Author: Andres-Papazian

ROCK CONTINUES TO AID ARMENIA

news.am

Armenia
Oct 15 2010

The program “Rock Aid Armenia”,– the proceeds of which will be aimed
at restoring the Gyumri school N6, damaged during the earthquake–
is ongoing.

The program in Germany released a remix of “Smoke on the Water”,
which was recorded by a group of world-famous rock stars in 1989,
and all proceeds were donated to the fund helping the affected by
the earthquake in Armenia.

This time, the funds from the sale of remixes of this song, will be
spent on the restoration of the Gyumri schoolN6.

In the framework of this program Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi recorded a
new song “Out of my mind”, funds from the sale of this CD, which will
be released later this year, will also be donated to the fund Gyumri
School N6. By the way Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi, joined a temporary
project “Who Cares”, funds from the concerts of the group will also
be donated to help the Gyumri school N6. It is expected that the
proceeds from the CD sales, will make tens of thousands of dollars.

Under the “Rock Aid Armenia”, $ 75,000 has already been collected,
$ 45,000 by the rock stars and $30,000 from the Government of Armenia.

In all, the restoration of the school would cost $250,000.

By the way the design of a new school building is also on charitable
basis prepared by the Armenian Diaspora architect Rafik Aschyan.

From: A. Papazian

CEASEFIRE REGIME VIOLATED ABOUT 30 TIMES ALONG THE LINE OF CONTACT

Panorama
Oct 15 2010
Armenia

During the night of October 14 the ceasefire regime was violated
along the line of contact of NK and Azerbaijani armed forces. The
rival violated the regime about 30 times and fired more than 500
shots against the Armenian defensive sectors over Hadrut, Martuni,
Askeran and Martakert.

According to NK Defense Ministry, local armed forces took appropriate
measures to cease the rival.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN AWARD-WINNING HUMAN STORIES ON US PUBLIC TV

Panorama
Oct 15 2010
Armenia

Two top Armenian documentaries – both award-winning human stories –
will be shown on public television (PBS) in the US over the next
two Sundays.

On Sunday October 17, Public Television stations around the country
will show “The Last Tightrope Dancer in Armenia,” a warm, thoughtful,
beautifully-shot story about the dying art of tightrope dancers, and
the continuing competition and camaraderie between two old masters,
and the hopes they place on one young artist. This year in Golden
Apricot film received The Best Armenian Film award, as well us “Best
Feature Length Documentary” and special award for Search of Original
Scenario of Nonfiction Film at the “Russia” Documentary Film Festival
in Yekaterinburg. Film already has been shown on NHK (Japan), SVT
(Sweden) and other European channels.

On Sunday October 24, the same public television stations will screen
“A Story of People in War and Peace,” a passionate film that follows
the lives of soldiers and nurses who spent years in the trenches
during the Karabakh war. The film has already screened on BBC, ARTE
and other international channels, and has won over 20 awards including
the FIPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics) prize. For
its director, Vardan Hovhannisyan, the film also garnered a Best New
Documentary Filmmaker Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

“The Last Tightrope Dancer” is the acclaimed work of two young
filmmakers — Inna Sahakyan and Arman Yeritsyan. Both have produced
several documentaries over the last decade. Sahakyan has directed more
than 10 social documentaries for Armenian television and worked as
assistant director on “A Story of People in War and Peace.” Yeritsyan
has directed a number of award-winning documentaries including,
“Under the Open Sky” and “Goodbye Fellini.”

Both films are produced by Bars Media, which was established by Vardan
Hovhannisyan in 1993. Bars Media specializes in making documentaries
about human stories, culture, history and other social issues. The
studio currently develops documentary films in Africa, Russia and
Afghanistan.

The Public Television showings on October 17 and 24 offer a unique
opportunity for the Armenian-American public and the public at large
to enjoy these excellent productions.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJAN FIRES AT MARTUNI POSITIONS

news.am
Oct 15 2010
Armenia

On October13-14, thirty ceasefire violations were registered by
Azerbaijani side in the frontline between the armed forces of
Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Azerbaijani units fired at Karabakh positions from different types
of small arms, including sniper rifles in the directions of Hadrut,
Martuni, Askeran and Martakert, NKR Defense Ministry press service
informed NEWS.am.

The NKR Defense Army neutralized the enemy with retaliatory fire.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN-CYPRIOT TIES TO DEVELOP

Panorama
Oct 15 2010
Armenia

Armenian National Assembly Chairman Hovik Abrahamyan headed a
delegation Thursday afternoon to the Republic of Cyprus. Soon after
a short discussion Chairmen of Armenian and Cypriot Parliaments
released statements.

According to NA public relations and information department the both
parties have hailed relations between the two countries, and have
signified the inter-parliamentary development.

Hovik Abrahamyan and Marios Garoyan expressed belief that Armenian
NA Chairman’s official visit to Cyprus could effectively contribute
to the reinforcement of the bilateral ties.

NA Chairman had a meeting with the representatives of Cypriot Armenian
community.

From: A. Papazian

TURKISH STATE MINISTER CALLS CHRISTIANS “GAVUR” (UNFAITHFUL)

news.am
Oct 15 2010
Armenia

The Chair of the Syriac Culture Association Yuhanna Aktas stated
Turkish State Minister Faruk Celik should apologize to Christians
for calling them gavur (an offensive ethnic slur used by Muslims in
Turkey to describe all who are non-Muslim) in one of the TV programs
several days ago.

Aktas sharply criticized Turkish Minister’s cynical statement, saying
Celik insulted Christianity and should apologize to all Christians
in Turkey.

This irresponsible statement proves what the Turkish Minister thinks
of non-Muslims in Turkey. We fiercely criticize his attitude,”
Aktas stressed.

From: A. Papazian

DELEGATION LED BY RA NA PRESIDENT HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN ARRIVES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

National Assembly of RA
Oct 15 2010
Armenia

In the afternoon of October 14 the delegation led by RA NA President
Hovik Abrahamyan arrived in the Republic of Cyprus. The delegation
comprises of the deputies Eduard Sharmazanov, Hovhannes Margaryan,
Gohar Yenokyan, Ruzan Arakelyan, Martin Sargsyan, Arman Sahakyan,
Aleksan Petrosyan. At airport t he President of the House of
Representatives of Cyprus Marios Garoyian met Hovik Abrahamyan. After
the short private talk the Presidents of the Parliaments of Armenia
and Cyprus made a statement for the media. They highly assessed the
friendly relations existing between the two countries, and in this
context they highlighted the development of the inter-parliamentary
relations. Hovik Abrahamyan and Marios Garoyian expressed conviction
that RA NA President’s visit to the Republic of Cyprus would be
effective and would more develop and strengthen the cooperation of
the two countries.

In Nicosia the parliamentary delegation visited the House of
Representatives of Cyprus, took part in the plenary session. RA NA
President delivered a welcoming speech.

On the same day the delegation led by RA NA President Hovik Abrahamyan
met with the representatives of the Armenian Cypriot community.

From: A. Papazian

GANG BLOODIES BROOKLYN BUDDIES
By LORENA MONGELLI and SERGEY KADINSKY

New York Post
Oct 15 2010

A half-dozen thugs armed with bats and knives attacked three
21-year-old Armenian men yesterday in Brooklyn, leaving a blocklong
trail of blood, cops said.

The mayhem began shortly after one victim, a neighborhood resident,
met two friends at 6:40 a.m. at Bedford Avenue and Avenue T in
Sheepshead Bay.

The victims were taken to hospitals and are expected to survive,
sources said. Cops said they suspected a dispute over money.

From: A. Papazian

US AZERIS NETWORK SENDS STIFF LETTER OF PROTEST TO AZERBAIJANI CONGRESSMAN

news.az
Oct 15 2010
Azerbaijan

US Azeris Network US Azeris Network (USAN) has sent a letter of
protest to the US congressman from New York, Maurice Hinchey.

USAN reports that the written reply of the US Azeris Network to
the previous letter of Congressman Hinchey says, in particular:
“Dear Congressman Hinchey, we thank you for your consideration and
response to issues raised on the Azerbaijani-American relations,
as well as for the fact that you did not attend the outrageous event
in the Congress last month, dedicated to the Armenian occupation of
Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, which was held by the Embassy
of Armenia in the United States and the Armenian diaspora.

But at the same time, we are deeply concerned about some statements in
your letter to us, where you write: “I would like to hear your opinion
on the ‘ Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’ and call it ‘an independent
state’. You did not mention that there is no ‘Nagorno Karabakh
Republic’ and this is an illegal, unrecognized non-existent and the
puppet regime established by Armenia. The official US position is
to not recognize this regime, respect and recognize the territorial
integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

These statements do not only insult the Azerbaijani-American community,
but also contradict the official position of the US government. It
is needless to say that this so-called ‘independent state’ was not
recognized by the United States, or any other country in the world,
including Armenia.

We would like you to carefully study your response and take in
the course of US-Azerbaijani relations. The same applies to your
anti-Turkish position. We also ask you to follow the official
position of the US government on matters of foreign policy as the
Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. In turn, we urge all US
citizens of Azerbaijani and Turkish ethnic in the 22nd district of
New York to vote for your opponent George Phillips in the upcoming
Nov. 2 election in the US Congress.

Mr. Hinchey, you have the right to vote in the US House of
Representatives. But we, Americans of Azerbaijani and Turkish origin,
have the right to decide who will represent our interests in the
Congress, and we wish to make sure that our voice will be heard.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, if we can be of any assistance”.

The letter was signed by PhD Adil Baguirov – executive director of
US Azeris Network (US Azeris Network USAN), Bedir Mammadli – USAN
director, Yusif Babanly – Secretary and Director of USAN and regional
directors of the organization.

From: A. Papazian

WE WANT GOOD RELATIONS WITH OUR NEIGHBORS – TURKISH ENVOY

news.az
Oct 15 2010
Azerbaijan

Hulusi Kilic APA interviews Hulusi Kilic, Turkish ambassador to
Azerbaijan.

A year has passed since the signing of Zurich protocols between Turkey
and Armenia. What are the latest developments in this field? Recently
Turkish newspapers wrote about the Swiss efforts toward the restoration
of discussions between the sides.

Armenia declared it has frozen the protocols. But Turkey saved loyalty
to the text and spirit of the protocols. We have always said that peace
and stability in the Caucasus could be established through elimination
of the borders. Turkey is very sincere in this issue. We desire
peace and stability in the region. We would like Armenia normalizes
relations with both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Turkish and Azerbaijani
people are brothers. Everyone, including Western countries should
know that. Resolutions of the United Nations, European Parliament
and other international organizations should be fulfilled.

What would you say about the EU pressure on Turkey to open the borders?

European countries also support comprehensive peace in the South
Caucasus. But it is injustice that 20 percent of a country is under
the occupation and one million people turned into refugees. If there
are peace and useful conditions in the South Caucasus, we have sincere
intention to open all borders. We want good relations and zero problems
with our neighbors. While Turkish-Armenian relations are normalizing,
relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have also to be normalized
at the same time.

Recently a group of Turkish politicians reportedly crossed into
Armenia chanting for the opening of borders. How exact is this report?

It is not true. I can’t say anything about that.

Azerbaijan and Turkey signed relevant documents about the High-Level
Strategic Cooperation Council last month. What steps will be taken
in the next phase to realize the Council’s activity? When its first
meeting will take place?

The Council’s first meeting has not been scheduled yet. But I
consider that meetings will be held soon and there will be relevant
understandings.

What spheres will the Council cover concretely?

It will cover all spheres, including economic, trade, cultural,
anti-terrorist measures. We established such councils with Greece,
Russia, Syria and Iraq. The Turkish-Greek strategic council was
established in May. 12 ministers attended the first meeting where
18 documents were signed. The activity of other councils established
together with other countries could be called effective.

Turkish consul general has been appointed to Ganja a month ago. How are
the works getting on in direction of organization of the Consulate’s
activity? Is there planned to open consulates in other cities of
Azerbaijan?

Works are carried out in direction of start of consulate’s activity.

Finding of a building, renting or purchasing,
maintenance-reconstruction works an etc. demand time. But the consul
general began his activity on September 15. I hope that consulate’s
activity will be restored in the next few days. Currently, along
with Ganja, Turkey has its consulate in Nakhchivan as well. Opening
of consulates in other cities are not on the agenda yet.

We would like you to speak about final state on works carried out in
Turkish territory in direction of railway line launching to Nakhchivan
from Gars as a continuation of Baku-Tbilisi-Gars railroad.

We pay big attention to Nakhchivan. This territory has been entrusted
to Turkey. Railway will be launched between gars and Nakhchivan after
the implementation of Baku-Tbilisi-Gars. Moreover, launching of a
gas line is also on the agenda. Researches and construction works
related to railroad are underway. Trilateral meetings of Azerbaijani,
Turkish and Georgian experts are held constantly. According to given
information, the railroad will be opened in 2012.

What does Turkey wait from parliamentary elections to be held in
Azerbaijan in November?

I believe that, these elections will be democratic, transparent, just
and meet international standards. Basing on Azerbaijani national leader
Heydar Aliyev’s opinion “One nation, two states”, we see the elected
MPs as our own MPs. At the same time I want to say that Turkish MPs
carry out their duties as representatives of Azerbaijani nation.

Finally, what can say about the game between Azerbaijani and Turkish
national football teams?

Azerbaijan won a very beautiful victory. I congratulate all players,
trainers and citizens of Azerbaijan on the occasion of this grand
event. The best side won the victory in this significant game played
between friendly and brotherly countries. As one of Azerbaijani
players said after the game, we support each other during games with
third countries. And the games between us are played in the framework
of professionalism. Amicably and gentlemanlike behavior between the
players of the two collective before the game should be seen as symbol
of this conception. I am glad that football is developing rapidly in
Azerbaijan as other sports. I wish success to Azerbaijani national
team in the next Euro-2012 games.

From: A. Papazian