Author: Hambik Zargarian

La Nouvelle République du Centre Ouest
16 octobre 2004
Yves Dauge ;
Le sénateur-maire de Chinon rentre d’Istanbul d’une mission pour
l’Unesco. Pour lui, l’élargissement de l’Europe à la Turquie est une
bonne chose, dans le cadre d’une « Europe à deux têtes »
(France-Allemagne).
1 Vous venez de passer plusieurs jours en Turquie. Pour quelles
raisons ce déplacement ?
« C’était dans le cadre d’une mission pour l’Unesco, à Istanbul.
Depuis 1997, je travaille sur un projet de réhabilitation de
quartiers historiques très pauvres. Nous avons monté un dossier avec
l’Europe. Là, se tenait un séminaire pour faire un bilan des actions
en cours. »
2 La Turquie fait actuellement la Une de l’actualité. Quelle est
votre position sur son entrée dans l’Europe ?
« Sur le sujet, je me trouve dans la lignée de gens que j’ai
fréquentés souvent comme François Mitterrand et Jacques Delors.
L’élargissement est une bonne chose. Si on refuse l’entrée de la
Turquie, on fait une erreur. C’est (la Turquie) comme un pont vers
une zone du monde (l’Asie) qui est absolument stratégique.
L’élargissement est une bonne chose, autour d’une Europe à deux têtes
(France et Allemagne) ou encore avec l’Espagne, les Pays-Bas,
l’Italie quand leur gouvernement aura changé, etc. Il y aura des pays
(comme la Turquie) qui ne seront pas aussi concernés que nous. On
peut d’ailleurs se poser la question de l’Angleterre qui – je n’ai
rien contre les Anglais – préfère l’Europe marchande et économique à
une Europe politique comme celle que nous défendons. »
3Le Parti socialiste est actuellement divisé sur la question.
Hollande et tous ses amis d’un côté, Fabius de l’autre. Qu’en
pensez-vous ?
« Fabius n’a pas dit vraiment non (!) Il y a eu dernièrement un vote
unanime au sein du PS sur une motion qui permet d’engager des
négociations au terme de laquelle on se décidera. La Turquie devra
respecter certains critères comme la laïcité, reconnaître le génocide
arménien, des questions socioculturelles… Tout ça, la Turquie le
sait […] Il faut profiter de ce temps de négociation qui est en
lui-même porteur de progrès pour les uns comme pour les autres […]
Et savoir que les Turcs se sont libéré des emprises coloniales en
1923 pour devenir une république. Ce qu’ils ont fait, c’est aussi
important que chez nous (en 1789). Les Français doivent réapprendre
l’Histoire, les politiques en particulier. »
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Restrictions lifted at check point on Russia-Georgia border
By Nikolai Styazhkin
ITAR-TASS News Agency
October 16, 2004 Saturday
STAVROPOL, October 16 — Restrictions for the border crossing for
Georgian citizens, living in the Kazbegi border region, and their
vehicles have been lifted at the Verkhny Lars border check point
on the North Ossetian section of the Russian-Georgian state border,
a spokesman for the North Caucasian regional border department told
Itar-Tass on Saturday.
Restrictions were introduced after the hostage tragedy at a Beslan
school. However, Sergei Livantsov said, neither Georgians from the
Kazbegi region nor residents of North Ossetia-Alania can exercise
their right. The reason is that the Georgian check point Kazbegi,
situated next to Verkhny Lars still remains closed.
That is why, a transit truck convoy of the Russian defence ministry,
carrying cargo for Russian military bases in Armenia, fails to drive
into Georgia, Livantsov said.
He also said that restrictions persist for the border crossing by
citizens and transport at four Russian checkpoints on the border with
Azerbaijan. Only Russian and Azerbaijani citizens returning home are
let cross the border.
Meanwhile, border is crossed in a routine mode at railway and sea
checkpoints, as well as at all international airports of the North
Caucasus.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
October 7, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
ARMENIAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS, MEMBERS CALL ON BUSH TO DENOUNCE AZERI WAR
RHETORIC AGAINST ARMENIA, NKR
Washington, DC – A congressional letter calling on President Bush to end
Azerbaijan’s ongoing war-mongering towards Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh has
the backing of more than 70 Members of the House of Representatives. The
letter, issued today by Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), is part of a
continuing effort by the Caucus to end Baku’s threats against Armenia and
NKR.
“We thank Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone for this principled response
and obtaining the support of lawmakers from both sides of the political
aisle,” said Assembly Executive Director Ross Vartian. “We also commend the
Armenian-American community for backing the letter-writing campaign by
encouraging their representatives to sign on.”
The Assembly, for its part, has followed Baku’s actions and words closely,
starting with the brutal murder of an Armenian army lieutenant by an
Azerbaijani officer last winter at a NATO training facility in Hungary.
Since then, Azerbaijan, rather than condemn the killing, has hailed the
perpetrator as a hero and increased its anti-Armenian rhetoric.
In fact, an Azeri Defense Ministry spokesman has said, “As an Azeri, I would
have understood and supported [Lt. Ramil] Safarov’s actions.” Also,
Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the Council of Europe said he would not advise
Armenians, “to sleep easy in their beds.”
The killing came a month after Azerbaijan refused to allow three Armenian
officers to attend a conference held in Baku under the auspices of the
NATO/PfP program. Last month, NATO officials canceled military exercises
scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan after Baku’s repeated attempts to bar
Armenia’s participation and refusal to allow Armenians on their territory.
Prior to the cancelled NATO exercises, an Azeri government spokesman called
for the takeover of Armenia and removal of the entire Armenian population
from the Caucasus. “In the next 25 to 30 years there will be no Armenian
state in the South Caucasus,” Ramiz Melikov said. “This nation has been a
nuisance for its neighbors and has no right to live in the region. Present
day Armenia was built on historical Azerbaijani lands. I believe that in 25
to 30 years these territories will once again come under Azerbaijan’s
jurisdiction.”
On September 28, Pallone denounced these and other remarks made by Baku on
the floor of the House of Representatives. Earlier, he and Knollenberg sent
a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell, urging the government from
favoring the country with increased military funding over Armenia which
could undermine their fragile cease-fire.
Last month the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to reinstate military
parity, allocating $8.75 million in military aid to both countries. The
Senate mirrored the House on parity, but added $3 million in security
assistance funding.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###
NR#2004-091
Editor’s Note: The Armenian Assembly will issue the complete list of
cosigners to the Bush letter on Friday, October 8.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE IRAN-ARMENIA PIPELINE: FINALLY COMING TO LIFE
By Hooman Peimani
CENTRAL ASIA – CAUCASUS ANALYST
Wednesday / September 22, 2004
After about three years of its signing in 2001, the Iranian and
Armenian governments have finally initiated the process to implement
a 142-km gas pipeline agreement. Accordingly, Armenia will receive
1,500,000 cubic meters of gas from Iran per day once the pipeline goes
on stream. Two Russian energy companies (ArmeRuss Gazprom and Gazprom)
have started a feasibility study on the project for which a group of
their engineers visited in August the Armenian region through which
the pipeline will pass. As stated in July by Armenian President Robert
Kocharian, the project is of great importance to Yerevan.
BACKGROUND: Being surrounded from three sides by hostile or
unreliable neighbors, the operational pipeline will meet Armenia’s
gas requirements from a friendly neighboring supplier, while
significantly increasing Iran’s gas exports now mainly limited to its
uncertain exports to Turkey. The pipeline, which could be extended
to Georgia and Ukraine, could go even farther to reach Central and
Western Europe via Ukraine. If fully implemented, this will not only
increase Iran’s gas exports substantially, but it will drastically
boost the importance of Armenia and Georgia and, by default, the
South Caucasus, as a main export route for fossil energy to supply
the European economies. Armenian-Iranian relations have been on the
expansion track since Armenia’s independence in 1991 for various
reasons. Against a background of historical ties and the existence
of Iranians of Armenian origins who have kept a degree of contact
over centuries between the two nations even during the Soviet era,
political realities, economic imperatives and security considerations
have inclined Yerevan and Tehran to seek close relations. Being a
landlocked country, Armenia’s surrounding by two hostile countries
(Azerbaijan and Turkey) to its east and west and an unreliable
neighbour (Georgia) to the north makes its southern neighbour (Iran)
the only reliable outlet for accessing the open seas and regional and
international markets, added to its need for importing fossil energy
from a secure supplier. Concerned about the resumption of war with
Azerbaijan over the disputed Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno Karabakh
with a possibility of dragging Turkey into the conflict, Armenia also
needs Iran’s close and friendly relations as a regional power to deter
such scenario. As for Iran, close and cordial relations with the three
Caucasian states have been important as, besides economic interests in
the Caucasus, the region provides a land link between Iran and Europe,
a necessity for the Iranians to reduce their heavy reliance on Turkey
for that matter. Preventing the region’s domination by hostile America
has also been another incentive for Tehran to forge friendly ties with
the regional countries. Given the extensive and growing relations,
including military ones, between Washington and Baku and Tbilisi,
close ties with Yerevan, which has sought strong relations with both
Tehran and Moscow while having friendly relations with Washington,
is of special importance for the Iranian government.
IMPLICATIONS: Against this background, the interest of both Armenia and
Iran for constructing a gas pipeline is quite understandable. Lacking
any significant fossil energy resources, Iran is the most logical
long-term supplier of gas and oil for Armenia whose exports to that
country does not require the consent of Armenia’s other neighbours. The
possibility of the pipeline’s continuation to Georgia and Ukraine –
both of which have already expressed an interest in the scenario
– creates an additional motivation for the Armenians who could
economically benefit of such scenario by providing a major, and
potentially the major, route for Iran’s gas exports, while creating
stakes for Georgia in maintaining good ties with their southern
neighbour. Moreover, its potential to become a pipeline to supply
the European Union (EU) with Iranian gas makes its construction even
more interesting for the Armenians. The EU has been keen on importing
gas from Iran as a means to secure adequate number of suppliers for
its increasing gas requirements, to diversify its gas suppliers and
thus to reduce its heavy reliance on Russia and certain North African
countries for its gas imports. Brussels has given serious thoughts,
including a feasibility studies undertaken over a year ago, about
connecting the existing Iranian-Turkish gas pipeline to Europe via
Greece and/or Bulgaria. Various factors, including Ankara’s twice
closure of the pipeline since its inauguration in 1993 because of
its disputes with Tehran over the amount and pricing its gas imports,
and Brussels’ political considerations, have prevented the project’s
realization. In the absence of those considerations and provided the
prevalence of durable peace in the Caucasus, the Caucasian export
route could have a better chance to become a reality if the current
Turkish-Iranian disagreements on gas exports continue.
CONCLUSIONS: The recent enthusiasm of Yerevan and Tehran for
constructing the gas pipeline and the involvement of two Russian gas
companies in the initial phase of its implementation are good signs as
they create hope for its actual construction. However, in the absence
of a firm construction schedule, it is still a little too early to
consider the recent developments as a clear sign for the project’s
implementation. There is no question that both the Armenians and the
Iranians are determined to make this happen, while having the blessing
of the Russians as reflected in the mentioned involvement of their gas
companies. Russia’s potentially troublesome ties with Georgia make it
an unlikely long-term supplier of gas and oil to Armenia as it can only
access the latter via Georgia, given the hostile state of relations
between Azerbaijan and Armenia whose future is anyone’s guess. This
explains Moscow’s backing of the project. Nevertheless, the recent
positive developments are still inadequate factors for the project’s
rapid implementation as demonstrated in the shelving or long delays
in the implementation of many energy projects in the Caspian region
such as those involving Iran and its neighbours. Developments in the
next few months, including clear announcements on the availability of
funds and a construction schedule, will certainly reveal whether the
Caucasus will become a potential major route for Iran’s energy exports
or the Iranian-Armenian gas pipeline will turn into a pipe dream.
AUTHOR’S BIO: Dr Hooman Peimani works as a Senior Research Fellow
for the Centre for International Cooperation and Security (CICS),
University of Bradford, UK.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BizReport
Sept 15 2004
Kerkorian and MGM, Off Again
On Monday, Kirk Kerkorian sold Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. for the third
time. As a Hollywood reconciliation story, that means Kerkorian has
bought and sold the venerable movie studio more times than Elizabeth
Taylor married Richard Burton.
by Frank Ahrens
The 87-year-old billionaire has been many things in his life:
streetwise boyhood sharpie, wiry pug boxer, daring World War II
pilot, airline chief, Las Vegas casino owner, friend of Hollywood’s
Rat Pack and movie studio mogul. Now, he returns his full attention
to Vegas, where he is merging his MGM Mirage casino with Mandalay
Resort Group in a $7.9 billion deal, giving him control of half of
the action on the Strip.
Kirk Kerkorian is listed by Forbes magazine as the 65th-richest
person in the world. (Mike Mergen — Bloomberg News)
Why has he lobbed the MGM back and forth like a tennis ball in his
beloved game, which he still plays often and at which he beats
younger opponents? It has less to do with sentimentality and more to
do with situational dealmaking and targets of opportunity, which have
defined Kerkorian’s career, say those who have worked with him.
Asked to explain his on-again, off-again love affair with the studio
known for its roaring lion logo, Terry N. Christensen — who met
Kerkorian when he was buying MGM for the first time in 1969 and has
been his personal lawyer for many years since — paused, laughed and
said, “You could ask me a lot of questions, but that’s one I can’t
answer.”
Is it the storied history of the studio, which produced the “The
Wizard of Oz,” “Ben-Hur” and the “Tarzan” films? Unlikely, since MGM
held a fire sale on Kerkorian’s watch in 1970, selling its studio lot
and many props, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers.
Is it the access to Hollywood’s glam life? Probably not. He is known
for his lack of pretense. When MGM’s “A Fish Called Wanda” came out,
Kerkorian told studio head Alan Ladd Jr. that he enjoyed the movie
even though he was twice turned away from sold-out theaters. “Kirk,
we’d show it to you anytime you want to see it,” a flabbergasted Ladd
told Kerkorian. “Oh, no, no. I wouldn’t do that,” Ladd said Kerkorian
replied.
Instead, Kerkorian has treated the famous studio as he has every
other property he’s owned — as a business asset he buys low with the
intention of building, but will sell high at the right price.
Kerkorian acquired the studio for the third time at auction in 1996,
when it was hemorrhaging millions. He transferred Alex Yemenidjian —
who was buying and selling companies for Tracinda Corp., Kerkorian’s
holding company — from Las Vegas to Hollywood and told him to fix
MGM. Yemenidjian hired Christopher J. McGurk from Universal Pictures
to run the finances.
Kerkorian picked the right time to re-enter the movie business. The
media sector was surging. By 1999, MGM reported its first profit in
11 years. Time Inc. and Warner Bros. merged. In 2000, AOL bought Time
Warner Inc. Shortly after, Vivendi and Universal combined. Kerkorian
and Yemenidjian expanded MGM, adding distribution and co-production
deals with other studios, buying a piece of a cable company,
launching cable television channels overseas and hitting Broadway
with shows featuring MGM characters.
One year ago, MGM thought it was about to add the missing piece to
its plan — Universal’s movie and television studios and cable
channels, which failing conglomerate Vivendi Universal SA was selling
off. But at the last minute, General Electric Co.’s NBC swooped in
and stole the prize.
Stifled in their attempt to grow big enough to rival giants such as
Time Warner and the Walt Disney Co., Kerkorian and Yemenidjian looked
elsewhere. “We found ourselves with the ability to do an acquisition,
but there was nothing to buy,” Yemenidjian said.
MGM’s high-cash bid for Universal, a sign of its solvency, was like
bait for other companies. Time Warner, Sony Corp. and NBC all
expressed interest in the studio and its 4,000-film library, the
industry’s largest, a perpetual treasure trove of DVD sales, which
includes the James Bond and Pink Panther series. Kerkorian wasn’t
looking to sell, Yemenidjian and others said, but the time was
propitious and he recognized it.
So Kerkorian put MGM on the market, and Sony snatched it for $2.9
billion. Kerkorian’s team paid $1.3 billion for the studio in 1996;
his cut alone from the Sony sale is worth more than $1.7 billion.
He now turns his attention back to Vegas, which he discovered in
1947, ferrying California celebrities and gamblers back and forth to
Los Angeles on his self-funded Los Angeles Air Service. Kerkorian is
revered in aviation circles; he flew bombers from Canada to Europe
during World War II and hunted salvage planes and resold them after
the war. In 1965, he took his growing airline public; a few years
later, he sold to TransAmerica Corp. for $100 million. He began
building casinos, becoming a friend of Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra,
Dean Martin and other Vegas headliners.
Kerkorian’s scrappy business style — honed from a variety of jobs as
a poor Los Angeles youth, up through his career as a bouncer and
boxer — is described as simple and straightforward.
“He is utterly stand-up,” said Barry Diller, chairman of
IAC/InterActiveCorp and a director of The Washington Post Co. “I
would take a commitment from him without a piece of paper and truly
count on it.”
If he has a blind spot in his business acumen, however, it may be
expecting the same from those he has employed.
“I think he does give discretion and leeway to senior management,”
said Christensen. “If you’re not micromanaging those people, they do
have the opportunity to take advantage of you. . . . These things
happen in Hollywood.”
Poor MGM performance during Kerkorian’s second run, from 1986-90,
spurred his decision to sell the studio for a second time and buy a
big chunk of Chrysler.
Though Kerkorian lives in Beverly Hills, Vegas may be his spiritual
home.
Kerkorian does not gamble in his casinos, but when he wagers
elsewhere, he tends to be a one-off gambler, say those who have seen
him but declined to be identified so not to draw the billionaire’s
ire. They say he will not sit at a blackjack or craps table for
hours. Instead, he will walk by a gaming table, place one large bet
and, win or lose, walk away.
As he has for more than three decades, Kerkorian declined to comment.
The world’s 65th-richest person — worth $6 billion, according to
Forbes magazine — is not reclusive but private, say friends and
associates.
“What does he need the press for?” asked Jerry Weintraub, MGM’s chief
executive in the mid-1980s and now a producer. “Me, I need the press.
I sell product.” Weintraub said he called Kerkorian to ask permission
to be interviewed for this story; even though Kerkorian will not
speak on the record, he is not uninvolved in the formation of his
public image.
When Variety editor Peter Bart was finishing his manuscript of “Fade
Out: The Calamitous Final Days of MGM,” which came out in 1990, he
received a call during an island vacation. It was Kerkorian on the
line. Though Kerkorian would not be quoted for the book, he told Bart
that he would be happy to review the manuscript and offer
suggestions, which he did, Bart said, relating the story last summer
in Los Angeles.
Kerkorian’s aversion to the press hasn’t kept his private life
completely out of the public eye. In 1999, he went through a
nasty-even-by-Hollywood-standards divorce from his third wife, Lisa
Bonder, a former tennis pro 49 years his junior. (His first marriage
lasted 10 years; his second, to a Vegas showgirl, lasted 29 and
produced two children, Tracy and Linda, whose names he combined to
create his company name — Tracinda. His charity is called the Lincy
Foundation.)
Details of the marriage played out publicly through thousands of
pages of court filings and testimony, offering up irresistible and
embarrassing details that included sperm counts, a child Bonder
falsely claimed Kerkorian fathered and her demands for child support
— $320,000 per month. Kerkorian settled with Bonder for $50,000 a
month in child support.
Less public is his charitable work. Following the devastating 1988
earthquake in Armenia, where Kerkorian’s parents were born, he began
sending one cargo jet per month of medical and other supplies, a
practice he continues. His foundation recently gave a $200 million
grant to repair infrastructure in the capital city of Yerevan and
build 3,800 homes. He refuses to have his foundation’s recipients
name buildings for him.
Kerkorian can be personally generous, as well, Ladd said.
“He’ll tip the maitre d’ $100 for a check that was $50,” said Ladd,
who is suing MGM for a percentage of the adjusted gross income of the
three most recent Bond films.
Now Kerkorian is focused on Vegas. But is it too much of a young
man’s town for an 87-year-old? Doubtful, Yemenidjian said.
“I think his genes are better than yours or mine,” he said.

Tbilisi, Moscow Engaged in Abkhazia Railway Row
Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 2004-09-11 11:47:08
Georgian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian Ambassador to
Vladimir Chkhikvishvili to express protest over, as Tbilisi put
it, “unilateral and illegal” decision of Moscow to resume railway
connection with unrecognized Abkhazian Republic.
In a statement issued on September 10, the Georgian Foreign Ministry
described the move as “a violation of Georgia’s sovereignty.” The
railway connection between Moscow and Sokhumi, capital of Georgia’s
breakaway Abkhazia was resumed on September 10.
According to the agreement signed by the Presidents of Russia and
Georgia in March, 2003, the return of internally displaced persons
to Abkhazia and resumption of the railway should be simultaneous
processes.
However, Ambassador Chkhikvishvili told the reporters after meeting
with the Georgian Foreign Ministry officials that Russia “is not
violating the agreements.”
“The sides have agreed earlier that it is not always necessary to
synchronize these two processes – return of the IDPs and resumption of
the railway [communication] – if there is a progress in one direction,
we should not stop and should move further,” Vladimir Chkhikvishvili
said. The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued on
September 10, that restoration of railway will benefit the entire
South Caucasus region, including Georgia and Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected]
Website;
September 3, 2004
HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II RECEIEVES FOREIGN MINISTER OF DENMARK
On August 27, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, received Per Stig Moeller, Foreign Minister of the
Kingdom of Denmark, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Mr. Moeller
was accompanied by Vladimir Karmirshalian, Ambassador of the Republic
of Armenia to Denmark.
Welcoming Mr. Moeller to the spiritual and administrative headquarters
of the Armenian Church, His Holiness reflected on the mission of
the Church as well as the close historic ties which exist between
the two countries and peoples. His Holiness also spoke of the
positive relations that have been established in recent years in the
ecclesiastical sphere between the Churches of Denmark and Armenia.
During the meeting, the Catholicos and the Foreign Minister
also discussed the Nagorno Karabagh issue, and the desire of all
parties to see it resolved through peaceful means. His Holiness
informed Mr. Moeller that he has met a number of times with the
spiritual head of Azerbaijan, and confirmed that religious leaders
have a very important role in the resolution of the conflict, by
publicly advocating that disagreements must be solved through mutual
understanding and reciprocal dialogue.
Finally, the Pontiff of All Armenians touched upon the concerns
of Armenians living in Denmark, and their desire to become active,
contributing members of Danish society.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness extended his gratitude
to the state authorities of the Kingdom of Denmark and to the Danish
people, for the assistance and help they have provided to Armenians,
most notably following the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and the
devastating earthquake in Northern Armenia of 1988.
* * *
ECUMENICAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON WITH SPIRITUAL LEADERS AND DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVES OF MIDDLE EASTERN COMMUNITIES
On Thursday, September 2nd 2004, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian,
Primate of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese hosted a luncheon at
the Diocesan headquarters in Montreal, 615 Stuart Street, in honor of
spiritual and diplomatic representatives of Middle Eastern countries.
Attending the luncheon were Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim Primate, Greek
Melkite Catholic Church; Mgr. Ephrem Aboodi, Abp. of the Assyrian
Orthodox Church; Mgr. Joseph Khoury, Abp. of the Maronite Church of
Canada; His Excellency Imad El Ahmar, Charge d’Affaires of Syrian
Arab Republic in Ottawa; His Excellency Fadi Zeyn, Consul General of
Lebanon in Montreal; His Excellency Fawzi El Ashmawi, Consul General
of Arab Republic of Egypt in Montreal; Mr. Aamer El Ezabi, Consul
for Tourism of Arab Republic of Egypt in Montreal.
>>From the Islamic communities present among the invited guests were,
Sheikh Samahat Al Sayed Nabil Abbas, Leader of the Shiite Muslim
community of Canada; Imam Said Youssef Fawaz, Leader of the Sunnite
Muslim community of Canada and Sheikh Hassan Aazeddin, Leader of the
Druze in Canada, as well as Mr. Hassan Hamieh from the Islamic Center
of Montreal.
Pastors from Christian denominations in Greater Montreal present to the
reception were Rev. father George Zabarian, Armenian Catholic Church;
Verabadveli Mher Khatchiguian, Armenian Evangelical Church; Rev. Fr
Sharbel Ibrahim, Greek Melkite Catholic Church; Rev. Fr. Kamil Ishak,
Assyrian Orthodox Church; Rev. Fr. Emil Bakhoum, Coptic Catholic
Church; Fr Arsanios Serry, Coptic Orthodox Church; Fr. Raphael
Bishara, Coptic Orthodox Church, as well as Mr Stephanos Mamdouh from
Coptic Catholic community; Mr. Elie Moujaes and Ghassan Agroush. From
the Armenian Church Diocese of Canada present were Diocesan Clergy
and Council members, Very Rev. Fr. Ararat Kaltakjian, Vicar general;
Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyadjyan, Pastor of St Gregory the Illuminator
Armenian Cathedral in Montreal; Dr Haroutiun Arzoumanian, Mr. Arto
Basmadjian, Mr. Viken Darakjian and Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant
to the Primate.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian led the guests to the St
Gregory Cathedral, where a brief joint prayer was held together with
the ecumenical guests. Diocesan Council Vice Chairman Dr. Haroutiun
Arzoumanian welcomed the guests and Mr. Arto Basmadjian informed
the guests briefly about the history of the Armenian community in
Canada and the establishment of the Diocese in 1984. The guests
were then ushered through the church premises and assembled in the
Vatche Hovseptian Hall where luncheon was served. The invocation
was presented by His Eminence Archbishop Timotehos Ephrem Aboodi,
Primate of the Assyrian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. During the
luncheon Mgr. Zabarian addressed the guests in Arabic and on behalf
of the guests thanked Bishop Galstanian for hosting this meeting and
praised the initiative of these gatherings, whereby spiritual leaders
and diplomatic representatives of Middle Eastern communities get to
know each other better, are encouraged to work together and thus
also love each other better.
Before his closing address, Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate,
presented a small Armenian Khatchkar (Cross-stone) to Mr. Stephanos
Mamdouh, in appreciation of his multiple humanitarian and religious
efforts, and then thanked all the guests for having accepted his
invitation. The Primate said, “We, who have come from Middle Eastern
cultures, bring with us values that are common to us and we are
eager to transmit them to our children who are born and grown here
in this hospitable country. Since we cannot change the global society
of this continent, we have to work hard and work together to be able
to instill our values in our younger generations.” Bishop Galstanian
then blessed all and prayed for success in their respective missions.
* * *
SUNDAY SCHOOL CENTRAL COUNCIL MEETING IN SAINT CATHARINES
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of Canada, presided at a meeting of the
Department of Christian Education in St. Catharines. St. Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Church was host to clergy, deacons and department
members from Southern Ontario.
A very productive agenda produced the calendar for the forthcoming
Sunday school sessions, a parent Sunday school schedule, special event
timetable, and various directives for major special events throughout
the coming year.
An art competition will be held throughout the year, entitled “my
vision of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Invention of Armenian Alphabet”. The
judging of all the drawings submitted by the Sunday schools of the
Diocese will take place at the end of the school year with a special
exhibition at the Diocesan Annual 22nd Assembly.
The Sunday school web site will be airing very soon, according to
our webmaster, Alexia Citak, department member from St. Mary’s church
in Hamilton. Discussions will be held for the proposed constitution
of the Sunday schools, led by Taline Gumushdjian, department member
from Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Toronto. The Director of the
Department of Sunday Schools, Mrs. Georgina Sarkisian is distributing
the calendars and the parent schedules to all the Sunday schools in
the Canadian Diocese. A fall meeting will be held to prepare for the
2nd Annual Armenian Children’s Christmas Celebration.
* * *
SCHEDULE OF HIS EMINENCE BISHOP BAGRAT GALSTANIAN
We hereby would like to present to our faithful the schedule of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian for the month of September.
September 7, Tuesday. Holy Cross Armenian Day School of Toronto
September 7, Tuesday.. Meetings with the Representatives of Calgary Armenian Community
September 8, Wednesday. Meetings with the Mayor of Calgary Mr. Dave Broconnier
September 11, Saturday. Celebrating Divine Liturgy in Calgary
September 12, Sunday. Arriving in Vancouver St Vartan Armenian Church
September 16, Thursday. Arriving in New York
September 17-18, Friday and Saturday. Attending the meeting of St Nersess Armenian Seminary Board of Trustees
September 19, Sunday. Presiding over the event of the College Ministry and Armenians for Higher Education
September 24-25-26, Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Church Anniversary Holy Cross Armenian Community of Laval.
We pray the Almighty God grant His Eminence good health and success in his future projects and undertakings.
* * *
CHILDREN’S FUND FOR ARMENIA ANNUAL JOINT MEETING
On Saturday August 29, 2004 the Primate of the Armenian Church
of Canada His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian and Very Reverend
Father Ararat Kaltakjian met with both Toronto and Montreal Chapter
Children’s Fund for Armenia (CFFA) executive members. The Annual
meeting of Children’s Fund for Armenia Montreal and Toronto Chapter
took place in Kingston, Ontario.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate opened the meeting with
a prayer. His Eminence expressed his joy and greeted the participants,
then invited them to introduce themselves.
The Annual Report of CFFA was presented by Very Reverend father
Ararat Kaltakjian, Vicar General and Director of projects in
Armenia. Discussions focused on the report of activities taking place
in the motherland, Armenia. Future plans and project were set for both
committees for implementation during 2004-2005. The next consultative
meeting will be held on Saturday November 13, 2004 in Kingston Ontario.
The meeting was adjourned after Serpazan’s prayer.
* * *
WOMEN’S GUILD CENTRAL COUNCIL MEMBERS AND REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES MET IN KINGSTON
On August 28, 2004 the Women’s Guild Central Council and Regional
representatives’ joint meeting was held under the auspices and presence
of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate, at Ambassador
Hotel Conference Room in Kingston, Ontario.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the role and the mission of
Women in the Armenian Church. Upon the instruction of His Eminence,
future plans and projects were formulated to revitalize the Women’s
Guilds of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada. Regional
representatives then talked about the challenges and the difficulties
facing their mission in local communities and emphasized the importance
of such meetings to further improve the Women’s Guild activities in
local level.
Very Reverend Father Ararat Kaltakjian, Vicar General, Reverend Fr
Zareh Zargarian, Pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Women’s
Guild Central Council members as well as regional representatives
from Ontario and Quebec Parishes participated in the meeting.
* * *
AN UNPRECEDENTED EVENING TO HONOR THE 2004 ARMENIAN GRADUATES FROM HIGH SCHOOLS
It is with deep spiritual joy that we announce to the faithful of the
Armenian Church Canadian Diocese that the Armenian College Ministry
Department in conjunction with a group of young Armenians called
“Armenians for Higher Education” have been working hard over the
summer, planning an unprecedented event for all High School graduates
in the greater Montreal area to publicly show how proud the Armenian
community is of the accomplishments of the Class of 2004.
The event will take place on Sunday, September 19th at 6:00 pm in the
Bolsahay Cultural Center. There will be a separate cocktail for the
graduates and another one for the accompanying family members. Each
graduate will receive a certificate of merit from the Primate, His
Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian.
For more information please visit the website at or
contact the Diocesan office at 514-276-9479.
* * *
FEAST DAYS
THE FEAST OF EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS AND LIFE-GIVING HOLY CROSS
The Feast of Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Holy Cross
is celebrated each year on September 14 – one of the five major
feasts of the Church, and the most important of the four feasts of
the Holy Cross. The Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Saint Helen, the mother of
the Emperor Constantine.
The Exaltation, known as Khachverats in Armenian, is connected with
several historical events, each of which involves the “raising up” or
glorification of the cross. An early tradition identifies St. James,
the brother of the Lord, one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles and the first bishop
of Jerusalem, as the first to exalt a cross. Taking in hand a likeness
(or perhaps an actual piece) of the original cross of the Crucifixion,
St. James elevated it before the people, and venerated it as a symbol
of “the power of God,” praying: “We prostrate ourselves before your
cross, O Christ.” Those very words in Armenian, Khachi ko, Krisdos,
yergirbakanemk, are still repeated in our church services.
In the twentieth year of his reign (326), the Emperor Constantine sent
his mother Saint Helen to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places and to
find the site of the Holy Sepulcher and of the Cross. Relying upon the
oral tradition of the faithful, Saint Helen found the precious Cross
together with the crosses of the two thieves crucified with our Lord.
However, Helen had no way of determining which was the Cross of
Christ. With the healing of a dying woman who touched one of the
crosses, Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem identified the True Cross
of Christ. Saint Helen and her court venerated the Precious and
Life-Giving Cross along with many others who came to see this great
instrument of Redemption. The Patriarch mounted the ambo (pulpit) and
lifted the Cross with both hands so that all of the people gathered
could see it. The crowed responded with “Lord have mercy”.
This became the occasion of the institution in all of the Churches of
the Exaltation of the Precious Cross, not only in memory of the event
of the finding of the Cross, but also to celebrate how an instrument of
shame was used to overcome death and bring salvation and eternal life.
The Feast is an opportunity outside of the observances of Holy Week to
celebrate the full significance of the victory of the Cross over the
powers of the world, and the triumph of the wisdom of God through the
Cross over the wisdom of this world. This Feast also gives the Church
an opportunity to relish the full glory of the Cross as a source of
light, hope and victory for Christ’s people. It is also a time to
celebrate the universality of the work of redemption accomplished
through the Cross: the entire universe is seen through the light of
the Cross, the new Tree of Life which provides nourishment for those
who have been redeemed in Christ.
Christians “exalt” the Cross of Christ as the instrument of our
salvation. Adoration of the Cross is, thus, adoration of Jesus Christ,
the God Man, who suffered and died on this Roman instrument of torture
for our redemption from sin and death. The cross represents the One
Sacrifice by which Jesus, obedient even unto death, accomplished our
salvation. The cross is a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion
and Resurrection of Christ, all in one image.
The Cross, because of what it represents, is the most potent and
universal symbol of the Christian faith. It has inspired both
liturgical and private devotions.
Placing a crucifix (the cross with an image of Christ’s body upon
it) in churches and homes, or wearing this image on our persons,
is a constant reminder, and witness of Christ’s ultimate triumph,
His victory over sin and death through His suffering and dying on
the Cross.
“He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of
me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life
for my sake shall find it.” (Mt 10:38-39).
* * *
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian President expresses sympathy to Russia
RosBusinessConsulting Database
September 2, 2004 Thursday 4:24 am, EST
Armenian President Robert Kocharian has condemned the recent hostage
taking in North Ossetia. As the press department of the Armenian
President’s office reported, Kocharian sent a telegram to Russian
President Vladimir Putin saying that Armenia was disturbed by news
about the school siege in Ossetia. Terrorists challenge the whole
world by taking children hostages, he emphasized. Armenian people
express their sympathy to Russians, he added. He also expressed his
support of Russia’s efforts to fight this evil.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected]
http: //gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com
RETIRED TURKISH COMMANDER ADMITS ORDERING THE DEATH OF SOLOMOU
A former Commander of the Turkish occupation forces has admitted the
ordering of a killing of a Greek Cypriot demonstrator during a protest march
in Dherynia on 14 August 1996.
According to a Turkish Cypriot opposition daily paper Halkin Sesi, retired
Turkish Army Lieutenant General Hasan Koundakci recently described in public
his part in the murder of 26 year old Solomos Solomou as he climbed a
Turkish flag pole outside the fenced city of Famagusta.
Speaking at a gathering in the village of Sinda, Koundakci was quoted as
saying the following: “I had withdrawn my soldiers into the trees…When I
saw the young Greek Cypriot (Solomou) climbing on the flag pole I got very
angry and I gave an order consisting of two words: ‘Bring him down!’ You saw
what happened afterwards.”
On evidence supplied by the Cyprus Government Interpol later issued
international arrest warrants against Koundakci and three other mainland
Turks involved in the murder. One of them was Kenan Akin, so called
‘Agriculture Minister’ of the pseudostate at the time who is seen in a
photograph firing with his pistol at Solomou from a balcony. Akin, a Turkish
settler, was an officer of the Turkish army during the 1974 invasion of
Cyprus and was later employed by the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT).
The young victim was protesting the bludgeoning to death of Tasos Isaak 22,
another Greek Cypriot demonstrator by Turkish Grey Wolves extremists and
Turkish Cypriot ‘policemen’ in the Buffer Zone a few days earlier.
After shooting Solomou, the Turks continued firing indiscriminately into the
crowd injuring 11 civilians and two UN soldiers. Both killings were
perpetrated in the presence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who was
seen taking photographs.
The notorious interview/document
Kenan Akin: Why are you making the killing of a dog sound so important?
Weekly AKTUEL (31.10.96 – 6.11.96) publishes the text of an exclusive
interview with Kenan Akin, so-called Minister of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. Under the title, “I wish I was there during the incident. I could
kill”, the interview goes as follows:
“Question: Were you there on the day of the incident?
Akin: In the morning I was there, at around 9:30 I left.
Question: Did you return after the incident?
Akin: No.
Question: Did you see your picture published in the Greek Cypriot press
which was taken from television and enlarged?
Akin: Could have. I was not there when the incident took place. But I felt
sorry for not being there. I wish I was there. I could have pulled the
trigger at least once. I wish I was there, definitely I was going to shoot.
Question: Don’t you think that this is an issue to be tackled by the
security forces? Apart from this, it is reportedly said that in your
election region you were saying that you have killed and you took the
responsibility.
Akin: No… During the incident I was on a picnic near the beach with my
wife and my child.
Question: Do you have a gun?
Akin: Yes, but I do not carry it.
Question: Following the claims against you, is there any investigation
against you by your party, by the government or by the legal organs?
Akin: The esteemed President asked me at one of our meetings. I told him I
was on a picnic by the beach with my wife and my child. There was no
investigation within the party. Only our general chairman put a question at
the party’s general assembly. He should have been convinced of what I had
said, so that he would not have considered it necessary to establish a
commission to open an enquiry.
Question: Do you envisage making any attempt to clear your name of these
claims against you by opening an inquiry?
Akin: These are Greek Cypriot lies. The other side are educating their
children with Turkish animosity. You are never writing this. Why are you
making the killing of a dog sound so important?”
WHICH ARMENIAN ISSUE ?
By Etyen Mahcupyan – Zaman, Turkey – August 7, 2004
During Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tour of France, one of the most
anticipated meetings was the one with Socialist Party leader Francois
Hollande.
Because in previous statements, the party had emphasized that it expected
the Armenian issue to be taken up in the human rights context. It seems that
the prime minister’s visit did not change the other side’s expectation. In
other words, the French Socialist Party wants Turkey to make a gesture
concerning the events that happened in 1915, which perhaps will not even
necessitate a debate on “genocide.”
That is to say, it wants Turkey to accept that these events took place. On
the other side, it is obvious that there is no such condition in terms of
the Copenhagen Criteria because these criteria were determined collectively
for all the countries concerned. Therefore, handling specific historical,
geographical or cultural problems of countries in the “human rights”
context, could turn into a sort of psychological condition according to the
disposition of the person or institution dealing with the issue. This is
extremely natural because European Union (EU) membership is both a legal and
political issue; and the political aspect of the issue cannot be independent
of the perceptions, expectations and domestic policies of the societies.
However, this situation causes historical events, like those in 1915, to be
protracted and become a natural part of today’s politics. Hence, many
different Armenian issues surface… Today, European Union (EU)
institutions, the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, the government of the Turkish
Republic as well as the state, and finally, the Armenian congregation in
Turkey, all have different perceptions of the “Armenian issue,” and the
political functions and meanings of these approaches may differ from one
other. Therefore, the critical point is how to shape the required strategy
that will make Turkey play an active role both in the EU process and in its
own geography. Here, three important factors come to the fore: The first one
is naturally Turkey’s own objectives, its responsibility before its own eyes
and its position before its own society. The second point is what the right
attitude should be when looking forward in light of the globalization
process in the world. And the third is to what extent honesty over
historical facts would be adopted…
Such an analysis cannot arise independently of the mentality you possess;
however, if being active in the future world is desired, then the probable
mentality of the future needs to be shared. What this implies is that a
solution to the Armenian problem needs to be sought with a democratic
mentality. Above all, this approach implies being open to talks, and
basically, Turkey talking to itself. For example, the fact that Turkish
historians with different approaches, still cannot come together on the same
platform, is an attitude that implies that they are dodging the truths.
Turkey taking this [positive] step will bring two advantages: On one side,
“a moment to take a breath,” that will ensure the elimination of accusations
reflected from “abroad” will be gained, and the depression caused by the
“illegitimate” attitude carried out so far will be eradicated. On the other
side, Turkey will be able to come closer to some of the “different Armenian
issues” hovering around, it will particularly be able to bring to the agenda
different aspects of this event thanks to approaches that will include
Armenians living in Turkey and various coalitions.
The distinguishing aspect of the “genocide” concept kills the debate and
makes the quest of living together more difficult. However, it is necessary
to see that the logic of mutual conflict, that reaches the point of
rejecting historical events, will not benefit any of the sides. The Turkish
Republic overlooking this fact is a burden too heavy to bear before the
international community.
‘YERKIR’ EDITOR CALLS AZERI WAR STATEMENTS ABSURD
YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Responding to the recent hostile statements made
by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, ARF- Dashnaktsoutiun Armenia Supreme Body
member and Editor in Chief of “Yerkir” newspaper Spartak Seiranian said the
appeal “to declare war on Armenia and liberate Karabagh” was made to incite
the public.
On August 5, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported that the
chief spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, Colonel Ramiz Melikov,
publicly stated that “within the next 25 years there will exist no state of
Armenia in the South Caucasus.” He added: “Modern Armenia is built on
historical Azerbaijani lands…I think that in 25-30 years’ time, its
territory will again come under Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction.” Seiranian called
such statements “absurd,” adding it is meant for the uneducated people.
According to Seiranian, if Azeris believe they have such military force that
can fight and win, one should not forget that the Armenian fighters are also
ready to die for their homeland. “The Azeri warrior isn’t ready to die for
Karabagh, as he knows very well that Karabagh isn’t his land; on the
contrary, the Armenian fighter knows that he defends his homeland, and
that’s why he will go to all lengths,” he said. Seiranian, recalling the
victory of Armenian troops in the Karabagh war, stated confidently that if
the situation recurs in the future, the outcome would not be any different.
INTRODUCING YOUR BUSINESS TO GIBRAHAYER
Gibrahayer has been receiving requests from Armenian businesses, to promote
their products and services through the pages of Gibrahayer e-newsletter. I
call upon Armenian Cypriot businesses to make donations to Armenian
organisations and Charities for the advertising space provided by Gibrahayer
and urge all of you to support Armenian businesses and our advertisers !
Simon Aynedjian
Gibrahayer e-newsletter –
AMERICAN RECORDING PRODUCTIONS are leaders in the production and
distribution of Armenian and Middle Eastern traditional music. In 1991, Ara
Topouzian founded this world music label and it has always been the
intention to create global awareness of the traditional elements of Middle
Eastern music. Currently, his music is selling around the world through our
mail order/internet division and in 2,000 major record outlets.
‘It has been an amazing business; we currently are growing at a rate of four
to five new recordings per year. As a musician (kanun player) and enthusiast
of Armenian and Middle Eastern music, I have enjoyed producing recordings
that have become popular in homes around the world. The support we have
received and compliments from our customers have been tremendous. Your
support has kept our recordings, and more importantly the type of music we
produce, alive and visible. The year 2001 marks out 10th Anniversary of
American Recording Productions and we are in the works to commemorate this
milestone anniversary.’ said Topouzian.
ARP productions have been honored in several ways over these last few years.
Borders Inc. incorporated music from FULL CIRCLE into their telephone
on-hold music; FOR THE CHILDREN OF ARMENIA and STRINGED TRANQUILITY have
been included in several collegiate plays as well as the PBS documentary
“The Armenian Americans.” ARP has also taken part in humanitarian efforts
such as donating proceeds to Armenian relief causes for children, such as
FACES OF BRAVERY. To date, ARP has over thirty releases featuring some of
the finest musician ship from around the globe. Visit them at
CD OF THE WEEK: Eastern Winds (features Ara Topouzian, Ben Temkow, Mark
Sawasky, and Doug Shimmin) From calming meditative strains of ancient folk
song to invigorating, provocative rhythms of festive dance medley, EASTERN
WINDS soar gracefully over the music of Armenia, the Mediterranean and the
Middle East. Listeners who allow themselves to be swept up in these currents
are equally rewarded and challenged. The collection of pieces on this CD
offers a faithful representation of traditional melodies with specifics
origins, yet the innovative treatment and original arrangement of the
material is a testament to the universality of the music.
Special Offer: If you mention this newsletter, ARP will give a 15% discount
on your first total order! Eastern Winds can be purchased for $16.00 USD and
add $2.00 for US shipping. Add an additional $1.00 for all foreign orders.
Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.
OLYMPICS FACT SHEET
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Trdat III Arshakuni Armenian king Varazdat Arshakuni became the champion in
boxing at 291st Olympic Games held in 385.
The philosopher Plato (427-347) was a double winner of the pankration.
The 14 articles of the Olympic regulations included an article on
corruption: any corruption of a judge or an opponent would be punished by
whipping.
Some women, who were prohibited from attending the Games, did not accept
this segregation and dressed up as men, at the risk of being thrown from the
mountain of Typaion, as stipulated in the rules.
In 1990 the National Olympic Committee of Armenia was founded to further
development of physical education and sports. At present about 60 events are
popular in Armenia, there are 32 National Federations recognized by NOC of
Armenia.
The website of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia is at
Follow the online results of the Armenian & Cypriot athletes at
VERCHIN JAM: Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis beat France’s Gregory
Carraz in the Men’s Singles First Round 5-7, 7-6 and 7-5 during 28th Olympic
Games in
Athens.;id=3D271750
NEWS IN BRIEF
– Armenian Azeri and Turkish delegations clashed at the 3rd Youth Festival
in Barcelona in which more than 10,000 youth from around the world were
participating. The Turkish and Azeri delegation demanded that the
information on the genocide be removed from the poster board; however, the
ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Youth delegation refused, resulting in commotion.
– Based on the first half results of 2004 on the GDP of Armenia (9.2%) a
two-digit growth of the economy in Armenia is expected.
– Browse Google in Armenian. Check the following site
– A hand grenade was thrown at an internet-club in 2 Paronian street in
Yerevan and the owner 42 years old Laura Mnatsakanian died as a result of
the explosion.
– Georgian troops and separatist forces in South Ossetia exchanged sporadic
shelling and gunfire clouding talks between Russia and Georgia on the status
of the pro-Russian region.
– 18 sportsmen will represent Armenia in the Olympic Games, expected to do
well in weight-lifting, wrestling and boxing. Olympic champion Albert
Azarian carried the Armenian flag during the opening ceremony which was held
on August 13, 2004 in Athens.
g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r
â=80¢ The Armenian Youth Federation completed its 17th Annual Summer Camp at the
Morphou Prelature Camp Site at Kalopanayiotis on Sunday 15 August 2004.
Pictures from Camp can be viewed in our next issue.
â=80¢ A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members.
â=80¢ The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter will take place on Tuesday September
14, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at A.Y.M.A.
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 23 August, 2004.
â=80¢ Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can beheard
via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus
time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News bulletins at 17:15 local time on Sundays,
Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on the following radio
frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia listeners) 94.2 FM
(Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca) 96.5 FM (Paphos).
â=80¢ Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues” together with Robert Camassa.
The programme which is now in its second year can also be heard on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on . A repeat
programme can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.
â=80¢ AYMA announces that the weekly practices of the football team begin in the
second week of September. Contact the AYMA Sports Committee for more
details.
Gibrahayer is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth year,
disseminating news & posting upcoming events about the Armenian community of
Cyprus, Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. The list also promotes the
discussion of issues brought forward by its members. The subscription to
this service is free. To subscribe to Gibrahayer e-newsletter, follow the
instructions at To contact the
listmaster send an email to [email protected]

Diario Vasco, España
Sábado, 7 de agosto de 2004
FESTIVALES DE NAVARRA
Música armenia y teatro español

El grupo de folk armenio The Armenian Navy Band finaliza hoy el ciclo
de conciertos de Festivales de Navarra, que en su última jornada
incluye también la puesta en escena de la obra Dioses o bestias y la
clausura de la muestra fotográfica del recientemente fallecido Henri
Cartier Bresson. La clausura musical estará a cargo de Arto
Tuncboyaciyan y la Armenian Navy Band. EFE
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress