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ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ONE OF POPULAR THEMES IN WASHINGTON

PanARMENIAN.Net
28.10.2009 14:33 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Genocide is the priority topic regarding
Armenia discussed in Washington, said Emil Sanamian, editor of The
Armenian Reporter weekly.

As to normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, he said, "Turkish
lobby represents the interests of Turkish government. Armenian
Americans speak out against protocols but for normalization of
Armenia-Turkey relations and the U.S. administration with numerous
trends."

"Turkey is positive about the protocols but it doesn’t mean that it
wants to normalize relations with Armenia," Sanamian said.

ORGANIZATION FOR PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS EXECUTIVE GENERAL TO VISIT ARMENIA

Tert
Oct 28 2009
Armenia

On October 28, Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
Director General Rogelio Pfirter will visit Armenia.

Rogelio Pfirter’s meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian, Armenian Minister of Emergency Situations Mher Shahgeldyan
and Armenian Minister of Economy Nerses Yeritsyan are scheduled
to take place on October 29, informs a press release issued by the
Armenian Foreign Ministry.

‘TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN ARE ONE NATION AND TWO STATES, BUT THEY ARE NOT ONE STATE’: TURKISH ANALYST

Tert
Oct 28 2009
Armenia

Turkish support for Azerbaijan, expressed by keeping the
Turkish-Armenian border closed, has proved nothing more than a symbolic
gesture, says a senior foreign policy analyst, reports Turkish news
agency Hurriyet Daily News.

In addition, poor relations between Armenia and Turkey have
hindered Ankara’s prospects of playing an influential role in the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"For the last 17 years, Turkey’s boycott of Armenia has not brought
about a solution. It seems difficult to argue that the insistence on
keeping the border with Armenia closed has had any positive impact on
the resolution of the Karabakh problem," Dr. Burcu Gultekin Punsmann
wrote in a policy note for the Economic Policy Research Foundation
of Turkey, or TEPAV, an Ankara-based think tank.

"Moreover, Turkey’s policy has limited Ankara’s potential influence
over Armenia," Dr. Punsmann added. "While being a permanent member
of the Minsk group and supporting its work, poor Turkish-Armenian
relations have hindered Turkey’s prospects of playing an active
mediating role in the Karabakh conflict."

The agreement between Turkey and Armenia is likely to be a harbinger
of change in the south Caucasus, where the status quo, characterized
by conflicts, divisions, blockades and trade restrictions, is far
from being satisfactory, according to Punsmann.

"The status quo was not helpful for Turkey in terms of achieving
its policy objectives," she wrote. "The status quo is also hardly
beneficial for Azerbaijan."

"Maybe there is a need to redefine Turkish-Azerbaijani relations.

Turkey and Azerbaijan are one nation and two states, but the two
are not one state. The family is getting crowded," Punsmann told the
Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review.

She said the Turkish-Armenian dialogue to normalize relations
prompted the revival of talks under the Minsk group to settle the
Karabakh dispute. "Of course there is an indirect link between the
normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations and the resolution of
the Karabakh problem, but the latter should not be a precondition
for neighborly relations between Ankara and Yerevan," Punsmann added.

"The Karabakh problem was laid down as a precondition for 17 years
and that brought no solution," said the analyst, who warned that if
the protocols fail to pass the respective parliaments of Turkey and
Armenia, the Karabakh talks mediated by France, Russia and the U.S.

would be suspended and the Minsk group’s interest in the matter
would diminish.

"The normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations has the capacity of
fostering new dynamics in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict,
the most intractable conflict and one of the biggest obstacles to
region-wide cooperation," Punsmann wrote in the policy note. "At
this stage, the interruption of Turkish-Armenian bilateral relations
will dissipate the international attention focused on the region and
decrease the chances of an agreement on the conflict over Karabakh
for the foreseeable future."

Andre Agassi reveals his drugs shame

The Times Online
October 28, 2009

Neil Harman, Tennis Correspondent

Andre Agassi makes the sensational confession today that he lied to the
tennis authorities to escape a ban for taking hard drugs.

The American, one of the finest players to grace the game, tested positive
for the highly addictive drug, crystal methamphetamine, and then duped the
Association of Tennis Professionals into believing he had taken it by
accident.

The admissions come in a soul-searching autobiography that is being
serialised exclusively today and tomorrow in The Times.

The 1992 Wimbledon champion, the winner of eight grand-slam titles, also
says that he has always secretly hated playing tennis and lived in fear of
his bad-tempered and violent father.

Agassi, now 39, relates how he took crystal meth – possession of which
carries a maximum five-year jail sentence in the US – in 1997, when his form
was falling and he was having doubts about his impending marriage to the
actress, Brooke Shields.

Had the positive drugs test become public, the repercussions for Agassi
could have been catastrophic. It remains to be seen whether repercussions
will follow his confession.

In his book, Agassi recounts sitting at home with his assistant, referred to
only as Slim, and being introduced to the drug. `Slim is stressed too … He
says, You want to get high with me? On what? Gack. What the hell’s gack?
Crystal meth. Why do they call it gack? Because that’s the sound you make
when you’re high … Make you feel like Superman, dude.

`As if they’re coming out of someone else’s mouth, I hear these words: You
know what? F*** it. Yeah. Let’s get high.

`Slim dumps a small pile of powder on the coffee table. He cuts it, snorts
it. He cuts it again. I snort some. I ease back on the couch and consider
the Rubicon I’ve just crossed.

`There is a moment of regret, followed by vast sadness. Then comes a tidal
wave of euphoria that sweeps away every negative thought in my head. I’ve
never felt so alive, so hopeful – and I’ve never felt such energy.

`I’m seized by a desperate desire to clean. I go tearing around my house,
cleaning it from top to bottom. I dust the furniture. I scour the tub. I
make the beds.’

In the autumn of a year in which he pulled out of the French Open and did
not bother to practise for Wimbledon, Agassi is walking through New York’s
LaGuardia airport when he gets a phone call from a doctor working with the
ATP.

`There is doom in his voice, as if he’s going to tell me I’m dying,’ Agassi
writes. `And that’s exactly what he tells me.’

Agassi learns that he has failed a drugs test. `He reminds me that tennis
has three classes of drug violation,’ Agassi writes. `Performance-enhancing
drugs … would constitute a Class 1, he says, which would carry a
suspension of two years. However, he adds, crystal meth would seem to be a
clear case of Class 2. Recreational drugs.’ That would mean a three-month
suspension.

`My name, my career, everything is now on the line. Whatever I’ve achieved,
whatever I’ve worked for, might soon mean nothing. Days later I sit in a
hard-backed chair, a legal pad in my lap, and write a letter to the ATP.
It’s filled with lies interwoven with bits of truth.

`I say Slim, whom I’ve since fired, is a known drug user, and that he often
spikes his sodas with meth – which is true. Then I come to the central lie
of the letter. I say that recently I drank accidentally from one of Slim’s
spiked sodas, unwittingly ingesting his drugs. I ask for understanding and
leniency and hastily sign it: Sincerely.

`I feel ashamed, of course. I promise myself that this lie is the end of
it.’ The ATP reviewed the case – and threw it out.

SOCIAL BENEFITS REDUCTION IS NOT EXPECTED

Aysor
Oct 26 2009
Armenia

‘Loan funds received by Armenia’s Government from international
organizations were not used for providing the social benefits,"
said at today’s press-conference head of the State Welfare System,
Vazgen Khachikyan. He also mentioned that Armenian State budget allows
pension payments.

Vazgen Khachikyan said the despite the global crisis and its influence
on Armenian economy as well as on revenues, up to now there were not
confirmed any tension in payment of pension and benefits.

"The loan funds were mainly aimed at revitalizing the economy, and
this has already provided positive trends including bring to a stop
the decline in production," he said expressing a hope that in 2010
Armenia will experience growth by 1-2%.

Due to crisis just a single change related to pension reform has
appeared: "These reforms will be postponed at least a year," said
Vazgen Khachikyan adding that Armenia will move to accumulative
pension system not in early 2010 but in 2011.

He assured that reduction of social benefits and pension is not
expected next year while some increase will probably appear.

GAGIK MINASYAN: TURKISH PARLIAMENT WILL RATIFY PROTOCOLS BY ALL MEANS

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.10.2009 19:49 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "On the margins of BSEC summit in Thessalonike,
Armenian delegation conducted meeting with Turkish pro-Government
and pro-opposition figures," Republican Party MP Gagik Minasyan told
a news conference in Yerevan.

At that he noted that Turkish MPs constituted majority in Parliament
which will necessarily ratify Protocols, given Ankara’s current
"zero-problems-with-neighbors" policy.

Minasyan also reiterated Armenian authorities’ position on Protocol
ratification order, i.e. Armenia will start the process after documents
are ratified by Turkish side.

Armenian parliamentarian also dwelled on Azeri delegates’ reaction
to ratification of docuements. "Azerbaijani side substantiated its
arguments by Serzh Sargsyan’s tough stance during Armenian and Azeri
Presidents’ recent meeting in Kishinev."

LOGISTIC ILLUSIONS, OR ARMENIA’S DESIRE TO ACCESS EUROPEAN CORRIDOR

Today
56939.html
Oct 26 2009
Azerbaijan

Euphoria of the Armenian authorities in connection with swift opening
of borders with Turkey seems to pass to a stage of delusion, when
a person – but in this case a group of persons – turns out unable
to clearly assess the situation. They do not realize that today
Turkey has gained enormous weight in the region and it may influence
situation in the region, depending on certain circumstances. It will
be so difficult for Armenia to benefit from it…

The strong desire to receive definite dividends from the situation
while it is possible, actually, prompted the Armenia leader to agree
to sign protocols with Turkey to establish diplomatic relations as
soon as possible. Yet it is difficult to say unambiguously what the
initial motives were. More likely, a group of factors; including
a desire to get rid of the Diaspora’s influence without a fear of
losing its financial handouts and to get rid of the influence of its
former boss, ex-President Robert Kocharian.

The euphoria has turned Serzhik and Co.’s head to an extent that
he does not hear or stubbornly unwilling to hear the words of Gul
and Erdogan, who almost every day reiterate that will never betray
Azerbaijan’s interests and it is impossible to normalize ties with
Armenia without a parallel resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Serzhik does not listen to those who tell him about it within his
country. Even the Dashnaks are tired of saying that let Serzhik not
to rejoice prematurely, because the processes will flow simultaneously.

Instead, his people organize a news conference of Director General
of South Caucasus Railways JSC Shovket Shaidullin. They approve and
contribute to it, even though not openly.

So, namely Shaidullin is well-remembered for a number of contradictory
statements. The most interesting is that all his so-called "statements"
were based solely on assumptions.

Now judge for yourself. He announced the Akhuryan station will be
opened on the Armenian-Turkish border in near future or to be exact
in a month. He said, "After the ratification of protocols signed in
Zurich between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Turkey, we will
hold a respective meeting with Turkey, whose results will be taken
as basis to design conditions for the railway." Thus, Shaidullin
admits that, in fact, nothing has been cleared up yet, nothing has
been negotiated and the news conference in whole makes no sense.

At the same, he suddenly passes from purely economic claims to
political claims. Shaidullin states that the main task is not only to
open the Akhuryan station, "the key objective is to enter correctly
the European corridor, the Caucasus and Asia, which could enable
Armenia to become a part of an international logistics center."

Too pompous words, aren’t they?

Actually it would not right to blame Shaidullin for something. South
Caucasus Railways is a 100-percent subsidiary of Russian Railways
OJSC. Armenian Railway CJSC was given to management of the South
Caucasus Railways under a concession contract signed on Feb. 13, 2008.

Term of the contract is 30 years with a right of extension for another
10 years. Thus Shaidullin is directly interested in opening from both
an economic viewpoint and Russia’s strategic interests. The interests
are purely of economic nature.

However, under the instruction of "top" circles, his speech was
replicated and introduced as recognition of some kind of victory,
to be correct Armenia’s coming out of the blockade.

Serzhik and Co. was not even disturbed by Shaidullin’s statement
that once the border is opened, there will be a need to create a
new format of relations, as SCR works with CIS member-states and,
in particular with Georgia, in the so-called "CIS format", whilst
another mode should be chosen for work with Turkey.

SCR general director also added that since Turkey is party to the
Convention on the Railway Transport (CRT), Armenia will have to join
it as part of SCR.

Meanwhile, independent experts also hint the same, unanimously stating
that even if the opening of borders will take place today, that does
not mean that Armenia will become a kind guide, a link between East
and West tomorrow. It requires taking a lot of decisions, signing a
pile of papers, and above all consult with the world powers, which are
unlikely to agree to worsening of relations with a far more powerful,
influential and useful Azerbaijan.

So, Serzh Sargsyan, relax and do not strain prematurely. It may
undermine your health …

Finally, just for background information: the Akhuryan station is
called by name of the river with the same name, the historical name
of which is Arpachay. Never forget it …

AZERBAIJANI, TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTERS MAKE STATEMENTS FOR MEDIA

AZG DAILY
27-10-2009

International

The question of removing Turkish flag from the Martyr’s Lane in Baku
was discussed at a meeting between Foreign Ministers Ahmet Davutoglu
of Turkey and Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan on Oct. 22 in Baku,
Trend News reported.

"We discussed it today and we hope that soon the Turkish flag will
wave in the Martyr’s Lane," Davutoglu told reporters in Baku.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Mammadyarov said an investigation will
be held to identify those who insulted the flag of Azerbaijan during
a football match between Turkey and Armenia in Bursa.

Davutoglu said this step was a provocation aimed to instigate trouble
between the two peoples.

"Azerbaijan and Turkish flags are the same for us, we protect
Azerbaijani flag in Turkey, as you protect our martyrs here," said
Davutoglu.

PURCHASE AND SALE TRANSACTIONS OF 1.15 MILLION DOLLARS CARRIED OUT AT NASDAQ OEMEX ARMENIA OJSC ON OCTOBER 26

Noyan Tapan
Oct 26, 2009

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. Purchase and sale transactions of
1 million 150 thousand dollars at the weighted average exchange rate
of 385.25 drams per dollar were carried out at Nasdaq Oemex Armenia
OJSC on October 26. According to the press center of the Central Bank
of Armenia, the closing price was 385.25 drams.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, October 26, 2009

2010 AGBU New York Summer Intern Program Applications Now Available

The AGBU New York Summer Internship Program (NYSIP) has announced that
applications for the 2010 program are available online. The deadline for
the 2010 program will be Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Now entering its
23rd season, NYSIP continues to attract the best and brightest college
students of Armenian descent for eight action-packed weeks in New York
City.

The program brings together 30-35 distinguished students of Armenian
descent from around the world. In 2009, 32 students from 11 countries
participated in the program. Participants gather in the world’s
financial capital of New York with the common goals of gaining an edge
in the pursuit of their future careers, establishing a deeper connection
to their cultural heritage, and developing ties to other like-minded
college students. The two-month experience continues to be a truly
unique adventure, allowing students to form lasting memories and
lifelong friendships.

NYSIP participants are housed in a New York University residence hall
and placed in full-time internships based on each individual’s interests
and career goals. Recent NYSIP alumni have been placed in top
institutions such as Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Columbia University
Medical Center, Eurasia Group, Rothschild, AXA Advisors, Entertainment
Weekly, Isaac Mizrahi, the National Hockey League, and scores of other
prestigious companies and institutions. During evenings and weekends,
students are involved in various educational, cultural, social, and
professional networking events. Events include a visit to Saint Vartan
Armenian Cathedral for a private tour and dinner with the Primate, a
community service project at the Armenian Home for the Aged, various
social outings and numerous talks by industry experts. Interns also
benefit from an interactive Mentoring Program organized by the AGBU
Young Professionals of Greater New York, which works to increase
one-on-one interactions between local Armenian mentors and summer
interns over an extended period of time. This mentoring program is an
excellent opportunity for interns to be paired with a professional in
their field of interest and meet several times throughout the summer to
discuss various issues and seek general guidance.

NYSIP has sister programs located in Paris and Yerevan. The AGBU NYSIP
staff has begun accepting applications for the 2010 session. For more
information and to download an application, please visit
For further assistance, please contact Associate
Program Director Michael Hovsepian by phone, (212) 319-6383, or email,
[email protected].

Sponsored by the AGBU President’s Club, the AGBU New York Summer Intern
Program (NYSIP) (agbu.org/nysip) was established in 1987 by Vartkess and
Rita Balian. NYSIP places young, aspiring Armenians in eight-week
internships in leading academic, cultural, financial, governmental,
legal, media and medical institutions in New York, while providing a
well-rounded program of Armenian cultural, educational and
community-service activities.
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.