Author: Hakobian Adrine

SPORT AND CULTURAL CENTER AFTER KAREN DEMIRCHIAN TO BE SOLD TO RUSSIAN
COMPANY BAMO

YEREVAN, AUGUST 25, NOYAN TAPAN. According to the RA Government
Information and PR Department, at the August 25 sitting, the RA
government made a decision to alienate through a direct sale the
property of two state noncommercial organizations – the Cultural
Center and Yerevan Sport and Cultural Center after Karen Demirchian,
after separating the property assigned and belonging to these
organizations by the payment order prescribed by law, to the
commercial organization founded by the previously known buyer Bamo
Ltd, registered and operating in Russia. The total value of the
property was assessed at 2 bln 848 mln 805 thousand drams (about 6.33
mln USD) according to the balance method established under RA
Government March 27, 1998 decision No 209. The buyer offered 2 bln
565 mln or 90% of the assessed value, which was set as the price of
the property, to purchase the overall property. Under the decision,
the purchasing organization will receive, in order prescribed by law,
the right to rent the land area of 19.54 ha occupied by Yerevan Sport
and Cultural Center after K. Demirchian for a period of 50 years, with
the preferential right to its purchase at the current cadastre value
of land in the RA. The decision stipulates that the founded
organization has such obligations as preserving the name and
activities profile of Yerevan Sport and Cultural Center after K.
Demirchian; making investments of 4 bln 275 mln drams within 3 years,
with most of this sum to be allocated for major repairs of the sport
facilities; signing, within 10 days after the state registration, job
contracts with the 99 employess of both state noncommercial
organization for at least 6 months and envisaging the minimum salary
of 50 thousand drams; organizing up to 5 events of republican
significance each year by the RA government’s bid, etc.

Australian Associated Press Pty. Ltd.
AAP NEWSFEED
August 25, 2005, Thursday

Fenech rates Darchinyan performance as his best ever

By Adrian Warren

SYDNEY

Jeff Fenech today rated Vic Darchinyan’s ruthless demolition of
challenger Jair Jiminez as the best performance of the world champion
flyweight’s career.

The Fenech camp is also confident Darchinyan’s mandatory defence
against Irishman Damaen Kelly will be held in Australia.

Darchinyan’s manager Robert Joske said the IBF had set an October 27
deadline for the fight with the 32-year-old Belfast-based boxer.

The 29-year-old champion improved his professional record to 24-0 by
taking just five rounds to demoralise Colombian Jiminez, the
ninth-ranked contender.

Trainer Fenech, who convinced Darchinyan to relocate to Australia
after representing Armenia at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, described
last night’s effort from his IBF and IBO champion as perfect.

“He was great, I just thought people don’t realise how good his
opponent was, and just how easy he handled him,” Fenech said.

“He made the guy do everything that he wanted. That’s a show of real
class.

“I was very worried. I thought it was going to be our toughest fight.

“I think it was his best one by far, especially because of the guy
that he fought. He didn’t rush. A lot of times he was behind the jab
and he brought him onto punches instead of doing what he always
does.”

After taking a two-week holiday in Armenia, which he has not visited
since winning the IBF title last December, Darchinyan will resume
training for his fight with Kelly, who has a 21-2 professional
record.

With the top two spots vacant, third ranked Kelly is the highest
ranked contender.

Kelly was the initial choice of opponent for last night’s fight, but
couldn’t agree terms with promoter William Takataka.

“I tried to bring him over here, but he wanted too much money, he
wanted more than the champion, so that’s why we didn’t want to go
ahead with that fight,” Takataka said.

Fenech and Takataka both expect the fight will go to a purse bid and
each is confident the contest will take place in Australia.

“I don’t think they’ve got the money to take the fight there, I’m
confident of having it here,” Fenech said.

Fight fans in Sydney have the choice of two promotions to attend
tomorrow.

World-ranked Nedal Hussein fights Australian light welterweight
champion Mick Shaw for the vacant IBO Intercontinental super
featherweight title at Auburn RSL.

At Penrith Panthers, world rated light heavyweight Jason DeLisle
headlines the card with an IBF Pan Pacific light heavyweight title
defence against Argentinian Fernando Vera.

settlement

ANS TV, Baku
23 Aug 05

The president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,
Rene van der Linden, has called on the Azerbaijani media to convince
the public to support a peaceful solution to the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict.

In an interview with the “Point of View” programme on private ANS TV
on 23 August, Van der Linden said: “The media must support a peaceful
approach and not to give the impression that a military solution is
possible. The latter should be ruled out.”

The official said that ahead of the November parliamentary election,
Azerbaijan should guarantee freedom of assembly, stop putting pressure
on the opposition in regions and address the problem of voting lists.
No further processing of the interview planned.

From: “Katia M. Peltekian” <[email protected]>
Subject: Political ideas aside, System aims for mesmerizing music

Newsday, NY
Aug 23 2005

Political ideas aside, System aims for mesmerizing music

BY RAFER GUZMÁN
STAFF WRITER

August 23, 2005

If you’ve heard System of a Down’s latest singles, you probably have
some ideas of what the songs are about. But singer-songwriter Serj
Tankian says your guess is as good as his.

“I’ve had people come up to me with the strangest interpretations of
what lyrics might mean, and I’m like, ‘You go! I never thought of
that, but that works,'” Tankian says, speaking by phone from a hotel
in Dallas. “I think true art is a universal reflection, and true
artists are just messengers of that reflection – or, at best, skilled
presenters.”

It’s that kind of articulate philosophy – not to mention some of
the most brain-punishing metal-rock in existence – that makes System
of a Down such an unlikely success story. Their previous studio
album, 2001’s “Toxicity,” has sold about 3.6 million copies,
according to Nielsen SoundScan, and the new “Mezmerize,” released in
May, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. It’s already racked up
sales of 1.3 million. All this, despite the band’s decidedly bizarre
mix of hardcore, heavy metal, opera and Middle Eastern music. (All
four of the band’s members are of Armenian descent.)

“Mezmerize” is only the first disc System of a Down plans to deliver
this year. The follow-up, “Hypnotize,” is scheduled for release in
November. In a change of pace, Tankian takes a backseat to guitarist
Daron Malakian, who wrote most of the lyrics and music on “Mezmerize”
(perhaps he’s responsible for the misspelled title). Shavo Odadjian,
System’s bassist and unofficial art director, helped create the
band’s light show and mirrored stage set.

Odadjian got the idea for the stage design from his favorite
neighborhood bar in Los Angeles. “It’s really small, but one wall is
all mirrors, so you think, ‘This bar is huge,'” he explains over the
phone from a West Palm Beach, Fla., hotel. “And then I thought, ‘No
one’s ever done that onstage before, made the stage look twice as big
with a huge mirror.'”

Odadjian and Tankian both downplay their band’s political zeal –
“We’d really rather concentrate on the music,” Tankian says – but the
lyrics on “Mesmerize” are difficult to ignore. “Violent Pornography”
is a scathing critique of mainstream television. “Cigaro” seems like
a crude sexual joke – but a closer listen reveals themes of Western
arrogance. And the first single, “B.Y.O.B.,” features the
lung-busting refrain, “Why don’t presidents fight the war/Why do they
always send the poor?”

Tankian says he keeps up with current affairs while on tour by
reading newspapers and surfing the Internet. “Nations are like
people,” he says. “Once you understand the interactions between
nations, it’s easy to understand why things are done, in terms of
foreign policy, in a certain way. But nations are not like people in
the sense that we are cumulatively represented by others – and their
interpretations of what our interests are may not be the same as what
they really are. And that’s what’s dangerous, even in a democracy.”

Are System of a Down’s stage-diving, mosh-happy fans as politically
engaged as Tankian? “I don’t find most people to be as politically
engaged as I am,” Tankian says with a laugh. “I do find people that
appreciate eye-opening events and words, and who want to learn more
about what’s going on. I do find people with a lot of opinions. And I
get a lot of people who come up to me and give us props for what we
do.”

WHEN&WHERE System of a Down plays with The Mars Volta and Bad Acid
Trip at 7 tonight at Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford,
N.J. Tickets are $32.50-$45. Call 631-888-9000 or go to

YEREVAN AND LOS ANGELES TO BECOME SISTER CITIES

YEREVAN, AUGUST 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The members of the RA National
Assembly Armenian-US Friendship Group met on August 19 with Eric
Garchetti, a member of Los Angeles city council. According to the
RA NA PR Department, he arrived in Armenia with the initiative to
declare Yerevan and Los Angeles sister cities. It is envisaged to
sign an agreement about it after holding discussions in Yerevan. The
Armenian parliamentarians accepted this proposal with satisfaction,
taking into account that the Armenian community of Los Angeles is
the third largest one after those in Armenia and Russia. Head of the
Friendship Group Levon Mkrtchian said that it will provide a good
occasion to develop the relations between the two communities and
strengthen cultural and scientific links. According to the RA MFA
Press and Information Department, on the same day, Eric Garchetti was
received by RA Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakosian. During the
meeting, E. Garchetti emphasized the important role that Armenians
play in the cultural, economic and social life of Los Angeles. He
expressed confidence that the development of links between Yerevan and
Los Angeles will further promote cooperation between the two countries.

“ARMENIA TV” AND “AR RADIO INTERCONTINENTAL” RECOGNIZED WINNERS IN
COMPETITION FOR TV AND RADIO BROADCASTING LICENSE

YEREVAN, AUGUST 19, NOYAN TAPAN. At the August 18 sitting of the
National Commission of Television and Radio (NCTR), it was decided to
recognize as the winner the “Armenia TV” CJSC, only participant of the
competition for TV broadcasting license by the following decimeter
networks: 32 in the city of Vedy, 48 in Jermuk, 28 in Sevan, 26 in
Gyumri, 27 in Hrazdan, 28 in Aparan, 45 in Ararat, 25 in Vardenis,
25 in Vanadzor, 21 in Stepanavan, 55 in Abovian, 53 in Noyemberian, 25
in Ijevan, 21 in Dilijan, 24 in Sisian, 35 in Goris, 25 in Kapan. By
the NCTR another decision, the “AR Radio Intercontinental” LTD was
recognized the winner of the competition for radio broadcasting license
by the following frequencies: 105.2 on the territory of the village
of Areg, 104.6 in Vedy, 107.3 in Yeghegnadzor, 106.8 in Zovashen,
107.2 in Vanadzor, 103.6 in Gyumri, 103.9 in Vayk, 104.4 in Fantan,
103.2 on the territory of the Sevan mountain pass.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS MEETS WITH PACE PRESIDENT

ARKA News Agency
Aug 19 2005

YEREVAN, August 19. /ARKA/. Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II
has held a meeting with PACE Chairman Rene Van Der Linden, who is
on a visit to Armenia. During the meeting Garegin II thanked the
PACE Chairman for the CE’s assistance to Armenia in consolidating
democracy and settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as in
Armenia’s integration into Europe. “We are hopeful that with the help
of Council of Europe we will make peace in the region irreversible
and ensure a fair settlement of the Karabakh problem, which is our
special concern,” Garegin II said.

In his turn, speaking of PACE’s activities aimed to consolidate
democratic values and human rights protection, the PACE Chairman
pointed out an important role of Churches and religious, which can
greatly contribute to the consolidation of these values by means
of dialogues. The sides also discussed challenges to the Armenian
Apostolic Church and the Armenians, Nagorno-Karabakh peace process,
as well as the possibility of diplomatic relations between Armenia
and Turkey.

Attending the meeting were Vice-Speaker of the RA Parliament and
Head of the Georgian diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Vazgen
Mirzakhanyan. P.T. -0–

PACE President to visit Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to discuss political reforms

Council of Europe

Aug 18 2005

Strasbourg, 17.08.2005 – The President of the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe (PACE), Rene van der Linden, is to visit
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia from 18 to 23 August 2005. These will
be his first visits to the three countries of the southern Caucasus
since being elected to office last January.

In Armenia, which he will visit from 18 to 20 August, he will meet,
inter alia, President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, President of
Parliament Arthur Baghdasaryan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vardan
Oskanyan, Minister of Justice David Haroutiunyan, as well as NGOs
representatives and leaders of opposition factions. He is also
scheduled to meet His Holiness Garegin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians. Among the matters which should be discussed are the
process of constitutional reform, Nagorno-Karabakh and democratic
reforms and pluralism.

While in Georgia, on 20 and 21 August, he will hold talks with Prime
Minister Zurab Noghaideli, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mikheil
Machavariani as well as representatives of parliamentary opposition
and civil society. A meeting is also scheduled with His Holiness and
Beatitude Ilia II, Patriarch of All Georgia. The constitutional
situation, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression
and association and media pluralism should be the focal points of
discussion.

During his visit to Azerbaijan, from 21 to 23 August, he will meet
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Chairman of Parliament Murtuz
Aleskerov, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Elmar Mammadyarov as well as representatives of the opposition, the
media and NGOs. He is also scheduled to meet Sheikh ul-Islam Haji
Allahshukur Pashazade, spiritual leader of the Muslim community of
the Caucasus. Among the matters to be raised will be the November
parliamentary elections, political prisoners and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Press conferences:
Yerevan, Armenia: Friday 19 August, 5.45 pm (National Assembly)
Tbilisi, Georgia: Sunday 21 August, 11.45 am (Ilia Chavchavadze Hall)
Baku, Azerbaijan: Tuesday 23 August, 6.00 pm (Council of Europe
Information Office)

Further information may be obtained from David Milner, PACE
Secretariat, on +33 06.64.49.98.40.

Contact:
Communication Unit of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly
Tel. +33 3 88 41 31 93 Fax +33 3 90 21 41 34; e-mail: [email protected]

Abkhazian president discusses military plans

RIA Novosti, Russia
Aug 17 2005

MOSCOW, August 17 (RIA Novosti) – Abkhazia plans to use Russian
military specialists in its army, the president of the self-proclaimed
republic in Georgia said Wednesday.

“Our army is not rich – only 20% of its financing comes from
the budget,” Sergei Bagapsh said. “However, it is very mobile,
10,000-12,000-strong without reservists. It is much stronger with
reservists.”

Bagapsh said military exercises involving 6,000 troops were currently
under way in the republic and noted that Abkhazia adheres to a
defensive military doctrine.

“Statements that Abkhazia is importing weapons are groundless,”
he said. “We would be happy if someone took [the weapons remaining
from the Georgian-Abkhazian armed conflict in the early 1990s] away
from us.”

The Abkhazian president confirmed that his country would render
military aid to three self-proclaimed republics of the former Soviet
territory (Nagorny Karabakh, South Ossetia, and Transdnestr) in the
case of aggression against any one of them.

Bagapsh also said the agreements between the self-proclaimed republics
covered issues of peace, good-neighborliness, and cultural cooperation.

SEMINAR “ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS: SITUATION TODAY AND PROSPECTS”
HELD IN YEREVAN

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11. ARMINFO. “For official Ankara to admit Armenian
Genocide in Ottoman Turkey means to agree with the image of
Turk-barbarian”, Advisor of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
Arsen Avakian stated during the seminar “Armenian-Turkish relations:
situation today and prospects”. To note, Arsen Avakian has been
working in Turkey for several years in the Organization of the Black
Sea Economic Cooperation.

At the same time the reporter mentioned certain progress in
the behavior of official Ankara. So, the continuous denial of the
Armenian Genocide was transformed into attempts to present the events
at the beginning of last century as “mutual problem”, and bilateral
negotiations are necessary for their settlement. Avakian stressed that
the denial of the Genocide is the position of the Turkish government,
which is shared by the most part of the society. The second group
(smaller group) of the Turkish public admits the fact of massacres,
but avoids to define them as a genocide. The third group is ready to
admit the fact of the Armenian Genocide and necessity of reparations,
but they are only a few dozens. European countries’ recognizing the
Armenian Genocide creates necessary atmosphere for bilateral discussion
of this problem, Arsen Avakian thinks.