Author: Eduard Nalbandian

ANPP CLOSING POSSIBLE ONLY AFTER CREATION OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES
Pan Armenian
12.10.2005 19:57 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsessian
met in Washington with U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, RA
MFA press center reported. During the meeting Armen Movsessian highly
appreciated the U.S.
assistance to the Armenian energy field. When commenting on the closing
of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant A. Movsessian noted that it can
become possible only after creation of alternative energy sources. He
also noted that Armenia counts on the U.S.’s support as regards the
safety of the NPP.
The parties agreed on examining the possibilities of holding an
Armenian-American energy conference. Samuel Bodman showed interest
in the process of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. To note, Armenian
Ambassador to the U.S. Tatul Margarian was also present at the meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I STARTS HIS THIRD PONTIFICAL VISIT
C A N A D A
A HUGE CROWD OF BELIEVERS GREETS HIS HOLINESS IN MONTREAL
Antelias, Lebanon – His Holiness Aram I arrived, on his third Pontifical
visit, to Canada on September 22. The Pontiff ventured on the visit
responding to the invitation by the prelate of the Prelacy of Canada,
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian and officials from the diocese.
His Holiness was greeted at the “Trudo” airport in Montreal by Archbishop
Hagopian, Archbishop Souren Kataroian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, as
well as representatives form the diocese and the Armenian community of
Montreal.
His Holiness met with a large crowd of believers in the evening in the St.
Hagop Church in Montreal, seat of the Prelate of Canada, where a traditional
blessing of salt and water was held.
Prelate Archbishop Hagopian welcomed His Holiness in Canada and spoke about
the Pontiff’s achievements the during his 10-year tenure. The Archbishop
then invited Aram I to deliver his sermon to the believers.
His Holiness greeted the religious officials, community leaders and
representatives as well as the large number of believers who had come to
meet and welcome their religious leader. He spoke about unity within the
diocese of Canada and the entire Armenian nation.
“Cooperation is a basic imperative for our nation. As every other place,
here as well our nation’s children should gather around each other and live
their lives in collaboration,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness then considered the words of the Armenian poet “Towards the
source of light” the theme of his Pontifical visit to the three dioceses of
Northern America. He emphasized the importance of working together for a
bright future.
“This is the only path for our people. We follow this path in spite of our
differences,” said His Holiness.
Following the sermon, the believers approached His Holiness to kiss his
right hand. Then His Holiness visited the newly built Prelacy accompanied by
religious officials and representatives of the diocese.
The Pontiff’s visit to the three dioceses of Northern America falls in the
sphere of the ceremonies celebrating the 10th anniversary of His Holiness’
enthronement and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Seminary.
All the dioceses of the Catholicosate of Cilicia will mark these
anniversaries with special ceremonies.
##
View Pictures here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the dioceses of
the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Journal of Turkish Weekly
Sept 15 2005
X-Sender: Asbed Bedrossian
X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 — ListProcessor(tm) by CREN
Armenian Drafts in US Congress
Jan SOYKOK – Two drafts aiming at recognition of the Armenian
genocide allegation will be on the agenda of the US House of
Representatives on Thursday. American Turkish people launched a
message campaign over the draft expected to be presented to the
voting of the members after discussion in the International Relations
Committee.
Former National Security Adviser Ret. Gen. Brent Scowcroft called the
House Chair, Dennis Hastert, to “bring the drafts to the agenda.”
Scowcroft, also the chairman of the American Turkish Council, wrote a
letter to Hastert regarding that the drafts were against the interest
of the US as well, he warned that approval of the drafts would create
serious consequences.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian should response to the olive
branch offered by Turkish Prime Minster Recep Tayip Erdogan, said
Scowcroft, as he added that historians should find answers to such
issues. Such drafts encourage those who try to keep Turkey away from
the West, he added. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan had offered
to establish a common commission to discuss all historical disputes
between Turkish and Armenian peoples. However Armenians side strongly
rejected the offer. Erdogan had also invited the Armenian President
Kocharian to NATO’s Istanbul Summit. However the Armenian leader
again rejected to visit Turkey.
The House Chair, Hastert, has full authorization to bring the drafts
expected to be passed by International Relations Committee to the
general assembly.
Hastert previously prevented a similar draft from coming to the
agenda. However, the attitude that will be taken by the Bush
administration is also important at this point. The draft in question
is almost the same as the one presented five years ago.
With the intervention of the US President in term back then, Bill
Clinton, Hastert did not bring the draft to the general assembly at
the last moment.
Armenian lobby in the US argues that 1915 communal clashes and
Armenian killings should be recognized as genocide by the US, and
Turkey should be punished. Turkey has never accepted the accusations
although Turkey had not been established yet in 1915. Ankara argues
that there were communal clashes and war circumstances. More than
520.000 Turkish civilians were also massacred by the armed Armenian
groups during the First World War. About 5 million Muslim Ottoman
citizens were massacred in the Balkans, Caucasus and Anatolia during
the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
Dr. Nilgun Gulcan says the US Armenians just focus on their own
interests not on the Armenia’s national interests: `There are two
Armenian interests: One is the Diaspora’s, the other is Armenia’s
one. Both conflicts. The Diaspora tries to govern Armenia as well.
Armenia needs reconciliation. Armenia needs economic integration with
the region, including Turkey and Azerbaijan. However the Diaspora
needs conflicts and disputes. The Diaspora Armenian identity is fed
by the hostility against the Turkish people and Turkey. They created
their own history and now they believe it. The only obstacle before
the peace is the Diaspora Armenians I think’ Dr. Gulcan added
Dr. Sedat Laciner also says the Armenian lobby’s efforts are not
constructive: `If the Armenians undermine Turkish interests anywhere
how both sides could make a meaningful dialogue. By attacking Turkey
and Turkish people everywhere, the Armenian lobbies make dialogue
impossible. No one wants to speak with someone who attacks always.’
Laciner added.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BAKU-TBILISI-CEYHAN IS PROSPECT OF ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE TO ARMENIA
Pan Armenian News
06.09.2005 06:55
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “We are sure that Azerbaijan will not manage
to introduce military imbalance to the region,” Armenian FM
Vartan Oskanian stated at a joint news conference with OSCE
Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian FM Dimitrij Rupel. In his words,
if Azerbaijan hopes to increase its military potential by using
the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, this opinion is not true.
“There is no military solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” V.
Oskanian stated. In the Minister’s words, if it were possible to
decide the issue by force, it would have already been solved, as
Armenia has twice had military victories. At that he remarked that
the Armenian party considers Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan from the point of
view of prospects of establishment of peace, as foreign capital is
invested in the project and the decision to launch hostilities can
be made not only by Azerbaijan.

SVETLANA MANDARYAN’S EXHIBITION IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
National Assembly of RA (press release), Armenia
Sept 6 2005
On September 5 on the initiative of the Standing Committee on Science,
Education, Culture and Youth of NA was opened Svetlana Mandaryan’s
exhibition in the Green hall of NA on the occasion of the 15th
anniversary of the National Assembly.
Hranush Hakobyan, the Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on
Science, Education, Culture and Youth of NA, informed that only
some of the 40 works are presented, which have been drawn with
great inspiration. According to Mrs. Hakobyan, these pictures can
be considered blessed as they have been exhibited in Echmiadzin on
the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of adoption of Christianity
in Armenia as a state religion. Hranush Hakobyan assured that the
MPs will have the occasion to enjoy this exhibition. Mrs. Hakobyan
congratulated Svetlana Mandaryan for being so talented and wished
her new exhibitions.
Svetlana Mandaryan noted that the pictures reflect her individuality
and her space energy. They strengthen the ties between man and space.
Mrs. Mandaryan thanked Hranush Hakobyan for being given this
opportunity. According to the painter, these pictures will inspire
the staff of NA with positive energy.
Hranush Hakobyan informed that the pictures will be exhibited in the
NA till September 16.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RETAIL PRICES FOR PETROL IN ARMENIA GREW ON AVERAGE BY 11.8% FROM EARLY AUGUST
YEREVAN, AUGUST 29. ARMINFO. Retail prices for petrol and air-fuel
in Armenia grew on average by 11.8% and 10.1% respectively from the
beginning of August.
At the same time, Deputy director of “Flesh” oil-trade company
Mushegh Elchyan noted in an interview to ARMINFO that they not
expect any changes in prices till Sept 15. In his words, reserves
of warehoused petrol are being realized in the republic at present.
“Flesh” company may reserve the most quantity of petrol – 10 mln
liter. Further tendencies will depend on both world prices and new
purchases. It is difficult to do long-term forecasts when world
prices for oil have risen headily and have already made up to $70
per a barrel, he noted. Elchyan informed that a liter of “Regular”
costs 360 AMD, “Premium” – 380 AMD, and “Super” – 400 AMD at company’s
filling stations (320, 340 and 360 AMD respectively early in Aug).
Prices for air fuel also grew on average by 10.1% within Aug, which
has already brought to cost increase for air tickets. Air fuel cost
$728 per a ton early in Aug, $742 – in the middle of Aug, and $793 –
on Aug 29.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PUBLIC TELEVISION WILL HOLD PECULIAR AND SIGNIFICANT PLACE IN AZERBAIJAN
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV AT THE CEREMONY DEDICATED TO START OF FUNCTIONING OF THE PUBLIC TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTING COMPANY
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
[August 29, 2005, 22:03:29]
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
We are having a landmark day. The public television is being
established in Azerbaijan and today it begins functioning. To this
end, I congratulate all of you. Sure, the public television will hold
peculiar place in the Azerbaijan television space and deserve respect
of the onlookers.
Today I have acquainted with the facilities in TV, and its staff. I
can tell, the faculties are of high standard. The television is ready
to start.
We all know the history of establishment of the Public TV. I would
not take much time. I consider establishment of television current
year is of special importance. No secret that creation of Public
TV was one of the obligations Azerbaijan took before the Council of
Europe. We had to do it. At the same time, it was a necessity. The
Azerbaijan mass media, including tele-channels provide the people with
sufficient information. Nevertheless, there was need for independent
television in the country.
I have spoken on this several times and reiterate that in Azerbaijan,
there is great need for fully independent press, and media. Creation of
the Public TV is a great and important step in this direction. I hope
after a while truly independent media will be created in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan experiences transition period. Our country marches from
one social structure to another. In this case, perhaps, mass media
faces political pressures. Greater part of media is under influence
of political circles. I reiterate that probably it is natural. But
every phase has ending, and limits. I hope all-round development
of Azerbaijan, the ongoing political processes, the process of
democratization will bring new environment to our country.
Public life in Azerbaijan is enough rich. The happenings in Azerbaijan,
their analysis, the ongoing process in region, and the role and
place of Azerbaijan in these processes, of course, arouses great
interest. Perhaps, activity of the Public TV will be important in this
direction. And also I hope the television will cover the problems our
country is concerned with. The Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh
conflict, the problems we face, unemployment, poverty, combat against
corruption establishment process of legal and democratic state,
etc. are the questions majority of society is concerned with.
The press plays great role in protection of our country’s national
interests. We have been witnesses many times that in some cases certain
information of the Azerbaijan press echoes in region. We should be
sensitive and in this question. We should know that Azerbaijan lives
in war conditions. Both negative and positive processes in the country,
undoubtedly, are watched by the enemy and found serious reaction.
In my activity, I always support the press. And today I pursue this
policy. I count that he adopted decisions are evidences to that. And in
my future activity I shall try to assist the Azerbaijan mass media. I
am confident, mass media has great role in building of normal, legal,
democratic state and this becomes more and more important.
Azerbaijan is on the threshold of parliament elections and in some
cases they used to connect the creation of public television in this
phase just with the parliament elections. Perhaps, there is also this
factor. But the parliamentary elections will pass on November 6, and
now the television has a lot to do, and it has to go far. Of course,
activity of the television is of great importance in connection with
the elections. Sure, all the candidates for election will address
through public TV directly to their electors, and all of them will
have equal conditions.
I hope the public television will hold peculiar and significant place
in Azerbaijan. I once again would like to say that I look forward that
it will deserve respect of the audience and play its significant role
in future development of our country.
According to information I was provided, the specialists employed in
the public TV are professionals. I hope all these factors will promote
the public television to play important role in Azerbaijan TV space.
I wish success to the public TV. I wish health, happiness to its
personnel. I wish the press and television of Azerbaijan developed
and worthily served our people. Happy holiday. Thank you.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Asia Pulse
August 22, 2005 Monday
IRAN CABINET APPROVES PAYMENT OF US$10 MLN GRANT TO 7 COUNTRIES
TEHRAN
Iran’s Cabinet on Sunday approved payment of a US$10 million grant to
seven states upon a proposal of the Foreign Ministry.
According to Public Relations Department of Ministry of Economy and
Finance, the grant will be provided from development credit fund.
Based on the cabinet’s approval, Iran will grant US$2.5 million to
Tajikistan, US$2 million to Iraq, US $1.5 million to Niger, US$1.5
million to Guinea, US$1.5 million to Mali, US$0.5 million to Armenia
and US$0.5 million to Georgia.
The credit will be allocated to the states for completion of Anzab
tunnel in Tajikistan, Iraq’s reconstruction, renovation of gas
transfer pipeline to Georgia and implementation of development
projects in four other countries.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
A YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO BIKFAYA
Antelias, Lebanon – The youth department of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia organized a march-pilgrimage to Bikfaya on August 12 on the
occasion of St. Asdvadzadzine’s Day.
75 participants of different ages started the pilgrimage from the St.
Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias at 6:45. A police car
provided by the municipality of Bourj Hammoud, scouts from the HMEM
Jedeide branch and an ambulance provided by the Armenian Red Cross
of Lebanon accompanied the marchers.
The marchers attended the youth concert performed by Lebanese Armenian
musician Guy Manoukian in Bikfaya. The young pilgrims then visited
His Holiness Aram I, kissed his right hand and received his blessings.
The director of the youth department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia,
Fr Keghart Kusbekian accompanied the young pilgrims during their march.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
youth activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the
web page of the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ONLY 1/3 OF EUROPEANS APPROVE OF TURKEY’S ADMISSION INTO EU
BRUSSELS, JULY 19. ARMINFO. Only 35% of Europeans approve of Turkey’s
possible admission into the EU, says European Commission’s survey.
AP reports that according to Eurobarometre’s poll approving of
Bulgaria’s admission are 50%, of Romania’s 45% of Europeans.
More and more European are getting displeased with Europe’s further
enlargement with the greater part of skepticism falling on Germany and
France (only respective 33% and 32% approving of enlargement). 61% of
Europeans approve of the EU Constitution – 7% more than last autumn.-
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress