Author: Emil Lazarian

RULING COALITION AND OPPOSITION MEMBERS HAVE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF PRESENT ARMENIAN-US RELATIONS
ARMINFO News Agency
September 19, 2006 Tuesday
US-Armenian relations are at such a high level that Washington
has begun to give understanding to the inevitability of Armenia’s
deepening its cooperation with Iran, says the head of the Hay Dat
office and political issues of the ARFD Kiro Manoyan.
He says that Armenian-US relations are developing dynamically and
there are no negative tendencies therein. Manoyan points out the
importance of the Armenian lobby of the US. When after Sept 11 2001
Armenia was put into the though visa regime list, this problem was
solved within 48 hours. One more positive moment is the US annual
assistance to Nagorny Karabakh.
However, the leader of the Democratic Fatherland party Petros Makeyan
does not share Manoyan’s view. He says that the US supports and
develops relations only with the countries respecting democratic
rights and freedoms and Armenia is hardly one. The country’s
international image is plummeting and the de facto suspension of
the Millennium Challenge Program is a proof of worsening Armenian-US
relations. Makeyan says that Armenian-US relations are in crisis.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AL-JAZEERA AIRS PROGRAMMES ON SEPARATIST KARABAKH – AZERI TV
ANS TV, Baku, in Azeri
19 Sep 06
[Doha-based] Al-Jazeera TV channel has prepared a series of programmes
on the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the separatist regime
on occupied Azerbaijani territories. The TV channel has broadcast a
broad interview with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. The interview
touched on the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict, relations
between Armenia and the Arab world and other regional issues. An
Al-Jazeera correspondent also visited Nagornyy Karabakh and had an
interview with the head of the separatist regime, Arkadiy Gukasyan.
[Video showed Al-Jazeera studio, scenes of Karabakh, Kocharyan’s
library pictures]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EAFJD: ARMENIA SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT DIASPORA ISN’T IN DEBT TO ANYONE
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 13:37 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The programs for agriculture development proposed
at the Third Armenia-Diaspora Forum should be understandable for
Diaspora, which must be sure that the funds allocated will be properly
spent, said Hilda Tchoboian, the chairperson of the European Armenian
Federation (EAFJD), in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. In her words,
absolute trust should be achieved between Armenia and Diaspora. “This
is very important. Moreover, Armenia should understand that Diaspora
isn’t in debt to anyone and all we need is to work jointly. Armenian
entrepreneurs should invest in the development of their country,
especially in the rural areas. Otherwise, the Forum will not justify
the hopes of the initiators and Diaspora,” she said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA’S INDEPENDENCE DAY GREAT HOLIDAY FOR ARMENIAN PEOPLE’S FRIENDS
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 13:25 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The restoration of independence and modern state
building of a nation with centuries-old history accord with our joint
efforts targeted at strengthening peace, philanthropy and prosperity,
says the congratulatory address sent by President of the Association of
Russian-Armenian Friendship Victor Krivopuskov to PanARMENIAN.Net on
the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. “We
send our sincere greetings to the Armenian people and leadership
of the republic. History witnesses the ties of belief and creation
between the two peoples.
Following the precept of our ancestors we will be sure of great
achievements in the development of the Armenian-Russian relations,”
the message says in part.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE INDEPENDENCE DAY BELONGS TO THE VICTIMS
A1+
[04:24 pm] 20 September, 2006
“This is a political movement the aim of which is to clear the country
of garbage”, announced commander of group “Artsakh” Miqael Apresyan in
club “Pastark”. He also informed those present about the formation of
the “Armenian Volunteers Movement”. The authors of the initiative are
commanders who participated in the Karabakh war – Arkadi Karapetyan,
Manvel Eghiazaryan, Voskan Gyulumyan and others, who are concerned
about the fate of the country and especially about the settlement of
the Karabakh conflict.
“They are speaking about giving territories. They have forgotten
that we have given 12 thousand lives in order to liberate those
lands. During the war we never spoke about liberating them in order to
give them to Azeris later. How shall we look into the eyes of those
12 thousand soldiers? The Independence day belongs to those who are
not with us today”, commander of group “Artsakh” did not even try to
suppress his anger.
The commanders were also angry with the speeches delivered during the
third conference “Armenia-Diaspora” which do not correspond to reality.
“Look at their plump faces talking about the reduction of poverty! The
Prime Minister announces that the poorest regions are the villages. How
come the peasants working from morning till night and they are still
the poorest? ”
According to Mr. Apresyan, part of the liberated lands is not populated
because of the indifference of the authorities, “They speak about
giving lands so often that the population of Qelbajar thinks about
leaving those territories. The same situation is present is Lachin”. He
is convinced that if conditions are created, Armenians who came to
Armenia from Lebanon and Syria will be glad to go and live there.
The members of the movement were concerned about the fate of the
Armenians in Lebanon. “There are 120 thousand Armenians in Lebanon. The
realization of a peace-keeping mission in Lebanon is extremely urgent.
Turkey has already sent 100 thousand soldiers to Lebanon who will be
allocated in the Armenian districts. This means we are facing a new
danger”, Miqael Apresyan said.
By the way, the members of the “Armenian Volunteers Movement” announced
that they will not participate in the coming elections. They have
not decided whom they will support either.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ONLY ONE MEDAL
A1+
[01:25 pm] 20 September, 2006
The European chess youth championship finished in Montenegro. Of all
the 17 representatives of Armenia only 17-year-old Zaven Andreasyan
won a medal. He took the second place with 6.5 points in the age
group 16-18.
Avetiq Grigoryan took the 8th place in the same group with 6
points. Samvel Ter-Sahakyan took the 6th place with 6.5 points in
the age group 12-14.
As for the girls, the best result was shown by 10-year-old Susanna
Gaboyan. She took the 7th place with 6.5 points.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIANS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE 2008 DIVERSITY VISA LOTTERY PROGRAM
A1+
[02:51 pm] 20 September, 2006
Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the two-month registration
period
Washington — Registration for the United States’ 2008 Diversity
Visa Lottery program (DV-2008) will be held October 4 to December 3,
the State Department announced September 19.
Applicants whose names are selected randomly will be eligible to
apply for one of 50,000 permanent resident visas made available
annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to
the United States.
The 2008 lottery will mark the fourth year in which the registration
process has been conducted entirely via the Internet. Persons
seeking to enter the lottery program must register online through
the designated Web site (), and digital photos
must be submitted with the registration form. Paper entries will not
be accepted, according to the DV-2008 instructions.
Natives of the some countries are not eligible to apply because
those nations sent a total of more than 50,000 immigrants to the
United States over the previous five years: Brazil, Canada, China
(mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti,
India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Peru, Poland,
Russia, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its
dependent territories, and Vietnam. Persons born in Hong Kong SAR,
Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible.
Registration is free. The State Department will notify winning entrants
for the 2008 lottery by mail between May 2007 and July 2007.

PRESS RELEASE
Shushi Music School Society
6000 Topeka Dr.
Tarzana, CA 91356
Contact: Hrayr Khanjian
Tel: (818) 577-8480
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
September 19, 2006
Shushi Music School Society’s Third Annual Summer Camp a Success
The Shushi Music School Society was established in 1994. Its Mission
is to support the Daniel Ghazaryan School located in Shushi, in
the heart of Nagorno-Karabagh. This institution, with a current
student enrollment of 100, provides superior academic and music
instruction. The Society’s goal is to prepare the future intellectuals
and leaders of Shushi, once a vibrant cultural center of Artsakh.
With years of arduous work, and after surmounting many obstacles,
the Society was able to completely renovate the main building of the
school, where all the academic and music instruction takes place,
and construct a basketball court, a soccer field, a playground, a
concert hall, a library, a computer laboratory and cafeteria. This
was accomplished thanks to the support of various individuals and
organizations in the Diaspora who believe in the importance of the
existence of such an institution in this war devastated area.
The first summer camp was held in 2004. It generated so much enthusiasm
among the children of Shushi and the volunteers from Los Angeles
who helped to organize it, that the Board of Directors of the Shushi
Music School Society decided to make it a yearly event.
Summer Camp 2006 was held from July 10 to 18. A total of 14 volunteers
from Los Angeles, some high school students and some college students,
led the various daily activities for the 80 camp participants.
For some, this marked their second trip to Shushi.
Once again, the travel expenses of many of the student volunteers
were subsidized by various individuals and businesses in Los Angeles.
Daily activities at the camp included the traditional clinics and games
in basketball, volleyball and soccer, classes in English language,
computers, arts and crafts, and dance.
This year, a nurse and a dentist from Los Angeles accompanied the group
of volunteers to provide health services to the children of Shushi.
Most camp attendees received eye vision screening tests. Some of the
children were taken to Stepanakert to have prescription glasses made,
thanks to the generosity of our volunteer nurse. Lice checks were
performed and instructions on how to prevent lice were provided to
the parents.
The children also received free dental care by our volunteer dentist
who was given the opportunity to use the only dental clinic in Shushi,
which is fully sponsored by the Armenian Canadian Medical Association
of Ontario (ACMAO). She also gave a presentation on the importance
of maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Moreover, each camp attendee received toothbrushes and educational
pamphlets on dental care.
The summer camp is truly a source of joy and entertainment for the
children of Shushi who are given the opportunity to participate in
well organized activities and to further their knowledge in specific
areas. It provides them with the much needed change from the challenges
they face daily due to the economic constraints of the region. It is
also an invaluable life-altering experience for the young volunteers
from Los Angeles who undoubtedly are impacted by the chance they are
given to help and make a difference.
Tro DerSarkissian, a senior student attending Crescenta Valley High
School, who also participated to summer camp ’05, thus describes
the Daniel Ghazaryan School and its surroundings: “You’re driving
through war-torn streets with broken down homes and main streets that
require off-road vehicles to pass through. You see several wide-open
manholes that young children play alongside of. You ask yourself a
second time why you actually came here. Then, from the bottom of the
street, a mystical tune waves through your ears and reminds you of
what you’re actually here for. The walls of Daniel Ghazaryan School
of Music resonate to the harmonious sounds of Shushi’s youth. That’s
what I’m here for.”
Sophomore UCLA student, Paleny Topjian, who gave instruction in
English and dance, gives the following description of her students:
“As young Armenians, interacting with the children inevitably stirs
up emotions in us. We see in them a thirst for knowledge, which
is unfortunately limited to them in so many ways. There is so much
talent hidden between the broken buildings and roads, that it fills
me with great joy to be able to provide an outlet for their creative
and intellectual abilities.”
Maral DerSarkissian, a sophomore student attending U.C. Berkeley,
and who also volunteered her time to this project last year, reflects
on her last day in Shushi: “I will never forget the tears a child
cried the night before we left for Yerevan. His tears ushered forth
our own tears and staggering aches in our hearts. Knowing that you
can affect a child that deeply is worth more than words can tell.
We found new brothers and sisters in Shushi, and left them with
promises of our return. More than that, though, I think we all left
a piece of our hearts in Shushi.”
For Terenig Topjian, a senior student enrolled at Cal State Northridge,
the summer camp experience was different from his many previous trips
to the Homeland. “My experience with this group was far different
in nature from my previous visits, which consisted of leisurely bus
rides to the routine tourist destinations. For about a week and a half
we interacted with the children of Shushi. We lived in the same war
torn city that these children grew up in.
We worked with them, played alongside them, and at the last day of the
camp we danced with them during the “khurakhjank.” Such an experience
brought us much closer to understanding what life is truly like for
most of our fellow Armenians, something that no tour organized by a
travel agency and that no amount of sightseeing or brief encounters
with locals could give. Every Armenian should give himself or herself
the opportunity to leave the more visitor friendly streets of Yerevan’s
“Gendron” and get involved in one of the many voluntary, hands on
programs dedicated to serving the vast array of needs of the people
of Armenia.”
On the final day of camp, the children and volunteers gathered in
the school’s Concert Hall. In her opening remarks, the school’s
principal, Mrs.
Gohar Mkrtchian, welcomed the guests and thanked the volunteers for
their time and effort. The spectators were then able to enjoy vocal
and dance performances, taught to the children during the week long
camp. In the second part of the program, the gifted students of the
Daniel Ghazaryan School demonstrated their outstanding skills in
music, by performing various traditional Armenian selections.
The Shushi Music School Society’s Board of Trustees would like to
thank all those individuals who have supported the organization’s
endeavors to date. For more information regarding the Society’s various
undertakings, including additional pictures about the summer camp,
or to make a tax-deductible donation for a specific project, you may
contact the Society by visiting its website at
or by writing to
Shushi Music School Society
6000 Topeka Dr.,
Tarzana, CA 91356.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LAST IN 2006 TRAIN FROM RUSSIAN BASE LEAVES GEORGIA FOR RF
ITAR-TASS
19.09.2006, 11.22
TBILISI, September 19 (Itar-Tass) — The last in 2006 train loaded
with military hardware and weapons from the Russian military base
deployed in Akhalkalaki left the Georgian district center of Tsalka
for Russia on Tuesday, a representative of the command of the Russian
military base in Akhalkalaki told Itar-Tass.
The train will bring to Russia three tanks, one field laboratory,
380 tonnes of ammunition and 11 anti-aircraft mounts ZU-23.
Under the agreements the local law enforcement agencies ensure security
of the trip in Georgia, and the local authorities – in Azerbaijan.
Representatives of the command of the Russian troops in the
Transcaucasia, law enforcement agencies in Georgia and Azerbaijan
took part in the farewell ceremony of the last train in 2006 from
the railway station of Tsalka.
The first train with military hardware and weapons from the Russian
military base in Akhalkalaki was dispatched to Russia on May 15. Army
convoys gradually delivered some military hardware and weapons from
the Russian base in Akhalkalaki to another Russian military base in
Gyumri, Armenia, from May 18 till August 17, 2006. “Military hardware
and weapons from the base in Akhalkalaki were withdrawn as scheduled
this year, the greater part of military hardware and weapons were
withdrawn,” a source in the Russian troops in the Transcaucasia said.
Wheeled vehicles and the remaining property should be withdrawn from
Akhalkalaki next year. The base will be closed by October 1, 2007. The
withdrawal of military hardware and weapons from the Russian military
base in Batumi will continue in 2007.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKIC WORLD GOING TO SOLVE CYPRUS AND KARABAKH PROBLEMS
PanARMENIAN.Net
19.09.2006 16:03 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Turkic world will further make steps aimed at
solution of the Cyprus and Nagorno Karabakh issues,” Turkish PM Recep
Tayyip Erdogan stated at the 10th Congress of Turkic-Speaking Countries
in Antalia. In his words, “up to today the Turkic world has done joint
steps in that issue and it will continue these.” “It is necessary to
make joint efforts in Cyprus and Nagorno Karabakh issues,” Erdogan
underscored, the Zaman writes.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress