Author: Dabaghian Diana

Palestinian official on US assurances of Jerusalem election participation
Al-Jazeera TV, Doha
7 Dec 04
Chief Palestinian negotiator Dr Sa’ib Urayqat has said that the US
side has assured Palestinians that voting in occupied Jerusalem in
the presidential and legislative elections, which are scheduled to
be held on 9 January, would be subject to the same criteria adopted
in the 1996 elections.
[Begin recording]
[Urayqat] We have received assurances that the elections scheduled to
be held on 9 January would be subject to the same administrative and
security arrangements made in the 1996 elections. This means that the
Palestinian people residing in Jerusalem will participate in these
elections, just as they did in the 1996 elections, and will follow
the same guidelines they followed then.
[Al-Jazeera correspondent] Meaning five centres –
[Urayqat, interrupting] Five polling centres will be set up in five
post offices in Jerusalem. From what I remember, those offices
were located in the Salah-al-Din Road, Al-Armani [the Armenian]
neighbourhood, Shu’fat, Al-Tur and Bayt Haninah. The polling will
take place in five centres under international supervision, and the
Palestinian Central Elections Commission will supervise the entire
process.

Turquie : nouveau débat à droite
par ENGUÉRAND RENAULT
Les Echos, France
7 décembre 2004
A dix jours d’un sommet européen crucial, au cours duquel les
Vingt-Cinq doivent décider de l’ouverture des négociations d’adhésion
de la Turquie à l’Union, partisans et opposants d’Ankara se mobilisent,
en demandant tous la reconnaissance rapide du génocide arménien de
1915. Après Patrick Devedjian, dimanche, c’est François Bayrou qui
réclame aujourd’hui, dans le mensuel « Nouvelles d’Arménie Magazine »,
qu’Ankara reconnaisse le génocide.
« Il n’est même pas concevable qu’il y ait un partenariat privilégié
avec la Turquie sans cette reconnaissance publique et claire », pointe
le président de l’UDF, qui milite contre l’entrée de la Turquie dans
l’Union. Dans le même mensuel, Pierre Lellouche, qui, contrairement
à son propre parti, l’UMP, est, favorable à cette adhésion, déclare
que « si la diaspora faisait de cette reconnaissance un préalable
à toute adhésion ou rapprochement avec la Turquie, elle commettrait
une erreur ». « Il ne faut pas en faire un préalable, mais l’une des
conditions du processus », estime-t-il.
–Boundary_(ID_4GDnXwI1eoELRE7V1ZgTNw)–

“EURASIA” FOUNDATION IMPLEMENTS PROGRAMS OF 20 MLN DOLLARS IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, December 6 (Noyan Tapan). 70 grant programs of a total
of 1.5 mln dollars were completed in Armenia due to the financing
of the “Eurasia” Foundation last year. According to Ara Nazinian,
Director of the Fund’s Yerevan Office, 2/3 of the programs fell on the
share of organizations operating in the regions of the republic. The
financing of 25 new programs of 600,000 dollars were approved, four
program contests were held: “Business Interests Protection”, “Stable
Development of Communal Organizations”, “Regional Business Development”
and “Strengthening of Press Spread System”. V. Nazinian noticed that it
is expected that the funds for the improvement of the sphere of small
and medium enterprises, the establishment of the local self-government
bodies, the introduction of informational communication technologies in
the higher education system will be allocated in 2005. The “Eurasia”
Foundation has unfolded the activities in Armenia since 1995. The
Foundation gave 600 grants to public organizations during the recent
years. Total investments volume made about 20 mln dollars. Most of
them the Foundation received from USAID. The Armenian Diaspora, the
“Lincy” Foundation, Cafesjian and Izmirlian Foundations, the Open
Society Institute and other organizations also supported the fund.

Nuclear and radiation safety Armenia’s state priority
By Tigran Liloyan
ITAR-TASS News Agency
December 6, 2004 Monday 1:42 PM Eastern Time
YEREVAN, December 6 — The nuclear and radiation safety is now among
Armenia’s state priorities. This is defined by amendments to the
republic’s law On Safe Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy that was passed
by Armenian parliament and was signed by President Robert Kocharyan
on Monday, Tass learned from the Armenian president’s press service.
The Armenian legislation is amended to bring it in accordance with
the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Under the law, only the republic’s citizens can assume the posts that
entail responsibility for the safe functioning of nuclear facilities.
The law requires the tightening of control over nuclear materials and
protection of nuclear power plants. The law on insolvency (bankruptcy)
does not apply to the Armenian nuclear power plant.
The nuclear power plant that went into operation in 1979 was shut
down in 1989, several months after the devastative earthquake. The
plant was reactivated with the participation of Russian specialists
in 1996, and industrial operation of the second reactor was resumed.
Electricity generated by the nuclear power plant now accounts for 38
percent of Armenia’s energy balance. The European Union demands that
Armenia shut down the plant. The Armenian authorities believe this
could be possible only if there were alternative sources of energy.
>>From last year, the management of the financial and economic activity
of the nuclear power plant went to InterRAO UES, the subsidiary of
RAO UES, the Unified Energy Systems of Russia.

Philippine Star, Philippines
Dec 6 2004
Fahsan plans secret for Manny
By Joaquin Henson

Fahsan 3-K Battery has a secret strategy that he will unravel to
surprise consensus world featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao in
their scheduled 12-round International Boxing Federation (IBF) title
eliminator in an open-air field at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City,
Taguig, this Saturday.
Both Fahsan and his manager Ekarat (Jimmy) Chaichotchueng are
tight-lipped about the plan which, they guarantee, will pull the rug
from under Pacquiao. All they’re saying is whatever the odds,
Pacquiao isn’t sure to win.
No doubt, Fahsan is a dangerous opponent. Pacquiao must dispose of
the Thai contender to keep his Feb. 26 appointment with IBF and World
Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight titlist Juan Manuel Marquez in
Las Vegas.
New Jersey promoter Murad Muhammad envisions at least a P200 Million
windfall for Pacquiao next year as he’s lined up Marquez, Erik
Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera in a series of HBO fights that will
make the General Santos City southpaw the wealthiest Filipino athlete
ever.
But before the cash register starts ringing, there’s Fahsan to take
care of.
Fahsan is guaranteed $25,000 for the fight against Pacquiao. If he
defies the odds, the Thai stands to earn a fortune in his next bout
so he’s expected to let it all hang out in his chance of a lifetime.
Fahsan, 30, has the credentials to make life difficult for Pacquiao.
First, he’s a southpaw, meaning Pacquiao has no advantage being a
lefthander, too. Second, he’s a tough nut to crack-the fact that
Fahsan has never been knocked out is proof of his durability. Third,
he claims to be immune to Filipinos. Fahsan has never lost to a
Filipino and his list of victims includes at least 20. Fourth, he is
more experienced than Pacquiao. Fahsan turned pro three years before
Pacquiao and has logged 10 more fights, not counting his experience
as a Muay Thai kickboxer. And finally, he has the edge in the element
of surprise. There is little known about Fahsan unlike Pacquiao whose
fights have been shown all over the world on TV.
Whatever is Fahsan’s secret, he will not reveal it until the bell
rings on Saturday.
Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who flew in from Los Angeles two
weeks ago, isn’t taking Fahsan lightly.
“This guy is getting an opportunity of a lifetime,” says Roach. “He’s
fighting the best featherweight in the world. He’ll give 100 percent
in this fight. He wants to be on a pedestal like Manny. If he beats
Manny, it’ll be an unbelievable future for him. Fahsan will bring his
A-game into the ring. But he’ll be fighting over his head. We want to
get this guy out of the way so we can think of the other fights
coming up.”
Roach expects the Thai to keep away from Pacquiao in the early going
because the Filipino is supposed to be deadliest in the first few
rounds. But Roach says Pacquiao is ready for the tactic.
“Fahsan has no tendency to run,” explains Roach. “When fighters start
exchanging punches, they get back to what they’re used to. Fahsan is
no exception. Once Manny moves in, it’ll be a war and Fahsan won’t
survive Manny’s speed and power.”
Roach says Pacquiao has his own surprise for Fahsan-a killer right.
While Pacquiao is known for his lethal left, he has been working on
his right to become more unpredictable in the ring. Roach confides
that the plan is to put Fahsan to sleep with a right hook or cross.
Muhammad predicts Pacquiao will win “in style” but he’s not counting
his chickens before they’re hatched. He says Pacquiao must stay in
focus to beat Fahsan convincingly.
Last May, Fahsan faced Art Simonyan of Armenia in a 12-round IBF
title eliminator in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. It was his first
fight outside of Thailand.
Chaichotcheung claims Fahsan had not enough time to prepare for
Simonyan and experienced difficulty in adjusting to US conditions.
Simonyan carved out a unanimous decision.
What was evident in the fight was Simonyan used his jab to dominate
Fahsan who never got his offense untracked. Simonyan was conscious of
Fahsan’s ability to slug so he kept the Thai safely stuck on the
outside. Pacquiao won’t fight Fahsan like Simonyan because he’d
rather mix it up toe-to-toe.
Boxing News writer Jim Brady, reporting on the Fahsan-Simonyan bout,
said the Thai fought from a “tight southpaw stance (with) chin
tucked.” He described Fahsan as “a veteran of Muay Thai fighting (who
is) used to getting whacked with bamboo poles and training on ground
glass.”
With 40 seconds to go in the ninth round, Fahsan landed a left cross
to Simonyan’s body then unleashed a “wicked” left counter that shook
up the Armenian. The attack, however, wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Chaichotcheung says Fahsan is a fighter, not a boxer, and that’s why
he has problems facing stylists like Simonyan. That won’t be a
problem against Pacquiao because the Filipino shows up to slug not to
run in a fight.
Fahsan is ranked No. 6 featherweight by the IBF and Pacquiao, No. 3.
The winner faces Marquez in February.
Muhammad says IBF No. 1 contender Rocky Juarez may be squeezed in
Pacquiao’s calendar if Barrera delays their rematch until late next
year. After Marquez, Pacquiao hopes to fight Morales in July. If
Barrera plays hard to get, Pacquiao could meet Juarez in September
before taking on the Baby-Faced Assassin in November or December.
Barrera appears to be avoiding Pacquiao but Muhammad says the rematch
is inevitable because HBO and the fans demand it.
Fahsan, Chaichotcheung and knockout artist Chaiyong Distar arrive
here today from Bangkok. Chaiyong, who has registered 11 knockouts in
12 wins, will meet Cebu sensation Z Gorres in Saturday’s undercard.

PRESS RELEASE
UN Department of Public Information, Yerevan Office
14 K.Liebknekht, Yerevan 375010, Armenia
Tel.: (374 1) 560 212
Fax/Tel.: (374 1) 561 406
November 30, 2004
HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC IN THE WORLD AND REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
As of December 2004 there are about 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS
in the world, the majority of whom – 25.4 million – are from the countries
of Sub-Saharan Africa. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the
countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Armenia and other
countries of the former Soviet Union, has reached 1.4 million.
About 4.9 million people have become HIV infected in the year of 2004,
whereof 210 thousand are from our region, which tenfold exceeds the number
of new cases registered in Eastern Europe and about fivefold – the number of
new cases registered in Northern America. Our region experiences the fastest
growing epidemic in the world. More than 20 million AIDS patients have died
since the beginning of the epidemic, whereof 3,1 million have died in the
year of 2004. The proportion of children and women among new HIV cases are
growing. As of December 2004 there are 2.2 million children and 17.6 million
women living with HIV/AIDS in the world. 640 thousand children have become
infected with HIV in 2004. The same year 510 thousand children have died of
AIDS-related illnesses in the world.
According to National AIDS Center, in Armenia registration of cases of human
immunodeficiency virus infection has started since 1988:
1988 – registration of the first HIV carrier infected through
heterosexual practice;
1988 – registration of the first AIDS patient;
1989 – registration of the first death from AIDS;
1990 – registration of the first case of HIV infection in injecting
drug users;
1996 – registration of the first HIV carrier woman;
2000 – registration of the first case of HIV transmission through
homosexual practice;
2001 – registration of the first case of HIV-infection and AIDS
among children;
2001 – registration of the first case of child death from AIDS;
2002 – HIV prevalence among IDUs is in the range of 15%;
2004 – 13 cases of HIV infection have been registered among women,
which exceeds the number of cases of HIV infection registered among women in
any of the previous years;
2004 – the number of HIV and AIDS cases as well as number of cases
of death of patients with HIV/AIDS registered this year is the highest.
>From 1988 to December 1, 2004, 304 HIV carriers were registered in the
Republic of Armenia, 288 of them are citizens of the Republic of Armenia.
The trend towards increasing the number of HIV infection cases has been
observed in the country. The number of HIV infection cases registered here
in the last 4 years in the Republic of Armenia constitutes 50% of all the
cases registered in the previous years. It is worth mentioning that already
53 cases of HIV infection have been registered this year, which exceeds the
number of HIV infection cases registered in any of the previous years. Men
constitute a prevailing part in the total number of HIV carriers 224 cases
(77.8%), women represent 64 cases (22.2%). 288 reported cases include 4
cases of HIV infection among children (1.4%). Like the entire world, Armenia
also has the tendency in the growth of number of infected women. In 2004, 13
cases of HIV-infected women were registered, which is unprecedented for the
statistics of the country. The majority of the HIV carriers (77.4%) belongs
to the age group of 20-39.
The main modes of transmission driving the epidemic in the Republic of
Armenia are transmission through injecting drug usage (53.2%) and
transmission through heterosexual practices (38.5%). Besides, cases of
mother-to-child HIV transmission as well as HIV transmission through blood
and homosexual contacts have also been registered in our country.
Sixty HIV-infected individuals are diagnosed with AIDS (whereof 7 are women
and 1 is a child), whereof 30 diagnoses have been made during the last two
years. From the beginning of the epidemic 45 cases of death (the cases
include 7 women and 1 child), from HIV/AIDS have been registered. More than
one third of these cases have been registered during the last two years. The
number of cases of HIV infection (53), AIDS (17) and death from AIDS-related
illnesses (11) registered in 2004 is the highest in comparison with the
number of the cases registered in any of the previous years.
The maximum number of HIV carriers was reported in Yerevan: 143 cases, which
constitute 49.7% of all the registered cases. Lori Marz is at second place –
23 cases, which constitute 8% of all the registered cases.
However, HIV/AIDS situation assessment has shown that the estimated number
of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Republic is about 2800-3000.
************************************
Armine Halajyan
Information Assistant
UN Department of Public Information
Yerevan Office (Armenia)

GEORGIAN GOVERNMENT INCLUDES RECOVERY OF TBILISI-JAVAKHK HIGHWAY IN
MILLENNIUM PROGRAM
TBILISI, NOVEMBER 30. ARMINFO. The Georgian Government has included
the recovery of the Tbilisi-Manglisi-Tsalka-Ninotsminda-Kartsakhi
highway in the Millennium program, says the chairman of Georgia’s
roadway department Roman Dallakishvili.
The project is to be launched in several months as soon as the
feasibility report is drafted. This project is very important for
mostly Armenia Javakheti region and consequently or Armenia, says
Dallakishvili. Additional talks are being held for restoring the 23 km
Ninotsminda-Armenian border road this project requiring $6 mln. The
total project will cost $105 mln. In fact the way from Akhalkalaki to
Tbilisi will be reduced by 90 km which will make it easier and cheaper
for the local population to take their argicultural produce to the
capital.

PRESS RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
November 30, 2004
____________________
FAR FELLOWS SERVE AS PIONEERING PROFESSIONALS:
The Legacy of the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Medical Fellowship Program
Volunteerism in Armenia?
Whoever says Armenians in Armenia do not have the mindset to volunteer
and help their brethren has not encountered the FAR Fellowship Alumni
Association (FAR FAA).
The most recent example of FAR FAA’s volunteerism is the October 10-13,
2004 follow-up medical mission to Karabagh, led by Dr. Gevorg Yaghjyan,
a plastic reconstructive surgeon from Yerevan. In August, the team of
doctors examined more than 60 patients to select candidates for surgery
and provide medical care to young and old alike. During the October
mission, four surgeons performed 10 operations at the Shushi Hospital
and the Stepanakert Republican Hospital. Not only were services free,
the doctors also brought their own medical supplies for the mission.
In addition to performing the surgeries, Dr. Hovsep Shamakhyan, a burn
surgeon and Head of the Department of Combustiology in Yerevan,
conducted six lectures on burns treatment, infusion therapy, first aid
during burns, and post-burn rehabilitation. Dr. Yaghjyan also presented
a lecture on the use of flaps for the treatment of burn defects.
Participants attending the FAR FAA seminars, promoted by Karabagh’s
Ministry of Health, included doctors and staff from regional hospitals.
Legacy of FAR’s Medical Fellowship Program
In 2000, close to 80 Armenian physicians formed FAR FAA, a nonprofit
organization composed of the leading healthcare professionals in Armenia
who selflessly work to improve the healthcare system, advance the
medical sciences in Armenia, and provide free medical care for orphans
and indigents. The alumni association is a testament to the giving,
caring spirit of all Armenians.
FAR FAA’s founding members are the participants in FAR’s Medical
Fellowship Program. Between 1990 and 1998, these Armenian doctors
received three months training in (a) medical training – learning the
latest western medical techniques and specialties, or (b) health care
management – learning the modern concepts of organization, support,
finance and administration of hospitals at the University of California
Los Angeles, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Cornell University
Medical Center, and the University of Michigan Medical Center under the
patronage of FAR.
Dr. Edgar M. Housepian, Vice Chairman of the FAR Board of Directors and
Chairman of FAR’s Medical Committee, directed the FAR Fellowship
Program. “I am extremely pleased with this group of young men and
women. They are taking what they saw and the lessons they learned here
in the U.S. and applying them in Armenia. They are proud to be Armenian
and helping the Armenian people,” said Dr. Housepian. “It reflects well
on FAR too, that, years later, our program has evolved independently and
is resulting in good works and volunteerism in Armenia.” Dr. Housepian
continues to maintain regular contact with the Fellows, three of whom
have served as Armenia’s Minister of Health.
FAR FAA’s Accomplishments
In less than four years, FAR FAA has established the Armenian Diabetes
Association, an epilepsy clinic, a neurological center, and cancer
clinics. It has promoted the specialization of neuromuscular disease,
provided support for laparoscopic surgery, and authored articles and
books on medical practices and discoveries.
FAR FAA has hosted or co-sponsored several health seminars, conferences,
symposiums and training programs in Armenia and partnered with other
professional associations and international and charitable foundations.
Last year, with a successful grant proposal, it launched the Salzburg
Medical Seminars, a joint venture with the Austrian American Foundation
and the Open Society Institute, a part of the Soros Foundation network,
to help the next generation of Armenia’s doctors gain access to
fellowship opportunities and participate in international professional
organizations.
Today, FAR FAA membership has expanded to include other motivated
doctors in Armenia who did not partake in the FAR Medical Fellowship
Program but care about the welfare of their communities and country.
For more information about FAR FAA, please visit its websites:
medlib.am/welcome.html and
About FAR
FAR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in New York,
with offices in Yerevan, Gyumri, and Stepanakert. For 15 years, FAR has
implemented various relief, development, social, educational, and
cultural projects valued at more than $250 million. It is the
preeminent relief and development organization operating there.
For more information on FAR and our medical and health projects, contact
us at 630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150,
fax (212) 889-4849; , [email protected].
— 11/30/04
E-mail photos available upon request.
CAPTION1: FAR FAA members Dr. Gevorg Yaghjyan, Dr. Hovsep Shamakhyan,
Dr. Mushegh Israelyan, and Dr. David Barseghyan traveled to Shushi and
Stepanakert on a medical mission. Here, they are preparing the
operating room, checking the integrity of equipment and collecting sets
of instruments for the surgeries.
CAPTION2: Dr. Shamakhyan conducted six one-hour lectures in the
auditorium of the Stepanakert Maternity House on topics such as burns
treatment, infusion therapy, first aid during burns, and post-burn
rehabilitation. Dr. Yaghjyan also presented a lecture on the use of
flaps for the treatment of burn defects.
CAPTION3: Two surgeons taking a break between surgeries on the FAR FAA
medical mission to Karabagh.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WHAT BOOKS ARE PUBLISHED BY STATE SUPPORT?
Azg/arm
01 Dec 04
Numerous books are published in Armenia daily. Part of them is printed
by state support. Gurgen Poghosian, deputy head of Publishing agency,
described the mechanism of printing a book by state support in the
following way: “In the beginning an announcement is given in the
newspapers and the authors bring the originals of their pieces to the
agency. The agency submits the list of the books to the Literature
Committee at RA Culture Ministry for consideration”.
“The abovementioned committee selects the books that are to be
published by the state support, taking into account the value and the
volume of the piece, the price of the books and other criteria,”
Mr. Poghosian emphasized. The list of the selected books is approved
by the government’s special decree. Mr. Poghosian gave general
information on the published books. According to these data, in 2003
150 books with the circulation of 122.600 copies were published by
state support. There were 63 books for children (66500 copies, 40
million AMD), 3 books on encyclopedic literature (2500 copies, 28
million AMD), 15 books on scientific-popular literature (10500 copies,
22,6 million AMD). In fact, 105,6 million AMD were spent on book
publishing in 2003.
In 2004 the following books were published. 165 books with the
circulation of 72,950 copies in total within the framework of 97,5
million AMD and additional 11 million AMD for anniversary
literature. There were 17 books for children (28.500 copies, 30
million AMD), 9 encyclopedic books (10.900 copies, 28 million AMD), 27
books on scientific popular literature (11.000 copies, 15 million
AMD), 58 books on other literature (22.500 copies, 24,5 million
AMD). In fact, the number of the books published this year increased
by 15% compared with 2003.
Mr. Poghosian gave the list of the books published this year. They
published the following books for children: Ghazaros Aghayan’s
“Aregakan”, short stories by Vazgen Sargsian, Narek Hovsepian’s “The
Brave Hunters”, Hovhannes Tumanian’ s “The Dog and the Cat.” The
agency released the following encyclopedic books: “The History of
Armenian Art,” by Hravard Hakobian, the catalogue ofRA National
Picture Gallery “The Sculpture at RA National Picture Gallery”. Among
the scientific-popular literature the book by Stepan Poghosian “The
History of the Armenian Cause and Armenian Genocide”, (third volume),
Azat Yeghiazarian’s “Essays of the XX Century Armenian Literature,” as
well as Silva Kapoutikian’s selected works, Perch Zeitountsiants’
“Nightmares” novel, Zory Balayan’s “Selection of Articles,” “Poems,
Prose, Articles, Speeches, Letters,” by Mark Shagal.
By Gohar Gevorgian

Armenian, Iranian officials to launch gas pipeline construction on 30
November
A1+ web site
28 Nov 04
26 November: The construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will start on
30 November. A delegation led by [Armenian Prime Minister] Andranik Markaryan
will leave for Syunik Region [southern Armenia] on 29 November to attend a
ceremony of launching the construction.
On the same day, the prime minister will attend the opening of the third
power supply line between Iran and Armenia.
An Iranian delegation led by Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf will arrive
in Syunik region as well. The energy ministers of the two countries will meet
in Yerevan on 1 December to discuss cooperation.