Author: Chakrian Hovsep

Lragir, Armenia
Dec 27 2007

THE FIVE WHO TRUST ONE ANOTHER

Shavarsh Kocharyan, Hrant Khachatryan, Arshak Sadoyan and Samvel
Shahinyan reasserted their decision to support Vazgen Manukyan in the
presidential election in a news conference on December 27. They said
it is determined by joint struggle, common approaches shaped during
this struggle. Vazgen Manukyan stated that they are for a national
democratic state and are ready and determined to pursue this path but
their success will depend on their ability to bring together the
society around their ideas. Vazgen Manukyan said the inner compulsion
of their team to have a normal state in future is the strongest and
it matches the expectations of the population.

Vazgen Manukyan said they do not have controversies with any other
candidate except for the government candidate regarding a free and
fair election. According to the leader of the National Democratic
Union, if people believe there is a force which leads the society
along a track, the government cannot have its resource of electoral
fraud work. `If people are dissatisfied, the resource will work, and
you cannot prevent it. In this sense I do not expect a free, fair and
transparent election. None of the previous elections has been such
but I believe that if people come together around ideas which
everyone bears inside, and are united, those methods will hardly
produce the same effect as before,’ Vazgen Manukyan says.

He says the government will naturally try to solve the problem in the
first round because in the second round it will become more
complicated. `It is clear what the government wants. If the
opposition comes together like in 1996, I am sure that the opposition
will win the first round. If it does not take place, each opposition
candidate will scribe off some votes from the government, and we will
run in the second round. In other words, either we come together to
win in the first stage, like in 1996, or we collaborate to guarantee
the results of the election and win the second round,’ says the
leader of the NDU.

The leader of the NDU says since the forces which support him and he
expect to win the first round, they are not considering the option of
supporting another candidate in the second round. According to Vazgen
Manukyan, victory is not sufficient, it is important that the new
government serve the society and not some group. `Therefore,
negotiations are ahead. And now it is time to see what each offers to
the society. We all five have confidence in one another that we
pursue the goals we are facing. We cannot speak for the others,
either we are mistaken or we misunderstand them, or they are not what
they appear to be, therefore I would not like to specify the
persons,’ Vazgen Manukyan says.

THIRD OPERATOR OF MOBILE PHONE COMMUNICATION IN ARMENIA TO BE KNOWN BY
JUNE 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. The third opetator in Armenia’s
mobile phone communication market will be known by June of next year.
The RA minister of transport and communication Andranik Manukian stated
at the December 27 press conference that a tender commission has
alreday been created based on the government’s decision. He said that
this year the number of ArmenTel’s mobile communication subscribers has
reached 500 thousand, while that of VivaCell’s subscribers – a million.

In the words of the minister, the fact that the right of international
access for data transfer and Internet services was not made an
exclusive right has allowed to ensure the entrance of the second
Internet operator into the communication market, which has resulted in
a sharp fall of tariffs: the payment for a channel with a speed of 2
megabits has declined from 13,500 to 3,000 dollars.

A. Manukian said that 80% of analog stations have been digitalized,
while digitalization of the rest is in process. All villages with the
population of over 50 people have been provided with phone
communication. The phone communication of villages with over 800
residents have been digitalized.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Kosovo decision to be precedent for Transnistria
28.12.2007 14:33 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Kosovo resolution will be a
precedent for Transnistria, said Igor Smirnov the
President of Transnistria.

Transnistria has more grounds to be recognized as a
state, than Kosovo, according to him.

`The Transnistrian Moldavian Republic meets all
standards of an independent state. The Transnistrian
authorities will consistently put into practice the
outcomes of the referendum held September 17, 2006,
when the overwhelming majority voted for independence
and integration with Russia,’ Mr Smirnov said, RBK
reports.

CONSTRUCTION OF WEIRS IN SOME SETTLEMENTS AFFLICTED BY SRING FLOODS
FINISHES

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 28, NOYAN TAPAN. Spring floods of 2007 have caused a
serious damage to the Armenian agriculture. The RA minister of
agriculture Davit Lokian stated at the December 28 press conference
that the construction of weirs on the Arax River, in some settlements
of Gegharkunik marz and Martuni region and in the villages of Azat and
Vedi under the program on creation of weirs for prevention of flooding
of rivers has been almost completed. According to him, 2 bilion drams
(about 6.6 million USD) has been allocated from the state budget for
this purpose.

D. Lokian said that this work will continue in 2008 and finish in 2011.

WON’T ARONIAN HAVE PROBLEMS IN BAKU?

A1+
[12:34 pm] 24 December, 2007

In 2008 Azerbaijan will likely host a Grand-Prix tournament featuring
the best chess players of the world.

Armenian GM Levon Aronian will leave for Baku in case Azerbaijan
gains a right to hold the tournament in the country.

Azad Rahimov, the Minister of Sport and Youth Issues of Azerbaijan,
says Aronian will hardly hamper the tournament with his participation.

"During the World Wrestling Championship held in Baku in September,
2007, the whole world witnessed how civilized the country was. Even
Armenians confessed that they had had no problems in Baku, and the
tournament was really held on a high level.

By the way Azeri chess player Teimur Rajabov once more refuted the
statement published in the Azeri press according to which he had
allegedly named "Armenia Azerbaijan’s implacable foe." The Azeri
chess player said the reporter had simply changed his words.

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

PRESS RELEASE

Friday, December 21, 2007

AGBU Southern California District Honors Yenovk Balikian at Sold-Out
Society Dinner

The fourth annual AGBU Society Dinner, which was held on October 13,
2007 in the Viennese Ballroom of the Huntington Ritz Carlton Hotel,
served not only as a fundraiser but also the occasion to honor Yenovk
Balikian for his six decades of distinguished service to AGBU, in
Lebanon and California.

Many of the guests were well-known leaders of the Californian
Armenian-American community. Also present were civic leaders of the
California State Senate and the Assembly, local government officials,
Armenian religious leaders, the Consul General of the Republic of
Armenia, and friends of the extended Balikian family.

A unique silent auction, as well as a champagne and hors d’oeuvres
reception, with live Armenian music, preceded the dinner.

Emcee Toros Yetenekian summarized the accomplishments of the AGBU
Southern California District Committee (SCDC), of which he is a member,
in the last four years. Stella Maloyan, Chairman of the Society Dinner
for the last four years, thanked the attendees and introduced the
Organizing Committee members.

Vahe Imasdounian, SCDC Chairman, gave an overview of fundraising
successes, in which he emphasized three of several accomplishments as
significant: last year’s opening of the AGBU Pasadena High School,
progress in the sports and youth programs, and revitalization of the
Pasadena Chapter’s overall activities.

Hon. Paul Krekorian, State Assemblyman representing Burbank and
surrounding areas, presented a biography of his colleague Hon. S. Joe
Simitian, state senator representing the Palo Alto district of Northern
California.

Taline Boyajian, daughter of honoree Yenovk Balikian, described her
father’s character, determination and drive, which are well known to
many Armenians. The audience then enjoyed a very informative video clip
depicting the honoree’s life and accomplishments.

Dr. Kevork Keshishian, former Central Board of Directors member and
staunch AGBU supporter, presented the honoree’s biography, beginning
with the days of his youth in Lebanon, moving on to his professional
career and, especially, his many accomplishments with AGBU. The speaker
emphasized that, without Balikian’s dedication, perseverance and
pursuit, the AGBU Pasadena High School would not have opened its doors.

Numerous congratulatory messages were read on this occasion, including
those from AGBU President Berge Setrakian and AGBU Council of Trustees
Member Nazar Nazarian. Setrakian referred to the honoree as "one of our
organization’s most long-serving and dedicated members" and cited his
accomplishments in the following words:
"Mr. Balikian’s professional accomplishments, as a civil engineer, are
sufficient by themselves to earn him a place in ‘Who’s Who’…However,
not satisfied with merely carving out a professional niche, Mr. Balikian
has distinguished himself in four other areas: (1) Armenian Youth
Association and Armenian General Benevolent Union; (2) Lebanese and
international sports; (3) Armenian secular and religious education; (4)
Lebanese community in Nigeria."

Yenovk Balikian, humbled by all the well-deserved accolades and praise,
thanked AGBU for the recognition and honor given to him.

Sinan Sinanian, member of AGBU Central Board of Directors, then
presented Balikian with the newly established AGBU "Boghos Nubar"
recognition medal. Balikian is the first recipient of this honor, which
is given to people who have given a lifetime of outstanding service to
AGBU.

The evening’s celebration came to a close with the benediction by
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Western Diocesan Primate. Prior to his
prayer, the Primate presented Mr. Balikian with the Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob medal, which was bestowed by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an
annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six
continents.

YEREVAN DOESN’T PUT PRESSURE ON WORLD PARLIAMENTS FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE FACT RECOGNITION

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Dec 19 2007

YEREVAN, December 19. /ARKA/. Yerevan doesn’t put pressure on world
parliaments for Armenian Genocide fact recognition, Armenian Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian said on Wednesday at National Assembly’s
hearings on Armenian-Turkish relations.

"What is going on in countries’ parliaments are their interior
matter. This is the matter of these countries’ citizens and lawmakers",
Oskanian said.

Denying Turkey’s allegation that Armenia triggers and promotes
discussions over the genocide in parliaments, the minister said that
Armenian authorities raise this issue in governments, not parliaments,
since the genocide fact recognition is on Armenian foreign policy’s
agenda.

"We don’t interfere in other countries’ interior affairs. But this
is the right of our compatriots living overseas, since they are
concerned about Armenia’s and the region’s problems. They think
the minimal contribution they can make to their country is to seek
the genocide fact recognition by other countries’ parliaments with
follow-up recognition by Turkey", Oskanian said.

He thinks the genocide fact admission by Turkey can change things in
the region, which will eventually improve Armenia-Turkey relations.

Armenian Genocide is the first genocide of 20th century.

Turkey denies accusations of killing 1 500 000 Armenians during
the World War I and reacts very painfully to criticism coming from
the West.

Uruguay, Russia, Lithuania, France, Lower House of Italian Parliament,
the majority of the U.S.A states, Greek, Cyprian, Argentine, Belgian
and Wales and Swiss parliaments as well as House of Communities
Canadian Parliament and Polish Seym have recognized the genocide
fact.

STATUS-QUO PRESERVING IN KARABAKH SETTLEMENT IS EXPEDIENT FOR THE AUTHORITIES OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN, AZERBAIJANI WRITER THINKS

2007-12-17 17:52:00

ArmInfo. Status-quo preserving in the matter of Karabakh settlement is
expedient for the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani
writer Seymur Bayjan said. He arrived in Yerevan to take part in
an event ‘Azerbaijani Days’ held at Yerevan ‘Mkhitar Sebastatsi’
educational centre.

Asked by Arminfo correspondent if the event will promote establishing
relations, Seymur Beyjan replied: ‘Let my friends not take offence,
but I am very pessimistic in this matter. I have always said that
any thrown shell may destroy what was achieved, everything depends on
the authorities of both states’. He also added that earlier those who
visited Armenia were treated very radically, were insulted and called
betrayers. ‘But it was not so after an official visit of Azerbaijani
ambassador in Russia to Karabakh. That was a state order’, – he
added. He also said that status-quo preserving in Karabakh settlement
is expedient for the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan, since
they may manipulate with the problem in this way. ‘Did not you notice
that every time before the election shooting starts at the contact
line. The authorities frighten the people that war may start, that is
‘war will start if we leave’. When meeting representatives of both
states say about their desire to settle the conflict, but when they
return home they say quite the contrary’, – Beyjan concluded.

ACCORDING TO ARMEN ASHOTIAN, CERTAIN MEDIA RESEMBLE "WITNESSES OF LEVON" SECT

Noyan Tapan
Dec 14, 2007

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 14, NOYAN TAPAN. The members of the Azeri delegation,
who were taking part in the Dartmouth conference held on December
6-9, were openly expressing their enthusiasm in connection with
the nomination of the candidature of Levon Ter-Petrosian, the first
President of the Republic of Armenia, in the presidential elections
of Armenia. This information was provided by Armen Ashotian, a member
of the Armenian delegation of the conference and a member of the Board
of the Republican party. Azeris, according to him, expect the victory
of Levon Ter-Petrosian with all the consequences proceeding from it:
in partucular, the readiness for making essential concessions with
regard to the Nagorno Karabakh problem.

Armen Ashotian denied the allegation of the journalist of the "Taregir"
electronic newspaper, according to which he, holding the post of
the Chairman of the student council of the Medical University, had,
allegedly, forced other students to take part in the rallies organized
within the frameworks of the campaign of Levon Ter-Petrosian. Armen
Ashotian declared that he became chairman of the student union only
in 1999, that is to say, when Levon Ter-Petrosian, in his words,
"had already become a history."

The political figure of the Republican Party of Armenia mentioned that
perhaps certain journalists would feel good if he "praised the first
President for hours." "You praised him then," the journalist of the
"Taregir" opposed. In response, Armen Ashotian declared that certain
media resemble a sect, which can be called "witnesses of Levon."

Passenger traffic has grown by 118% at Yerevan airport

2007-12-14 12:32:00

ArmInfo. Over 11 months of the current year the Yerevan international
airport Zvartnots gave service to 233 831 (118% growth) more passengers
than at the same period of 2006, press-secretary of Civil Aviation Main
Department Gayane Davtyan told ArmInfo correspondent.

She also added that the number of the passengers that left the country
in January-November of the current year was 651 408 people which is by
121,5 thsd people more than at the same period of 2006. At the same
time 617 623 people arrived in the Yerevan airport over the reported
period, whereas their number was 505,3 thsd people in 2006. In general,
the airport gave service to about 1,3 mln passengers and 7230 flights
against 6060 in 2006.

In January-November of the current year 5770 tons of cargo were taken
to Armenia against 4530 tons in 2006. At the same time the volume of
the exported cargo reduced by 659 tons. Total volume of cargo traffic
amounted to 8898 tons.

Nevertheless because of temporary ceasing of Shirak airport of Gyumri,
the passenger traffic fell by 63% and cargo traffic by 58% there over
the reported period.