Author: Chatinian Lara

ARMENIA-NATO COOPERATION NOT TO REPLACE COOPERATION WITH CSTO
PanArmenian News Network
July 20 2005
20.07.2005 04:38
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha said he
does not see any ground for statements that “Armenia is reviewing
its participation in the CSTO.” On the contrary, Armenia is one of
the active members of our organization. It is true that the country
cooperates with the U.S. and NATO. However the cooperation within the
CSTO is the basis of Armenia’s security. Both Defense Minister Serge
Sargsian and President Robert Kocharian said it for many times”, N.
Bordyuzha said. At the same time Rossiyskie Vesti newspaper commented
on the Armenia-NATO and Armenia-CSTO relations in an article titled
“They make zombie of Armenia”. The newspaper cites the statement by
NATO Special Representative for South Caucasus Robert Simmons, who said
that Armenia can count on NATO’s support if expresses desire to free
itself from the Russian bases on its territory. “West has been for
a long time exerting efforts to gain over Armenia. For this purpose
some military-political changes in the region are used. The fact
is that official Yerevan views Turkey as a threat and respectively
anchors hopes with Moscow and the Russian troops. However presently
Turkey is aspired for the EU and consequently wished to appear in
the best possible light. In the opinion of some Armenian analysts,
the Armenian leadership does not consider Ankara to be an enemy and
does not view Russia as the only possible ally”, the newspaper writes,
Mediamax agency reports.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 20, 2005
___________________
TRIP TO ARMENIA BOOSTS TIES BETWEEN ARMENIAN AND EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), traveled throughout
Armenia with a delegation from the U.S. Episcopalian church, headed
by that organization’s Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold.
They were in Armenia from July 3 to 9, 2005. During the trip, the
delegation met with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, toured historic Armenian Church sites,
and had a meeting with America’s ambassador to Armenia, John Evans.
They also talked with ecumenical leaders in Armenia and officials
with the Armenian Bible Society.
They also attended a lunch at the summer residence of the Catholicos,
Purakan, to which the Catholicos had invited all the diocesan bishops
in Armenia and leading clergy.
“The Episcopalian Church has been one of the closest churches to
the Armenians in the last 100 years, and they have always had a very
close relationship with Armenians. They have always opened their doors
for the Armenians,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese. “When we came here after the Genocide of 1915, the
only churches that opened and accepted us were the Episcopalians.
The rest completely refused the Armenians, so that friendship has
been continuing.”
This was the first visit to Armenia by Bishop Griswold. Bishop
Aykazian said he seemed impressed by the people of Armenia and their
strong faith.
“He said that this, from all his trips, was the most successful and
the best trip,” the legate said.
The trip was important to not just continue the historically strong
friendship, but to assure that the two organizations will be there
to support each other in the future.
“This helps build a stronger relationship between the Episcopalian and
Armenian Churches, and stronger cooperation between our two churches,”
Bishop Aykazian said. “We are living in a country where we need to
support each other and help each other and talk with each other.”
— 7/20/05
# # #

Karabakh should participate in Armenian-Azeri talks – Karabakh leader
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
18 Jul 05
[Correspondent Artur Grigoryan] The Karabakh conflict is older and
more complicated than other conflicts in the post-Soviet area. Work
on the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict is not stable
like other political processes. Today we are already talking about
some possible joint document. We will discuss the current stage of
the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict with the president
of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic, Arkadiy Gukasyan.
[Corespondent] Mr President, thank you very much for accepting my
invitation. My first question – is it true that the negotiating
process has entered another active stage?
[Gukasyan] Perhaps, we can make such a conclusion, if we take into
account that Azerbaijan’s position is more constructive today than in
the past. Azerbaijan has expressed its readiness to discuss issues
that have always been of interest to Karabakh. For example, if in
the past Azerbaijan refused to discuss the status of Karabakh, today
this issue is on the agenda. This means that Azerbaijan has entered
a constructive stage.
[Correspondent] What does it mean? Is it connected with Azerbaijan’s
domestic or foreign policy?
[Gukasyan] Probably, all existing points of view are related to
this issue [as heard], taking into account that Azerbaijan will hold
elections in November and a lot depends on these elections. Perhaps,
this is one of the reasons. Second, international organizations have
been working with Azerbaijan for a long time and I think that they
have assured Azerbaijan that they cannot resolve this conflict if
Azerbaijan takes such a position. I believe that it is wrong to discuss
all issues only with Armenia and to deny the Karabakh factor, and I
am sure that the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group also think so. I
think that this is also the result of the OSCE mediators’ work with
the leadership of Azerbaijan. On the other hand, there are developments
that do not depend on Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nagornyy Karabakh. Today
the international community is interested in solving the conflict in
a peaceful way and I think Azerbaijan cannot ignore this.
[Correspondent] Mr President, how do you define the criteria of the
current stage of the negotiations? There are meetings between the
Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, and on the other hand,
the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group visit Stepanakert all the
time. Do they all yield good results?
[Gukasyan] Karabakh is not taking an active part in the negotiating
process, it is only participating in meetings with the co-chairmen
and there is an opinion that Karabakh has been sidelined from the
negotiating process. I am confident that it is difficult to solve the
conflict without Nagornyy Karabakh’s involvement. Today Azerbaijan
refuses to discuss this issue with Karabakh itself. I can say that
Azerbaijan is still not ready to settle the conflict because any
discussion with Armenia without Nagornyy Karabakh’s participation is
just a propaganda trick. It is the same approach as Azerbaijan says on
the one hand that Armenia is an aggressor and has occupied Azerbaijan
territories and on the other, discusses this and other issues with
Armenia. I am sure that Karabakh is not sidelined from the process.
I have repeatedly noted in fun that if we are interested in the
end result, it does not matter if Karabakh participates or not in
the negotiating processes. Let Spain or Portugal participate in
the negotiations, I do not see any problem here. As long as the
independence of Nagornyy Karabakh is recognized and we get what we
want, Armenia’s participation in the talks is not a problem for us.
But I am confident that the stage, where Karabakh will participate
in the talks, is approaching.
[Passage omitted: Repeating ideas about the OSCE mediators’ meetings
with the Azerbaijani leadership]

GIBRAHAYER
e-magazine
[email protected]

The largest circulation Armenian
online e-magazine on the WWW
north_088.jpg
AZERBAIJAN FLIES DIRECT TO OCCUPIED AREAS
Turkish Cypriot KIBRIS newspaper (15.07.05) reports that a
private airline company in Azerbaijan will launch direct flights to
the occupied Tymbou Airport as of 31 July.
Aleksandr Guliyev, the owner of the “Improtex Travel” company in
Azerbaijan, declared that Im-Air airlines belonging to his company
will start direct flights to occupied Cyprus every Sunday as of 31
July. Guliyev said that there is no political purpose behind the
decision to start the direct flights.
The launching of direct flights between Azerbaijan and the areas
of Cyprus under the occupation of 40,000 Turkish troops was first
raised during Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erd! ogan’s June visit to
Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan will thus become the second country after Turkey to
conduct direct flights to the occupied territories of the Republic of
Cyprus.
TALAT’S COMMENTS:
“We believe that there should definitely be flights to Ercan Airport
not only from Istanbul but also from other countries. The question of
political recognition is another matter. We are waging a struggle to
have the measures that keep us in isolation removed. Our objective is
to solve the Cyprus problem. It is the solution of the Cyprus problem
through an agreement. However, the Turkish Cypriots should not have
been kept in isolation particularly after they demonstrated their
determination to work for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The
main objective of the Azerbaijani deputies is to contribute towards
the ! removal of the measures that keep the Turkish Cypriots in
isolation. That is how the matter should be viewed. The removal of
the isolation will encourage others, particularly the Greek Cypriot
administration which is not interested in an agreement, to agree to
contribute towards the solution of the problem. The strategic
objective is the solution of the Cyprus problem. That has to be
considered.”
pamuk.jpg TURKISH AUTHOR BREAKS SILENCE
(Deutsche Welle/Marmara) Breaking his silence to the media, Turkish
novelist Orhan Pamuk spoke to the Turkish paper Sabah about many
topics, and addressed Turkey’s denial of the Armenian genocide–the
very same subject that caused his rejection of the press.
In an interview to a Swiss paper, Pamuk – Turkey’s best-selling
novelist, conveyed that one million Armenians and 30,000 Kurds had
been killed in Turkey.
The fallout in Turkey was tremendous. Pamuk, who is consistently
an outspoken critic of his country’s inability to own up to its often
harrowing history, subsequently chose not to speak to the press. But
Pamuk, who was recently awarded ! the German Book Trade’s Peace
Prize, told Sabah that he simply told the Swiss paper what he knows
to be true. “I do not hold animosity toward anyone, but as you very
well know, if you speak about the history of a country–and address a
sensitive issue, and convey what you believe, then you invite
indignation and reaction. I knew that.”
Condemnation is not new to Pamuk. Nationalist groups have
always been angry at his criticism of Turkey’s treatment of its
Kurdish minority, and want to see his books removed from public
libraries. Admirers, however, see his work as a rejection of a recent
intellectual tradition that aspires to be western by ignoring the
past. “If you try to repress memories, something always comes back,”
Pamuk once said in an interview with Time magazine. “I’m what comes
back.”
He also told Sabah that such issues as Turkey’s acceptance of
the Armenian genocide can not be solved with a few random statements
“This is not something to be undertaken by three or five people.
These truths will ravel slowly. We will know when we begin to tell
each other the truth–but we must, nevertheless, be taught.”
Germany’s recent award to Pamuk–one of most prestigious
cultural prizes–seems to have reflected a growing awareness that
many of the issues preoccupying Turkey these days have a profound
global resonance.
Pamuk was rewarded just one week after demonstrations took place
in Berlin against the German parliament’s resolution in memory of the
massacre of Armenians by Turks in 1915. Yavus Baydar from the
newspaper Sabah has described the award as “very significant for
freedom of speech in Turkey.” He knows what he’s talking about.
Earlier this year, he asked Pamuk to write an article for Sabah about
South Korea. After it was published, he was bombarded with outraged
readers’ mail, accusing him of having given a vo! ice to a “traitor.”
more at the Gibrahayer section on “Books by Turkish writers.”
dink.jpg ARMENIAN JOURNALIST FACES THREE YEARS JAIL IN TURKISH JAIL
Reporters Without Borders today criticised the current trial of
a Turkish-Armenian journalist, Hrant Dink, for “insulting Turkish
identity” and said the government taboo against publicly discussing
the 1915 genocide against Armenians was a “continuing barrier to
freedom of expression” in Turkey.
It said that with only three months to go before negotiations
were due to start about Turkey joining the European Union, Dink
risked being jailed under article 301 of the criminal code for
publishing an article (on 13 February 2004) called “Getting to know
Armenia” in the Turkish-Armenian bilingual weekly, Agos, that he
runs. His t! rial began on 7 July before a court in Sisli, Istanbul.
The world press freedom organisation said it was concerned about
fuzzy language in the new criminal code that could “easily be used
against journalists discussing sensitive topics,” such as the
Armenian genocide or withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus.
Dink’s article urged Armenians to turn their attention “to the
new blood of independent Armenia,” as the only way to free them from
the burden of exile and called on them to symbolically reject “the
adulterated part of their Turkish blood.” Nine complaints for
“insulting Turkish identity” had been filed against him by 16 April
2004 before the Sisli court.
“This trial is based on a total misunderstanding,” Dink told
Reporters Without Borders. “I never meant to insult Turkish citizens.
The term in question was taken out of context and is only symbolic.
The real! subject of the article is the Armenian diaspora who,
once they have come to terms with the Turkish part of their identity,
can seek new answers to their questions from independent Armenia.”
State prosecutor Turgay Evsen has called for a three-year prison
sentence for Dink under the new penal code, which came into force on
1 June. Dink founded his paper in Istanbul in 1996 and it has a
circulation of 5,500.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK
WHY ARE THE SHEEP IN EASTERN TURKEY THROWING THEMSELVES FROM THE
CLIFFS AND COMMITTING SUICIDE IN MASS NUMBERS?
Your comments to [email protected]
RECOMMENDED WEBSITE The Health InterNetwork Access to Research
Initiative (HINARI, ) is a project
administered by the World Health Organization (WHO) in conjunction
with the six major journal publishers worldwide to provide
free-of-charge full-text access to institutions in developing
countries.
The Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario (ACMAO –
) put considerable effort in distributing information
about the availability of this resource. However, only 4 institutions
from Armenia curre! ntly have this most valuable scientific resource
The majority of Armenian physicians and scientists are still unaware
of this resource.
All research institutions, universities and hospitals in Armenia
qualify for free access through HINARI. All that is required is a
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HINARI provides access to full-text articles from 2884 biomedical
journals.
We urge all Armenian biomedical and health care institutions to
register with HINARI by accessing and
following the registration requirements.
nets111.jpg TATIANA’S CORNER
This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s comic
strips which are [limassolinareg.jpg] 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.
MELKONIAN THIS WEEK –
Berj Khavarich. AGBU’s doomsday President. click here for article
DIARY SECTION
~U”All these years they have been happy to milk the Melkonian, jobs
for their friends, free accommodation for their friends and
relatives, a veritable power base for whoever controls the school.”
~UBerg Setrakian in Cyprus ?
~UNo doubt as the court action against the AGBU in Cyprus draws
nearer, the local “chefigs” are finally realising that those that
sleep with dogs, catch fleas.
apostles1.jpg ARMENIAN MUSIC
By Arek Dakessian in Beirut – Armenian Music is the new section in
Gibrahayer, dedicated to bringing Armenian Music closer to Armenians,
shedding light on the Armenian music scene, Armenian history in
music, how all this has affected the Armenian Question and to try to
realize the full potential of our music, which is a significant
aspect in our culture.
ARAKYALNER – The Godfathers of Armenian rock Music
Three guys from the polytechnic in the mid-sixties started a
band named Arakyalner. Arthur Meschian, Levon Melikian, and G! rigor
Nalbandian were the ‘Arakyalner’ and they started playing a very
unique – and attractive – blend of Armenian Folklore, Gothic music,
and modern rock. Known only as ‘a band from the polytechnic’ in their
earliest days, they quickly earned the love of Armenian rock
listeners. Arakyalner sang about pain, grief, and sorrow, the
historical heritage of our Armenian history, this was very often at
the heart of the contents of their songs. Meschian’s lyrics
questioned meaning of life, pain, joy, and pride. Some of their songs
were written for the lyrics of a great Armenian poet: Mushegh
Ishkhan. Arakyalner never released any official albums, as plans to
release “Requiem” in the late 60’s were nullified by the communist
regime, due to the lyrical contents being deemed anti-communist. Many
demo tapes were made however.
Their concerts were – almost constantly – sabotaged by the
government: Blocking entrances to the concert, cutting off the
electricity, fort! ifying the area with troops… These never
succeeded. One paragon of such an event is “the sight of thousands of
students breaking though police barricades to get into the concert
halls where Arakyalner were performing”, when “Arthur’s voice soared
over his acoustic guitar and reached every person in the back row”.
With Arthur Meschian (vocals, guitars, keyboards, violin), Levon
Melikian (guitars), and Grigor Nalbandian (drums, percussion)
Arakyalner lived from the mid-sixties to the seventies, sadly never
making it into the eighties.
Since then, the drummer/percussionist Grigor Nalbandian passed
away, Levon Melikian the guitarist is still in Yerevan, and Meschian
worked as an architect, realising a number of famous projects like
the Zvartnots airport, he occasionally made performances within a
small group of friends. In 1989, when Meschian moved to Boston with
his family, the music of Arakyalner regained the popularity it h! ad
lost during the eighties, old fans along with a new contingent of
teenagers started rediscovering Arakyalner.
All this made Meschian start recording again, as he released in
the nineties several albums, such as “Wander”, “Catharsis”, and
“Monologue of a Crazy Violinist”. These contained mostly new material
with some old songs. He toured around America and in Armenia, and in
1997, while performing with a symphonic orchestra, decided to
reestablish himself in Armenia, and even accepted the post of Chief
Architect of Armenia… Due to circumstances, he returned to Boston
the next year.
The latest news is that Arthur Meschian has taken a hiatus from
writing and performing and concentrates on his job and family.
YOUR EMAILS
Dear Simon,
We are getting very regular “Gibrahayer” newsletters editions
and we read them with great pleasure. All the materials enclosed in
the newsletter are very important events accessions in our life,
which we can’t pertain with indifference.
Some materials, which are enclosed in the newspaper are
discussed in our Organisation. But as we are not professionals in
these field, that’s why we only stay as a passive reader, getting
information and supporting mutual role.
Our Organisation is “Goris Youth Union” NGO and has 1300
members. We have different working groups and work in different
field, about which you can get acquainted visiting to our WEB site
As a result ! of reading your newsletters, we had a new idea, we
created a new working group, which will carry out especially Armenian
main matters and Armenia defending policy.
We think that in the near future we will obtain some knowledge
and skills in that field. In that case we can someway support to the
your newsletter (giving information), through which we think we can
also support to that Global work, to which directed the
“Gibrahayer” newsletter.
Best Regards – Karine Movsisyan – President of – “Goris Youth
Union”
Dear Karine,
Thank you for your kind words.
Bushfrancearmenie.jpg We are more than happy to assist you in
anything you ! consider important.
You have already taken the first step.
Your website is being promoted through this first email.
We wish your organisation all the best.
Simon Aynedjian
____________________________________________________________________________
You do not have to be Armenian to appreciate this cover of France
Armenie. Every year the Armenians wait for the American president to
say the word “Genocide” for what happened to the Armenians. Every
year there are expressions of regret for the unfortunate massacres.
This cover is hysterical, all the more because you could change the
Turkish flag on the end of the zipper to any number of other symbols
and it would work.
Enjoy! … Sylvia Bourdjian
____________________________________________________________________________
MORE SHEEPISH THOUGHTS !!!sheep.jpg
Hi Simon,
This article in Gibrahayer is very interesting… I’m having multiple
sheepish thoughts on this incident:
1. I’m wondering if coincidentally the same cliff was used for
suicides and/or mass murders of Armenians during the Genocide…
(worth checking it out) Psychic consciousness and sensitivity can run
deep – even in sheep.
2. Maybe the sheep just had enough of their shepherds’ perversions.
3. Maybe there is a natural disaster (like massive earthquake)
brewing in that area soon… Any news about what the other animals
are up to? If they are leaving the area (or killing themselves)
then we can expect a natural calamity to strike the region. In which
case Armenia should be warned.
hugs xxx
Alidz Sarkissian
____________________________________________________________________________
Hello Simon,
I am one of your weekly reader of your amazing weekly newsletter &
appreciate the wonderful job you do to pass around the news of
Armenia and Armenians around the world.
In you last edition, “Petro dollars funding Azeri war machine”, you
have a title about Atom Egoyan as “Atomic Truth” regarding his
appearance At the 40th international film festival in Czech health
resort of Karlovi Vari. There is one thing I would like to bring to
your attention. Atom Egoyan is Armenian – Canadian, and not a
Armenian-American. as where ever he goes he represent not only
Armenian background of what he has, but the Canada.
Thanks and Regards
Armen Simrojian
____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Gibrahayer,
My name is Carol and I’m a year 12 student from Sydney. I’m currently
doing my hsc and as an assignment for a subject i had to choose a
subject of my choice relating to society and culture. Being an
Armenian and very much into my culture and religion i chose the topic
“The Armenian genocide, what really happened and how does it affect
the Armenians today”. After reading several of your emails, I figured
that maybe your magazine can help me with my project by answering the
following topic question. Any additional comments and / or
information about emotional affects and the way we live and act will
be very useful, and appreciated.
Thank you
yours sincerely – Carol
Fell free to respond to Carol at [email protected]
Simon Aynedjian
____________________________________________________________________________
It is a well known fact that Egoyan is a Canadian, not an
American-Armenian. Cheers, Lola in NYC
____________________________________________________________________________
Definitely one for the files of Mohammedan History. This is the
genocide for which the Turks not only refuse to apologize, but even
to not recognize. Stella
ARTSAGANG JUNE 2005 You can now read the Armenian community’s 20-
page monthly Armenian publication (June 2005 issue number 123) in
front of your computer in pdf format at:
KHORAN The April-May 2005 special issue of “Khoran” – the periodical
of the Armenian Prelacy of Greece, dedicated to the 90th Anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide – is now available in pdf format. It
contains a wide selection of articles, submitted by Armenians from
around the world, about the importance of the 90th anniversary. The
special issue of “Khoran” can be downloaded from
Also check out news and previous publications of “Khoran” at
newsinbrief.gif ~UThe International Court of Justice (ICJ) found
Turkey guilty of inhumane treatment of a 17-year old boy while in
police custody, and demanded they pay 8,000 euro to him.
~UOne of the senior members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin,
His Eminence Archbishop Shahe Ajemian entered his eternal rest. At
the time of his death, Abp. Ajemian was the dean of the Theological
Faculty of Yerevan State University. He was 79 years old.
~UTurkey has always backed Azerbaijan in the Karabakh issue, and it
always will, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a news
conference in Baku.
~UArmenian peacemakers departed for Iraq on July 13. They comprise of
46 military men of which 30 drivers, three doctors, ten sappers, one
communication officer, a platoon leader commander and an officer
fulfilling general command.
~UGreek ambassador to Armenia, Antonios Vlavianos, during his
Vanadzor visit said the following. “The Greek government consider
Armenia to be a republic with European culture. As we know, Greece is
a member of the EU and it proposed to include Armenia in New
Neighborhood project. We are especially eager to develop the region
of Lori”
~URenowned Armenian-Canadian film director Atom Egoyan, opened an
international film festival in Yerevan on Tuesday, hailing a “great
selection” of works that will be screened during the five-day event.
The second annual Golden Apricot Festival – the biggest in Armenia’s
history – will feature movies and documentaries by filmmakers from
over a dozen countries.
~UPrime Minister Tayyip Erdogan denounced BBC and Reuters, for not
describing the
armed separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) as a terrorist
group. Speaking at the Ankara Chamber of Industry after observing a
two-minute silence for the victims of last week’s bomb attacks in
London, he warned against double standards in tackling terrorism in
Turkey and in Britain.
BOOKS BY TURKISH WRITERS
O
R
H
A
N
P
A
M
U
K
AVAILABLE NOW From MOUFFLON Bookshops
[email protected] Tel: +357 22 665155
AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
Istanbul £17.30
LITERARY MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTION:
Hidden Histories GRANTA no 85 spring 2004 £10.50
FICTION:
My Name is Red £8.40 (won the Dublin Literature Award in 2003)
The Black Book £8.40
The New Life £8.40
The White Castle £7.30
Snow (his most recent fiction set in Kars) £7.30
ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT
WHO IS ORHAN PAMUK?
Born in 1952, Pamuk grew up among Turkey’s secular upper
classes. After spending several years in New York, he was given a
mixed reception when he returned to Istanbul, the city where he was
born. The country’s Islamic intellectuals accused him of exploiting
religious and historical themes to pander to Western tastes.
He enjoys both commercial success and critical acclaim in his
home country. His 1990 novel “Kara Kitap” is widely seen as one of
the most controversial and popular readings in Turkish literature.
But despite his phenomenal popularity, Turkey itself has a
love-hate relationship with Pamuk.
In 1998, Ankara wanted to present him with Turkey’s highest cultural
accolade, the title of state artist. He rejected the honor. “For yea!
rs I have been criticising the state for putting authors in jail, for
only trying to solve the Kurdish problem by force, and for its
narrow-minded nationalism,” said Pamuk.
“I don’t know why they tried to give me the prize.”
This time, though, Pamuk will be accepting his award–at the
Frankfurt Book Fair in October.
SPORTS NEWS AND CALENDAR
~UThe Cyprus Davis Cup Team earned a promotion to Category II after
defeating Turkey, Armenia, host country Ireland as well as Tunisia
and San Marino. The tie that decided the promotion was contested last
Saturday against host country Ireland, in front of a vocal partisan
crowd at the Fitzwilliam Tennis Club in Dublin, during which the
Cyprus team won three (two singles and one doubles) final set
contests with Photos Kallias, Marcos Baghdatis and Demetris Leontis.
more (in Greek) at: ;ac=1
~UChampions League results and upcom! ing ties
FC Haka (Finland) vs. Pyunik (Armenia) 1-0
Dinamo Minsk (Belarus) vs. Anorthosis Famagusta (Cyprus) 1-1
UEFA Cup:
Omonia (Cyprus) vs. Hibernians (Malta) 3-0
Birkirkara (Malta) Vs APOEL (Cyprus) 0-2
FC Banants Vs FC Lokomotiv Tbilisi 2-3
FSV Mainz – FC Mika 4-0
~U() With the new rankings of the seniors tour
released on July 8, 2005 Simon Aynedjian is ranked 128 in the world
in the seniors category, ahead of Greek champion George Anagnostakis
ranked 471 and Turkish champion Oguz Azkara ranked 422. Darko Strizak
of Serbia (that Aynedjian defeated in the finals of the last ITF tou!
rnament) is ranked 73 in the world.
All the rankings at
THE ARMENIAN TITANS- by Prof.Hovhannes Pilikian
The Armenian community of Istanbul is a Promethean miracle of
the twentieth century. They were marked for genocidal destruction by
Sultan Hamid and the Young Turk regime that toppled him (while
adopting his policies towards the Armenian natives of Byzantium).
Today, they count ten fold the number of the London Armenians of ten
thousand. The latt! er has an improvised Sunday school renting an
English primary in Acton Town, and a single puny church (built by
Istanbuli Calouste Gulbenkian as a private altar in London, then left
to the community by him). The Armenians in Istanbul possess eighteen
totally Armenian community owned schools, and thirty three churches,
built in Ottoman times, and surviving the massacres of 1915. click
here for the article
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
~UNor Seround Cultural Association – Badanegan Committee. Dziadzan –
ourakh jamer manougnerou hamar. Dancing fun & games. Saturday July,
23 starting from 6:00 pm at Aghlanja forest (next to Filoxenia). Sign
up with Gayane Mahdessian 99307229, Karekin Fendekian 99478941. Open
invitation to badanis of our community until the age of ten.
~UCommemoration of Khanasor Arshavank on Sunday July 24, 2005 in
Troodos at Loumada Ton Aeton Picnic Site (last year’s venue – before
Pasha Livadhi Picnic site turn left and follow the tricolours).
Speaker of the day: ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Cyprus representative Unger
Vahan Aynedjian.
~UThe Yerevan State Youth Theatre is participating in the
International Festival of A! ncient Greek Drama 2005 performing
Clouds by Aristophanes on Thursday 28 July 2005 at Makarios III
Amphitheatre, Nicosia and Saturday 30 July, 2005 at the Ancient
Paphos Odeon. Both performances begin at 9:00 pm and tickets are CYP
10.00. The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Oshagan
Cyprus Chapter is organising a Welcoming Dinner to our performing
compatriots at AYMA on Wednesday 27 July, 2005 at 8:00. You can
participate only by reservation by calling Louise Aynedjian on
99533684.
~U7th Homenetmen Pan Armenian Games-Athens-Greece 24-31st July. 300
Armenian athletes from 15 countries competing in Basketball,
Volleyball and Swimming. 200 will dance and sing in a unique opening
and closing ceremony. Welcome to the home of the Olympic Games.
. Barkev Somakian Georgiou is representing
Cyprus in swimming.
~USTUDENTS CULTURAL FORUM July 21 – August 3 in Yerevan, Armenia.
Interested in taking part in a culturally, intellectually, and
socially stimulating program especially tailored for Armenian
university students? If so, come and discover the various facets of
our rich Armenian culture and heritage offered by The HAMAZKAYIN
STUDENTS CULTURAL FORUM. For more information and application forms
please contact Arto Tavitian [email protected] Hamazkayin
Oshakan Cyprus Chapter is happy to announce that this year there are
three participants to the Forum from Cyprus.
~UAKTI: Coasts Without Frontiers, Age group:18-25. Dates/Duration:
August 20-27. Location: Polis Chrysochous camp site. Contact: Kyriaki
Demetriou; Tel: 22 45848548454; Email: [email protected] A
multicultural environmental youth camp will bring together 30 Cypriot
youth between 18 and 25 years old, from Greek-Cypriot,
Turkish-Cypriot, Maronite and Armenian communities of Cyprus. The
project will focus! on coastal areas of Cyprus, both at the north and
the south, aiming at the protection and preservation of the Cyprus
coastal ecosystem by promoting knowledge-based society. The camp
will take place for a week in August and will feature environmental
workshops, facilitated discussions, field visits to the coast,
clean-up activities and a final poster production.
~UThree months left until the 72nd Annual AYF Olympics, expected to
draw thousands of Armenians from all over the world to Washington ,
DC September 1-5, 2005. In the three-day get-together a rich cultural
programme is scheduled as well. Nune Yesayan kicks off the weekend
with a barahantes. Also featuring Nersik Ispirian, the Michael
Gostanian Ensemble, the Aravod Ensemble. The All Stars will close the
weekend with John Berberian on the oud, Onnik Dinkjian’s Vocals,
Hachig Kazarian on clarinet, Roger Krikorian on the dumbeg and
vocals, and Ara Dinkjian on Keyboards. Rooms are filling up fast, so
make sure you book your room online. You can even buy your HyePass
and purchase your Ad Book ad .
~UAYMA/HMEM Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from
7:00 – 8:30 pm for children starting from the age of 7. Contact
Krikor Mahdessian on 99650897.
~UArmenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation via real
audio on . Broadcast 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus time
(14:00-15:00 GMT). Armenian news every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and
Tuesday.
~UThe Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the
Armenian Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is
on Sunday 24 July, 2005
~UEvery Wednesday from 7-8 pm (Cyprus time + 2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito,
Puzant Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues”. Internet
edition on
–Boundary_(ID_vCKoSnO/Hv8j9b2My3pung)–

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
07/18/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Putin, Erdogan Discuss Regional Stability from Caucasus to Cyprus 2) Cypriots Warn against Rapprochement between Unrecognized Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan 3) Yerkir Media Recognized for Political Analysis, Freedom of Speech Efforts 4)Armenia's Main Cellphone Network Paralyzed 5) Armenian Soccer Team in European Championships 1) Putin, Erdogan Discuss Regional Stability from Caucasus to Cyprus SOCHI (RIA Novosti)--Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed stability in the Caucasus, the situation in Iraq and Iran, and the Cyprus problem. "We focused on the issue of strengthening stability in the Caucasus and the Black Sea basin," Putin said, at a press conference in Sochi after talks with the Turkish Prime Minister. Putin gave assurances that Russia would continue to help resolve the Cyprus problem. "We are absolutely convinced that the UN Secretary General is moving in the right direction," he said. Putin also said everyone knows how the situation is developing on Cyprus. "First, we must resolve the problem of the economic isolation of a part of the island, create conditions for normal relations between the two parts, and on this basis fully normalize the situation in the interests of all people living there," he said. "We will think about what can be done by Russia and the island's two parts to resolve these issues," the Russian president said. Putin and Erdogan said it was necessary to address the conflict over Mountainous Karabagh. "I was satisfied to hear the Russian position that it was time to start settling the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict," Erdogan said. He added that he and Putin also discussed the situation in Iraq, Iran, and anti-terrorism efforts. "We expressed once again our resolve to fight international terrorists, who are carrying out attacks against innocent people, defenseless women, and children," Erdogan said. 2) Cypriots Warn against Rapprochement between Unrecognized Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan ISTANBUL (Combined Sources)The government of Cyprus said that direct flight between Nicosia and the capital of Mountainous Karabagh Republic (MKR) would be established if Azerbaijan does not abandon plans to forge tight relations with Turkish Republic of Northern Republic (TRNC). Turkish prime minister Recep Erdogan said last month that Turkey was ready to do everything possible "to help it [Northern Cyprus] surmount its international isolation," saying a direct flight between Baku and the unrecognized republic could be the first move. A prive Azeri airline Imair announced last week it would begin regular flights to Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, becoming the first non-Turkish carrier to fly direct to the internationally isolated enclave. Last month Azerbaijan became the second state, after Turkey, to recognize Turkish Cypriot passport. Most of Azerbaijan's eight million population are of Turkic origin, and the country has very close cultural and political ties with Ankara. Azeri Delegation in Turkish Cyprus The first official delegation from Azerbaijan to visit the Turkish Northern Cyprus arrived in Lefkosa over the weekend to take part in ceremonies marking Peace and Freedom Day on July 20. Erdogan said that the visit signifies de facto recognition of the Turkish Cypriot state. The eight-person delegation, six of whom are deputies of the Azeri parliament, were met by Turkish Cypriot officials at Ercan Airport. The delegation will be holding discussions with TRNC officials, with a second delegation scheduled to arrive soon that will be holding talks with Turkish Cypriot businessmen. Trade issues are also listed to be discussed during a visit by a third Azeri delegation between July 28 and 31. 3) Yerkir Media Recognized for Political Analysis, Freedom of Speech Efforts Yerkir Media TV Company clenched two prizes on Monday, at an annual awards ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Yerevan Press Club. Yerkir Media was recognized for providing outstanding political analysis as well as its efforts to promote freedom of speech. The Yerevan Press Club is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, that aims to create conditions to promote the development of free and responsible media in Armenia. Its Chairman Boris Navasardian stressed during the awards that though Armenia's mass media has made significant progress in the last decade, self-censorship still remains a problem. Navasardian went on to praise journalists for "their readiness to rally in support of specific issues and fight for their rights." He said there still remains a great deal to accomplish in order to help universities prepare journalists who meet western-style reporting and writing standards. 4)Armenia's Main Cellphone Network Paralyzed YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Armenia's Greek-owned telecommunications monopoly claimed on Monday to have so far failed to fully determine the cause of an almost three-week mysterious paralysis of its wireless network which has left hundreds of thousands of mobile phone users fuming. The Armenian government, meanwhile, appeared to be losing patience with ArmenTel's inability to remedy the situation quickly, with officials speaking of "sanctions" that could be imposed on the deeply unpopular operator. The network's sudden collapse began on July 1, coinciding with the long-awaited launch of Armenia's second wireless system, VivaCell. ArmenTel promptly flew in telecom engineers from Greece and Germany to inspect its facilities but has still not provided a full and clear explanation for the breakdown. ArmenTel's Thursday statement cited a "flurry of phone calls" which it said followed a steep reduction of phone tariffs effective from July 1 and put the network under greater strain. The statement urged the increasingly furious subscribers to use their handsets more sparingly. Critics say ArmenTel, which is owned by Greece's OTE telecom giant, is paying the price of its gross underinvestment in mobile telephony that has left Armenia lagging behind neighboring Azerbaijan and Georgia where the service has been more affordable and of higher quality. The Armenian government demanded official explanations from ArmenTel earlier this month and assured the public that everything is done to get the cellphone back into shape. Transport and Communications Minister Andranik Manukian announced on Thursday that the problem will be solved within days. "It's hard for me to speak about this," Manukian said on Monday with a sigh. "I am now in an awkward situation. I [wrongly] stated that the situation improved and the crisis is coming to an end." The quality of mobile phone service provided by ArmenTel left much to be desired even before the unprecedented network failure. It was the main reason why the government decided to partly open the sector to competition last year. Exclusive rights to all forms of telecommunication were a key term of ArmenTel's 1998 sale to OTE, one of Europe's largest telecom firms. Some former government officials who helped to negotiate the $200 million deal later admitted that granting the Greeks the monopoly was a serious mistake. 5) Armenian Soccer Team in European Championships IRELAND--Armenia lost 2-0 to Norway on Monday at the UEFA Under-19 European Championships underway in Northern Ireland. It is the first time Armenia is participating in the Semi-Finals of these championships, and will play England on Wednesday. Team coach Samvel Petrosian said that his team participation in the final of the European Football Championship is a great honor and a new experience. "It is a great football challenge for the small nation we are," he said. Group A matches resulted in a 4-2 win for Serbia & Montenegro over Germany, while Northern Ireland lost 0-1 to Greece. In Group B, France and England drew 1-1. Armenia is playing in Group B. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Analyst says Armenia expects civil stand-off in Azerbaijan
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
July 15 2005
Baku, July 14, AssA-Irada
Armenia expects not a ‘velvet revolution’ but civil stand-off during
the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan in November, said director
of the Political Innovation and Technology Center, political analyst
Mubariz Ahmadoghlu. He told a press conference on Thursday, referring
to a statement by a well-known Armenian analyst Andranik Migranian,
that this confrontation will divert Azerbaijan’s attention from the
Upper Garabagh conflict, which is favored by Armenians. This is due
to the positive tendencies for Azerbaijan observed in the conflict
resolution over the past month.
“This is a key reason for official Yerevan’s concerns”, said
Ahmadoghlu.”*

City News Service
July 13, 2005 Wednesday
New President Named at Los Angeles City College
LOS ANGELES
Following a national search, a three-time college president was named
today to head Los Angeles City College. Steve Maradian, who is
currently vice president for government relations at the American
University of Armenia, will take over as LACC’s president on Aug. 1.
Maradian is a past president of three colleges: Middle Georgia, Lamar
College in Orange, Texas, and Belmont Technical College in Ohio. He
also formerly was executive director of the Regional Maritime
Technology Center at the University of New Orleans and director of
federal relations for the University System of Georgia. A search
committee of community members and college staff interviewed a number
of candidates for the post. The four finalists participated in
community forums on June 27 and 28, and the Board of Trustees made
the final decision.

YEREVAN IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ARRIVAL OF MISS BAKU
YEREVAN, JULY 14. ARMINFO. Diplomatic channels of Armenia headed by
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vardan Oskanian did their best for the
participation of Miss Baku in the beauty contest “Miss Caucasus
2005”. Chairman of the organizational committee of the Yerevan-based
office of Miss Caucasus 2005 Arman Antonian informed during news
conference, Thursday. According to him, the mediation of Oskanian
bring a positive result and there is no obstacle for the arrival of
Miss Baku in Armenia. The final answer of the Miss Baku and her family
is expected tonight. “The contest Miss Caucasus 2005 is a cultural
event and cannot be connected with political relations of the two
countries”, Antonian said.
To remind that the contest Miss Caucasus 2005 will take place in
Yerevan on July 16. Beauties from Tbilisi, Vladikavkaz, Tskhinvali,
Nalchik, Mineralniye Vodi, Essentuki, Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Rostov
on Don, Stavropol, Akhalkalaki and Stepanakert have arrived in the
capital of Armenia already. The beauty contest “Miss Caucasus” is held
in Yerevan for the first time. Armenia has been taking active part for
the last two years. In 2003 Armenian participant Hermine Haroutunian
took the first place. Nadezhda Hovhannisian represents Armenia this
year

Armenian radio reports possible “breakthrough” in Karabakh talks
Armenian Radio First Programme, Yerevan
14 Jul 05
[Presenter] The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen will return from
Stepanakert to Yerevan today. Our correspondent Tatul Akopyan is now
in Stepanakert. He is covering the diplomats’ Artsakh [Nagornyy
Karabakh] visit.
Good day, Tatul. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs met the president of
the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic [NKR], Arkadiy Gukasyan, yesterday
after which they answered journalists’ questions. What details can you
report us?
[Correspondent Tatul Akopyan from Stepanakert by telephone] The OSCE
Minsk Group co-chairs’ negotiations with the Karabakh side ended
yesterday. As is known, the co-chairs also visited Stepanakert during
their current visit to the region. They met President Gukasyan at 1800
[1300 gmt], and the meeting lasted two hours. The Karabakh foreign
minister also took part in the meeting. After the meeting the
co-chairs held a news conference. After the news conference the talks
continued for quite a long time. This means that a definite
breakthrough in the conflict settlement is expected.
The OSCE Minsk Group’s Russian co-chair, Yuriy Merzlyakov, said that
“the parties are still far from reaching an agreement on the
settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict”. He noted that the
meeting with Gukasyan was very interesting and effective. Answering
journalists’ questions, Merzlyakov said that the talks were still
continuing and one should not expect the three co-chairs to propose
something new. One should understand that these are backstage
diplomatic activities and the co-chairs have already suggested all
they could.
[Presenter] Is there any news about that what the co-chairs are saying
about a future settlement to Artsakh?
[Correspondent] The co-chairs repeated a few times that they respect
the confidentiality of the talks and that they are not ready to
divulge any information.
The co-chairs will continue the talks in Yerevan. Talks will also be
held between Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev during their visit to Kazan. It will be then
possible to speak about progress in the talks.

PanArmenian News Network
July 14 2005
KLO: OSCE MG ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE ENDED IMMEDIATELY
14.07.2005 05:28
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The threat of eternal loss of Karabakh becomes
real. Using the pre-election situation, international organizations
increase the pressure upon the society and authorities of Azerbaijan
to force them make serious concessions, a statement of Karabakh
Liberation Organization (KLO) says. The OSCE PA Special Rapporteur on
Nagorno Karabakh Goran Lennmarker openly announced there is a chance
for Nagorno Karabakh to join Armenia. Council of Europe Secretary
General stated that Azerbaijan may be expelled from the CE in case
the country liberates the «occupied territories» by force. The KLO
statement also says that activities of international organizations,
the Minsk Group that runs counter to national interests of
Azerbaijan, should be ended immediately. Pressure upon the Azeri
Government should be ceased. International organizations should
recognize Armenia «aggressor, apply sanctions against it and attain
withdrawal of occupant forces from the territory of Azerbaijan.» The
KLO states that talks on holding any referendums in Karabakh should
immediately be ceased. No one can give any status to Karabakh in a
unilateral mode. After the return of 200 thousand Azeris «driven
away» from Armenia and giving them a status, the same can be done
regarding Karabakh Armenians. The KLO also considers inadmissible
location of peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh and adjacent
regions. Not to admit aggressive actions by Armenia the peacekeeping
forces should be placed at the Azeri-Armenian border, the statement
says.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress