Author: Emil Lazarian

MOSCOW STARTS SHIPPING MILITARY EQUIPMENT FROM GEORGIA TO RUSSIAN BASE IN ARMENIA

AP Worldstream
May 18, 2006

A convoy of trucks carrying military hardware set out for Armenia
on Thursday from a Russian base in Georgia, as Moscow continued its
pullout from this Caucasus Mountains nation under an agreement reached
last year.

Col. Vladimir Kuparadze, deputy commander of the Russian troops in
the southern Caucasus, said 10 trucks from Russia’s Akhalkalaki base,
accompanied by an armored personnel carrier and a Georgian military
police escort, had reached the Armenian border. They are due to
deliver the equipment to the Russian base in Gyumri.

The withdrawal agreement was a victory for Georgia’s pro-Western
President Mikhail Saakashvili’s campaign to reduce Russian influence.

Moscow began the pullout earlier this week, sending a train with
tanks and other arms to Russia. All heavy weapons and vehicles from
the Akhalkalaki base are to be withdrawn by Oct. 15, and personnel,
firearms and base property by the end of 2007. The other Russian
base left over from the Soviet era, in the Black Sea port of Batumi,
is to be closed by the end of 2008.

Russia’s transfer of military equipment to the Gyumri base has sparked
concern from Azerbaijan, Armenia’s neighbor and enemy.

Armenian forces have held parts of Azerbaijan since a war over the
disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave that ended with a shaky cease-fire
in 1994.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GENOCIDE ARMENIEN: UN “SABOTAGE SCANDALEUX” POUR LE CCAF RHôNE-ALPES

Agence France Presse
18 mai 2006 jeudi 5:44 PM GMT

Le president du Conseil de coordination des organisations armeniennes
de France (CCAF) Rhône-Alpes, Jules Mardirossian, a denonce jeudi
le “sabotage scandaleux” a l’Assemblee de la proposition de loi
PS reprimant la negation du genocide armenien, y voyant la main
de l’executif.

“C’est scandaleux, nous sommes outres. Il y a beaucoup de colère.

Tout cela relève du sabotage”, a declare a l’AFP M. Mardirossian,
qui est aussi le president de l’Association pour le memorial lyonnais
du genocide armenien.

“Tout a ete fait de manière artificielle. Le president de l’Assemblee
(Jean-Louis Debre) a fait des suspensions de seance, il a fait parler
des gens qui n’avaient rien a dire. Tout ca pour signifier a la fin
qu’on avait plus le temps de voter alors qu’il y avait une majorite
pour”, s’est-il insurge, affirmant avoir “ete informe que ca allait
se passer comme ca”.

Pour M. Mardirossian, “c’est la preuve que la democratie est en
panne. “C’est un revelateur terrible. L’executif a cede sous la
pression turque et a fait faire n’importe quoi a l’Assemblee. Meme
des deputes UMP etaient outres”.

Selon le president du CCAF Rhône-Alpes, presents a Paris en compagnie
d’une centaine de membres de la communaute armenienne de Lyon,
des actions “sont a prevoir”. Il a evoque la possible tenue d’une
manifestation a Lyon.

En mars et avril, la construction d’un memorial lyonnais du genocide
armenien avait fait grand bruit, incitant le PS a depose sa proposition
de loi: le 18 mars, une manifestation pro-turque avait donne lieu
a des slogans negationnistes. Un mois plus tard, avant meme d’etre
inaugure en presence de quelque 4.000 personnes, le monument avait
fait l’objet d’une profanation.

La proposition de loi socialiste visait a completer par un volet
penal la loi du 29 janvier 2001 par laquelle la France reconnaît le
genocide armenien.

Les Armeniens estiment que jusqu’a 1,5 million des leurs ont peri
dans un genocide orchestre par l’Empire ottoman entre 1915 et 1917.

Ankara affirme que des massacres ont ete commis de part et d’autre
et recuse les accusations de genocide.

En France, la communaute d’origine armenienne est estimee a 500.000
personnes, dont 80.000 dans la region de Lyon et autant a Marseille.

–Boundary_(ID_+CnLlp89zMYc0+nkP3+5jA) —

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FRANCE DISCUSSES CONTROVERSIAL BILL ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Euronews.net, France
May 18 2006

Voting on a controversial bill to punish anyone denying the Armenian
genocide has been postponed in the French parliament. While the speaker
said talks were delayed due to a lack of time, pro-Armenian protestors
outside parliament were angered, accusing Turkey of mounting pressure
on France.

The conservative government has said it will not support the bill after
Turkish officials warned Paris of “irreparable damage” to bilateral
relations if it passed the law. Earlier this month, Ankara recalled
its ambassador to France and a leading deputy warned of a boycott of
French goods.

Under the bill put forward by the opposition socialists, anyone
denying the Armenian genocide could be jailed for up to five years
and face a hefty fine.

Turkey denies claims that 1.5 million Armenians died in a genocide
orchestrated by Ottoman forces during World War One. Turkish
authorities claim they were victims of partisan fighting that claimed
even more Turkish lives. The debate is a thorny issue in France which
is home to around half a million Armenians.

The inauguration of a memorial to commemorate the victims of the
genocide in the city of Lyon earlier this year sparked protests by
Turkish negationists who deny it ever happened. Turkey’s continued
denial of the genocide remains one of the main obstacles to its entry
into the European Union.

for video, go to
_info&article=359638&lng=1#

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

QUELLE INSTITUTION EST LA PLUS COMPETENTE POUR HONORER LES VICTIMES DE CRIMES CONTRE L’HUMANITE ?
L’analyse de Guillaume Perrault*

Le Figaro, France
18 mai 2006

Le Parlement doit-il legiferer sur l’histoire ? Une proposition
de loi PS qui prevoit d’instituer des sanctions penales contre la
negation du genocide armenien, et qui devrait etre examinee ce matin
a l’Assemblee si l’ordre du jour le permet, pose de nouveau cette
delicate question. En janvier 2001, le legislateur avait deja adopte
une loi laconique ainsi libellee : “La France reconnaît publiquement
le genocide armenien de 1915.” Il s’agissait alors d’une proclamation
solennelle sans portee juridique, destinee a contourner l’interdiction
faite au Parlement d’adopter des resolutions. Or, aujourd’hui, la
proposition de loi PS relève d’une tout autre logique et entend passer
d’une declaration de principe a un delit reprime par le Code penal.

Les deputes socialistes s’inspirent de la loi Gayssot, adoptee en
1990, et qui reprime la negation du genocide des Juifs pendant la
Seconde Guerre mondiale. Des arguments qui meritent le respect – la
memoire blessee des Francais d’origine armenienne, le refus obstine
de la Turquie d’assumer son passe – sont avances pour justifier cette
initiative parlementaire. Le texte debattu ce matin au Palais-Bourbon
pose neanmoins des problèmes de fond. Dans un pays obnubile par
l’egalite et volontiers envieux, tout traitement specifique accorde
a une “communaute” est aussitôt revendique par d’autres. Il pouvait
donc paraître inevitable que le precedent de la loi Gayssot soit
invoque par les Armeniens pour reclamer le meme statut. Et l’on ne
voit guère quel argument opposer, demain, aux revendications des
Cambodgiens ou des Rwandais de France – dont les compatriotes furent
eux aussi victimes d’un genocide -, s’ils venaient a reclamer un
traitement identique. La loi Gayssot a ouvert la boîte de Pandore. La
multiplication des legislations qualifiant le passe – qui pretendent
toutes reparer une injustice a la demande d’un secteur de l’opinion
– entretient de surcroît une confusion entre la morale, l’histoire
et le droit penal. La loi Taubira du 23 mai 2001 proclame ainsi
que la traite des Noirs et l’esclavage constituent “un crime contre
l’humanite”. Au prix d’un anachronisme de plusieurs siècles – la loi
penale ne s’applique pas aux faits anterieurs a sa promulgation -,
on peut admettre a la rigueur que la traite des Noirs et l’esclavage
correspondent a la definition du “crime contre l’humanite” issue du
Code penal de 1994 : “La pratique massive et systematique d’executions,
tortures ou enlèvements a l’encontre d’un groupe de population civile
realises en execution d’un plan concerte pour des mobiles politiques,
philosophiques, raciaux ou religieux.” Cependant, en vertu de cette
meme definition, le Parlement aurait le devoir de proclamer que les
massacres commis en Vendee en 1794 par les “colonnes infernales”
de Turreau constituent eux aussi un “crime contre l’humanite”
appelant des excuses publiques du chef de l’Etat, si la demande en
etait formulee. La meme remarque pourrait s’appliquer au massacre des
harkis. La loi ne saurait reconnaître certains episodes douloureux
du passe et garder le silence sur d’autres, faire “deux poids, deux
mesures” en fonction de l’air du temps et de l’opiniâtrete inegale des
groupes de pression. C’est donc pour rompre avec cet engrenage sans fin
que 600 historiens s’opposent a la proposition de loi PS sanctionnant
la negation du genocide armenien. Ces universitaires s’insurgent contre
les textes qui, derrière une apparence consensuelle et genereuse,
“ont restreint la liberte de l’historien, lui ont dit, sous peine
de sanctions, ce qu’il doit chercher et ce qu’il doit trouver”. Ils
soulignent que “l’historien ne plaque pas sur le passe des schemas
ideologiques contemporains et n’introduit pas dans les evenements du
passe la sensibilite d’aujourd’hui”. Les signataires de la petition
“Liberte pour l’histoire”, demandent aussi l’abrogation des principaux
articles des lois Gayssot et Taubira, et ne se satisfont pas de
l’abandon du seul article sur le “rôle positif de la presence francaise
outre-mer”, supprime le 16 fevrier dernier. C’est en effet en vertu
de la loi du 23 mai 2001 qu’un historien specialiste de l’esclavage,
Olivier Petre-Grenouilleau, a ete poursuivi pour “apologie de crime
contre l’humanite”. L’universitaire avait rappele que l’esclavage ne
se reduit pas aux seuls mefaits perpetres par des Europeens – seuls
evoques par la loi Taubira – et que “les traites negrières ne sont pas
des genocides”, car “la traite n’avait pas pour but d’exterminer un
peuple”. Il n’en fallut pas plus pour qu’une association “defendant
la memoire des esclaves et l’honneur de leurs descendants” s’estime
outragee et declenche l’action publique, comme la loi du 23 mai 2001
l’y autorise. Christiane Taubira, depute apparente PS de Guyane,
a publiquement encourage cette action en justice. Le droit penal est
ainsi devenu une arme de combat, utilisee par des associations a la
representativite non verifiee pour intimider leurs contradicteurs. La
liberte d’expression et la libre recherche, objet d’attaques regulières
depuis quinze ans, subissent de nouvelles restrictions. Le risque
apparaît enfin d’une societe de plaignants, d’indignes permanents qui
reclament le statut de victimes de l’histoire et estiment avoir une
creance a vie sur leurs concitoyens pour les fautes commises jadis par
d’autres. Les lois relatives a l’histoire consacrent le morcellement
communautaire de la societe francaise. Il est permis de penser que
ces textes, loin d’apaiser durablement les memoires blessees, de
rassembler et de preparer l’avenir, divisent, aggravent la competition
des souffrances et nourrissent le ressentiment. “Peut-etre serait-ce
un bienfait, pour un vieux peuple, de savoir plus facilement oublier,
ecrivait deja Marc Bloch dans L’Etrange Defaite. Car le souvenir
brouille parfois l’image du present et l’homme, avant tout, a besoin
de s’adapter au neuf.” Accordons aux morts la piete du souvenir,
mais n’etouffons pas le present sous le poids du passe. *Journaliste
au service politique du Figaro.

–Boundary_(ID_lIHSst5axlw+5/YlStPbGQ)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RUSSIAN MILITARY CONVOY CROSSES GEORGIAN-ARMENIAN BORDER

RIA Novosti news agency, Moscow
18 May 06

Tbilisi, 18 May: The first convoy carrying the property of the 62nd
Russian military base in Akhalkalaki has crossed the border with
Armenia, Col Igor Konoshenkov, an aide to the Russian ground troops
commander, told RIA Novosti on the phone from the Georgian-Armenian
border.

“This is the first out of 12 convoys with the property of the 62nd base
reassigned to replenish Russia’s 102nd military base located in Gyumri,
Armenia. The convoy of 10 trucks was accompanied to the border by two
vehicles that have already gone back to Akhalkalaki,” Konoshenkov said.

There were no problems with the journey, he added. The convoy left
Batumi at 0600 today [0200 gmt]. “On its way across the Georgian
territory it was accompanied by the officers of Georgia’s criminal
and military police and Russian servicemen,” Konoshenkov said.

‘The only difficulty was poor roads to the Armenian border. That is why
it took us more than three hours to cover 40 km,” he said. The convoy
plans to make the remaining 80 km to Gyumri in three hours to reach
the destination point by midday, Konoshenkov added. [Passage omitted
to end: earlier reported details of the Russian pullout from Georgia.]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Building 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Anush Babayan
Tel: 3741 52 09 40
Fax: 3741 52 37 95
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

18.05.06
The 15th Meeting of the Board of Trustees

The 15th meeting of the `Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund’s Board of
Trustees convened on May the 5th at the Government Reception House,
Yerevan. The Meeting approved the 2005 report of the Executive Board.
Then it discussed the agenda issues, which included also election of new
Trustees. Three new trustees were elected to the Board-Mark Geragos,
Hasmik Terterian and Mike Kharapian.

One of the main issues of the Board Meeting was the `Rebirth of
Artsakh’ project which was approved last year. The project will go
along this year and the 2006 Telethon will be devoted to it. The Board
of Trustees decided to organize the Telethon on November 30. Amounts
raised during the Telethon will be directed to rehabilitation and
development of Hadrout and Mardakert regions.

The Meeting touched on also the issue of border communities’
development. Vardan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trustee of
the `Hayastan’ Fund presented the project. A commission was set to
study the development project and put forward suggestions on
implementation of it jointly with other Himnadram projects. The
commission involved trustees, chairs of the local committees and the
Executive Director of the Fund.

It was also decided to provide $25 000 to the families of the recent
airliner crash victims through the donations of the Fund’s worldwide
affiliates. The Fund will go on assisting those families.

A few days following the Meeting the major donor Jean Boghossian added
$10,000 to the collected amount.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

MAY 12-18, 2006

HIGHLIGHTS:

ARMENIAN NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE ON

“PRESS-CLUB+”: “NATIONAL UNITY” DISCUSSING ECONOMY AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

ANOTHER INCIDENT WITH “LORI” TV HEAD

HAMLET GHUSHIAN MADE A PUBLIC APOLOGY

“AVETIS” CAUTIONED

THE PRESS LEGION REPLENISHED

BOOK ABOUT ONE HUNDRED ARMENIANS

SPECIAL AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADVERTISING

“TSAYG” AND “ARKA” CELEBRATING JUBILEES

ARMENIAN NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE ON

On Yerevan Press Club web-site () the Armenian Press Archive is
re-launched (). In the Archive the following national
periodicals are stored and constantly updated:

Armenian-language newspapers – official “Hayastani Hanrapetutiun” (issues
since December 2003), “Azg” (since January 1999), “Haikakan Zhamanak” (since
March 2000), “Hayots Ashkhar” (since December 2000), “Aravot” (since March
1998) dailies, “Iravunk” (since January 1998) published twice a week,
“Yerkir” weekly (since January 2006) as well as the previously published
“Orran” daily (issues from August 2002 till May 2003);

Russian-language newspapers – official “Respublika Armenia”, published twice
a week (issues since March 2001),”Golos Armenii” (since January 2000) and
“Novoye Vremya” (since December 2000), published three times a week,
“Delovoy Express” weekly (since March 2000), as well as “Azg” and “Aravot”
Russian-language versions (since 2000).

Apart from general re-structuring of , the search
engine for the data base has been improved, too.

“PRESS-CLUB+”: “NATIONAL UNITY” DISCUSSING ECONOMY AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

On May 16 the eighth talk show of “Press Club+” series went on the evening
air of “Yerkir-Media” TV company.

The invitees of the program host, the Chief Editor of “Aravot” daily Aram
Abrahamian were the leaders of “National Unity” party as guests, and NGO and
media representatives as experts. The TV discussion focused on economic
situation in Armenia and the process of European integration of the country.

It is expected that at 21.00, May 23 (next Tuesday) “Press Club+” will give
floor to the representatives of Democratic Party of Armenia, sharing their
opinions on the issues of the day.

ANOTHER INCIDENT WITH “LORI” TV HEAD

In the early morning of May 16 in Vanadzor the Volkswagen owned by the
Executive Director of “Lori” TV company Narineh Avetisian was stoned. The
glasses of the car were broken. In the opinion of Narineh Avetisian, the
incident can be related to the talk show aired in the evening of May 15 on
“Lori” TV under the project “Isolated Civilization”, implemented by the
Vanadzor Office of Helsinki Citizens Assembly. The program was dealing with
the problems of Vanadzor residents, living in the temporary dwellings in one
of the city areas, in particular, their eviction process and the sale of the
land lots at low prices and with no auctioning. The TV show gave floor to
the representatives of the local administration and the residents
themselves. As YPC was told by Narineh Avetisian, after the talk show was
over its organizers stayed in the studio for a discussion, which ended after
midnight. Going then out into the street they found the journalist’s car
damaged. The two other cars standing by were intact. Narineh Avetisian also
noted that the investigation of the incident was started by Vanadzor City
Police Division.

As it has been reported, three months ago another incident had happened to
the head of “Lori” TV. On February 23 she was insulted by the owner of two
routes of the city microbuses. The discontent of the entrepreneur was raised
by the persistence of the TV company to raise on its air the issue of
ungrounded fare raises in the city transport (see details in YPC Weekly
Newsletter, February 24 – March 2, 2006). According to Narineh Avetisian,
the entrepreneur was summoned to the police for a confrontation and, as far
as she knows, this is how the investigation ended.

HAMLET GHUSHIAN MADE A PUBLIC APOLOGY

On May 15 in Yerevan a press-conference of TV journalist Hamlet Ghushian was
held. Hamlet Ghushian had previously worked for different TV channels and
till 2002 he headed “Yerevan” TV company. At the meeting with his colleagues
Hamlet Ghushian disseminated a statement, making a public apology to the
former Chief Commander of Mountainous Karabagh army, presently the leader of
“Dashink” party Samvel Babayan.

After the attempted assassination of Mountainous Karabagh President Arkadiy
Ghukasian on March 22, 2000 (Samvel Babayan had been charged with its
organization), Hamlet Ghushian made a revelatory film about him, titled “The
Master of Heaven and Hell”. As the author maintains, while preparing the
film he was using the materials provided by the Prosecutor’s Office, tax
bodies and the MK State Television, and it has now turned out the
information was false. According to the TV journalist, after the amnesty of
Samvel Babayan (the former Chief Commander, having been sentenced to 14
years’ imprisonment, was pardoned in September 2004) they met, and he had a
chance to realize how wrong he had been. For this reason Hamlet Ghushian
decided to make a public apology and would like to make another film, with a
conventional title of “Samvel Babayan: an Outside Look”, where different
opinions would be presented.

At the press-conference Hamlet Ghushian also informed that his return from
Moscow to Yerevan after an over three years’ absence is related to the
invitation of a well-known entrepreneur Hrant Vardanian to head “Grand
Media” holding, incorporating, in particular, the two TV companies owned by
the Vardanian family – “AR” and “Hayrenik”.

Meanwhile, on May 17 “Hayots Ashkhar” daily published the comment of
“Dashink” party with regard to the press-conference held: “Neither Samvel
Babayan, nor his party needs the new film by Hamlet Ghushian. (…) We are
fully satisfied with the public apology made by Ghushian, and we think this
issue solved.”

“AVETIS” CAUTIONED

On May 11 the National Commission on Television and Radio made a forewarning
to “Editorial Office of ‘Echmiadzin’ TV company” production cooperative
(aired with “Avetis” logotype) for the violation of the broadcast license
terms. As YPC was told by the National Commission, after the change of the
owner (currently the cooperative is owned by Levon Partakchian) the TV
company expanded its broadcast area, covering Yerevan, too. Meanwhile,
according to the license, its maximum coverage area is limited to
Echmiadzin.

THE PRESS LEGION REPLENISHED

Recently three new publications have been launched.

On May 12 the legion of daily periodical publications was replenished by
Armenian-language “Zhamanak-Yerevan”. This is the version of “Zhamanak-Los
Angeles” newspaper, published in the USA in Armenian and English, intended
for Armenia. According to the Chief Editor Arman Babajanian,
“Zhamanak-Yerevan” will come out 5 times a week, in tabloid format with a
preliminary print run of 1,500 copies.

On May 12 a new monthly magazine for adolescents appeared called “Es? Yes!”.
Its founder and publisher is “CS Publishing House” CJSC. The magazine is
issued on 32 full-color pages with a print run of 5,000 copies. The stories
for “Es? Yes!” are produced by students, and the Chief Editor, Ani Kochar,
is also a student of the Journalism Department of Yerevan State University.

Since May 11 the Russian “Gudok” transport daily started to produce a
supplement – “Gudok-Armenia”. One of the 8 pages of the supplement (A2
format) is dealing with events in Armenia. The print run of “Gudok-Armenia”
is 1,500 copies.

BOOK ABOUT ONE HUNDRED ARMENIANS

The Moscow MEDIAKRAT publishing house produced a book by political observer
of “Golos Armenii” newspaper Aris Ghazinian, “100 Greatest Armenians of the
20th Century”. It presented biographical essays about the famous Armenians
of the last century, classified by 10 thematic sections: military science;
science and technology; theater; cinema and television; music; literature;
arts and architecture; sports; business and politics; national figures. The
graphic portraits illustrating each essay are made by well-known artist Ara
Ohanian (Arzo). The print run of the book is 50,000 copies.

SPECIAL AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADVERTISING

On May 9 in Yerevan the award ceremony of the Third International Youth Film
Festival “Es Em” was held. Among the winners of the festival is “Art Site
Studio” (producer Arzuman Harutiunian), awarded a diploma and a special
prize, “Just So”, for adverts on volunteers’ work (“Advertising, Video Art,
Musical Clip” nomination).

“TSAYG” AND “ARKA” CELEBRATING JUBILEES

On May 10 the Gyumri “Tsayg” TV company celebrated the 15th anniversary
since its foundation. The programs of the TV company appeared on air for the
first time on May 10, 1992.

On May 15 “ARKA” news agency celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Yerevan Press Club congratulates colleagues with memorable dates and wishes
them prosperity and success.

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BBC

Who got through to the final?

After a tantalising semi-final we can reveal that the following
countries were voted into the final, to be shown on BBC One and
streamed online at 8pm on Saturday 20th May.

Russia
FYR Macedonia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Lithuania
Finland
Ukraine
Ireland
Swed en
Turkey
Armenia

We had hundreds of emails during the show, and lots about the Finnish
act Lordi. At the press conference following the show Lordi frontman
told gathered journalists he was pleased that an act like his had made
it in a ‘pop contest’. The Finns have made it through to the final for
the first time, Bravo!

Updated 18th May, 2006

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE

Armenian Community & Church Council of Great Britain
PO Box 46207
London W5 2YE
Contact: Armenag Topalian
Tel: +44 (0)1793 790070
Email: [email protected]
Web:

The ‘Cilicia’ – a XIII century Armenian merchant sailing ship arrives in St
Katherine’s Dock on 25th May 2006 and will dock there until 28th May.

Exquisitely designed and reconstructed from ancient manuscripts, the Cilicia
has sailed by the medieval trade-routes around Europe, via the Black Sea,
the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in London before its
return journey. She will depart on the Sunday on a challenging route that
will take her to Calais, Bruges, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Bremerhaven,
Copenhagen, Rugen Island, Gdansk, Gotland Island, Stockholm, Tallinn,
Helsinki, St Petersburg and then by the Volga Canal to the Black Sea port of
Poti.

A genuine replica from the ancient Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, now in
present-day Turkey and Syria, the ship-builders and crew have done
everything to keep the ship authentic in style, using the techniques and
tools available in that era. The crew also follow, as much as possible, the
life-style of medieval sailors, from the navigational tools used to the
bright historical costumes worn. A simple and elegant structure with a
triangular sail make the Cilicia a stunning sight – a rare treat to be able
to see in central London!

The Cilicia has followed the exact merchant routes of the XIII century –
creating the feeling of a journey back in time. The geographical route of
the ship, passing through Ports in Lebanon, Turkey and Syria – launched from
the port of Poti in Georgia having been transported there by road from
Armenia – give it an exotic and romantic feel. The boat docking in over 30
ancient ports conjures up pictures of those bustling trade ports of the
medieval era. Just think what spices, delicacies, jewels and textiles would
have arrived in London with the boat at that time! Armenian merchants were
renowned for their links throughout the world, from their homeland in the
Caucuses through the Middle East, Far East and Europe.

11 years of toil to build the ship in the foothills of Mount Ararat and to
sail it from a now land-locked Armenia, – surrounded by Turkey, Georgia,
Iran and Azerbaijan, show the real passion with which this fantastical idea
of Cilicia’s creators and sailors were able to realize their dream. A real
Noah’s Ark of a boat – as an Armenian boat once again takes to the waters
after centuries!

Program

19 May Presentation by Captain Balayan at CAIA Hayashen (12:00)

21 May Presentation by Captain Balayan to Tahtayan Sunday School
(13:00)
Presentation by Captain Balayan at Navasartian
Centre (16:00)

25 May Opening of London Tower Bridge & entry to St Katherine
Docks (12:30)
Visits to boat
Armenian Institute Evening Function (18:30)

26 May Visits to boat

27 May Armenian Language Saturday School Visit (10:30)
Armenian Students Association “Hye Seas” Visit
(14:30)

28 May Departure Ceremony in the presence of Lady Cox &
Ambassador Gabrielyan

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

COMPOSER EDVARD MIRZOYAN AWARDED UN’S “LEONARDO DA VINCI” MEDAL

Noyan Tapan
May 17 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Under the decision of the European
Committee of Public Awards and Prizes attached to UN, USSR People’s
Artist, composer Edvard Mirzoyan was awarded “Leonardo da Vinci”
medal and diploma. Noyan Tapan correspondent was informed about it by
Gayane Durgarian, Press Executive of RA Ministry of Culture and Youth
Affairs. The composer was recommended for the award by RA Ministry
of Culture and Youth Affairs and the Armenian Peace Foundation.