Author: Emil Lazarian

Today.az, Azerbaijan
Aug 19 2005
Gyultekin Hadjiyeva: “I do not believe global changes to be
introduced in report of international crisis group”
19 August 2005 [11:13] – Today.Az
“The report of the International Crisis Group (ICG) was actually
far from the reality, therefore I am not sure, the document will be
entirely unbiased”.
Deputy Gyultakin Hadjiyeva told Trend about it.
The International Crisis Group will prepare two reports on the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and disseminate them in September. Some
recommendations are included in the reports, reflecting the situation
in Azerbaijan and Armenia. A workshop, dedicated to the discussion of
this report took place in Tbilisi. At the closed door event, where
along with the International Crisis Group experts, representatives
of Azerbaijan and Armenia also took part, preliminary standpoints on
the report’s essence and details became known.
Hadjiyeva, involved in the workshop as the expert from Azerbaijan,
said, partial position was demonstrated on the Nagorno-Karabakh
issue. Biased attitude to the conflict and attempts to solve it
beyond the frames of the international law and regulations caused
the concern of the Azerbaijani side. Therefore, the deputy said
she adheres to the same opinion of the report to be made public in
September, as before. “Certainly, one should not voice the opinion
before the report is issued. However, I do not think, global
changes have been introduced in this document. Probably, changes,
supplements of a technical character. Perhaps, also, for the period
passed after the workshop in Tbilisi the ICG will study the situation
related to Karabakh deeper and will come to the unbiased, impartial
position in regard of the conflict. However, taking into account the
reality, existing up to now, personally I do not believe there will
be serious changes in favour of Azerbaijan, i.e. in accordance with
the international law.”, Hadjiyeva said.
The deputy noted, although she does not know about the reaction of
the government of Azerbaijan in regard of the report, to be made
public in September, she will declare a protest on her own behalf.
The vice president of the International Crisis Group Alain Deletroz
will arrive in Baku on 8-9 September. He is expected to submit a
report, developed by the Organization and about 20 recommendations
to the government of Azerbaijan.
The International Crisis Group studies existing and potential
conflict hotbeds and make its forecasts monthly for solution of
various conflicts.
URL:
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 HONORS LEBANESE-ARMENIAN INTELLECTUALS
BEBO SIMONIAN AND JIRAYR TANIELIAN
His Holiness Aram I awarded the “Mesrob Masdots” Medal of Honor to
Lebanese-Armenian intellectuals Bebo Simonian and Jirayr Tanielian
during a special ceremony outside the St. Asdvadzadzine Monastery in
Bikfaya on August 16.
Members of the Cilician Brotherhood, the Primate of the Diocese
of Lebanon and representatives of the Central Executive Council,
Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian, Armenian MPs, the Ambassador of Armenia to
Lebanon, Arek Hovhannisian, the intellectuals participating in the
Armenia-Diaspora conference and representatives from cultural and
educational organizations attended the ceremony.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Chancellor of the
Catholicosate, Mr. Khatchig Dedeian, who pointed out that the ceremony
is an obligation towards two prominent intellectuals, well known for
the work they have carried out in the Armenian Community.
Aharon Shkeherdemian talked about the efficacy of Bebo Simonian,
presenting him as a teacher, pedagogue, writer, poet, editor and an
ideological man.
“However we look at Bebo Simonian’s work, he will appear before us as a
man of culture and a legitimate intellectual. He belongs to the class
of intellectuals who suffers with the conflicts of Armenians and the
world. He does not yield against social and human unjustness,” he said.
Garo Hovhannesian talked about Jirayr Tanielian the individual,
writer, teacher, principle and the dedicated servant to his nation,
who “infected” society with his hard work.
“Jirayr Tanielian has no money to distribute, even though throughout
out his career has helped out a lot of students in paying their
fees. However, he has given extensively intellectually and spiritually
speaking. He has given from his heart, he has given from his soul
and this makes what he has given very valuable and deeply humane,”
said Hovhannesian.
Irma Dedeian recited poems by Vahan Tekeian (Hashvehartar) and Taniel
Varoujan (Sermanogh).
His Holiness Aram I expressed his respect and love for the two
intellectuals, highlighting their sense of dedication, which allowed
them to consider the interests of the nation as being more important
than personal gains.
His Holiness assured that the important role played by the two
intellectuals, especially in providing Armenian education to the new
generations was undeniable. The Catholicos based his praise for the
two intellectuals on three main arguments:
– The Catholicosate of Cilicia values quality and values, words,
the reflection of which can be seen in the lives of Bebo and Jirayr.
– The Catholicosate praises all worthy Armenians without
discrimination. A human being’s worth is measured against his
contribution to his nation’s collective interests.
– The Catholicosate praises not only those who make financial
contributions, but also those who give from their intellect and
souls. Those who give money, give something they own. But those who
give from their intellect or their soul give from themselves.
“Bebo and Simon worked for others; Two people, who not only wrote,
spoke, read, but also taught, formed, established their viewpoints
and approaches and derived their impetus from our nation’s conflicts
and interests,” said His Holiness.
His Holiness’ Encyclicals were then read out and the Pontiff decorated
the two intellectuals with the “Mesrob Mashdots” Medals. The two
intellectuals expressed their gratitude to His Holiness Aram I and
the attendants.
The congratulatory note of the Zaven Yegavian, director of the Armenian
Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, and
Asdghig Tchamkerten were also read out.
The ceremony ended with “Cilicia” and “Mer Hairenik”.
##
View pictures here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and the mission 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.

Jan Hanekroot Trophy
By Marc Stroo
Korfball World, Netherlands
Aug 19 2005
In its recent meeting the council of the International Korfball
Federation (IKF) decided to name the trophy for the new event European
Bowl after the recently deceased korfball promotor Jan Hanekroot.
The European Bowl is a new IKF event being used as a qualification
event for the European senior champions 2006 to be held in Hungary
and the World championships 2007 to be held in the Czech capital
Prague. The inaugural edition will take place in Terrassa (Spain)
from 27 to 30 October 2005. Participating countries will be Armenia,
Italy, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Catalunya representing Spain.
Naming the trophy of this new event after Hanekroot is a recognition
for his contribution to the international growth of korfball. Being
one of the IKF’s longest serving development officers, his untimely
death in February 2005 was a shock to many korfball people world
wide. The IKF decided to associate the event primarily to young
korfball countries with Hanekroot’s name since he was also involved
in the development in new korfball countries. Still he will be mostly
connected to the UK. Hanekroot was aspecially loved because of his
quiet attitude and great drive to help korfballers from all ranks
and countries.

Armenian foreign minister, US Democratic Party chairman discuss ties
Mediamax news agency
19 Aug 05
Yerevan, 19 August: Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan met
Howard Dean, chairman of the National Committee of the Democratic
Party of the USA, in Yerevan today.
The meeting pointed out that the deepening of Armenian-US relations in
all spheres is one of the important conditions for Armenia’s economic
development and for maintaining regional stability, the press service
of the Armenian Foreign Ministry told Mediamax today.
Dean said that the achievement of peace and welfare in the South
Caucasus is still a priority for the USA. The sides also discussed
the regional situation, including Armenian-Turkish relations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Ethnically-Armenian Bush attacker pledges to escape
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Aug 19 2005
Baku, August 18, AssA-Irada — Ethnically-Armenian individual accused
of an assassination attempt on US President George Bush and murder
of a police officer has said he will try to escape from the hospital
where he is kept, Georgian media quoted the country’s interior ministry
as saying.
While in hospital, Vladimir Arutyunian has repeatedly attempted to
hurt himself. A special video camera has been installed at Arutunian’s
cell to oversee his actions.
Arutyunian was detained in Tbilisi, Georgia on July 21. The 27-year
old individual faces several charges, including an attempt to commit
a terror act, murder, illegal possession and use of weapons.
Arutyunian admitted that on May 10, immediately after his arrest,
he threw a hand grenade to the rostrum where President Bush and his
Georgian counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili stood. He added that he would
‘continue attempts’ on Bush’s life ‘if he had a chance’.*

“NOYAN” PRODUCER OF NATURAL JUICES INCREASES ITS EXPORT TO 52% – 574,000 LITERS
YEREVAN, AUGUST 16. ARMINFO. In the first half of 2005, the enterprise
producing natural juices “Noyan” manufactured and sold 1.103 mln
liters of fruit juices as against 1.101 mln liters in the same period
of 2004. Production Director, Chief Engineer of the plant Vagharshak
Grigoryan informed ARMINFO.
He said that in the period under review, 78,000 liters of tomato
juice were produced as against 56,700 liters in the same period of
2004. Besides, this year the enterprise produced 5.9 thous. liters
of milk. Taking into account his personal observations, Grigoryan
said the production “Noyan” occupies 40% of the local market of
natural juices. He also stated that in the first half of 2005 52%
of the production of fruit and tomato juices “Noyan” were exported to
the USA and Russia, which is 574,000 liters. Meanwhile, in the same
period of 2004 this indicator was 51%. Besides, 35% of exports is the
share of Russia. In particular, the production was exported to Moscow,
Siberia, Ural and Sverdlovsk region.
Vagharshak Grigoryan said 100% natural juices “Noyan” are manufactured
on the local raw materials. Thus, sea buckhorn is purchased from
Gegharkunik region, apricots and peaches in Armavir and Ararat regions,
sweet cherries and apples in Garni and in Vopkhchaberd, pomegranate in
NKR and Meghri. Meanwhile, exotic fruits: grapefruit, mango, orange,
blackberry and pineapple, are brought from, Holland, Israel and India.
Grigoryan said the production “Noyan” was presented at various
international exhibitions and won gold, silver and bronze medals.
Thus, in 2005 at an international exhibition “ProdExpo” in Moscow,
juices and jams “Noyan” won gold medal for high quality. In 2004 at an
exhibition “ArmProdExpo” “Noyan” juices won gold medal. The same year,
“Noyan” production received a certificate of tyhe international quality
mark ISO-9001. In 2003, at expositions World Food and Inter Food,
“Noyan” won gold medal again.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZG Armenian Daily #145, 18/08/2005
Education
FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS
Foreign minister of Armenia Vartan Oskanian received yesterday the
Armenian participants of the International Mathematics Olympiad. Six
Armenians under 20 with no higher education successfully performed at
the Olympiad in Mexico wining 5 bronze medals, which placed Armenia
on the first place in the region. The minister congratulated the
Olympiad participants and assured that the Ministry will continue
supporting the national team in future events.
By A. M.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO ARA GYULER’S 77TH ANNIVERSARY OPENS
ISTANBUL, AUGUST 17, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. According to
“Marmara,” an exhibition organized on the occasion of the 77th
anniversary of Ara Gyuler, a Turkish Armenian photographer, is covered
by numerous Turkish newspapers. On August 16, “Zama” paid attention
to Ara Gyuler’s art. Oulkyu Eozel responded Ara Gyuler’s theory,
according to which a photo is not a photo if there is no person in
it. “Even the picture of the Saint Sofia temple will cost nothing
if there is no person passing in front of it,” Gyuler said in the
interview given to the newspaper. “Everything has been created for
people: a plane is for people, temples are for people. There is
no civilization without people. There is no photo without people,
either,” he said. Ara Gyuler also mentioned that only thirty photos
from his hundreds of thousands pictures will stay in history.

AZERBAIJAN: A ROAD, IF NOT A REFERENDUM, FOR NAGORNO-KARABAKH
Shahin Abbasov 8/17/05
EurasiaNet, NY
Aug 17 2005
Expectations are running high in Baku that an upcoming meeting between
the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia can achieve a breakthrough
in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.
President Ilham Aliyev and President Robert Kocharian of Armenia are
scheduled to hold a summit on August 26 in the Russian city of Kazan,
on the sidelines of a Commonwealth of Independent States gathering.
Some media outlets in Baku have reported that the two could sign
a declaration in Kazan outlining a possible Karabakh settlement.
Officials, however, have refused to confirm these reports. “The
maximum we can expect from the meeting in Kazan is a statement by the
presidents in which they would order their foreign ministers to start
working on the text of a future agreement,” one senior government
official told EurasiaNet, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Not all Baku analysts predict even that degree of progress. Ilgar
Mamedov, an independent political analyst, suggested that both Aliyev
and Kocharian could be posturing in an effort to curry the favor of
Western governments and international organizations. Both presidents
will soon face crucial political tests at home – parliamentary
elections in Azerbaijan and a constitutional referendum in Armenia –
and both leaders don’t want to do anything at this delicate point
that would undermine their respective international standing. [For
additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive]. International
mediators have pushed hard in recent months to promote a Karabakh
solution. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
“The recent wave of optimism could have been predicted a long time ago
based on previous experience of the connection between elections and
the negotiation process,” said Mamedov. “The so-called ‘Prague process’
will diminish in importance after the forthcoming November elections
in Azerbaijan and referendum in Armenia.” The “Prague process” refers
to the regular meetings between Azerbaijan and Armenia’s foreign
ministers and the co-chairs of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation’s Minsk Group, the tripartite body charged with mediating
a conflict resolution. [For additional information see the Eurasia
Insight archive].
Government officials, however, reject such a view. While saying that
he is “far from euphoric on the chances for reaching peace soon,”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Tagizade commented that “we can
say that there is real mutual progress on the negotiations.” Recent
charges that Armenian special services participated in a supposed coup
plot against the Aliyev administration, along with the leader of a
pro-opposition Azerbaijani youth group, appear to have done little to
dispel that optimism. Armenian officials have denied any involvement
in a coup plot. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
Baku remains insistent on a so-called “step by step” settlement
for the Karabakh conflict, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told
journalists on July 21. Under this approach, Karabakh’s territorial
status would be defined only after Armenian forces withdraw from
seven occupied Azerbaijani regions and communications between the two
counties are restored. [For additional information see the Eurasia
Insight archive]. Demilitarizing the conflict zone, clearing mines, the
return of refugees and the provision of security guarantees are among
other measures that would be implemented. The possible installation
of peacekeeping forces in Nagorno-Karabakh is seen as the final issue
for agreement, according to Mammadyarov. “And any status is possible
only within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity,”
the foreign minister added.
Resolving Karabakh’s future territorial status is possible “freely and
democratically,” only after the successful implementation of all the
above measures, according to one senior government official who spoke
with EurasiaNet on condition of anonymity, “However the implementation
of all the discussed stages could require years,” the official noted.
As part of this “free and democratic” process, the official said,
a referendum on Karabakh’s status could be considered. When a
referendum was proposed during negotiations in Yerevan in mid-July,
the Azerbaijani government reacted negatively. The issue is reportedly
to be finally resolved during the meeting between Aliyev and Kocharian.
Many Azerbaijani experts and media pundits are opposed to a
referendum. Eldar Namazov, a former presidential aide and one of the
leaders of the YeS opposition alliance, argued that agreeing to a
referendum would go against Azerbaijan’s national interests. “There
is no way to conduct a referendum in the occupied territories and
every single attempt to do so is doomed,” Namazov said.
Vafa Guluzade, a retired Azerbaijani diplomat, said Azerbaijan did not
need to agree to a referendum to secure a peace deal. “The Armenians
have already conducted a referendum and no doubt that they will vote
for independence again,” Guluzade told Turan.
A further snag looms just over the horizon. Azerbaijan’s constitution
dictates that any referendum held in the country must be held
nationwide, noted Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov in comments
to reporters. If Azerbaijan sees Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan,
any question on its status must be submitted to Azerbaijanis outside
of the territory as well. Otherwise, in Azimov’s words, a referendum
will be impossible.
One sweetener, however, has already been put on the table. Azerbaijan
has proposed opening a new motorway that would link the Azerbaijani
town of Agdam (located in Armenian-occupied territory) with the
Karabakh capital Stepanakert, and from there, to the Azerbaijani
exclave of Nakhichivan. According to Azerbaijani officials, the road
would ensure reliable links between Armenia and Karabakh, and also
between Azerbaijan and its Nakhichivan exclave.
“This project could make the South Caucasus a united region from the
political point of view and would encourage regional cooperation,”
said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. If implemented,
Armenia and Azerbaijan would each provide security for their section
of the road.
The security issue was discussed in mid-July in Baku between the Minsk
Group’s co-chairs and leaders of the remaining Azerbaijani community
in Karabakh, Nizami Bakhmanov and Elbrus Takhmazov. One proposal,
supported by Bakhmanov, would see OSCE peacekeepers provide for the
road’s security, with traffic following a pre-determined schedule —
a practice employed in Bosnia in the 1990s.
The catch, however, could lie in Lachin, which contains the road that
connects Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia. Azerbaijan remains adamant
that Armenia not retain control of the territory. “Lachin is part of
Azerbaijan and there is no way for the region to stay under Armenian
control,” Azimov said in a July 15 interview with ATV television.
Azerbaijan is calling for the resettlement of the Armenian population
from Lachin. “For the last 100 years, Armenians did not live in Lachin,
so that they have to be resettled,” said Bakhmanov. “But compensation
to these people could be paid,” he added, citing the findings of a
report by an international fact-finding mission earlier this year.
Commenting on the Armenian side’s concerns about the security
of Karabakh’s Armenian population after the return of Azerbaijani
residents, Bakhmanov stated that the return of a “peaceful population
without arms” to Lachin and Shusha, a city strongly tied to Azerbaijani
culture, is “in itself is a guarantee of security.”
In July, the Russian Minsk Group co-chairman Yuri Merzlyakov
lauded Armenia and Azerbaijan for “showing their willingness for
compromise.” Even so, many international observers are restrained in
their expectations for the peace process. A resolution to the conflict
“could be settled by the end of the year, or may not be settled for
100 years,” commented Steven Mann, US co-chair of the Minsk Group,
on July 21. It all depends “on the will of the government and the
people of the two nations.”
Editor’s Note: Shahin Abbasov is a freelance journalist based in Baku.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJAN ACCUSED ARMENIA OF VIOLATING THE ARMISTICE IN KARABAKH
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
August 17, 2005, Wednesday
Day.AAz reports that Armenian servicemen stationed in the Khodzhavend
district in Nagorny Karabakh broke the armistice between Azerbaijan
and Armenia.
The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan stated that Armenian servicemen
opened fire near the village of Kuropatkino last weekend. There are
no casualties among Azerbaijanian servicemen. Armenia refuses to
comment on the accusation. A similar incident happened in early May.
Baku states that Armenian servicemen opened fire near the villages of
Kuropatkino and Ashagy. There were no casualties. Many Azerbaijanian
politicians accuse Yerevan of seeking to solve the Karabakh problem
using force in connection with relocation of part of Russian military
hardware from Georgia to Armenia. (…)
Source: Lenta, August 15, 2005
Translated by Alexander Dubovoi
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress