Author: Hakobian Adrine

ARMENIA’S CONSTITUTIONAL COURT APPROVES ARMENIA-UNHCR COOPERATION AGREEMENT

YEREVAN, JULY 19. ARMINFO. Today Armenia’ Constitutional Court approved
the Armenia-UNHCR cooperation agreement.

Armenia’s Deputy FM Gegam Garibjanyan says that UNHCR has worked in
Armenia since Dec 1999 but the agreement on its status was adopted
as late as Nov 22 25004.

Singing the agreement from the Armenian side was Armenia’s FM Vardan
Oskanyan. In the agreement the Armenian government pledges to provide
UNHCR with all out support in its meeting refugees from Azerbaijan
and providing them with legal, and social assistance.

UNHCR employees are exempt from social payments according to UN refugee
convention of 1946. The agreement runs counter to some articles
of Armenia’s criminal code but it is an international agreement is
superior to a national law which will be considered by the parliament.

Santa Cruz Sentinel, CA
July 22 2005

Say ‘Yes’ to this indie film
By CATHERINE GRAHAM
SENTINEL CORRESPONDENT

Just as one person’s fine wine is another’s gutter water, “Yes”
might be one person’s thought-provoking work of art but another’s
load of pretentious, er, excrement.

I found it sexy and intelligent, and was always interested in finding
out what would happen next. Yet I can understand why someone else
would really hate it.

“Yes” is the sort of risky, experimental film that might be best
exhibited in an art gallery or museum. Just as entering an opera house
sets up expectations of the kind of musical experience we will have,
a fine arts setting would prepare us to meet the intellectual and
emotional challenge of “Yes.”

Filmed in Super 16 with video inserts, the visual style is often
jarring, with jump cuts, slo-mo and intense close ups in which the
actor looks directly into the camera.

Writer-director Sally Potter is a dancer, choreographer, performance
artist and musical composer. Her film adaptation of Virginia Woolfe’s
“Orlando” (1993) – the story of someone who lives 400 years, first as
a man, later as a woman – established her as the sort of artist who
appeals most to those whose taste in movies might be best described
as offbeat.

Potter continues in this un-Hollywood mode in “Yes,” bringing her
entire resume to bear. She composes individual shots as carefully
as a painter would a still life; when the camera moves, it is with
choreographed, ballet-like precision.

In the script written by Potter, the characters speak in rhymed
iambic pentameter. This curious feature works better at some points
in the film than in others, most successfully with The Cleaning Woman
(sharply portrayed by Shirley Henderson), who serves as the film’s
narrator/Greek chorus.

None of the characters have names. She (the magnificent Joan Allen)
is a wealthy, respected scientist mired in an unhappy marriage to
The Diplomat (Sam Neill, suitably thin-lipped and aloof). He (gifted
Lebanese-Armenian actor Simon Abkarian) works as a humble cook,
though in his native Lebanon was a respected surgeon.

Like in a Douglas Sirk women’s weepie of the 1950s, the upper crust
woman goes for the man of the lesser social stature. Their sex earns
a well-deserved R rating, with conventional gender roles reversed;
the male is the exotic object of desire and the more passive,
emotionally-invested partner.

Within the framework of this melodramatic love story, Potter addresses
themes as varied as racism, class consciousness, love, hate and the
fractious state of the modern world.

Cell phones loom large in expressing the disconcerting aspects of
life in this technological age. In one key scene, She telephones He,
expecting him to be across town (in this case, London) – after all,
last time she used that number he was at home.

But when he answers, he informs her he’s in Beirut. The distance
between her expectation of his physical whereabouts and where he is
really is a perfect metaphor for their emotional disconnect.

The performance artist Laurie Anderson has a bit she calls “difficult
listening music.” By the same, humorous, tongue-in-cheek concept,
“Yes” is a difficult viewing film. It’s not a summer blockbuster
aimed at the teenage male demographic. It’s an adult movie in the
best sense of the word adult, with images and ideas that may haunt
you for days afterward.

Contact Catherine Graham at [email protected].

If You Go

WHAT: ‘Yes.’

RATING: R: For language, sexual content.

WHERE: The Nickelodeon, 426-7500.

LENGTH: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

VERDICT: A-.

Armenian Electric Network denies selling stock to UES of Russia
By Tigran Liloyan

ITAR-TASS News Agency
July 21, 2005 Thursday 5:59 AM Eastern Time

YEREVAN, July 21 — Armenian Electric Network (AEN) JSC on Thursday
disproved allegations that is has sold its block of stock to UES
(Unified Energy Systems) of Russia.

The company said in a statement that 100 percent of its stock is still
owned by the British holding Midland Resources that bought the shares
from the Armenian government in 2002.

The owner of the company “has yielded to UES of Russia in the name
of the Interenergo company the right to manage, make investments and
get profit from AEN activities,” the statement says.

AEN explains this by the fact that “energy is not the core business
of Midland Resources.”

The Armenian Electric Network leadership believes the experience
and financial possibilities of UES of Russia will make it possible
for Armenia to more effectively fulfil tasks of the country’s energy
system renewal.

Interenergo is a branch of INTER RAO UES, 60 percent of which belong
to UES of Russia and 40 percent – to Rosenergoatom (Russia’s sate-run
nuclear operator).

Congressional Record: July 20, 2005
>>From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

SOUTH CAUCASUS OPEN RAIL LINK ACT
HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, United States foreign policy toward the
South Caucasus nations is one of fostering regional stability and
enhanced cooperation. I rise today to bring attention to the great
injustice in relations in this region.

I speak today to stress my opposition and to move forward with
legislation contesting the proposed railroad connecting Tbilisi,
Georgia and Kars, Turkey. The proposed railroad would systematically
bypass Armenia, and push them further into isolation.

As we all know, Turkey and Armenia have their differences. Although
it is counterproductive to list those differences, instead I want to
highlight the fact that it goes against United States policy to be
in a position that further advances the turmoil in this region, The
proposed legislation would bar U.S. support and funding for a rail
link connecting Georgia and Turkey, but which directly averts Armenia.

Eight years ago, the former Turkish president and the former Georgian
president meant to discuss the railroad that would “open a third
frontier crossing between the two countries,” providing further
commerce and economic opportunity for the South Caucasus region. Both
countries would benefit immensely from this railroad.

While I will always support commerce-based proposals that spawn
economic development around the world, this proposal initiates
commerce at the cost of another country’s economic development. This
is unacceptable.

This railroad would cost between $400-$800 million to construct,
while a perfectly workable and capable rail link already exists. It
is evident to all that this new rail system is being proposed for
the specific reason of diverting commerce around Armenia.

The construction of the proposed railroad would be equivalent to the
people of Ohio building a new bridge to Canada just to avoid traveling
through Michigan. The United States government would never condone
this action, and we should not be in the practice of condoning the
actions set forth by the Turkish government.

The existing rail would be available for use within weeks of an
agreement between Armenia, Turkey, and Georgia. Furthermore, the
Armenian people are willing to forego using the rail until normal
relations with Turkey are established. Mr. Speaker, although normal
relations may still take some time, there is no reason to further
shut Armenia out of the equation.

Moreover, the building of this railroad also highlights the ongoing
struggle between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Known by all, Azerbaijan’s
main goal is to strangle Armenia into submission of Nagorno-Karabakh.

This railroad does just that.

The United States and other countries around the world, including
Turkey, need to allow these two countries to agree upon a solution
regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. It is necessary that third parties
remain neutral. The proposed railroad not only stunts the diplomatic
progress between Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan, it unnecessarily
blocks Armenia’s economic and political progress.

I encourage my colleagues to look at the facts of this situation. The
existing rail link would be available essentially as soon as possible
and it would take a minimal amount of funding in order to get it
usable again. Whereas, a new rail link would take months if not years
to build, and would cost an estimated $400-$800 million. There should
be no question as to which plan the United States supports.

EastsideBoxing.com
July 21 2005

Vic Vic Vic! Darchinyan Day around the corner

21.07.05 – By Eddy Manning: There is alot to like about Vic
Darchinyan. Young, eager and exciting, the soft spoken Armenian
turned Australian has the boxing world at his feet. Darchinyan is in
the final stages of preperation for next Wednesday nights bout
against Columbian Jair Jimenez. The bout will be a defense of
Darchinyans IBF and recently gained IBO Flyweight titles. The 29 year
old champion is loving every minute of his world title reign and has
the perfect outlook on his career. ”I want all the belts”
Darchinyan has said in the past. A goal which is within close grasp
of Darchinyan.

Drachinyan came over and fought for Armenia in the Sydney 2000
Olympics and upon a meeting with Jeff Fenech he was offered a spot in
the stable of one of Australias greatest ever fighters and renowned
trainers. Darchinyan made his pro debut only two months after the
Olympics and went on to win his next 21 bouts in front of Australian
audiences, gaining more admiration and support each fight. As
Darchinyan charged towards a world title shot he became a very
popular fighter due to his explosive, almost super human flyweight
power and his exciting ‘windmill’ like style.

The ”Vic, Vic, Vic” chants echoed as Darchinyan earned the biggest
fight of his career against the then undefeated and highly regarded
IBF Champion Irene Pacheco. The fight wasn’t without its troubles
itself, Hurricane Frances hit Florida prior to the fight and caused
the fight to be postponed with Darchinyan already in America.

When both fighters finally entered the ring in December of last year
it was the hard hitting Australian who would snatch the title from
Pacheco via an 11th round TKO. After a drama filled fight which saw
momentum turn after a 10 minute delay because of ”fireworks”
outside the arena, Darchinyan would put Pacheco down in round 10
before forcing the referee to halt the contest after another big
knockdown in the 11th. One more defense to Darchinyan over South
African champion Mzukisi Sikali didn’t see things go entirely
Darchinyans way but in the end his punching power forced Sikali to
pull a ”no mas” of some sort.

The Darchinyan camp, along with most others dont know too much about
Jimenez except he does have knockout power and a reputation as a
slugger. Something which may suit Darchinyan very well. A very
competitive and deep Flyweight division will only motivate Darchinyan
more on Wednesday night as he seeks to equal one of his biggest
mentors in Kostya Tszyu, another internationally born fighter who has
fought his entire career as an Australian, by Unifying the Flyweight
division, much like Tszyu did at Junior Welterweight. With fighters
like Pongsaklek Wonjongkam and Lorenzo Parra holding the other belts
the road will keep winding to a tougher climax for Darchinyan.

Without a doubt the A grade training Darchinyan gets at Jeff Fenechs
Sydney gym has helped his career to where it is today, the former
world champion Fenech has formed a close knit bond with Darchinyan
and Darchinyan himself seems to have taken a piece of Fenechs old
fight style. Darchinyan is also getting world class sparring from top
flyweight contender and stable mate Hussain Hussain, who was in a
fight of the year contender against Mexican legend Jorge Arce is
March.

The time is right for Darchinyan to continue his assault on the
flyweight division and climb the ladder of boxing success. As his
hero Kostya Tszyu waves goodbye to the sport he has served so well,
will it be Vic Darchinyan who becomes Australias next P4P champion?
Keep chanting ‘Vic, Vic, Vic’ and watch Vic Darchinyan write his own
chapter in Australian boxing history.

PRESS RELEASE
July 18, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]; Web:

Armepress News Agency Interview with Ambassador Tatoul Markarian on
U.S.-Armenian relations

Q. How would you describe the current status of U.S.-Armenian relations?

A. Armenia enjoys excellent relations with the United States, which are
deeply rooted in our shared values and principles. Our task is to further
enhance the already high level of cooperation and partnership with the
United States to the mutual benefit of our nations and in order to meet the
challenges that the international community now faces.

Since the restoration of its independence in 1991, Armenia has had many
achievements in building democratic institutions and civil society, a
representative form of government, and a free-market economy. We appreciate
greatly the enormous political, moral, and humanitarian support that the
United States has extended under the Freedom Support Act, and which helped
Armenia to sustain an independent statehood and implement democratic, legal,
and economic reforms.

The many institutionalized meetings and consultations between the
Governments of our countries, such as U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force,
U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialog, Bilateral Defense Consultations, provide a
framework for dialog on bilateral political, security, and economic
cooperation. Bilateral visits play an important role, and this year we have
already had a visit by the Foreign Minister, and the Prime Minister, the
Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly, and the Defense Minister will
visit later this year. U.S.-Armenia Task Force and U.S.-Armenia strategic
dialog meetings will be conducted in Washington later this year.

Q. What’s the level of economic cooperation between the two countries?

A. Since 1992, the level and scope of U.S. assistance programs have changed
from providing humanitarian assistance to mostly focusing on economic
development and democratic and legal reforms, reflecting the significant
progress made by Armenia in these areas.

Armenia’s economy is now more efficient, diversified, than those of its
neighbors. According to Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation,
Armenia ranks higher in index of economic freedom than any other country in
Eurasia and most of Eastern Europe.

Armenia’s inclusion as a potential recipient of the Millennium Challenge
Account funds is a testimony to Armenia’s ability to rule justly, promote
economic freedom, and invest in people. The MCA funds and continued U.S.
assistance to Armenia will advance the objectives of poverty reduction and
promotion of economic growth, thus helping to unleash the creative potential
of the Armenian people. The appropriate Congressional subcommittees have
already voted to markup assistance to Armenia at the same level in 2006 as
it was this year. Equally important was maintaining parity in Congressional
allocation of military assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan. Also, U.S. will
continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Nagorno Karabakh.

The United States is among Armenia’s top five trading partners, and over the
last 5 years, the exports of Armenian products to the United States have
grown significantly. Earlier in 2005, Armenia was granted the Permanent
Normal Trade Relations regime by the United States. At the same time, the
level of U.S. investments in Armenia is not high compared with the existing
potential. Therefore, promotion of trade and investment will be an important
priority.

Most U.S. investment to Armenia went into Armenia’s hospitality and IT
industries, particularly software manufacturing. Most of Armenia’s software
companies are geared towards the U.S. markets. Many hotels in Armenia are
now operated by Armenian-American investors, and this has helped raise the
standards and promote competition in this important industry. There are also
numerous small- and medium-scale Armenian-American entrepreneurs who own
businesses in Armenia, or engage in export and import operations.

Nevertheless, the prevailing model for U.S. investment in Armenia has been
foreign direct investments, or personal involvement of the entrepreneur or
manager. During my meetings many express willingness to take advantage of
the economic opportunities in Armenia, but the main limitation is that
potential investors are unable, due to lack of time or career
considerations, to move to Armenia to personally run their businesses.
Therefore, in order to attract more American investment to Armenia, there is
a need for new mechanisms, vehicles such as venture capital funds,
investment companies, etc.

Q. What’s the role of the Armenian-American community in our bilateral
relations?

A. The Armenian-American community is at the forefront of our relations,
promoting bilateral trade and scientific cooperation, as well as cultural
and interchurch contacts.

There are many distinguished Armenian-American individuals and organizations
that have provided important support to Armenia and Artsakh and continue
contributing immensely to strengthening the Armenian statehood, as well as
the development of the Armenian economy. Earlier this month, famous Armenian
benefactor Kirk Kirkorian’s Lincy Foundation announced the new 60 million
dollar program in Armenia.

Strengthening the Homeland-Diaspora ties remains a priority for the Armenian
government, and many institutional and ad hoc measures have been implemented
in recent years. I am convinced that we are only beginning to reveal the
synergies and realize this potential, and it is necessary to continue the
policies of bringing the Homeland and Diaspora even closer. Already today,
Armenia is home to all Armenians, and every Armenian can make a difference
there.

Q. How do you see the U.S. role in normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations?

A. We appreciate the efforts by the United States government to promote
regional cooperation in South Caucasus, as it will increase the prosperity
and development in the entire region. The United States remains engaged with
our neighbor Turkey by continuously urging that country to contribute
positively to the development of South Caucasus by lifting the blockade on
and normalizing its relations with Armenia.

Nevertheless, the continued denial by Turkey of not only the past but also
the current realities, and, first of all, its refusal to establish normal
relations with and its blockade of Armenia leaves with no choice but to
pursue the resolution of all bilateral problems within the international
framework. In this context, in addition to European countries, the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States will make the
message even stronger and more unanimous that Turkey has to face its
history. It has the potential to contribute to stimulating the Turkish
society to discuss this issue in a vigorous and democratic manner.

Q. Following the events in Georgia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan, what is the
U.S. position on domestic political developments and elections in Armenia?

A. The United States has been a partner in the process of implementation of
democratic and economic reforms in Armenia that are now firmly entrenched
and irrevocable. Our U.S. counterparts are interested that democratic
reforms in Armenia continue and be accomplished through political dialog.

As for elections, they present an important value, and in democratic
transition they are not only the means but often the ends. Meanwhile,
democracy cannot be advanced by conduct of elections alone. Elections, after
all, are a reflection of existing state of affairs in socio-economic and
political structures of the society. In this context, essential preparatory
work is carried out in Armenia for a sustained period of time to reform the
political and economic system. At this stage this means addressing key
issues, such as Constitutional reform, amending the Electoral Code, better
self-government for Armenia’s local communities, etc.

The recently developing agreement on these issues between the ruling
coalition and opposition in the parliament, in cooperation with the Council
of Europe, can serve as an example of how political issues can be resolved
by democratic means, such as dialog and parliamentary process. And this is
the way that is most preferred and appreciated by our U.S. counterparts.

Q. How does U.S.-Armenian security cooperation develop in the context of the
Global War on Terror?

A. Immediately in the wake of 9/11, Armenia has joined the international
anti-terror coalition and offered the use of its airspace and other tangible
assistance for the U.S.-led anti-terror operations. This also marked the
beginning of military cooperation between the U.S. and Armenia. It was made
possible by the waiver of Section 907, while also addressing the concerns of
Armenia regarding security in the region. The provision of U.S. military
assistance to Armenia helped the Armenian Armed Forces to establish
peacekeeping capability and address interoperability issues. The Armenian
soldiers and officers now serve alongside with their partners within NATO’s
Partnership for Peace program, and in Kosovo, and Armenia’s contingent is
serving in Iraq with many other nations of the coalition. Also important for
our military cooperation is the State Partnership Program between the Kansas
National Guard and the Armenian Armed Forces.

The first phase of our security cooperation is nearing completion, and we
know better the mutual potential and expectations. Armenia’s Defense
Minister will visit the United States later this year to discuss the current
level and future prospects for our cooperation.

Q. The U.S. officials have recently made a number of public statements on
the future status of Kosovo. How will the Kosovo status talks affect the NK
peace settlement?

A. The future of Kosovo has indeed been a subject of very open and public
discussions lately, with important statements by U.S. government officials.
No matter to what extent the Administration favors the principle of full
sovereignty of Kosovo, they find that the final status must be a result of
negotiation process. We understand the international community is not ready
to shoulder entire responsibility and suggest a universal solution to all
those cases or to impose ready-made solutions to Kosovo or other cases.

However, the international community could have been more vigorous in
supporting democracy and economic developments in these regions. The
argument that economic isolation will make conflicting parties more
malleable or eager to compromise is a wrong stereotype. On the contrary,
imposed isolation and economic scarcity can contribute to ethnocentrism and
make a conflicting party less inclined to compromise. It is encouraging that
the United States and European Union have already worked to promote
democratic values and economic freedom in Kosovo, which will inevitably
contribute to a durable and sustainable settlement in whatever final form it
comes.

The people of Karabakh have already pursued the right choices on their own,
exerting hard effort toward democratic consolidation and economic
development. The recent parliamentary elections there showed the
determination to adhere to democratic principles, and this deserves
encouragement and appreciation of the international community.

The independence of Kosovo will, of course, have an impact on settlement of
conflicts in other parts of the world. However, the concerns by some within
the international community that recognition of Kosovo’s sovereignty may set
a precedent necessitating the same status everywhere are exaggerated since
each case will be judged on its own merits. After all, there have been
several examples of application of the right to self-determination, in one
form or another, both by conflicting parties and by the international
community to prevent or to settle existing conflicts. In the previous decade
alone, this right has been exercised, irrespective of the outcome, in the
cases of East Timor, Northern Ireland, Puerto Rico, Quebec, Southern Sudan,
Serbia and Montenegro, and elsewhere.

As far as Nagorno Karabakh is concerned, its distinction from other
conflicts in Eurasia is readily acknowledged by the international community.
I am convinced, and it is widely shared, that any solution to the conflict
will be based on the fact and the right of self-determination of the people
of Nagorno Karabakh, which is the core and the final settlement must take it
into account.

(Released by Armenpress on July 18, 2005)

Parliamentary hearing yield their results
By Karine Mangasarian

Yerkir
July 15, 2005

In March the National Assembly’s permanent committee on external
relations organized parliamentary hearings on the issue of Nagorno
Karabagh. Today, in the context of activation of the negotiation
process, those hearing emerge as more important. We asked the head
of the committee on external relations Armen Rustamian to comment on
the results of the hearings.

A.R. As we promised, we will prepare summary materials of the hearings
that will be published. The publication will contain two chapters. The
first chapter will present the reports and speeches heard during the
two days of the hearings in the National Assembly. The second chapter
will contain all the documents related to Nagorno Karabagh adopted by
international organizations. The committee on external relations will
convene in September and will discuss the conclusions. The conclusions
will be divided into two groups. The first one will include the
statements containing the main conceptual elements reflected in the
speeches. This can be the foundation for a conceptual approach to
parliamentary diplomacy. In this way we will have a concept on the
issue of Nagorno Karabagh. The second part will contain proposals
as to coordination of our activities in this sphere to ensure that
they are comprehensive and that Azerbaijan’ propaganda mechanisms
are taken into consideration and
properly countered. Naturally, these proposals will be directed
to the executive branch as well because the goal that we set for
ourselves was to ensure that all of us have a well coordinated and
unified position on this issue.

Q: Several statements and reports were recently made by various
intentional organizations on the issue of Nagorno Karabagh. To what
extent do the positions taken in those statements coincide with the
positions that will be presented in the concluding statements you
mentioned? A: The hearings have already yielded their results. After
the hearings, we had an opportunity to have discussions on the
Karabagh issue with two important organizations. We have already
managed to incorporate the main ideas raised at the hearings into those
documents. For instance, the joint session of parliamentary cooperation
between Armenia and the European Union and the statement adopted at
that session, the recent OSCE parliamentary summit. I think we have
made good progress in this regard. When the materials are published we
will have a unified document that can be used by our officials, members
of Armenian delegations that will be dealing with the Karabagh issue.

Q: OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are visiting Armenia this week. What
are your expectations from their visit? A: Our position in the Minsk
Process has been formulated a long time ago and I am sure that this
visit will not bring anything new in this respect. It is too early
to evaluate the proposals that are being discussed now since no such
proposals have been officially made so far. Many crucial questions
might be discussed, certain details of the package can be discussed
before the whole package is presented – it’s too early to evaluate
this. The package should be evaluated as a whole once the interrelation
between its components and different options for resolution are taken
into consideration.

Q: Why is this issue so actively discussed? A: I think the reason is
that some of the ideas have been previously agreed upon. And when an
idea is agreed upon it speeds up the negotiation process. This might
be the idea of a new referendum. It can have different solutions;
different methods for its implementation can be used. This is the
process on which the mediators can present a proposal. But I don’t
think this will happen in near future.

The Azeri side is more active. Azerbaijan is preparing for elections
and in the pre-election period the issue of Karabagh and any such
visits are used for internal manipulations to gain political profit
and make an impression of being ready for negotiations. Because the
political forces that will reject negotiations will not be perceived
well by the international organizations.

ARMENIAN INVESTMENTS GUIDE PUBLISHED

YEREVAN, JULY 15. ARMINFO. Armenian Investments Guide was published
this year. The main objective of the guide is to fill up the
information gap, which somewhat repels foreign investors from Armenia.

As Project Director Narine Melikyan informed ARMINFO, this handbook
contains detailed and objective information on investment climate
and its procedures in Armenia. The handbook includes general economic
characteristics, macroeconomic indices, peculiarities of the economic
policy and information on enterprises of Armenia with the share
of foreign capital. The sections of the book contain information
on the starting a business in Armenia, on tax and customs systems,
general types of tax regimes and procedures, as well as the process
of liquidation of enterprises. The guide is published in 1,500 copies
in English and distributed in about 50 countries.

The project ha been financed by the Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City
Association and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs.

ARMENFILM PUT UP FOR OPEN SALE AT INITIAL PRICE OF $620,000

YEREVAN, JULY 15. ARMINFO. The Hamo Beknazaryan Armenfilm company
has been put up for open sale at the initial price of 266.968 mln AM
($620,000), reports the press service of Armenia’s State Property
Department.

On sale are the company’s assets and facilities 24,200 sq m with 32.69
h land to be leased to the owner for 50 years. The fixed assets of
the company are estimated at 244.413 mln AMD ($568,000). The owner
will have to invest 30 bln AMD ($70 mln) in 10 years in technical
modernization, production, archive preservation and digitization.

In the first post-privatization year the owner will have to keep 300
workers paying them 50,000 ($116) at least. He will be allowed to
use the company’s logo for 50 years. The company will have to shoot
4 feature, 3 animation and 5 short films a year.

The bids have been received since June 9 to be promulgated Aug 9.

Singer to fight on over NZ property

The New Zealand Herald
12.07.05

By Louisa Cleave

An American singer has not given up finding a home in New Zealand after
officials turned down his application to buy a west coast beach property.

Serj Tankian from the band System of a Down told the Herald he was
“pretty disappointed” the Overseas Investment Commission rejected his
proposal to buy a mainly bush-covered 13.69ha site in Bethells Beach.

“I have learned an important lesson. I cannot place myself in any
situation where someone else’s decisions will affect my home,” he said.

Tankian wanted to build an acoustic recording studio in an existing home
on the Kokako Rd property. He proposed to identify local talent to
record song demos and seek record deals for them in America.

Tankian said the commission wanted annual reports on his activities in
New Zealand.

“I was cool with the first three years, but they wanted to be able to
renew their ability to get reports from me and decide if I was compliant
with the application.

“I couldn’t agree to a governmental body checking up on me yearly and
applying scientific methods to finding good music, making records, and
distributing them internationally, just so I can be able to live in that
house.”

Tankian, who played at the Big Day Out this year, said he had fallen in
love with the spirit of New Zealand, “political neutrality, cultural
awareness, and environmental respect among [the attractions]”.

System of a Down has been on a world tour and promoting a new critically
acclaimed album, Mezmerize, which entered charts around the world at No
1 in May.

“I would like to spend some time there after my touring cycle and find
another place, one that won’t need OIC approval, hopefully,” said Tankian.

He commended New Zealand officials for protecting the country’s land and
resources.

Neil Finn, who provided a character reference to the commission, said it
seemed incredible the application was rejected.

“Having talked with Serj myself it’s obvious that he had the best
intentions for the preservation of the land in its natural state.

“His band sells millions of records and he is a principled and charming
man.”