Author: Andres-Papazian

WEST BOYLSTON ‘DEVELOPER’ ACCUSED OF BILKING INVESTORS
Scott J.

Aug 1, 2011

A West Boylston man is accused of bilking three-quarters of a million
dollars from three people in development deals and using the cash to
take trips to France and gamble, according to the secretary of the
state’s office.

An administrative complaint has been filed in the Securities Division
against Edward Kooyomjian Sr., charging him with selling unregistered
securities and acting as an unregistered agent. Officials are seeking
a full accounting of securities sold to the investors, compensation
to the investors for losses and a cease-and-desist order.

“This case offers an example of the damage affinity fraud can cause,”
Secretary William F. Galvin said in a prepared release. “Not only
did these investors lose their money on what they thought to be an
investment, but they were betrayed by someone they had every reason
to trust.”

The administrative complaint is a civil complaint and can eventually
end up with a hearing officer.

Officials accuse Mr. Kooyomjian of using his knowledge and relation to
Worcester’s Armenian-American community to prey on potential investors.

A woman, a widow with Alzheimer’s disease, was friends and a former
business associate with Mr. Kooyomjian. She allegedly gave him more
than $400,000 from 2003 to 2008 to invest in two ventures: Leicester
Estates Corp., and Grandview Shoppes of Leicester Inc., the secretary
of state’s office said. Mr. Kooyomjian established those ventures to
develop parcels in Leicester along Route 56.

Two years ago the woman’s daughter brought a suit against the West
Boylston man in Worcester Probate Court. He was ordered to repay
$381,200 after the court found he used the cash to gamble. He is in
default on that order.

The widow’s brother was another investor and gave Mr. Kooyomjian
$105,000 – his life savings – to invest in the 67 South Main Street
Leicester Corp. Another investor is friends with the widow’s brother.

He allegedly invested $234,750 in Domain Enterprisers, an endeavor by
Mr. Kooyomjian to develop the old Blue Jay Restaurant site in Sutton.

Authorities found between 2006 and 2008, Mr. Kooyomjian wrote 44
checks totaling $73,500 from a “contractor account” into which he
deposited the investors’ checks.

The checks were made to Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Mr. Galvin’s
office also alleges Mr. Kooyomjian made almost 40 withdrawals from
ATM machines totaling $28,569 and used the money for trips to France
and Monte Carlo.

From: A. Papazian

BAKU ACKNOWLEDGES KEY KARABAKH POINTS NOT YET AGREED

news.az
Aug 1, 2011
Azerbaijan

Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has talked about the difficulties in
reaching a peace settlement with Armenia in the conflict over Karabakh.

He made the comments in an interview published in a special issue of
The Business Year magazine, devoted to Azerbaijan, 1news.az reported.

The Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and seven adjacent
districts have been occupied by Armenian armed forces for over 20
years, the minister noted. “And this is despite the fact that relevant
resolutions of the UN Security Council and the international community
demand the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of occupying forces
from Azerbaijan.”

He recalled that negotiations on a resolution of the conflict, mediated
by the OSCE Minsk Group, had been continuing for over 17 years.

“Personally, I had several meetings with my Armenian counterpart,
mediated by my Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov in 2010,” Mammadyarov
noted. “Additionally, we have been in regular contact with the OSCE
Minsk Group co-chairs. In this way Azerbaijan and Armenia managed to
smooth some differences, but nonetheless some important elements are
still to be coordinated between the two parties. We continue working
on the basic principles that will lay a basis for a comprehensive
peace treaty.”

Mammadyarov noted that the leaders of France, Russia and the United
States – the countries that co-chair the OSCE Minsk Group – had said
in a joint statement that the status quo following Armenia’s use of
force had to change.

The minister said that Azerbaijan expected the conflict settlement
to ensure the withdrawal of troops from the occupied lands, the
return of Azerbaijani refugees and displaced persons to their homes,
the normalization of life, peaceful coexistence of Azerbaijanis and
Armenians in the region and a future political process to define the
status of self-determination for both communities of Nagorno-Karabakh
within the territory of Azerbaijan.

“We are strongly convinced that peace can be durable if it is based
on the peaceful coexistence of both communities. As part of the
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, we are ready to grant the region
self-government with the participation of both communities.

“This is recognized and supported by the world community, as well.

Despite all the difficulties caused by the inconsistency of the
Armenian stance, we believe in a peaceful settlement of the conflict,”
Mammadyarov said.

He noted that Armenia was left out of regional economic projects
because of the Karabakh conflict.

“The official position of Azerbaijan is that Armenia should withdraw
its occupying forces from Azerbaijani territory. After this, the
door to economic cooperation and mutual relations will be open,”
Mammadyarov said.

“At the same time Azerbaijan has strong economic ties with all the
other countries of the region and these relations will grow from year
to year. Our country is the economic leader in the South Caucasus
and one of the world’s most rapidly growing economies.”

Conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 when Armenia made claims
on the Azerbaijani territory. Armenian armed forces occupied a swathe
of Azerbaijani territory from 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh
region and seven surrounding districts. Despite a ceasefire in 1994,
no long-term peace agreement has been reached.

The nub of the conflict remains unresolved – the competing claims of
territorial integrity, which Azerbaijan insists takes precedence in
the case of Karabakh, and self-determination, which Armenia wants to
see for the Armenians of Karabakh.

The latest meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan,
mediated by the Russian president in Kazan on 24 June, failed to reach
agreement on the basic principles for a Karabakh settlement. Dmitriy
Medvedev subsequently sent letters to both leaders, outlining his
views on resolution of the conflict. The Armenian and Azerbaijani
presidents have responded to the letters, but the content of the
content of the letters and responses has not yet been made public.

European integration

Azerbaijan has always been an active participant in the process of
reintegration with Europe, Elmar Mammadyarov said in The Business
Year interview, according to 1news.az.

“Our cooperation has undergone a serious transformation from
the initial emphasis on aid [from the EU] to mutually beneficial
cooperation which reflects the interests of both sides. It is important
that our cooperation is based on an understanding of effectiveness,
equal partnership, mutual understanding and respect.”

The minister said that Azerbaijan was today the EU’s main trading
partner in the region, adding that the oil-rich country was expecting
growth in its non-energy sector in the near future.

“Therefore our cooperation should cover other spheres of activity,
such as education, science and research, transport, agriculture
and security. We have started the talks on an Association Agreement
between the EU and Azerbaijan as part of the Eastern Partnership. The
agreement is intended to replace the existing Agreement on Partnership
and Cooperation and will further strengthen relations between the EU
and Azerbaijan, help to continue the reform process in our country
and promote economic integration and political cooperation between
the sides.”

News.Az

From: A. Papazian

BIG ARMENIAN FESTIVAL AUG 12-13-14 IN GLENVIEW
Diane Hardy

TribLocal

Aug 1, 2011

NO GRAPES TURN SOUR WHEN OLD BLENDS WITH NEW AT MIDWEST’S BIGGEST
ARMENIAN FEST & GRAPE BLESSING

Glenview, IL Aug 12-14: It’s a typical fest in a quiet Chicago suburb.

The music is ethnic, the food is tantalizingly Middle Eastern, and
the dancing is hands-up fun. But…there’s one twist. While they are
dancing and frolicking in summer, the visitors at the Armenian All
Saints Church on Aug. 12, 13 and 14 don’t realize they’re partaking
in a celebratory ritual that is over 1000 years old. The church,
at 1701 N.

Greenwood, Glenview, kicks off its Annual Armenian Fest not only
with ethnic food, music, dancing, and heritage … but it also hosts
the oldest ancient tradition the Chicagoland suburbs have ever seen,
called the Blessing of the Grapes.

Blending old with new is the theme of this year’s fest. Along with
the Blessing of the Grapes, which includes songs, a symbolic, short
14 minute service and of course, thousands of Ziplocked grapes, the
fest incorporates fresh, new items on its activity lineup. New this
year, a dance party begins Friday and Saturday during fest hours,
which are 5 pm to Midnight. Visitors can enjoy the live music of the
Chicago All-Stars Armenian Band, and Armenian DJ Zohrab.

Tradition mixes it up again with new-style dancing when 20 Armenian
dancers take the main stage at 8 pm on Saturday and 4 pm on Sunday
to blend old with new again. The dance group performances are always
a huge highlight and a great opportunity to see some beautiful,
graceful talent in breath-taking shimmery outfits.

Sunday’s lineup includes Armenian singer and member of the church
for 40 years Vatche Zakarian all afternoon, until the Blessing of
the Grapes at 4:30pm. Donations are accepted for the blessed grapes,
which prays symbolically for health and a prosperous crop in Armenia
and the diaspora. Details of this ritual upon request.

Now nobody can leave without a full stomach, that’s the rule of the
fest say the Ladies Guild who prepare the foods for weeks. Armenian
delicacies such as cheese and spinach boreg (filled puff pastry) and
stuffed grape leaves are serious matters to the ladies in the kitchen.

They also take their rice plaf and hummos and shish kebobs seriously
too. No joke. You will be tempted by the Bourma (phillo, nuts,cinnamon,
sugar in syrup), Kadaif (shredded phyllo with walnuts and syrup), all
recipes carried from the historic Armenian villages with a newfound
twist. Wine and beer, along with Armenian drinks, are also available
for purchase. Proper ID is required.

The raffle drawing is on Sunday and includes a Grand Prize of $1000
cash, with runner-up prizes as four box seats to the Chicago Cubs game,
and a 48 inch HD TV. There will also be a huka lounge and backgammon.

The Armenian Bazaar will be open throughout the weekend featuring local
artists and artisans, handmade and costume jewelry, arts and crafts,
pull tabs and other vendors. To be a vendor, call Diane Hardy at 847
322 4937.

Kids will really enjoy the Kids Korner, which features carnival games,
prizes, face painting, entertainment, and as an added attraction,
includes clowns and balloon animals Saturday 5:30-7:30 pm. Wristbands
for games are available.

More than 2,000 people are expected. Parking is free and near the
church lot. Wear your walking and ethnic dancing shoes.

From: A. Papazian

ALL TALL AND CHISELLED

Sydney Morning Herald

Aug 1, 2011
Australia

Carol West is dwarfed by towering forests and majestic landscapes on
her road trip through California’s interior.

“HEY, did you know we have a large Armenian population? Cherilyn
Sarkisian, that’s Cher but I still call her Cherilyn, dropped out of
Fresno High at 16 and the writer William Saroyan was born here.”

Stopping for a bottomless cup of coffee at a diner, an old-timer is
drip-feeding me a bottomless pit of information about Fresno. Founded
on the turn of a card about 1881, this sleepy town in California’s
fertile Central Valley was a magnet for miners, cowboys and hustlers.

The Dalton brothers gang roamed unchecked and as I wander around in
the torpor-inducing midday heat, it feels hot enough to fry an egg
on the pavement.

One resident determined to escape Fresno’s intense summers was
Baldasare Forestiere known locally as the “human mole” and a fine
example of one man’s dream becoming his obsession. From the beginning
of the 20th century, working alone and using only hand tools, it took
him 40 years to excavate his underground home and gardens, which have
become one of Fresno’s major tourist attractions.

Fresno might be an unconventional starting point for a road trip
but two of America’s national parks are within striking distance and
while we plan to head west to Sonoma and San Francisco, why travel
in a straight line when there’s time to meander? So we head east
as the vast farming plains of California’s fruit and vegetable bowl
disappear into the towering Sierra Nevada. Quaint hamlets named Clovis
and Orange Cove nestle by bare parchment hills that rise out of green
gullies and between May and October, food festivals and agri-tours
gear up when the orchards are pregnant with stone fruit. At Sanger,
stocking up at Blossom Trail Fruit Stand, sinking my teeth into a
just-picked peach unlocks intoxicating memories of fruit tastes.

Within two hours, Highway 180 delivers us at Giant Forest Village on
the edge of Sequoia National Park. Long before trekking trails were
carved into the landscape, conservationist John Muir explored and
named Sequoia’s Giant Forest. “When I entered this sublime wilderness
the day was nearly done, the trees with rosy glowing countenances
seemed to be hushed and thoughtful … one naturally walked softly
and awestricken among them,” he wrote.

Alpine wilderness enroute to Tioga Pass. Photo: Getty Images In this
shady forest of superlatives, serious tree-huggers would be hard
pressed to get their arms around the star attraction, the General
Sherman, an arboreal monarch measuring a staggering 31 metres around
its base. A prodigious grower, Sherman has been around for more than
two millenniums, is 83 metres tall, its volume making it the largest
tree on Earth.

A 20-minute loop walk through Grant’s Grove takes us past General
Grant, the park’s second-largest sequoia. From their lofty heights,
the two Generals appear to command regiments of trees marching across
the landscape.

A loop path leads to the Congress Trail where grandly named Congress,
Senate and Presidential trees, veiled in a white mist, metamorphose
into an enchanted forest. Turning a corner and whoa! A black bear is
on the ridge line just 15 metres away.

Our dinner is served with good old-fashioned hospitality at Wonder
Valley, a ranch resort where we join other guests who are ready to
give local yet universal issues (youth problems, health reform and
politics) a lively airing across the dinner table.

Yosemite, the big daddy of America’s 390 national parks, is a vast
granite and pine wilderness about two hours north on Highway 41.

Dynamic geology has shaped a visual feast of staggering proportions
and majestic forms.

It might be wilderness but with 4 million visitors annually, it can be
pretty damned busy, so to get an overview, we take a two-hour tour of
the valley floor. At the west end, El Capitan’s smooth rock face looms
more than 1000 metres above. Scraped clean by aeons of ice and snow,
this is one of the park’s most popular climbs taking up to five days,
unless you’re in that elite (insane?) group of speed climbers. We’re
told that one virtually ran up it in just more than 2½ hours.

Tunnel View gives a rock-and-awe view of Yosemite Valley framed by El
Capitan, Half Dome’s sheer granite walls that vault to the sky and
Bridalveil Fall. John Muir poetically described Bridalveil Fall as
“the symphony of the Sierra” during spring’s raging ice melts but by
late summer, it’s cascading gently into the valley.

A $20 seven-day pass buys access to more than 1200 kilometres of
hiking trails, 20 kilometres of bike trails, peaks to climb and
wildflower-carpeted meadows to meander. The easiest way to experience
Yosemite is to hop on a free valley shuttle bus that links walks,
picnic areas, lookouts and information points.

Hiking trails get busy about 9.30am so we set out on the Mist Trail
at daybreak for the 4.8-kilometre “moderate” hike to Vernal Fall that
tumbles 97 metres into Emerald Pool. A steep granite stairway of more
than 600 steps climbs 366 metres to the head of the fall where a misty
veil of water burbles over the river’s smooth granite pebbles. Only
the alarming whistles of the yellow-bellied marmot and my heaving
breath disturbs the silence.

We’re fortunate it is late summer as the Tioga Pass, one of the few
roads crossing the Sierra Nevada, is still open so from Yosemite, we
decide to go over the top for the five-hour trip north to Tahoe. At
Olmsted Point, we linger to view Yosemite Valley’s raw beauty, which
photographer Ansel Adams captured so evocatively in nuanced black
and white.

With ears popping and brake lights flaring, stupendous vistas distract
as we climb to a height of 3000 metres on sweeping bends that corkscrew
around towering peaks and vertiginous valleys. As the road plateaus,
the desolate surrealism of Mono Lake coolly mirrors mountains and
plains. At the small township of Lee Vining, we pull into Latte Da
for organic coffee, home-made cake and a new set of nerves. It’s late
afternoon and a lowering sun dusts granite hills decorated with tufts
of wild grass in a golden light.

Descending into South Lake Tahoe, we trace its topaz waters north
past classic ski lodges. Heading west, our wheels chew up US Highway
50 accompanied by numerous trucks and rabid Republican shock jocks on
the radio. In less than two hours, we’re in California’s state capital,
Sacramento – set on the picturesque Sacramento River – and check into
our digs, the paddle steamer Delta King, moored on the waterfront.

Tourist business is brisk at charmingly re-created gold rush saloons
and storefronts in Old Sac, while downtown Sacramento is a friendly
city of parks and lavishly restored public buildings including the
Capitol Building where we join a free guided tour.

Evocative displays depicting the clash of cultures enthrall me at
the Indian Museum while the enormous Railway Museum’s iron fenders,
gleaming locomotives and polished carriages display a world of quiet
luxury on wheels.

Continuing west to Sonoma County and only 100 kilometres north of
the Golden Gate Bridge, we dip in and out of family-owned vineyards.

Dog-friendly Mutt Lynch Winery hosts a monthly “Yappy Hour” for wine
lovers and pooches – only in California – and we end up at Quivira
Vineyards and Winery on Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. Original owners
Henry and Holly Wendt were cartographic collectors hence Quivira,
the study of old maps.

I’m told that winemaker Steven Canter worked with Torbreck’s David
Powell and following the Rudolph Steiner philosophy of biodynamics,
the winery became biodynamically certified in 2005.

I won’t go into details but Canter tells me it involved cow dung,
100 cow horns, a cedar tower and clean water. After steeping like tea,
what’s sprayed on the Syrah vines is, he says, an instant pick-me-up.

Dropping down to San Francisco, we finally ditch the car. After all,
this is one of the world’s most environmentally responsible cities,
so it’s only natural to check into the top green-rated Orchard Garden
Hotel before hitting the bar at Vesuvioin North Beach. Ordering a
Jack Kerouac, we reminisce about doing it all again. Perhaps Cher
summed it up best in her inimitable rock and awe style: “If I could
turn back time …”

The writer was the guest of California Tourism.

Trip notes Getting there

V Australia operate daily flights between Sydney and Los Angeles.

vaustralia.com, 13 82 87. American and United Airlines operate regular
one-hour flights from Los Angeles to Fresno. americanairlines.com.au,
(07) 3329 6060; unitedairlines.com.au, 13 17 77.

Getting around

Arrange a Fresno Airport pick-up through DriveAway, which have an
excellent 24/7 online booking service. 1300 723 972, driveaway.com.au.

Or try Alamo rentals, alamo.co.uk.

Staying there

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, 6450 Elwood Road, Sanger. Special
offers include room, candlelit dinner, horse-drawn carriage ride
and deluxe continental breakfast for $US250 ($230). +1 559 787 2551,
wondervalley.com.

Yosemite’s Curry Village has a range of accommodation including tent
cabins for about $US115 containing one double and three single beds.

+1 801 559 4884, yosemitepark.com.

From: A. Papazian

HACKER ATTACK ON FRENCH-ARMENIAN WEBSITE, ATATURK ON BACKGROUND

news.am
August 1, 2011
Armenia

Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations in France (CCAF)
strongly condemned a hacker attack on the website of French-Armenian
Council on the night of July 26-27, writes Nouvelles dArmenie.

The home page was replaced with a portrait of the founder of the
Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on a black background,
accompanied by intolerable music.

According to a CCAF investigation, the website was cracked by a
hacker who is famous on the web and openly boasts of his “deeds”
in his profile on a famous social networking website.

“Let’s not make hasty conclusions, but the attack was carried out
on the day when a verdict against the main suspect in the murder of
Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was delivered.

It is not for the first time that a website belonging to the
Armenian organizations in France and in Armenia becomes the target of
unlawful actions of criminals who are driven by Turkish-Azerbaijani
ultranationalist sentiments or at least by anti-Armenian moods. CCAF
does not rule out filing a lawsuit against the criminals,” reads the
statement issued by the organization.

From: A. Papazian

G. MANOYAN SAYS AZERBAIJAN NOT READY TO WAR

Panorama
Aug 1, 2011
Armenia

“Conditioned by Azerbaijan’s behavior, any anticipation for advancement
over the Karabakh conflict is groundless. I’m not hopeful for any
change,” ARF Political Affairs Director Giro Manoyan said in a meeting
with the journalists.

Mr. Manoyan stated EU, Russia and USA are intended to materialize
advancement in Karabakh issue till the end of the running year,
which depends on the atmosphere.

Referring to the intensified talks in the negotiations, expert said
it’s conditioned by the pre-election developments, since Armenia,
US and Russia will be challenging election years in 2012-2013.

According to G. Manoyan the co-chairs’ main goal is reducing of the
war chance, which isn’t big. Expert says he’s sure Azerbaijan isn’t
in a condition to start war.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA’S ERIK WINS AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD AT “NEW WAVE” SONG CONTEST

news.am
August 1, 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Erik won Audience Choice Award at “New Wave”
international song contest in Jurmala.

Jayden Feldler from the U.S. took the first prize (EUR ~@ 50,000)
Maria Sobko took the second place (EUR ~@ 30,000) and N.A.O.M.I group
from Russia took the third place (EUR ~@ 20,000), Amic.Ru reports
referring to ITAR-TASS.

A total of 16 singers from 13 countries attended the song contest

Among jury members were Russian celebrities Igor Krutoy, Raymond Pauls,
Yuri Antonov, Igor Nikolaev, Valeri Meladze, Layma Vaykule, Philip
Kirkorov, Leonid Agutin, Valeria, Konstantin Meladze and Max Fadeev.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA IS GEORGIA’S NUMBER ONE ALLY, SAYS AZERI ANALYST

Tert.am
01.08.11

An Azerbaijani political analyst has questioned the credibility of
a statement by Georgian president that “the enemy of Azerbaijan is
the enemy of Georgia too” and said that Armenia is Georgia’s number
one ally.

In an interview with the Azerbaijani news website SalamNews Mubariz
Ahmedoglu referred to Mikheil Saakashvili’s policy as “mentally
unbalanced”.

“I don’t think that today Saakashvili is convinced that the enemy of
Azerbaijan is the enemy of Georgia too,” said he.

“Yes, earlier, the Azerbaijani-Georgian relations were at a higher
level, but it can be said that today Armenia is the number one ally
for Georgia,” Ahmedoglu explained.

“Recently, some changes have been noticed in the policy Mikheil
Saakashvili adopted towards Armenia and Azerbaijan. His policy can
be regarded as mentally unbalanced,” he said.

Further, he said that there is discrepancy in what Saakashvili says
and what he does. Some of Saakashvili’s words are meant to please
one of the sides, he added.

“They don’t duly reflect the present realities of the
Azerbaijani-Georgian relations,” said Mubariz Ahmedoglu.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA’S ‘GANGSTER REGIME’ MUST GO AWAY, OPPOSITIONIST SAYS

Tert.am
02.08.11

Nikol Pashinyan congratulated people on the luckiest rally in the
world.

In his opening address to the rally the Armenian National Congress
(ANC) has just started in Liberty Square in Yerevan Nikol Pashinyan,
Editor-in-Chief of the Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper and ANC member,
congratulated the participants “on the luckiest rally in the world.”

People’s presence at “this hot rally” is evidence that “this gangster
regime” must go away, he said.

Pashinyan also congratulated the participants on the ANC’s birthday,
which was on August 1.

From: A. Papazian

BARONESS COX: BAKU IS BLACKMAILING AND CONDUCTING FALSE PROPAGANDA, PILGRIMS WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT KARABAKH PROBLEM

arminfo
Tuesday, August 2, 16:50

Azerbaijan is conducting false propaganda; therefore, the pilgrims
want to know the truth about the Karabakh problem. The people of
Artsakh (Nagorno- Karabakh) have won the right to independent life,
said Baroness Caroline Cox, member of the British House of Lords,
who went on a seven-day pilgrimage to Nagorno-Karabakh with a large
group of foreign citizens.

According to ArmInfo correspondent in Stepanakert, she said that
was first of all a spiritual tour. Armenia was the first to adopt
Christianity as a state religion. Everybody participating in
the pilgrimage admires the beauty of Artsakh and its traditional
hospitability. Baroness Cox said that people from 9 countries came
to Karabakh and familiarized themselves with its history. They will
return to their countries and tell the whole truth. “She added that
Azerbaijan and other countries are conducting anti-Armenian propaganda,
but this did not stop the pilgrims.

There were doctors, public figures, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs,
students from the United States, Germany, France, Israel, Nigeria,
Austria, Australia, etc. among the pilgrims. They familiarized
themselves with the historical and cultural monuments of Artsakh and,
together with pilgrims from Karabakh, they passed 122 kilometers at
almost 40 degrees. The final point of the pilgrimage was Gandzasar
Monastery in Martakert region of Karabakh (XIII c.).

The pilgrims visiting the NKR for the first time were impressed by
the splendor of ancient monasteries, hospitability and warmth of the
residents of Karabakh, and they promised to visit Karabakh again. The
Pilgrimage to Artsakh mission has been held by Baroness Cox since
2001. In 2001 the pilgrimage was dedicated to the 1700th anniversary
of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Notwithstanding the threats and
blackmail of Baku, Baroness Cox visits the NKR with new friends, and
hundreds of people become devoted friends of the Karabakh residents.

Besides the places of interest of Karabakh, Caroline Cox is also
interested in the processes of state building, Karabakh peace process,
democratization and other aspects of the NKR life.

A sociologist and human rights activist, the chairwoman of the
Armenian-British Parliamentary Group, the head of several human rights
organizations, Baroness Cox has made dozens of humanitarian trips to
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh to provide people with medicaments. In
2006 she was awarded a Mkhitar Gosh Medal of Armenia for state and
public-political activities, as well as for considerable contribution
to diplomacy, legal studies and politics. The rehabilitation center
in Stepanakert, set up under the aegis of the Christian Solidarity
Worldwide, was named after Caroline Cox.

From: A. Papazian