Author: Chilingarian Babken

PRESS RELEASE
Institute of Armenian Studies
University of Southern California
Taper Hall of Humanities, Suite 252
Los Angeles, California 90089-4015
Tel: 213-821-3943
Email: [email protected]

The USC Institute of Armenian Studies presents "A Retrospective of
Piano Music by Armenian Composers" —
two lecture-recitals performed by pianist-composer Vatche Mankerian.

Program I: October 7, 2007 – 4:30 pm: Includes works by Komitas,
Spendiarian, Khatchaturian

Program II: October 14, 2007 – 4"30 pm: Includes works by
Baghdassarian, Harutiunian, Babajanian

Both programs at University of Southern California – Bovard Auditorium

For tickets and more info please contact the Institute at
[email protected].

USC Institute of Armenian Studies

UZBEK INTERIOR MINISTER SIGNS COOPERATION ACCORDS WITH RUSSIAN, AZERI EQUALS
A EurasiaNet Partner Post from BBC Monitoring

EurasiaNet, NY
Tuesday, September 18, 2007

EURASIA INSIGHT

A regular session of the council of the interior ministers of the
CIS member countries was held in Baku from 6 to 7 September.

Delegations from the interior ministries of Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine, as well as the Armenian Police
took part in this session.

The chairman of the [CIS] Executive Committee – CIS Executive Secretary
Vladimir Rushaylo – took part in the session.

The session discussed issues relating to increasing the effectiveness
of the activities of the council of the CIS member countries’ interior
ministers in counteracting modern challenges and threats, as well as
cooperation in the fight against cyber-crime, prospects for improving
the exchange of statistical information, cooperation in training and
retraining specialists and improving their skills.

Decisions were adopted concerning the setting up a unified network of
computerized multi-purpose data banks, as well as a single procedure
of the interstate search for individuals.

Protocols on cooperation for 2008-09 were signed between the interior
ministries of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, as well as between the
interior ministries of Uzbekistan and Russia during the session.

[Interior] Minister Lt-Gen Bahodir Matlubov signed the protocols on
behalf of the Interior Ministry of Uzbekistan.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the heads of the
delegations of the interior ministries of the CIS member countries.

The session took place in a friendly atmosphere and in a spirit of
mutual understanding, trust and constructive cooperation.

Editor’s Note: Source: Na Postu, Tashkent, in Russian 15 Sep 07, p2

RECURENT ROUND OF KOSOVO TALKS HELD IN LONDON

PanARMENIAN.Net
19.09.2007 16:24 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian leaders were joining talks
Wednesday on the future of the disputed province with envoys from
the United States, European Union and Russia.

Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu has said he will seek an explanation
from the Contact Group troika over comments made by the European
Union’s representative, which appeared to indicate independence for
the province is not on offer.

"I would leave open independence. I would rather talk about a strong
supervised status," German negotiator Wolfgang Ischinger told The
Independent newspaper on Tuesday.

The process of granting independence to Kosovo can take a long time,
according to him.

The troika, as the group of envoys is known, opened talks on Tuesday
and is due to report on progress to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
by Dec. 10.

Serbia and Russia strongly oppose Kosovo’s claims for full
independence.

After meeting with Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Serbian
Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic called on all parties to tread carefully.

The Serbian and ethnic Albania representatives are to meet face-to-face
for the first time in New York on the sidelines of the UN General
Assembly on Sept. 28.

Russia’s foreign minister warned the West Tuesday against rushing
a decision on Kosovo’s independence, saying that there must be no
artificial deadlines for the province’s Albanians and the Serbs to
reach a solution.

Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed that the Kosovo issue remains a "red line"
for Moscow and he rejected the Dec. 10 deadline, the Associated
Press reports.

Kosovo remains formally part of Serbia, but the province has been run
by the United Nations and NATO since 1999, when NATO bombed Serbia
to stop a military campaign against ethnic Albanian separatists.

Ethnic Albanians, who make up 90 percent of Kosovo’s 2 million people,
insist on independence. But Serbia, backed by Russia, refuses to let
go of its historical heartland.

Kosovo talks have been held for 15 months already. In February UN
Special Envoy for Kosovo Martti Ahtisaari developed a plan providing
for Kosovo’s independence under international control. Basing on
Ahtisaari’s plan, the U.S., France UK prepared a draft resolution
submitted to the UN Security Council. However, Russia blocked the
draft rating it as inadmissible.

LYRICS FOR ARMENIAN JESC ENTRY REVEALED

oikotimes.com
18 September 2007
Greece

The Armenian broadcaster AMPTV has revealed the lyrics for the
country’s first ever song in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest,
which will be held in Rotterdam this December. The song, "A Dream",
will be performed by Arevik. We have been given the lyrics in Armenian
(Latin Script), English, and French:

Armenian: "Erazanq" (erazhshtutyun: Marianna Javakhyan, khosq:
Sargis Mzikyan)

Mets erknqum paylogh astgher Dzez khndrum em indz hima tareq verev,
Vor erknqic nayem nerqev, Im paylov varem ayntegh siro luyser.

Im lav sirun, poqrik lusin, Qez khndrum em yes indz dir qo usin,
Togh erkusov paylenk u shoghank, vor Bolorin tva, te ka erku lusin.

Erazanqneri bariperi, qez khndrum enq Mer eraze var du katarir,
U manuknerin anhog, bari Anhamar erger, urakh orer du pargevir.

U manuknerin, u manuknerin du anhog orer pargevir.

Togh vor tanenq mez het aysor Voghj astghere, vor tvum en heru,
bayc mot.

Ajd zhamanak ardenmenq el dzez pes Kpaylenq u kshoghanq arevi pes.

Hey-hey, sirun lusin, bark arev anmar, Mez hamar garunner bereq luse,
Nor erger u ser.

English translation: "A DREAM" (music by Marianna Javakhyan, lyrics
by Sargis Mzikyan) Stars, shining above in a big sky Please take me
up with you For I need to look at the Earth And burn the lights of
love with my glow.

My dear beautiful and small Moon, I ask you to carry me on your
shoulder.

Let us shine and glow Like there are two moons in the sky.

Dear Fairy of our dreams We ask you to make our bright dreams come
true and Please favor with innumerable songs and joyful days All
light-hearted and kind children, And favor all kids with joyful days

Let us take with us today All the stars that seem so far, but they
are close.

We will shine and glow then Like everyone, like the Sun.

Hey-hey, beautiful Moon and Bright Shining Sun, Please bring us
sunny springs,

New songs and love.

French version:

Les etoiles, brillant ci-dessus dans un grand ciel Prenez-moi s’il
vous plaît avec vous Car je dois regarder la Terre Et brûlez les
lumières d’amour avec mon eclairage Ma chère belle et petite Lune,
Je vous demande de me porter sur votre epaule.

Permettez-nous de briller et eclairerComme si il y a deux lunes dans
le ciel.

Chère Fee de nos reves Nous demandons que vous realisiez nos reves
brillants et Comblez avec des chansons innombrables et des jours
joyeuxa tous les enfants aimables et gentils, Et offrez des jours
joyeux a tous les gamins

Laissez-nous de prendre avec nous aujourd’hui Toutes les etoiles qui
semblent si loin, mais ils sont proches.

Et alors nous serons comme vous Nous brillerons et eclairerons comme
le Soleil.

He he, la belle Lune et le Soleil bien Brillant, Apportez-nous des
printemps ensoleilles, Nouvelles chansons et amour.

Inkeeping with Junior Eurovision rules, the song must be performed
in the national language, so it’ll be the first time an entire song
is sung in Armenian on any Eurovision stage.

–Boundary_(ID_KcHvmIjIv2mGO6VahJG8gg)–

GALAJYAN IS STILL IN RESUSCITATION DEPARTMENT

A1+
[02:36 pm] 17 September, 2007

The Editor of "Iskakan Iravunk" (Real Right) newspaper Hovhannes
Galajyan is still at the resuscitation department of St. Grigor
Lusavorich hospital.

Besides concussion of the brain and blows on the head, Galajyan has
got other injuries.

He informed a reporter that a few hours before the assault a Manuk
had rang him up and introduced as an "Azg" correspondent. He wanted
to arrange a meeting with Galajyan.

"I invited him to the editorial office. At a quarter to 7 he phoned
me and said he hadn’t found the office.

I suggested meeting near the Football Federation at 7 p.m. While I
was descending the stairs a fellow in a cap kicked me on the head. I
attacked him immediately and threw him on the floor."

I had nearly taken the stick when I felt severe blows on my head and
body. On turning around I saw another fellow with a stick," Hovhannes
Galajyan told A1+.

With numerous injuries Galajyan went to the editorial office and
telephoned Hayk Babukhanyan. It is noteworthy that Hovhannes Galajyan
connects the assaults with Hrant Khachatryan, the former chairman of
the Constitutional Right Union (SIM).

We deal with facts rather than with suppositions. Two attempts have
been made on Galajyan within a year.

Every day he has been subjected to a psychological attack, insulted
and humiliated, editor -in-chief of "Iskakan Iravunk" Hayk Babukhanyan
informed A1+.

SIM Chairman Hrant Khachatryan condemned the attack and called on
the authorities to reveal the real criminals.

"The accusation is a mere slander and Galajyan believes Babukhanyan’s
words. We initiated our own investigation as we are also interested
in the revelation," he said.

"Babukhanyan seizes the opportunity to associate the assault with
the SIM activity."

Galajyan’s mobile phone is confiscated.

The investigation is underway.

17.09.2007
Turkish Press Review

Source: berno=122252

FATMA DISLI

Controversial video gives Turkey goose bumps

The broadcast of the video for a song whose lyrics praise the killer
and masterminds of the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant
Dink — who was shot dead earlier this year by ultra-nationalists for
allegedly insulting Turkishness — is sending shockwaves across
Turkey. The most terrifying thing about the incident was that the
singer, Ýsmail Türüt, who is from the Black Sea region that Dink’s
killer also comes from, said he was very happy to sing such a song.
Actually this is not the first incident showing Dink’s killers being
hailed as heroes, as some police officers posed for souvenir photos
with Dink’s alleged killer immediately after his arrest at the police
office, which caused much controversy and mirrored the disturbed
mentality reigning in some parts of Turkey.

"Is this Darfur?" asks Sabah columnist Ergun Babahan, who laments the
racist mentality exhibited by some in Turkey that led to the
composition of such a song. Discussing ways to rid society of such an
attitude, he rules out the abolition of the notorious Article 301 of
the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) — which makes it a crime to insult
Turkishness and has caused the prosecution of many intellectuals
including Dink — or even a constitutional change as a solution. "No
matter if you write the most democratic constitution and modernize
your penal code, it is not easy to establish a democratic social
structure as long as the masses think and behave differently. Is it
possible to maintain a healthy social order as people who do not
refrain from praising an abhorrent murder, are still respected by some
circles of the society and as long as they continue to appear on
television screens and make programs? Change laws thousands of times,
but that will mean nothing as long as an understanding that regards it
as heroism to fight thought with weapons is not condemned," he
explains. Babahan defines the problem in Turkey as one of people’s
refusing to live alongside other identities and thoughts. "Anybody who
does not make an effort to achieve this harms the future of this
country. Because as long as such a defective mentality reigns in
Turkey, our differences will continue to be a source of enmity rather
than richness," he argues.

Another Sabah columnist, Erdal Þafak, complains about the deep silence
among people in Turkey in the face of incidents like the emergence of
such a video. He refers to similar events in the past which went
unnoticed, such as the threat made by the leader of a youth
organization in front of Agos daily, Dink’s paper, to kill Dink before
his murder; articles published after Dink’s murder saying "Turkey has
lost one of its enemies"; and Dink’s killer’s white cap becoming
popular in the wake of the release of the closed-circuit footage taken
within moments of the killing. This quiet, this deep silence reminds
one of the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch in the Middle Ages,
particularly "Ecce Homo," he notes. "The silence and indifference of
the public is depicted in those paintings while Jesus is being taken
to execution," he explains, as he laments a similar attitude among the
public about the Dink murder and the unfortunate events following it,
like the recent song case.

Vatan’s Güngör Mengi thinks differently from Þafak about the public’s
reaction to the controversial video, saying that the public’s reaction
was so huge that the video was ultimately removed from YouTube. What
concerns him most about the incident is the number of young people who
could be inspired by it. "Why does the order in Turkey not protect our
children? Why? Because our culture and laws do not force adults to act
responsibly," he asserts.

UNANIMOUS APPROACH NECESSARY FOR KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT IN PARLIAMENT, MP SAYS

ARKA
14 Sept 2007

EREVAN, September 14. /ARKA/. The political parties of the RA
Parliament should be unanimous concerning the Karabakh conflict
settlement, said Karen Karapetian, chairman of the parliamentary
fraction of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).

According to him, in the past, all the political parties made a joint
statement and were unanimous concerning the Karabakh conflict.

The RPA remains consecutive about the Karabakh conflict settlement
within the scope of those agreements, according to Karapetian.

"This is an exclusive issue, and all the political parties should be
unanimous concerning it," he said.

According to him, the RPA will try to negotiate with other political
parties. "The unanimous position will help us to meet various
challenges," Karapetian said.

Debates over the Karabakh conflict settlement are going on in
the RA Parliament. Particularly, Raffi Hovannisian, Leader of the
"Zharangutyun" Party submitted on September 28 the draft on "The
Recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" to the RA Parliament,
while the ARF Dashnaktsutyun plans to make a statement on Karabakh’s
inclusion into Armenia.

KEANE INSPIRED BY PORTERFIELD’S HEROICSSEP 13 2007
by Paul Gilder, The Journal

ic Newcastle.co.uk, UK

Thursday 13th September 2007

ROY Keane last night admitted that Ian Porterfield’s memorable
exploits in the 1973 FA Cup final would inspire him in his attempts
to end Sunderland’s long wait for more significant silverware.

Porterfield lost his fight against cancer on Tuesday evening, but
having scored the winning goal against Don Revie’s Leeds United
beneath Wembley’s twin towers 34 years ago, a prominent place in
Wearside folklore is assured.

As he paid tribute to a man he described as a ‘legend’, Keane insisted
that the popular Scot’s immense contribution to the club will never
be forgotten.

And the Black Cats boss will use the midfielder’s achievements to
set an example to Sunderland’s present players, with Keane last night
adamant that what Porterfield did in North London in 1973 should give
all at the club ‘a bit of hope’.

"It was a cup final that a lot of people remember because of the
shock," said the Irishman, who was still awaiting his second birthday
when Porterfield fired his Second Division side to a remarkable
triumph against esteemed opponents.

Story continues

ADVERTISEMENT

"People talk about the goal and the save (that Jim Montgomery made
from Peter Lorimer) and it will always be remembered.

"There are other cup finals that I don’t remember too much about. But,
like most people, I know about that one. It was an upset and that’s
the beauty of football, you don’t know what’s going to happen.

" Everyone thought that Leeds were going to walk it.

It gives us all a bit of hope."

Sunderland have not won major silverware since Porterfield guided
Bob Stokoe’s team to the result that few had forecast and although he
remains a relative newcomer to Wearside, Keane understands the esteem
in which a player who spent 10 years at Roker Park is still held.

The flags outside the Stadium of Light were flying at half-mast
yesterday and Stokoe’s statue was designated as a suitable place for
tributes to be paid.

"I was (already) aware of the 1973 cup final, but more so since I
came to Sunderland," said the Black Cats boss, whose players will pay
their respects prior to Saturday’s important Premier League fixture
against Reading. A man who, until three weeks ago was coaching the
Armenian national team, also played for and managed the Royals during
a colourful career that took him all over the world.

"It’s very sad news," added Keane. "The word ‘legend’ is over-used
in football, but having scored the goal he did, Ian Porterfield is
a Sunderland legend. He will always be remembered by the Sunderland
fans so it’s a very sad time for the club – 61 is no age."

Porterfield was diagnosed with colon cancer in February, but following
intensive treatment in Armenia, he continued to work. His final
contribution to football came last month when his little-fancied team
held Portugal during a memorable European Championship qualifier in
Yerevan. For that he will long be remembered in Armenia. For what he
did on May 5, 1973, he will always be remembered on Wearside.

Nine of Porterfield’s FA Cup-winning team-mates (Montgomery, Micky
Horswill, Bobby Kerr, Dick Malone, Ritchie Pitt, Ron Guthrie, Dennis
Tueart, Billy Hughes and David Young) will be at the Stadium of Light
this weekend. It promises to be an emotional occasion.

Players and supporters will celebrate Porterfield’s life with a moment
of applause before kick-off and Brian Moore’s famous commentary will
be played over the public address system. Players from both sides
will wear black armbands during the subsequent game.

RUSSIA’S REPRESENTATIVE MAY BE ELECTED PACE PRESIDENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.09.2007 13:32 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russian Federation Council’s international affairs
committee head Mikhail Margelov will be nominated for the post of
President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in
January 2008.

In January 2007 Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis did
not rule out that Mikhail Margelov may assume the office.

Thus, for the first time in history, Russia’s representative may be
elected PACE President.

"PACE has a special order of electing the President from deputy
groups in turn. European Democrats, the Assembly’s major group,
is on the waiting list for next year. I have the honor to head it,"
Mr Margelov said.

"I see PACE’s objective in promoting European values which by no
means infringe upon the originality of the Council of Europe member
countries. Europe highlights religious and cultural dialogue," he
added, RIA Novosti reports.

DIGNIFIED SALARY FOR PROFESSORS

Lragir, Armenia
10-09-2007 14:50:22

The monthly wage of professors at Yerevan State University has gone up
by 12 percent from September 1, stated the rector of YSU Aram Simonyan
in a seminar on September 8. "Last year the salary of professors went
up by 20-40 percent but it is still low. We want to raise the salary
of professors for them to live a dignified life," Aram Simonyan stated.

He said now the monthly wage of a professor at YSU is 120 thousand
drams, that of an associate professor is 93 thousand drams. "This is
little, and our goal is to raise the monthly wage up to 250 thousand
drams," said the rector of YSU whose salary is hardly 180 thousand
drams, the lowest among the rectors of the Armenian universities.