. Even when he wasn’t competing, Norik would hang
around gyms, watching, learning the craft, memorizing footwork or the
way to throw a perfect jab.

When the family arrived in California, Norik went to work in a
family-run pizza parlor in Eagle Rock. In his free time, he took his
sons, Vahe, Vanes and Vatche, to the gym every day. Vahe eventually
gave up boxing for swimming and Vatche turned to soccer. But Vanes,
the most inexhaustible of the boys, the fiercest competitor and the
son most tuned to the father’s love of boxing and America, stuck with
boxing.

“It gave me pride and it was a great outlet for my energy,” he said.
“It was a way to be so close with my father because he was always my
coach. He had learned boxing under the Soviet and European style and
then he spent so much time studying at home the American style. In
his head, my dad put together both styles to teach me the best.”

Early this year, Vanes was ranked only 14th in the country in his
weight class. Then he went 5-0 at the Western qualifier in
Bakersfield.

“My dad stopped smoking for a moment,” Vanes said. “But then he
started again. When I won the Olympic trials, he stopped again – but
has started up again. I think it’s his way to motivate me more for
the gold medal. He promises, no more cigarettes if I win.”

Norik said he wouldn’t smoke anymore, medal or no medal.

“I believed when I saw my son walking inside the Olympic boxing
arena,” Norik said, “I believed that in the USA, everybody’s dream
can come true. I believed the world is mine now. And my son’s. So,
yes, I will quit smoking.”

‘He has told me, since I can remember, that there would be no greater
honor for a sportsman such as me to win a gold medal to honor our
country.

The United States is our country now.’

Vanes Martirosyan speaking of his father, Norik

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Calcutta Telegraph, India
Aug 19 2004

Draw takes Harikrishna to 4th spot

Abu Dhabi: P. Harikrishna shared a point with Ghaem Maghami Ehsan of
Iran but a draw in the fourth round meant the Indian Grandmaster
slipped further behind the leaders in the masters section of 14th Abu
Dhabi Chess Festival here on Wednesday.

Mikhail Kobalija of Russia joined overnight leaders compatriot Evgeny
Gleizerov and Ashot Anastasian of Armenia at the top with 3.5 points
out of a possible four.

Harikrishna is tied for the fourth spot with Maghami, Kazakhstan duo
of Evgeny Vladimirov and Pavel Kotsur, Artashes Minasian of Armenia
and Russians Konstantin Cheryshov and Dmitry Bocharov. They have
three points each.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress