Author: Emil Lazarian

“LCHAP” VOLUNTARY DETACHMENT’S 15th ANNIVERSARY MARKED IN GAVAR

GAVAR, MARCH 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The 15th anniversary of the “Lchap”
voluntary detachment, that took part in the defence of RA and Artsakh
borders, was marked. On the occasion of the anniversary, detachment’s
46 former fighters were awarded diplomas of Gegharkunik Governor.

According to Gavar Military Commissar Khazhak Suchian, 73 volunteers
from settlements of Gavar territory have joined the “Lchap” detachment
since March 1991. 8 of them perished on battle-fields. The detachment
took part in military operations in Chambarak, Martakert, Karvachar
and Aghdam.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanARMENIAN.Net

ANCA Strongly Opposes John Evans’ Recall

24.03.2006 19:18 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ `Our focus, this April as always, is to end
U.S. complicity in Turkey’s campaign of Armenian Genocide denial, to
press Turkey to acknowledge its responsibility for this crime, and to
work toward a just resolution for Armenian nation,’ Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA) Executive Director Aram Hamparian stated
in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. `As in past years, we will hold
a Congressional observance on Capital Hill and in local communities
around the nation. These events will build support for the adoption of
the Armenian Genocide Resolution and the effort to encourage President
Bush to properly recognize the Armenian Genocide in his April 24th
remarks. We are, of course, very interested in the controversy
surrounding Amb. Evans and are strongly opposing any steps to punish
or recall him due to his truthful statements on the Armenian
Genocide. Another special concern this April is PBS’s decision to
provide a platform for Genocide deniers – which we are strenuously
opposing at the national and grassroots levels,’ he said.

GIBRAHAYER
e-magazine
The largest circulation Armenian e-magazine
Established in 1999, circulates every Wednesday

VARTKES MAHDESSIAN TO CONTEST ARMENIAN MP POST IN MAY ELECTIONS

Vartkes Mahdessian, a successful businessman, active in Armenian community
affairs, is contesting the post of representative of his community, in the
upcoming Parliamentary elections of 21 May 2006. His motto is reconciliation,
meritocracy, transparency and a meaningful working relationship between the
government, Parliament and the community.
Within these guidelines, he proposes to improve community life and serve the
needs of all Armenians in the community.
Vartkes Mahdessian was born in Nicosia in November 1950. He attended
Melikian Ouzounian Armenian elementary school and graduated from The English School
in 1970. He studied Business Administration in England and completed his post
graduate management studies in 1974.
His professional career began in 1975 with an Italian-Greek cable
manufacturer as Area Manager for Iran. In 1978 he moved to the United Arab Emirates,
first as Marketing Manager, then as Managing Director and shareholder of
International Cable Corporation, a post that he holds until today. In 1986 he
returned permanently to Cyprus and acquired ownership of Troodos Electric Cables
Ltd.
Vartkes Mahdessian has served AYMA Club as Chairman for a number of years.
He is an elected member of the Armenian Diocesan Council, and for six years
has served as a member of the Board of Management of The English School,
Nicosia.
Vartkes Mahdessian has also served on the Board of Directors of a number of
international companies.
He is married to Maggie.They have two children, Vicken aged 15 and Carla
aged 12

A BOLSAHAY ART HISTORIAN AMONG US
After completing a successful trip of seven cities in the US and Canada last
year, organised by the Tekeyan Cultural Association, art historian Mayda
Saris, art director of the bilingual Armenian-Turkish language weekly AGOS
newspaper of Turkey, has been invited to Cyprus by the Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association Cyprus Oshagan Chapter, to promote her latest art book,
Armenian Paintings:From the beginning to the Present. The book presentation
and lecture will take place on Friday, 24th March, at 8:00 pm, at the Utudjian
Hall, Nicosia. A slide presentation and a book signing will follow the
lecture.
Saris was born in Constantinople and still resides there. This illustrated
book was originally published in Turkish and was widely popular there, and now
has been translated into English, published by AGOS.
The groundbreaking 262 page book with more than 400 illustrations explores
Armenian art from ancient to modern times. The author gives a comprehensive
overview of the origin of the Armenian people, their folklore, lifestyle,
culture, art and faith, which has been a source of inspiration for the Armenian
artists and architects throughout centuries.
Art critic Kaya Ozsezgin, a member of faculty at the Academy of Fine Arts of
Turkey wrote about Saris’ book, ` Mayda Saris’ book helps us become better
acquainted with the generations of Armenian artists, and in the meantime
fills a void in the art libraries.’
Hakan Celik, a columnist of Posta daily newspaper wrote, `Did you know that
Armenian painters who were born and raised in Turkey, but hardly known in
Turkey, have greatly contributed to the development of the Ottoman art of
painting.’
Ferit Edgu, art critic and faculty member of the Academy of Fine Arts wrote
about the book, `Mayda Saris’ book is the first of its kind in Turkey and
should have been written and published a long time ago. The book brings
together numerous Armenian painters, past and present, forgotten or neglected, well
known or little known and reflects the richness of Armenian Painting Art,
while fulfilling a moral obligation.’

Saris has previously translated two books from French into Turkish, `La
Patrie,’ a novel
by Jean Kehaian, and `Les Armeniens Dans l’Empire Ottoman,’ a scholarly
volume by Raymond H. Kevorkian and Paul B. Paboudjian.
You can visit her site at

ASSASSINATION OF TALAAT PASHA MARKED IN YEREVAN
The anniversary of the assassination of Armenian genocide perpetrator Talaat
Pasha was marked on Wednesday at the unveiling of a Soghomon Tehlirian
monument in Yerevan. ARF Dashnaktsoutiun representative Armen Rustamian explained
the importance of the day and underlined the efficiency of the plan
“Nemesis,” named after the Greek Goddess of vengeance, meant to punish the main
organizers of the Armenian genocide. On March 15, 1921, one of the main
perpetrators of the Armenian genocide, Talaat Pasha, was gunned down in Berlin by then
24 year old student Soghomon Tehlirian. A Berlin court later acquitted
Tehlirian and posthumously convicted Talaat.
tatiana’s corner by Tatiana Ferahian

news in brief
A conference titled `The Role of Women in the Process of Creation of Civil
Society’ was held in Yerevan last week by the ARF Dashnaktsoutiun’s Committee
of Armenian Women which was also attended by Marlene Haas of the Socialist
International.
Investigations by The Veterinary State Inspection on a dead dove and a dead
crow found by children in Gyumri, have showed that the birds did not carry
the bird flu virus.
The Council of Europe body Eurimages, to which Turkey contributes 1 million
euros annually, has decided to sponsor a film supporting Armenian genocide
claims, sparking anger in Ankara. The decision to fund the Italian movie “The
Farm of the Skylarks,” which portrays Armenian claims of genocide, was taken
during a Eurimages general council meeting with the participation of 32
culture ministers, although Turkey voted against and Macedonia abstained.
French youths protesting against a new employment law ended up in an
unexpected clash with Turks demonstrating against an Armenian memorial when their
separate marches crossed paths in this eastern city on Saturday. Riot police
used water cannon to separate the two groups after about 2,500 Turks opposed to
the construction of a memorial in the city centre to Armenian victims of a
1915 massacre attacked the demonstrating youths, police said.

ELEMENT BAND PRESENTS ARMENIAN CD, Yev O Phe
Band incorporates sounds of Europe and the Mediterranean, while maintaining
purity of original compositions, Element Band’s first Armenian CD brings a
refreshing and long-awaited sound to Armenian music by partnering distinct
vocals with colorful, warm and exotic arrangements.
While the sounds of Europe and the Mediterranean come to life through the
use of classical guitar, violin, bass, accordion, bouzouki, mandolin, and
keyboard, Yev O Phe remains free to be distinctively Armenian.
The band takes great pains to keep the Armenian songs pure, but uses bold
arrangements and genuine sounds of instruments to introduce exciting twists and
compositions of traditional songs.
Element Band members include Ara Dabandjian (arrangements, keyboards,
classical guitar, accordion, string instruments), Saro Koujakian (songwriter,
vocals and guitar), Gars Sherbetdjian (vocals), Shant Mahserejian (violin), Jeremy
Millado (bass).
Yev O Phe will be available on March 19 at , ,
, [email protected] Or visit
VISIT THE FOLLOWING CONSTANTLY UPDATED PAGES OF OUR E-MAGAZINE
Emails to the Editor – click here |Interview of the week here |Articles by
Professor Hovhannes Pilikian here |Tennis Champ Zaruhi Harutyunyan. How YOU
can help here |Artsagang issue click here

RECOMMENDED SITES FROM OUR READERS:
¢ Sign the online petition:
el and forward it to friends. More than 10,000 people have already signed it.
¢ A document listing a number of the perpetrators of the Armenian Genocide
“recycled” by later Turkish governments
, ,
,
wers_like_you_the_armenian.htm
l

ARMENIA’S ENTRY AT EUROVISION 2006 IN ATHENS
View the video clip by Andre “Without your love” online at

It is destined to be a hit at this year’s Eurovision song contest.
latest on tennis champion Zaruhi Harutyunyan
ZARUHI ON THE WAY TO THE U.K.
Gibrahayer Monday 20 March, 2006 – Armenia’s tennis start Zaruhi Harutyunyan
currently practicing in Cyprus is leaving for the UK to participate in ITF
tournaments in Sutton and Nottingham. Details to follow.
HELP ZARUHI HARUTYUNYAN’S TENNIS TOUR by contributing to:
Laiki Bank Strovolos Industrial Area, Stavrou 96 I, 2034, Strovolos
Account Number 101-08-037631 for Zaruhi Harutyunyan under guardian S.
Aynedjian
International transfers at IBAN CY30 0030 0101 0000 0101 0803 7631
Swift Code address LIKICY2N
gibrahayer calendar
BOLSAHAY ART CRITIC IN CYPRUS: Friday, 24 March 2006 – The Hamazkayin
“Oshagan” Chapter has organised a book presentation and slide show by Bolsahay art
historian/critic MAYDA SARIS who will present her monumental work – “Armenian
Painting: From the beginning to the Present”. Utudjian Hall, 8 p.m. Don’t
miss this opportunity to meet our Bolsahay compatriot intellectual, who is also
the art critic of AGOS newspaper. Book signing price £35.20 –

Michink – Sunday March 26, 2006 lunch time – Organised by The Armenian
Relief Society (HOM) Sosse Cyprus Chapter at AYMA
31 March 2006 at 7.30-9.30 p.m. Utudjian Hall in Nicosia – FREE YOUTH
WORKSHOP KENTHEA – Information center for Drugs and Narcotics, Will present a free
workshop in English on “Adolescent Prevention In Drug Use” All Teenagers aged
13-18 are invited to attend. Bring your friends.
Monday April 3, 2006 – Opus 39 Gallery presents an exhibition of new work by
Tatiana Ferahian, on at 8:00 p.m. Opening by Garo Keheyan, President of the
Pharos Trust.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Vladimir Kazimirov: There are three parties to the Karabakh conflict

24.03.2006 17:34
Tatul Hakobyan
“Radiolur”[ArmRadio]

On March 27 RA Foreign Minister will have meetings with US Secretary
of State Condoleezza Rice and OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Steven Mann in
Washington.

Early April Vardan Oskanyan’s meeting with his Russian Counterpart
Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian
Federation Igor Ivanov are expected.

Naturally, the discussions in both Moscow and Washington will center
on the Karabakh issue.

After the failed negotiations in Ramboulliet and the meetings of the
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in Washington and Istanbul it seems that
the mediators do not manage to bring the process out of the blind
alley.

In its report issued on March 20 the International Crisis Group
suggested the European Union to get more actively engaged in the
settlement of the conflicts in South Caucasus as an `fair mediator.’
The report surprised the former Russian Co-Chair Vladimir
Kazimirov. `France, which was somehow representing the European Union,
is an active member of the Minsk Group, one of the three Co-Chair
countries. Besides, other EU countries like Germany and Sweden are
members of the Minsk Group. A question rises: should all the
international organizations participate in the settlement of the
conflict? I think that no better thing could be found for creating a
chaotic situation.’

Those in Stepanakert also consider that no new methods are necessary.

How to come out of the blind alley? Vladimir Kazimirov considers that
the meetings on the level of Foreign Ministers and Presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan should continue, but no mess should be created
around the meetings, by previously declaring the place and date of
these. The Former Russian mediator considers that Parliamentary
meetings should be organized as well.

Furthermore, Kazimirov notes that the noninvolvement of the Karabakh
side in the negotiations generally extends the settlement process.

`I have always backed the view that this conflict has three sides, not
two, and this has been accepted by the OSCE itself. Moreover, in the
1994 summit in Budapest the Co-Chairs were instructed to hold the
negotiations between the conflicting sides, and not only between the
states that are internationally recognized,’ Kazimirov noted.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The new suggestion of the President of the Council of Public Radio and
Television Company of Armenia

ArmRadio
24.03.2006 18:24

President of the Council of Public Radio and Television Company is
ready to discuss Viktor Dallakyan’s suggestion in response to his
suggestion to follow the Swedish example and provide a separate radio
and television company for all governmental programs.

The state can purchase frequencies form the private sector and give
these to the Parliament. `As for the rest of the known opinions to
deprive the opposition of airtime, etc, I must say that even if all
this is true, all the same the imposition of broadcasting the NA
sittings remains to be anti-Constitutional and contradicts the
European standards of freedom of press, `Alexan Harutyunyan considers.

Another solution, according to Alexan Harutyunyan, would be his
suggestion to broadcast the NA sittings based on a contract between
the National Assembly and the Council of Public Radio and Television
of Armenia. If this were the Public TV, the programs would be
broadcast free, if it were some private Channel, financing would be
allocated from state budget.

`Thus, I want to say that it should not be the demand of the
Law. Besides, don’t forget that a point has been added in the NA By
Law, according to which I am obliged to broadcast three-minutes long
official messages of seven bodies. Can you imagine what the situation
will be like if `Haylur’ provides 21 out of its 30-35 minutes to
Parliamentary groups and faction,’ Alexan Harutyunyan noted.

Alexan Harutyunyan declares also that he will agree that changes in
the law are implemented now but come into force starting September
2007, when the Parliamentary elections will be behind.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STEPHEN MANN: TIME WORKS AGAINST ALL OF US

Lragir.am
24 March 06

The American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Stephen Mann told Radio
Liberty that the Minsk Group is eager for reaching a peace settlement
of the conflict over Karabakh in any form, but in the long run it
depends on the conflict parties. According to him, in the meeting of
the co-chairs, where Yuri Merzlyakov did not appear because of health
problems, and was replaced by another diplomat, Mann informed the
French and Russian diplomats about his meeting in Baku and Yerevan. He
pointed out the drawbacks of temporizing and the importance of
reaching an agreement in 2006. He denied the viewpoint that the OSCE
is an ineffective format. He said the OSCE is the best format for the
peace settlement. He thinks that the settlement depends on the
conflict parties rather than the mediators. He also mentioned that
there are no arrangements on meetings of ministers of Armenia and
Azerbaijan yet.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

information
X-Sender: Asbed Bedrossian <[email protected]>
X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.1 — ListProcessor(tm) by CREN

Turkey: In support of freedom of expression Media information

Amnesty International Press release, 03/24/2006

>From 1-10 April 2006, Amnesty International groups around the world
will be asking members of the public to sign postcards urging the
Turkish authorities to abolish Article 301 of the Turkish penal code.

Amnesty International believes that Article 301 of the Turkish Penal
Code poses a threat to the fundamental right to freedom of
expression. Individuals including human rights defenders, publishers,
prominent writers, and journalists, are being prosecuted because they
have dared to discuss publicly the “official” version of the country’s
history or the role of the army, or have caricatured state officials.

The case against Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk for comments on the
deaths of Kurds and Armenians in Turkey has been dropped. However,
this is too small a step on the road to freedom of expression.

Amnesty International members are appealing to members of the public
to put pressure on the Turkish authorities to immediately stop
prosecutions against individuals under the article and to abolish it
in its entirety.

For more information, please see:
Turkey: Court drops case against novelist Orhan Pamuk (AI Index: EUR
44/001/2006)
Turkey: Article 301 is a threat to freedom of expression and must be
repealed now! (AI Index: EUR 44/035/2005)
Turkey: Article 301: How the law on `denigrating Turkishness’ is an insult
to free expression (AI Index: EUR 44/003/2006)

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AFTER ISTANBUL CO-CHAIRS TOLD NOTHING

Lragir.am
24 March 06

Foreign Minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan stated that after their
March 20 meeting the Minsk Group co-chairs in Istanbul did not report
their further steps. According to Vardan Oskanyan, either the
co-chairs will visit the region or will organize a meeting of the
foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Vardan Oskanyan also stated that Armenia did a good job with regard to
the peace settlement and is now waiting for corresponding activity on
behalf of Baku. The minister of foreign affairs mentioned that there
is little possibility to sign a peace agreement. `Signing such a
document is desirable but it is early to consider it,’ said Vardan
Oskanyan. He added that there was a time when there were preconditions
for signing an agreement, but now these are few.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
March 23 2006

Illegal use of the gold mines in occupied Azerbaijani territories not
be left without reply, Ecology Minister shouts

Source: Trend
Author: S. Babayeva

23.03.2006

Illegal use of gold mines in the occupied Azerbaijani territories by
Armenians will not be left without reply, the Minister of Ecology and
Natural Resources, Huseyn Bagirov told Trend.

The Ministry is working together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
to collect necessary materials and documents on that issue, the
minister said. Simultaneously, necessary information is submitted to
international organizations.

`Law company is now being chosen and relevant legal actions will be
taken,’ the minister emphasized.

Bagirov also added that a number of measures will be undertaken after
the consultation with the legal company.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Saratogian, NY
March 23 2006

Brits ‘illimuniate orchestration’ at London Philharmonic concert

JUDITH WHITE, For The Saratogian
03/23/2006

SCHENECTADY – Principal Conductor Kurt Massur was missing from his
London Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert Tuesday at Proctor’s Theatre
in Schenectady due to a viral infection, but his absence didn’t
appear to put a dent in audience satisfaction, nor with the quality
of the performance.

Arabella Steinbacher, an incredibly talented young violin soloist
from Munich, stole the show in her LPO performance of Khachaturian’s
Violin Concerto. Guest conductor Yan Pascal Tortelier was a crowd
pleaser as well. In fact, the audience applauded after nearly every
single movement throughout the concert.

Conductor laureate of the BBC Philharmonic and a frequent guest
leader of orchestras world-wide, Tortelier recently assumed the role
of principal guest conductor for the Pittsburgh Symphony. There’s
nothing brooding or imposing about this tall, good-looking maestro –
he wears his good nature like a topcoat and, indeed, even performed a
bit of a maestro’s version of a touchdown dance during the curtain
call at the end of the show.

In the midst of a short U.S. tour, the entire LPO seemed right at
home on the recently re-appointed stage at Proctors. There were a
good number of young faces in the ensemble, and it’s probable that a
number were subs called in for the tour.

They opened the concert with a gem from their homeland – Benjamin
Britten’s “Simple Symphony” – showing a great blend of sound from the
orchestra’s strings. It’s hard to tell whether Tortelier had time to
put his own stamp on the music for this tour or if he was riding the
tide of earlier preparation. Regardless, the guest maestro didn’t
treat Britten’s work as if it was simple at all. Nor did the
orchestra, whose “leader” (English for concertmaster) shared
appropriate spirit during the best known movement, “Playful
Pizzicato.”

Tchaikovsky’s big, heart-tugging Fifth Symphony filled the second
half of the program with all the drama anyone could want. Tortelier
effected some fantastic buildups and heart-stopping climaxes, and
wrung hearts with the second movement’s passion. The opening clarinet
solo and the second movement’s famous horn melodies were clean and
pleasant. Mostly, though, this was a much more Russian-flavored
delivery than we’re accustomed to in this region – paced and somewhat
plodding in the third movement, and occasionally grumbly.

It was best at achieving a transparency that seemed to illuminate the
orchestration. It was weakest at achieving any long shape to the
music, which sometimes became a series of consecutive sections. The
LPO also gave plenty of color and drama to the Khachaturian work,
which showcased folk-like music inspired by the composer’s Armenian
homeland.

>From its start, the young soloist gave individual treatment to every
tiny phrase, while tossing off even the most difficult technical
passages as if they were lyric possibilities. Fresh and pretty at 24,
Steinbacher is a natural on stage.

Without grandstanding or affectation, her message seems to be,
“Listen: let me tell you this musical story.” Her sound isn’t overly
powerful nor crystalline, but more like yellow than gold, and more
like pewter than silver.

Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto isn’t at the top of most people’s list
of favorites, but played this way, it could be.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress