Author: Arsine Chaltikian

EurasiaNet Organization
Jan 16 2005
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: ANNUAL REPORT PAINTS BLEAK PICTURE IN MANY FORMER
SOVIET STATES
Andrew Tully 1/16/05
A EurasiaNet Partner Post from RFE/RL
The Iron Curtain fell nearly 15 years ago, but Human Rights Watch
says it is mostly business as usual in much of the former Soviet
Union. That’s according to “World Report 2005,” the annual survey
conducted by Human Rights Watch.
According to the rights advocacy group, all of Russia is effectively
controlled from Moscow, elections in Belarus are laughable, abuse of
prisoners is the norm in Uzbekistan, while Armenia and Azerbaijan are
run by authoritarian regimes as the two countries continue their
standoff over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Only Ukraine shows tentative signs of becoming an open society, but
democratic developments there are too recent to show a trend.
In Russia, the report says, police torture and the violent hazing of
military recruits continues. And it blames the government of
President Vladimir Putin for the disappearances and extrajudicial
executions of opponents in Chechnya. At the same time, it criticizes
Chechen rebels for similar abuses, as well as for the deadly school
siege in Beslan in September.
The Human Rights Watch survey also points out that Putin has drawn
virtually all power to himself. It points not only to the Kremlin’s
control of all electronic media, but also to Putin’s move to have
regional governors not elected locally but appointed by the
president.
Rachel Denber, Human Rights Watch’s acting executive director for
Europe and Central Asia who oversaw the study of the countries of the
former Soviet Union, said no one should be surprised at Putin’s moves
to centralize power in the Russian presidency, given that he has
always favored a rigidly strong central government.
Denber told RFE/RL that Putin probably believes that centralizing
power will help keep politicians honest. But she added that it might
be just as difficult for members of the presidential administration
to stay honest as it is for local governors.
“I’m sure that from the Kremlin’s perspective, having governors
appointed is a path toward decreasing corruption. But from another
perspective, you could just look at that as moving corruption to a
different place,” Denber said.
Belarus, too, continues to be run as if it were a Soviet state,
according to Human Rights Watch.
It points to the elections for the 110-member Chamber of
Representatives in October, in which the opposition did not win a
single seat. The report says this was accomplished, at least in part,
because the state controls all national television stations and most
radio outlets.
And it accuses the government of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka of
harassing the country’s media through the closing of independent
newspapers and arresting journalists on libel charges.
Denber said such behavior is nothing new in Belarus. But she said the
fact that Belarusians are seeing more of the same year after year
makes matters worse there.
“When you see a lack of change, when you see a repetition of
elections that are empty exercises and that shut out the opposition,
that is tantamount to things getting worse,” Denber said. “When you
see the state continuing to crack down on civil society groups and on
the press, it’s more of the same, but it actually constitutes a
worsening of the situation.”
The human rights records of neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan are
also not improving, according to the report. It says the political
life of Armenia, for example, continued to focus throughout 2004 on
the fraud-tainted presidential elections of the previous year.
The survey says there were calls for the resignation of President
Robert Kocharian, and notes that the government violently broke up
protests, raided opposition offices, arrested opposition leaders and
supporters, and even attacked journalists.
The political life of Azerbaijan, meanwhile, was similarly affected
in 2004 by the presidential election of 2003, which also was
fraudulent. Last year, the report says, Azerbaijani opposition
leaders were subjected to unfair trials in which they were charged
with responsibility for some of the violence that followed the
election.
All of this takes place against the backdrop of the on-again,
off-again conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, the predominantly Armenian
exclave in Azerbaijan. Denber said the leaders of both nations have
subtly used the dispute as a way to keep people’s minds off each
country’s political shortcomings.
Another trouble spot is Ukraine. Human Rights Watch details what it
calls the mostly successful efforts of the government of President
Leonid Kuchma to limit political freedoms since the country achieved
independence in 1991.
The document says these political abuses led to the presidential
election in November, in which Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych was
declared the winner, even though most outside observers found it
riddled with fraud.
Supporters of opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko rallied in vast
numbers in downtown Kyiv, and the country’s Supreme Court eventually
called for a new election a month later — which Yushchenko won.
Denber said that, given 13 years of political corruption in Ukraine,
Yushchenko’s election offers real hope to the Ukrainian people
because they have demonstrated their own power as engaged and
educated voters. And she said their insistence on fair elections won
them powerful allies in Europe.
But Denber added one caveat: “There’s a huge onus now on Yushchenko
precisely because there are these expectations. And it would be
really sad if, instead of delivering on promises, the new government
ends up not delivering and in the process perverting the rule of law.
And that would make a lot of people very disillusioned.”
She said a disillusioned Ukrainian electorate could lose faith in the
system and eventually turn to a leader like Putin — one who promises
greater strength, but delivers less democracy.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TANER AKCHAM: “PURGE OF ARCHIVES IS QUITE IMPORTANT ADMINISTRATIVE
CULTURE” IN TURKEY”
ISTANBUL, December 29 (Noyan Tapan): The destruction of documents is
“an important part of our culture,” historian Taner Akcham, a
representative of the progressive Turkish intelligentsia, writes in
his large article concerning the purge of the Turkish archives. The
article was published by the “Radical” newspaper in its Sunday
appendix. In his article Akcham, at first, mentions the “Sabah”
newspaper’s publication from November 7 1918, where it is said that
the government looked for the documents testifying about the massacre
against the Armenians but couldn’t find them. The newspaper’s
indicated article writes “Taleat Pasha and his company, probably,
before leaving authority, ordered to destruct all the documents
witnessing about their giving directions on the massacre. Akcham
emphasizes that it was right, as the indictment against “the Young
Turks”, which was heard in the Istanbul Court Martial of the State of
Siege in May 1919, writes that the documents concerning the
administrative center of the “Ittihat” party and so-called Teshkilat
Mahsuse organization were “stolen”. In this connection the Prosecutor
said that Aziz Bei, the Chief of Security of the region, took away
with himself a lot of documents before Taleat Pasha’s resignation and
didn’t return them. Then Taner Akcham cites numerous examples
concerning the stealing and destruction of the documents and notices
that during the “Ittihat’s” power the following was written under all
the instructions and documents concerning massacres: “Read and
destruct after reading.” Akcham mentions the self-defense of different
officials in the courts, they reported that “they destructed the
documents as they received such an order.” In particular, Akcham sets
as an example the 1919 action against Osman Nuri Effendi, the Deputy
Director of the Chatalcha post office, who said: “I burned down all
the documents in accordance with the received order. My chiefs ordered
me to burn down the documents concerning the period of their power
from such-and-such to such-and-such date and I did it..” The author of
the article also sets other examples. According to the “Marmara” daily
newspaper of Istanbul, at the end of the article the Turk historian
notices: “As seen the destruction of documents is quite an important
“administrative culture”. For that reason some persons talk profusely
with the quiet of those who know that the documents have already been
destructed, that “nothing had happened with the Armenians, and all the
documents are in their places.” Perhaps, people of my generation will
find some documents about their greats and promulgate them, arguing
that beside those considering the destruction of documents as success,
there are also such people that want to discover truth”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GAP BETWEEN DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS NARROWS
ArmenPress
Dec 24 2004
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS: The department for refugees and
migrants said today the wave of departures, which hit a high of about
200,000 a year in the mid-1990s, has stabilized in recent years,
but the cumulative effect remains. According to the chief of the
department, Gagik Yeganian, the difference between departures and
arrivals in the first 11 months of this went down by almost 8,000
people making 30,000.
Yeganian said the figures is likely to go down as many Armenians
working abroad will be coming back home to meet New Year with families.
Yeganian also spoke about trafficking in human beings, saying there
are no official figures, but added a special survey will be conducted
next year among men next year. Yeganian argued that the government’s
efforts to crackdown on trafficking in people would give no effect
unless people are well aware of all its negative aftereffects.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

APARTMENTS FOR REFUGEES
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
21 Dec 04
The head of the Agency for Migration, Refugees and Re-settlement under
the NKR government Serge Amirkhanian informed that the 2005 budget
of this sphere was doubled against 2004. This increase is determined
by the fact that the social and housing problems of the refugees
are expected to be solved soon. Next year it is planed to build 40
apartments for refugees of which 30 in Stepanakert. Besides building of
houses the budget also provides for repairs of houses in the villages
resettled since 1994, which need repair and modern conveniences.
According to Serge Amirkhanian, in the coming year 40 houses will be
repaired in four settlements in the republic, and by repairing 30-40
houses a year the problem will be settled in 3-4 years. HOMES FOR
PARENTLESS CHILDREN. According to the NKR minister of social security
Lenston Ghulian, the budget of the social sector for the year of 2005
increased by 316 million drams, which will enable carrying on with the
programs and launching new ones. The new program will involve building
of apartments for parentless children. Next year 7 apartments will
be built for parentless children who are already 18 years old. The
apartments will be built in the places of their residence.
AA.
21-12-2004
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DIFFERENT ARMENIAN COMMUNIST PARTIES CELEBRATE SOVIETIZATION OF ARMENIA
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 29. ARMINFO.”Every Armenian family has been
celebrating November 29 for 70 years now as one of its favorite
holidays – the day of sovietization of Armenia. Only those nations
take lessons from their history which respect it,” the leader of
United Communist party Yuri Manukian told a press-conference today.
In his words, Armenia will inevitable return to socialist way of
development. “The communist ideology will by no means be defeated. We
are witnessing only temporary retreat from socialism. Armenian nation
can not live for a long time under such an extreme division of society
into poor and rich,” he said. Manukian expressed concern over the
splitting of communist movement in the country. “We put flowers in
front of the monument to Stepan Shaumian and Alexander Miasnikian
today and there were two other bunches already. However, this did not
make me happy because the supporters of high ideals have not become
stronger with that,” Yuri Manukian said.
Yesterday, the activists of Yerevan city committee of Communist party
of Armenia celebrated 84th anniversary of sovietization in the
republic already yesterday from the ranks of which Yuri Manukian was
expelled in 2001. -A-
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

California Courier Online, November 18, 2004
1 – Commentary
University Website Discloses
TARC Proposals and More…
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Visitors Use 10th Century Akhtamar
Armenia Church for Target Practice
3 – Armenian Artists Join Russians
At West Hollywood Exhibit
4 – Armenian Second Only to Russian
In SBC Language Line Services
5 – Armenian Assembly Leaders
Convene in San Francisco
6 – Commentary
Anti-Armenian Schemes of Foreign
Companies Operating in Turkey
7 – Co-Authors of Best-Selling Armenia
Travel Guide to Speak in California
1 – Commentary

University Website Discloses
TARC Proposals and More…
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
The controversial Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission, contrary to
its members’ repeated assurances that it has terminated its activities, is
apparently alive and well, and plotting.
Even though TARC announced on April 14, 2004, (yet again) that “its work as
a commission is ending,” it made it clear that rather than fading away, it
intended to expand the scope of its sinister work by stating: “We have
decided to convene an initial meeting of a larger group than TARC to
discuss the subject of Turkish Armenian rapprochement and reconciliation.
This conference is planned for the fall of 2004. In addition we intend to
support a Turkish Armenian consultative group which would meet at least
annually to exchange views, review progress, and recommend actions to
promote improved relations. TARC’s website, , will continue to
function.”
TARC stated that it would submit shortly its recommendations to “the
concerned governments,” probably meaning Turkey and Armenia, and also the
United States, the main financial backer of this scheme, to the tune of
several millions dollars.
TARC did not make its recommendations public. Its official website does not
include this document. The website of the American University (AU) in
Washington, D.C., however, not only reveals the full text of this internal
document, but also discloses the vast number of Turkish-Armenian exchanges
sponsored by the AU’s Center for Global Peace which received its funding
from the U.S. government. David L. Phillips, the Chairman of TARC, is the
Director of the Center for Global Peace and Deputy Director of the Center
for Preventive Action of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a
senior advisor to the US Department of State.
Here are TARC’s seven recommendations to the governments of Turkey and
Armenia:
Official contacts should be further improved;
Opening of the Turkish Armenian border should be announced and implemented
in 2004;
The two governments should publicly support civil society programs focused
on education, science, culture, and tourism;
Standing mechanisms for cooperation on humanitarian disaster assistance and
health care should be established;
Security and confidence building measures between Turkey and Armenia should
be enhanced;
Religious understanding should be encouraged; and
The Turkish and Armenian people need to develop more confidence that their
governments are working to surmount the difficulties related to the past.
To gain a better insight into the extent of time and effort as well as
money spent by the U.S. government to divert the attention of Armenians
away the genocide issue, I have summarized below, from the AU’s website,
the list of extensive activities undertaken by the Center for Global Peace
to promote Turkish-Armenian exchanges:
I – LEADERSHIP
Conflict Resolution Training;
Diaspora Dialogue: Regular meetings between Armenian and Turkish
organizations in Washington, D.C., “to discuss issues affecting the
Diaspora communities;”
Regional Mayors’ Project: Meetings with mayors from bordering provinces in
Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey;
Turkish-Armenian Parliamentary Exchanges; and
Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission.
II – MEDIA
Documentaries for Turkish, Armenian and US television stations; Production
of a CD;
Reciprocal visits by Turkish and Armenian journalists;
Radio programs broadcast in Turkey and Armenia; and
Women’s magazine published by Turkish and Armenian women (15,000 copies, 96
pages).
III. CULTURE
Plans to renovate the Akhtamar Church; and
Dialogue between Armenian and Turkish religious leaders; and
Exchanges between Turkish and Armenian musicians.
IV – ECONOMY
Exchanges between Turkish and Armenian businessmen;
Marketing network of the Caucasus;
Regional economic working group; and
Cooperative manufacturing effort for textile producers in Turkey and
Armenia.
V. EDUCATION
Mutual Perceptions Research Project (Armenia/Turkey and
Armenia/Azerbaijan);
Regional Academic Cooperation;
Visiting scholars; and
Youth Peace Education.
VI. WOMEN’S PARTNERSHIP
Exchange visits by Armenian and Turkish women; and
Institutional exchanges.
The main problem with TARC’s patently obvious recommendations and the
extensive Turkish-Armenian exchanges organized by the American University’s
Center for Global Peace is that they are directed by a group (TARC) that is
set up and funded by a foreign entity (the Bush Administration) for the
purpose of stifling the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the U.S.
Congress as well as the legislatures of all other countries.
As I reported back in 2001, Ozdem Sanberk, one of the Turkish members of
TARC, had blurted out the following admission in a moment of weakness or
inattention: “The basic goal of our commission is to impede the initiatives
put forth every year in the U.S. Congress and parliaments of Western
countries on ‘the genocide issue’…. The key goal is to prevent ‘the
genocide’ issue from being regularly brought onto the agenda in Western
countries…. The significant matter for us is that ‘the genocide’ issue is
not discussed by the American Congress anymore. As long as we continue the
dialogue, the issue won’t be brought to the congressional agenda. If it is
not discussed in Congress, we, meaning Turkey, will gain from that. The US
Congress will see that there is a channel of dialogue between Turks and
Armenians and decide that ‘there is no necessity for the Congress to take
such a decision while such a channel exists.”
**************************************************************************
2 – Visitors Use 10th Century Akhtamar
Armenia Church for Target Practice
BRUSSELS – The Van correspondent of Istanbul’s Milliyet newspaper writes
that the marvelous carvings of the 10th century church of Akhtamar in Lake
Van are regularly being used as targets for shooting practice by visitors.
The newspaper published also a photo where one can see the state of
carvings
after such visits. The correspondent reports that the church is protected
by a guard in the summer time only during the working hours.
During the rest of the day the visitors entertain themselves by shooting on
the carvings of the Akhtamar Church, and some of them even try to find some
treasure.
Archeology Professor at the University of Van, Veli Seçkin says that there
are rumors among the population that there is treasure cached in the island
of Akhtamar. Even the Church guard was once arrested while he was “hunting
for treasure.”
Already in May 2004, the Zaman newspaper warned that the famous church of
the Holy Cross of the Akhtamar Island was almost in ruins.
The church, which is visited by many foreign tourists, is badly neglected
and close to ruins. The church has been neglected and harmed by treasure
hunters and is at risk of collapsing. Both its foundation and ceiling have
cracks and holes.
The City of Van’s Culture and Tourism Province Director, Bilal Sonmez, told
Zaman that a project for the preservation of the historical identity of the
church is already being prepared. Sonmez said that the issue has already
been transferred to the Culture and Nature Assets Council and that the
directorate is waiting for a decision.
Unfortunately the above-mentioned project for the preservation of the
historical identity of the church was never carried out and the Church is
not protected by UNESCO, since each country decides which are the monuments
to be protected by UNESCO.
The Assembly of Armenians of Europe and upon its request many Armenians all
around the world sent alert letters to UNESCO, but they remained without
answer.
In order to raise the awareness of the European an exhibition “Armenian
Architectural Heritage in South Caucasus and Middle East”, organized by the
Assembly of Armenians of Europe with the co-operation of the Research on
Armenian Architecture under the patronage of Swedish Parliament member
Jonas Sjostedt, took place in the European Parliament, at the end of
September.
**************************************************************************
3 – Armenian Artists Join Russians
At West Hollywood Exhibit
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Eighteen Armenian artists have joined with more
than 60 artists from the United States and Russia to present a
“Russian-American Art Exhibit,” Nov. 15 through Dec. 15 at West Hollywood’s
Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Avenue.
The official grand opening will take place Nov. 18 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.,
with live entertainment, a wine reception and a fashion show.
Part of the proceeds from the exhibit, which is dedicated to the 20th
anniversary of the city of West Hollywood, will also benefit the victims of
the terrorist attack in Russia’s town of Beslan, which resulted in more
than 300 dead, including 250 children.
The City of West Hollywood is co-sponsoring the event along with the
Russian Advisory Board, Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood Convention
and Visitors Bureau, Russian Community Center, and the Russian-American
Arts Foundation.
West Hollywood is home to more than 37,000 residents of Russian descent,
equivalent to 30% of the city’s population.
Armenian artists participating in the exhibit include: Vartan Asadourian,
Grant Avakyan, Hakob Baghdasaryan, Vahan Demirtchian, Alexander Djanian,
Razmik Hadjikian, Samvel Hadjikian, Samvel, Hambardzumyan, Vahram
Hovakimyan, Varuzhan Hovakimyan, Irena (Ovsepian) Huges, Razmik Kazarian,
Samvel Marutyan, Henrik Vardeniktsy Sargsyan, Liosin Semerdjian, and Evrik
Zatikyan.
For more information, call Viktoria Kanevsky, (323) 512-2228.
**************************************************************************
4 – Armenian Second Only to Russian
In SBC Language Line Services
LOS ANGELES – SBC California last week announced its “Top 10” languages
requested by customers at its Language Line interpreter service* center
with Armenian finishing No. 2, behind Russian. Representing
more than 16 percent of the center’s language requests, the high Armenian
ranking is among a selection of 150 different languages offered by SBC’s
Diversity Marketing group that enables California consumers to conduct
business in the language of their choice, at no charge, to inquire about
their bill, set-up phone service, change or add services such as SBC Long
Distance or SBC Yahoo! DSL and have other questions answered.
“We are committed to understanding and serving the unique needs of our
diverse California customer base. SBC knows many people prefer to discuss
their options, including telephone and communications services, in their
native or preferred language,” said Jody Garcia, Vice President, SBC
Diverse Markets Group. “The Interpreter service, coupled with the multiple
international calling plans, makes the SBC family of companies the leader
in understanding and serving the needs of our customers.”
To meet the needs of its increasingly diverse community, SBC California
partners with professional interpreters to assist customers during a call.
Customers can access this interpreter service by calling SBC customer
service at 1-800-203-8600 and requesting assistance in their language of
choice. So far, SBC has assisted consumers in more than 100 languages.
**************************************************************************
5 – Armenian Assembly Leaders
Convene in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO – Led by Chairman Anthony Barsamian, the Armenian Assembly
Board of Directors convened on November 6 at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel
for a full day of business meetings that included an in-depth look at
Assembly operations in the Washington, Los Angeles and Yerevan offices.
“The San Francisco session was extremely productive and has reaffirmed the
Board’s commitment to the Assembly’s goals,” said Barsamian. “During the
meeting, Members raised key questions regarding the Assembly’s current and
long-term initiatives which we will continue to look at in the month’s
ahead.”
Looking at the year ahead, the Board approved the 2005 operating budget and
set a preliminary agenda for the coming year. To that end, they also
discussed the Assembly’s efforts to co-sponsor the 90th anniversary and
subsequent commemorations of the Armenian Genocide in our nation’s capital
under the auspices of the Armenian Caucus and Armenian Embassy.
Meeting participants included Board of Trustees President Carolyn Mugar and
Board of Directors Members Murat Acemoglu, Bryan Ardouny, Berge Ayvazian,
Lisa Esayian, Edele Hovnanian, Lisa Kalustian, Van Krikorian, Richard
Mushegain, Gail O’Reilly, Annie Totah and Peter Vosbikian.
Executive Director Ross Vartian, along with Deputy Executive Director Peter
Abajian and Finance Director Colleen Clancy, were also on hand to provide
the group additional information on the following program areas:
Development and Membership, Finance, Government Affairs, Grassroots,
Internship and
Public Affairs.
Prior to the weekend meeting, Board of Directors Treasurer Berge Ayvazian
on Nov. 5 moderated a panel discussion on Armenia’s Economic Development
held at the hotel. Panelists included Adam Kablanian of Virage Logic, Tony
Moryoyan of Viasphere International, Board Member Gail O’Reilly of Made in
Armenia Direct and Anahid Yeremian of CRD Support Committee. The event
attracted a high community turnout and was organized by the Assembly’s
Northern California Regional Council.
The Council also helped plan a Saturday night dinner for supporters, which
was hosted at the home of Development Co-Chair Suzanne Abnous and her
husband, Fellow Trustee Razmik Abnous. More than 50 people attended the
event in Danville, which welcomed more than two dozen new members.
Barsamian and Mugar thanked the Abnous’ for opening their home to the
Assembly and presented the couple with a gift created by a child in
Armenia.
**************************************************************************
6 – Commentary
Anti-Armenian Schemes of Foreign
Companies Operating in Turkey
By Tigran Ghazarian
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Turkey tried to assume the role of
“patron” of the three Southern Caucasus states. While Georgia and
Azerbaijan did not have any particular problems with this arrangement,
Armenia, on the other hand, was subjected to a restrictive treatment given
the Turkish blockade of Armenia.
Regrettably, some of the Western corporations with regional offices in
Turkey went along with the restrictions imposed on Armenia.
A recently revealed internal memorandum by Jim Dyer, one of the executives
of Philip Morris company, disclosed that back in 1989, the Turkish
government had urged the firm’s representatives to lobby against the
adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution by the U.S. Senate.
Another evidence of the western corporations’ collusion with Turkish
interests in the region was revealed during a recent court case in Armenia
in which the Turkish division of a major multinational company was tried on
charges of dodging its Armenian tax obligations. Even though this firm
conducted business in Armenia, it misrepresented its Armenian employee in
Yerevan as a resident of Georgia in order to avoid paying taxes to the
Armenian government.
During the trial, the Turkish division of the company presented several
forged receipts that were supposed to prove its tax payments for the
Armenian employee who was laid off when he refused to go along with the
company’s fraudulent scheme. His successor received her salary at a bank in
the U.S.
The company was forced to engage in such fraudulent activities in order to
comply with the Turkish government’s policy of preventing not only
political, but also economic relations with Armenia. Until recently,
Turkish companies were not allowed to issue an invoice to any entity in
Armenia. Invoices for goods shipped from Turkey to Armenia were falsely
issued under the names of various Georgian, Bulgarian, or Ukrainian
companies.
This situation began to change a year ago when Turks started to realize
that they cannot play the role of a regional “patron” under such terms.
Turkish entities were finally allowed by the Turkish authorities to openly
export to Armenia.
This change came as a result of international pressure on Turkey to
normalize its relations with Armenia. It remains to be seen whether these
changes would lead to the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border and the
beginning of direct relations between the two countries. Such a development
would be more in the interest of Turkey, rather than Armenia, as it would
facilitate Turkey’s economic and political interests in the Caucasus.
**************************************************************************
7 – Co-Authors of Best-Selling Armenia
Travel Guide to Speak in California
LOS ANGELES – The authors of the best-selling travel guide for Armenia will
present a travelogue to Armenia and Karabagh at a pair of events next month
in Fresno and San Francisco.
Original color photographs from their newly-released “Stone Garden Guide to
Armenia and Karabagh” will also be exhibited as part of the travelogue.
Guidebook authors Matthew Karanian and Robert Kurkjian, Ph.D, will speak
about their adventures in Armenia during the decade they spent researching
the book, and about Armenia’s recent development as a tourist destination.
Karanian is a member of the law faculty at the American University of
Armenia, in Yerevan. Kurkjian is a former member of the faculty at AUA and
is now an international environmental consultant based in Los Angeles. They
are both professional photographers who have traveled extensively
throughout the region.
The authors will speak in Fresno at 7 pm, Thursday, December 2 at the A.
Peters Auditorium on the campus of California State University. Seating is
limited so guests are encouraged to arrive early. More information is
available from the Armenian Studies Program of CSUF
(Armenianstudies.csufresno.edu) (Tel. 559-278-2669).
Karanian and Kurkjian will speak in San Francisco at 1 pm (following church
services) on Sunday, December 5 at the St. John Armenian Church, 275
Olympia Way (Tel. 415-983-8344). Both events are free and open to the
public.
The “Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh” was published in September
and it immediately became the leading travel guide for Armenia. The
304-page handbook includes 25 color maps and 75 color photographs. The book
will be available for purchase at both events and the authors will sign
copies. More information about the book, including sample pages, is
available on the internet at StoneGardenProductions.com and from the online
bookseller Amazon.com.
**************************************************************************
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
13 November 2004
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit Receives Armenia’s Ambassador
Rouben Karapetyan
Armenia’s Ambassador to Egypt Rouben Karapetyan handed a copy of
his credentials to Egypt’s Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit on
12 November.
During a discussion that followed the protocol ceremony, Ambassador
briefly introduced his mandate that is primarily aimed at fostering
multi-faceted cooperation between Armenia and Egypt. Foreign Minister
informed on his awareness on the role played by Armenians in the
establishment of Egyptian state.
Minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit wished Armenia’s Ambassador success in his
new mission and conveyed his country’s readiness to develop cooperate
with Armenia in all areas.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

New Armenia Semester Abroad To Begin in Spring 2005
Fresno State News, CA
26 Oct. 2004
The Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Fresno
has organized a semester study program in Yerevan, Armenia, beginning
on Feb. 14, 2005.
The program is designed to introduce students to Armenian language,
history, art and contemporary events.
Five courses will be taught by faculty from Yerevan State University:
Armenian language (4 units); Armenian art and architecture (3 units);
Armenia today (3 units); Armenian studies (3 units); and independent
study (2 units).
To be eligible for the program, students must be college juniors,
seniors or graduates who have maintained a minimum of a 2.75 grade
point average.
The fee for the 15 units is $2,250. And additional health insurance
fee is approximately $160. Room and board, airfare, transportation
and any additional costs are the responsibility of the student.
An academic committee of Fresno State faculty and various Armenian
professionals are in charge of the curriculum.
Full information on the program is available at the following Web site:
For more information, contact Barlow Der Mugrdechian (559) 278-4930
or [email protected].
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GibrahayerGIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected] m.cy
TURKS DEMONSTRATE AGAINST EURO-ARMENIAN CONVENTION IN BRUSSELS
– More than 200 delegates from 20 countries participate
– Cyprus delegation raises Melkonian and MagaraVank issues
Gibrahayer – 20 October, 2004 – Brussels, Nicosia: More than 200
Euro-Armenian delegates gathered in the European Parliament in Brussels, to
send a message of unity, regarding the Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
and Turkey’s EU accession possibilities.
The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks by European
Armenian Federation chairwoman Hilda Tchoboian and Armenia’s Deputy Foreign
Minister Ruben Shugarian, and messages by Cathoicoi Karekin II and Aram I,
as well as Patriarch Nerses-Bedros XIX.
Issues on the agenda were Armenian Culture and Identity in Europe,
EU-Armenia Relations and the Challenges of the Enlargement Process. Keynote
speakers included representatives of European institutions and Euro-Armenian
politicians and intellectuals. Discussions often drew the active
participation of MEP’s.
Participants underlined the necessity forGenocide recognition,
respect toward the country’s non-Muslim minorities and withdrawal of Turkish
troops from Cyprus to be addressed before the member-states of the EU could
grant Turkey “the” date.
Cyprus Delegation
The Cyprus delegation was one of the first to address the Convention, with
Dr. Antranik Ashdjian of ANC Cyprus highlighting the need for action against
the destruction of Armenian heritage in Turkish-occupied Cyprus and Massis
Der Partogh of the Melkonian Alumni stressing the need to stop the closure
and subsequent sale of the Melkonian Institute.
A Cypriot delegation visited the Cyprus Permanent Mission, and
briefed about the conclusions of the Convention. The entire delegation was
also received by Cypriot MEP Ioannis Kassoulides, at his office on the 8th
floor of the Europarliament.
Turks and Azeris angered by Armenian presence
In response to the Convention, Turks and Azeris staged a protest meeting
outside the European Parliament building, a few hours after the convention
called upon EU bodies not to give in to vivid Turkish propaganda aiming to
convince for a positive decision at the December 17 EU Heads of State
summit.
The Cyprus delegation returned to the island on Wednesday.
CHRISTOFIAS ON OFFICIAL VISIT IN ARMENIA
Gibrahayer – 21 October, 2004 – Nicosia: – The Cyprus delegation – visiting
Armenia under House President Demetris Christofias – met with the President
of Armenia Robert Kocharian as well as Prime Minister Antranik Margarian and
President of the National Assembly Arthur Baghdassarian in Yerevan. Demetris
Christofias is being accompanied by a representatives of members of
Parliament, great friends and warriors of the Armenian people Dr.Eleni
Theocharous and Honourary President of EDEK Socialist Party of Cyprus
Dr.Vassos Lyssarides. Joining the delegation are Democratic Party
Vice-President Nicos Kleanthous and AKEL Press Secretary Andros Kyprianou.
In Yerevan, Demetris Christofias characterised the tiesbetween Cyprus
and Armenia “not friendly but more than brotherly” and highlighted the
similarity of the history of the people of Cyprus and the people of Armenia,
noting that ”we are two victimized people that through our struggle to
survive we have developed a high sense of solidarity and love for the
individual and of justice”.
The delegation visited the Genocide Memorial at Dzidzernagapert on
Tuesday where Christofias declared that if Turkey wants to join the EU they
must recognise the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian government officials expressed the desire to follow the path
of Cyprus toward European integration to which Christofias affirmed Cyprus’s
commitment to help Armenia to that end.
CYPRUS THREATENS TO USE VETO AGAINST TURKEY
EU Observer:-Cyprus has raised the spectre of voting against Turkey when EU
leaders gather in December to decide whether to open membership negotiations
with Ankara.
President Tassos Papadopoulos told Cyprus television onMonday (11
October) that Cyprus reserved the right to use its veto. “We will decide on
the matter in December” said Mr Papadopoulos. He added that he knew that a
small country like Cyprus resorting to the veto would be “no easy thing”.
German newspaper Die Welt quotes Cypriot diplomats as saying that it
would be impossible for Nicosia to accept the opening of EU talks with
Ankara so long as it does not recognise one of the 25 member states.
At the moment, Turkey recognises only Turkish Northern Cyprus as a
state – and at the same time it refuses to recognise the Republic of Cyprus
as a state.
Turkish papers quote Greek president Costis Stefanopoulos as saying
that Athens would support Turkey’s EU membership but that there were
obligations it had to fulfill under international law. “Under international
law, first Turkey needs to recognize Greek Cyprus”, said Mr Stefanopoulos.
Turkey wants changes to Commission report Turkey also has issues on
another front. A spokesperson for the Turkish government on Monday demanded
that changes be made to the recently published report by the European
Commission on opening EU negotiations with Ankara. Turkey is objecting both
to the phrasing that the negotiations have an open end and to the fact that
permanent curbs to the freedom of movement of workers have been suggested.
Debate but no vote in France Meanwhile, in France, the discussion about
Turkey continues to rage. On Monday, it was decided that French MPs will
hold a parliamentary debate on Turkey, but will not vote on the issue. The
debate will take place on Thursday (14 October) and threatens to split many
parties, including the ruling UMP party. Mr Chirac has tried to reassure
French voters – hostile to Turkey – by saying that France could apply its
veto on Turkey whenever it wanted.
ARMENIAN ARCHBISHOP ASSAULTED BY SPITTING JEW JERUSALEM
(Combined Sources)An altercation that started when a yeshiva student spat at
the cross being carried by Armenian Archbishop in Israel Nourhan Manougian
during a procession near the Holy Sepulcher on Sunday, has exposed growing
tensions between traditional Christian denominations and religious Jews in
Jerusalem’s Old City.
The student, Zvi Rosenthal, not only spat at the cross but also at
Manougian himself; Manougian reacted by slapping the yeshiva student.
The incident developed into a brawl during which Manougian’s ceremonial
medallion, which has been used by Armenian archbishops since the 17th
century, broke.
Both Archbishop Manougian and the yeshiva student were detained for
questioning. Police are now considering whether to initiate criminal
proceedings against the Armenian archbishop and to charge him with assault.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked much anger among the clergy of the small
Armenian community in Jerusalem.
Religious Jews, among them yeshiva students, customarily spit on the
ground as a sign of disgust on seeing the cross. The Armenians, who live
adjacent to the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, suffer from this phenomenon
more than any of the other Christian sects in the Old City.
Manougian says he and his colleagues have already learned to live with
it. “I no longer get worked up by people who turn around and spit when I
pass them by in the street; but to approach in the middle of a religious
procession and to spit on the cross in front of all the priests of the sect
is humiliation that we are not prepared to accept,” he notes.
A policeman is customarily posted to guard the Armenians’ religious
processions, but doesn’t generally do anything to prevent the spitting. The
Armenians took the matter up with Interior Minister Avraham Poraz some seven
months ago, but nothing has been done about until now.
“The Israeli government is anti-Christian,” Manougian charges. “It
cries out in the face of any harm done to Jews all over the world, but is
simply not interested at all when we are humiliated on an almost daily
basis.”
“Incidents like these aim at ridding Jerusalem of its Christian and
Muslim populations in order to emphasize the city’s Jewish character,”
emphasized Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia Aram I.
Lawmaker Rabbi Michael Melchior (Labor Party) says the phenomenon
should be tackled through educational means. “I would expect prominent
figures among the religious and ultra-Orthodox sectors, such as the chief
rabbis, to denounce this phenomenon,” he says.
Yassir Arafat, leader of the Palestinian National Authority, condemned
the Israeli attack on Archbishop Manougian. Arafat held a telephone
conversation with the Archbishop inquiring about his health following the
unwarranted assault.
TATIANA’S CORNER
This space is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage awareness
and interest toward our community’s everyday happenings.
NEWS IN BRIEF
* Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan has denied in a newspaper
interview any plans to return three or four regions to Azerbaijan in return
for concessions on Karabakh.
* Armenian Catholicos Garegin II said he was to make a visit to Moscow to
join the Armenian community of Moscow in celebrating the 75th birthday of
Russian Patriarch Alexy II.
* The Youth Movement of Dashnaktsoutiun together with over 300 organizations
participated in the third European Socialist Forum (ESF) in London, October
15-17. a delegation of the Socialist Youth Movement of EDEN also
participated from Cyprus.
* The Armenian and Cyprus Football National Football teams lost at home to
the Czech Republic and France 0-2 and 1-3 respectively for the
qualifications of the World Cup 2006.
* Armenia registered the Jehovah’s Witnesses on Wednesday, allowing the
religious group to operate after years of debate and denial.
* 783 Azerbaijanis are currently held in captivity and as hostages in
Armenia according to Eldar Samadov, acting chairman of the working group of
the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons.
* Karabakh PM Anushavan Daniyelyan is in the USA on a working visit. The
main purpose of his visit is to help organize the coming telethon aiming at
fund raising to assist the NKR, and especially to complete North-South
highway in Nagornyy Karabakh. On Monday Daniyelyan met with representatives
of Dashnaktsoutiune’s Western Central Committee members in a meeting that
span over two hours.
* The Armenian Cause Committee of France has filed a lawsuit against the
Turkish consul of Paris for statements posted on the consulate’s website.
Turkey must resolve differences with its neighbor Greece especially over the
divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus before it can join the European
Union, Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos said Sunday.
* Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Armenian FM Vardan Oskanian said
Turkey does not deserve that the European Union begin accession talks with
that country.
SUPPORT HAY TAD ACTIVITIES IN CYPRUS
To support its political activities, The Armenian National Committee of
Cyprus has organised a raffle, participants of which will have the
opportunity to win Armenian Commemorative Coins depicting themes from
ancient Armenian history. A block costs £50.00 ($100 for our international
readers).
Your support will enable the local chapter of our enthusiastic political
action group to materialise its multidimensional political agenda, in
promoting Hay Tad activities both in Cyprus and in Europe.
You can make your contribution to the following account:
Armenian National Committee of Cyprus
P.O.Box 21171 – Nicosia 1503 – Cyprus
Hellenic Bank: account Number 122-01-039699-01
IBAN: CY88 0050 0122 0001 2201 0396 9901
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
* Armenian Relief Society “Sosse” Chapter Fund Raising Tea for the ARS
Armenia Projects on Sunday 28 November, 2004 at The Holiday Inn Hotel at
4:00 p.m. Handicraft, Lebanese cookies and home made delicacies on sale.
Proceeds to the “Sosse” Kindergarten of Stepanakert – Republic of Karabagh.
* Melkonian Cyprus Alumni Banquet.Sunday, November 7, 2004 – 1pm
“Christiana” Reception Hall, Alambra. Guest of Honour: Jack R. Melkonian,
grand-nephew of Garabed Melkonian. CYP 15.00 adults / CYP 5.00 students and
children. Prizes included on entrance ticket and raffle tickets. Contact
names for reservations to be announced. Directions to “Christiana” and
convoys will be arranged. All are welcome.
* California Alumni Dinner banquet Oct. 30, 2004. Details to be announced.
* AYF Badanegan Miaoutian get-togethers begin on Saturday October 16,2004
and will continue every Saturday starting from 4:00 p.m. Contact Vartoog
Karageulian on 24-659245.
* AYMA Chicco Football practices have begun and are taking place every
Friday from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. for children starting from the age of 7.
Contact Krikor Mahdessian on 99650897.
* AYMA Table Tennis practices have also begun two weeks ago. They will
continue this Saturday 16 October 6:00 – 8:00 p.m and every Saturday
throughout the season, under the expert guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion
Sirvart Costanian. Classes and practice session for all ages.
* AYMA Football team practices are taking place every Tuesday and Thursday
from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. A.Y.M.A. will be participating in the Second Division
Amateur Football League and will be bidding for the Championship Title and
subsequent promotion to Division One. The Championship begins on Saturday
November 20, 2004.
* A.G.B.U Women’s Auxiliary Body. Armenian Food Bazaar. Sunday 14 November,
2004 starting from 12:00 lunch time at AGBU club premises.
* Bible Study Group Organised by The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus. The
Group got together on Wednesday 13 October 2004, at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin
Church on Armenia street, Nicosia. To receive further details please call
Elise at the Prelature office on 22 493560 or email [email protected]
* This October the Pharos Trust, in cooperation with the Brazilian
Consulate, is proud to present a month of Brazilian Culture in Nicosia.
Through film, photography, literature, music and performance art, the Trust
offers audiences in Cyprus rare opportunities to experience the spirit,
history, culture and diversity of this vast and unique country. You can
subscribe to receive the e-newsletter of The Pharos Trust at
* StHilarion – Lapithos – Kyrenia BIKE RIDE Sunday October 24,organised by
Micromania. Meeting point: Ledra Palace, Turkish checkpoint. Meeting time:
9:00 am. Bus leaves: 9:30 am. Bus arrives St Hilarion: 10:00 am. Riding
time: approx 2 ½ hours from St.Hilarion to Lapithos & then to the beach.
Riding distance: approx 20 km. Bring with you: passport, water, helmet ,
swim wear. Cost of bus and food + one drink: Between £10- £12 per person
depending on how many turn up. Bus leaves the beach: 3 pm Bus arrives back:
3:30 pm. Age limit: 12+. First come first serve, so book your seats early
!! Please contact Ricky or Baret (Duke) Bedelian on: 22-661517 ,
99-433972.
* If you happen to be in London on Friday, 12th November don’t miss this
Back to Hye Skool Party. Time: 8pm-1am. Venue: The ultra-hip & funky
Babushka 41 Tavistock Crescent, Notting Hill, W11 1AD. Tix: £5 before
10:30pm, £7 after, Age: Strictly 18+ (No ID? No HYE party) Tube:Westbourne
Park (Hammersmith & City) – 1 min walk Notting Hill Gate (Central, District
& Circle) – 5 min ride (#27, 28 & 328 buses on Pembridge Road opposite
WHSmith outside station). Music:DJ Josey Kray & FBI Squad playing old skool
tunes, as well as the freshest tracks, Armenian and more. Xtra: Quality
prizes for the best dressed skool boy and skool girl. New surprises in store
for all. Contact: Raffi 07958 137 702, John 07961 166 969 [email protected]
* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can be heard
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).
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 25 October,2004
* 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. You can also hear it on Real Audio from the Internet edition of
CyBC on . A repeat program can also be heard seven hours
later at 2:00 a.m. local time.
* The Hairenik Association, Inc. launched its online Armenian Radio
Station.You can now listen to a variety of Armenian music online, 24 hours a
day, combined with news and other interesting information about the Armenian
community in the US, Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk and the Armenian Diaspora.
To listen to the Hairenik Online Radio go to the RADIO button then click on
your player of choice.
Launch Hairenik Radio in your preferred Player 24 hours of non-stop Armenian
music and programs on the internet
. . . . . News . . . . . ANC hour . . . . . Song dedications . . . . . Youth
discussions . . . . . Game Shows . . . . . Interviews . . . . . Religious
programs . . . . . Cultural programs . . . . . History . . . . .
Gibrahayer, is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth year,
disseminating news & posting upcoming events about the Armenian community of
Cyprus, Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. The list also promotes the
discussion of issues brought forward by its members. The subscription to
this service is free. To subscribe to Gibrahayer e-newsletter, follow the
instructions at To contact the
listmaster send an email to [email protected]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ANSA Notiziario Generale in Italiano
Ottobre 11, 2004
FRANCIA: AMBASCIATORE TURCO, ‘DIVERSO SE FOSSIMO CRISTIANI’ ;
GIUSTA LA VIGILANZA DURANTE NEGOZIATI, MA NO AI PREGIUDIZI
PARIGI
(ANSA) – PARIGI, 11 OTT – Il vero motivo delle reticenze nei confronti
della candidatura turca all’Unione Europea, “soprattutto in Francia,
e’ la religione. Se la Turchia fosse cristiana – afferma il suo
ambasciatore in Francia, Uluc Ozulker – non ci sarebbe nessun
problema”.
Eppure, garantisce il diplomatico, “noi condividiamo gli stessi valori
democratici dei 25. Le nostre relazioni con l’Europa risalgono al 1959,
e facciamo gia’ parte dell’unione doganale”.
Anche perche, aggiunge, “la Turchia e’ uno stato laico”, dove “le
riforme d’Ataturk non sono altro che le repliche adattate dei principi
della Rivoluzione francese e del secolo dei Lumi”.
Turchi delusi quindi dalla diffidenza di molti francesi, anche se,
sostiene Ozulker, “il dibattito francocentrico ha la meglio in tutti
i campi. In questo contesto, non e’ piu’ la Turchia in discussione. I
francesi parlano della loro identita'”.
Giusta secondo lui la vigilanza evocata dalla Commissione durante
i negoziati – “questa procedura e’ prevista dal trattato di Nizza
per tutti i paesi candidati” -, ma “detto cio’, non devono esserci
dei pregiudizi”.
Per quanto riguarda il genocidio armeno, l’ambasciatore ricorda
che “non e’ stabilito. Certo, ci sono state atrocita’. Ma, per
riconoscere un genocidio, bisogna avere delle prove. Ora, non ce
ne sono”. Tuttavia, “spetta a storici internazionali e imparziali
di riunirsi e decidere. Noi accetteremo il risultato dei loro
lavori”. (ANSA).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress