Author: Hovhannisian John

IRAN SEEKS ENERGY COOPERATION WITH ARMENIA
IPR Strategic Business Information Database
May 20, 2004
According to “Tehran Times”, a member of Sadid Saba Nirou Company’s
board of directors stated that Energy Ministry sought more cooperation
with Armenia in the field of wind energy. Shahram Aminian said that
Iran was capable of exporting technical know-how to neighboring
countries. He noted that Iran – Armenia negotiations in this regard
had not been finalized, but the Energy Ministry is following up the
issue. The official said Iran enjoyed technical know-how to build
wind turbines and was capable of exported relevant services to other
countries.

VICTIMS OF PONTIAN GREEKS GENOCIDE COMMEMORATED IN ARMENIA
ArmenPress
May 19 2004
YEREVAN, MAY 19, ARMENPRESS: The Greek ambassador to Armenia,
Antonios Vlavianos, other dignitaries, government officials and
ordinary Armenians commemorated today the memory of hundreds of
thousands of Pontian Greeks mercilessly massacred by the government
of Turkey between 1914-1922. The commemoration ceremony was held at
Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan, erected in commemoration of the
victims of Armenian genocide of 1915, also committed by the government
of Turkey.
Of the 700,000 Greeks living in Pontus (the area stretching along the
southern coastline of the Black Sea) in 1914, 300,000 were killed
as a result of Turkish government policy and the remainder became
refugees. “Three millennia of the Greek and Armenian presence was
wiped out by a deliberate policy of creating a Turkey for the Turks.
The Pontian people were denied the right to exist, the right of respect
for their national and cultural identity, and the right to remain on
land they had lived on for countless generations, ” the ambassador
said addressing the present.
Mr. Vlavianos said the tragedy experienced by both nations have
forged closer ties and links between Armenians and Greeks, adding also
that the memory of innocent victims will never be forgotten. He said
all efforts will be exerted to make both genocides internationally
acknowledged and condemned so that to prevent future repetitions of
such horrible crimes.
“The genocide of Pontian Greeks was recognized only by the
government of modern Hellenic Republic, which is not deemed as
its priority foreign policy issue, unlike Armenia which has made
significant progress in pushing for the 1915 genocide’s international
recognition. Greece has officially recognized the Armenian genocide,”
he said, explaining that Armenia did not acknowledge the genocide of
Pontian Greeks because of the absence of an official request on the
part of Greek government.
Around 1,500,000 Armenians and 300,000 Pontian Greeks were annihilated
through exile, starvation, cold, illness, slaughter, murder, gallows,
axe, and fire. The Pontians now lie scattered all over the world as a
result of the genocide and their unique history, language (the dialect
is a valuable link between ancient and modern Greek), and culture
are endangered and face extinction. A double crime was committed –
genocide and the uprooting of a people from their ancestral homelands
of three millennia. The Christian nations were not only witnesses
to this horrible and monstrous crime, which remains unpunished,
but for reasons of political expediency and self interest have,
by their silence, pardoned the criminal. The Ottoman and Kemalist
Turks were responsible for the genocide of the Pontian people,
the most heinous of all crimes according to international law. The
international community must recognize this crime.

International Journalist’s Network
May 18 2004
How to Use ‘News Factory’
May 24, 2004 – May 24, 2004
Seminar
In Yerevan, Armenia. Organized by Internews-Armenia. Trainers
Konstantin Naumov and Denis Shchevchenko of Internews-Russia will
lead the seminar. They will present the News Factory program, which
facilitates the organization of newsroom work for TV stations.
Internews-Russia created the software to help regional stations
automate their news production, while creating computerized archives
of their local news reports. No more than one representative from
each TV company may attend. Contact David Aslanyan at
[email protected], telephone +374 1 58-36-20. Internews-Armenia:

Former FA Aide: Peace Talks Aren’t Worth Of 2 Kopeks
Baku Today
May 17 2004
While high-ranking officials in Baku still seem committed to ending
a decade-old occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories through peaceful
means, a prominent foreign policy expert says the peace process
is worth of nothing as long as there is no change in the region’s
geopolitical situation.
“The current negotiations are not worth of two kopeks,” says Vafa
Guluzade, a former presidential aide who now heads the Baku-based
Caspian Political Researches Foundation. The former diplomat points
to Russia as the country behind the aggression against Azerbaijan,
and contends that the key to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict lies not
in Yerevan, but in Moscow.
“Armenia is a puppet in the hands of Russians,” Guluzade says in an
interview with a correspondent of Baku Today, adding: “I myself have
repeatedly witnessed that Armenians don’t have their own position on
the Karabakh problem. Moscow dictates them on everything that relates
to the settlement of the conflict.”
Armenia occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous region of Azerbaijan
that is home to about 100,000 ethnic-Armenians, and also seven Azeri
administrative districts surrounding it in 1991-94 war. Despite a
cease-fire agreement reached in May 1994, no final settlement has
been found to the conflict.
Guluzade said the recent happenings in Georgia’s defiant autonomous
region of Ajara showed that Moscow had no choice but to bow to heavy
pressures by Washington.
“Russia will withdraw from Armenia, too,” Guluzade said.
Those hoping for a peaceful resolution of the conflict were once
more disappointed when a meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign
ministers in Strasbourg on May 12-13 gave no result, with Aremnia’s
Vardan Oskanian deeming the idea to withdraw from Azerbaijan’s seven
occupied districts “absurd and meaningless.”
Meanwhile, President Ilham Aliyev sent one more warning against the
arch foe Armenia while on a visit to his home region of Nakhchivan
late last week.
“Azerbaijan’s army can resort to using force any time to free the
occupied territories. It is our natural right,” Aliyev stressed.
But the former foreign affairs aide Guluzde believes Azerbaijan has
to get ready for a political isolation, if it decides to take guns
to fight back the territories.
He says the isolation might come from Russia, as well as from the
United States and Europe.
“We also have to be three to five times stronger than the enemy is,
because we’ll suffer more human casualties if we begin to attack,”
Guluzade underlined.
Asked if another war could bring any positive results for Azerbaijan,
Guluzade said: “It may, but it must be based on a very well thought
over plan.”

Noyan Tapan
May 11 2004
Results of Tender of Video Film Scenarios organized by Pan-Armenian
International Youth Fund to be summed up in late May.
Thirty five individuals and organizations have introduced applications
for participation in tender of video film scenarios organized by
Pan-Armenian International Youth Fund. Astghik Avetisyan, the fund
press secretary informed that the tender results would be summed
up by the end of May. The authors of the best three scenarios will
receive prices.
It was also mentioned that the fund will support the production of
video tapes based on the chosen scenarios and broadcast them on some
Armenian TV Channels.

Azeri TV reports Armenian truce violation
ANS TV, Baku
13 May 04
At about 1500 [1000 gmt] today, the village of Qapanli of Tartar
District came under fire from the Armenian-occupied Agdara District’s
village of Seyid-Suvan. The gunfire from large-calibre machine guns
lasted for 10 minutes. The enemy was silenced with retaliatory fire.
Local residents reported no casualties during the incident.

Handing over “liberated lands” to Azeris senseless – Armenian foreign minister
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan,
13 May 04
The discussion of the handing over of the seven liberated territories
from the Armenian side to the Azerbaijani side is senseless. Armenian
Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan announced in an interview with the
Radio Liberty.
He said that no agenda for the meeting between the Armenian and
Azerbaijani foreign ministers has been confirmed. So, any issue can
be discussed.
Vardan Oskanyan did not clarify that the Azerbaijani side will try to
include in to the discussion the handing- over of the territories,
which was spoken about recently in Baku. Oskanyan also noted that
the Armenian side will also introduce some issues to the discussion.
The minister stressed that it is impossible to forget that the
Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents met recently, which they assessed
as positive. The presidents announced that they will instruct the
two countries’ foreign ministers also to cooperate in the same path
during the meeting.
Vardan Oskanyan expressed hope that the foreign ministers’ negotiations
will be continued. Vardan Oskanyan also stressed that Armenia is also
for the settlement, as soon as possible, of the Karabakh conflict. This
is one of the main issues of the Armenian diplomacy.

Words About War and Peace on Karabakh Anniversary
Moscow Times
May 13 2004
BAKU, Azerbaijan — On the 10th anniversary of the truce that ended
fighting Azeri-Armenian fighting over Nagorny Karabakh but left its
status in limbo, Azerbaijan’s president on Wednesday pledged support
for peaceful resolution of the dispute but raised the prospect of
military action.
Nagorny Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan,
for the past decade has been under control of an internationally
unrecognized ethnic Armenian government backed by forces who also
occupy parts of Azerbaijan adjoining the enclave.
Because of the dispute over the enclave’s final status, the
Armenia-Azerbaijan border is closed. Failure to resolve the issue is
seen as having discouraged investment in both countries because of
concern that another war over the enclave could erupt.
Armenian and Azeri officials, including the country’s presidents, have
met repeatedly to discuss Nagorny Karabakh, but with little visible
progress despite a wave of sessions in 2001 that many observers
believed foreshadowed an imminent settlement.
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev underlined that Azerbaijan insists
Nagorny Karabakh remain part of that country and that a resumption
of fighting could not be excluded.
“We are supporters of a peaceful resolution of the conflict, but the
Azeri people will not submit to the loss of its territory. If talks
do not give results, we will free our land at any cost,” Aliyev said.
“Our army is capable of freeing occupied territory at any moment.”
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, in a statement marking the
cease-fire’s 10th anniversary, said, “We will observe the principle
of a peaceful regulation of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.”
Aliyev made his statements in a speech at a military institute in
Nakhichevan, an Azeri exclave separated from the rest of the country
by Armenian territory. “Azerbaijan is in a condition of war, our
territorial wholeness is violated and the army can undertake steps
to restore the wholeness,” he said.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 12, 2004
___________________
ASSEMBLY BANQUET HONORS TWO
By Jake Goshert
Saturday night, May 1, 2004, a gala banquet capped off the successful
Diocesan Assembly, which was skillfully hosted by the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY. Guests at the banquet enjoyed
the food and fellowship and were treated to a performance by the Shushi
Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral — which was recently highlighted
in a photo in National Geographic magazine.
During the banquet the Diocese honored two men for efforts to continue
and foster the Armenian culture.
HONORING FRIENDS
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience
Foundation — an international organization dedicated to freedom of
religion and human rights issues — was presented with the “Friend of
the Armenians” award. “The Armenian of the Year” award was presented to
Dr. Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie Corporation and former
president of Brown University and the New York Library.
“Both of our honorees are men of deep faith, which has inspired them to
action,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. “Neither has lost their faith
in the better angels of human nature. Their sense of hope has helped
them not only endure but excel in life.”
Both men came from humble backgrounds and overcame obstacles to rise to
prominence. Rabbi Schneier was a survivor of the Holocaust and Dr.
Gregorian came to America from Iran and built himself up through the
academic world.
“And both have dedicated their efforts to the greater good,” the Primate
said. “This weekend we talked about stewardship: the giving of your
time, talent, and treasure. Each of these men exemplifies that virtue at
the highest level.”
In his remarks, Dr. Gregorian urged the banquet guests to do what they
can to bolster the Republic of Armenia.
“We have to take care of not only our local communities, but also that
one land, small as it is, which has been entrusted to us,” he said.
“Armenia needs you and you need Armenia. We have to learn to become
great ancestors: not to live for the moment but live for the future.”
Rabbi Schneier spoke of his efforts to build interfaith bridges to face
international terrorism, which he called the great scourge of the
century.
“We value life. We believe in co-existence, in dialogue,” he said.
“We’re going to strengthen those leaders who believe in dialogue and
peaceful coexistence. And we hope by doing this we will send a message
and awaken a silent majority.”
— 5/12/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Dr. Vartan Gregorian, who was honored as the
“Armenian of the Year” during the 2004 Diocesan Assembly, autographed
copies of his memoir, “The Road to Home”, and welcomed fans before the
banquet on Saturday, May 1, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presents Rabbi Arthur
Schneier, founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation,
with the “Friend of the Armenians” award during the 2004 Diocesan
Assembly.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Members of the Shushi Dance Ensemble perform during
the Diocesan Assembly’s closing banquet on Saturday, May 1, 2004, in
Rye, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Dancers with the Shushi Dance Ensemble prepare to
take the stage during the Diocesan Assembly banquet on Saturday, May 1,
2004, in Rye. NY.
# # #

Martin hand-picks another candidate
PM breaking promise for democratic reform, opposition MPs say
Anne Dawson
The Ottawa Citizen
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Page A5 – Morning Edition
Prime Minister Paul Martin ignored his own promise to make Parliament
more democratic yesterday by hand-picking yet another Liberal
candidate and doling out another patronage appointment.
In the past two days, he has used his power to appoint one candidate
in Ontario and another four in Alberta and British Columbia. He has
also given patronage appointments to two sitting MPs in exchange for
them stepping aside so he could designate his favourites in their
ridings.
The moves drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused
Mr. Martin of playing a game of “who you know” rather than allowing
grassroots democracy to take its course in the selection of political
candidates. They also said the actions would further alienate Western
Canadians already extremely dissatisfied with the workings of federal
politics.
Manitoba-born Ruby Dhalla, a Toronto chiropractor and a longtime
Liberal activist, was appointed to be the Liberal candidate in the
Brampton-Springdale riding. Liberal MP Sarkis Assadourian, who has
represented that riding since 1993, has been given the position of
special adviser on Near Eastern and South Caucasus Affairs to the
prime minister in exchange for giving up his riding.
“I am delighted to be able to turn to Sarkis Assadourian for expertise
when it comes to matters of trade and foreign relations with the Near
East,” said the prime minister in a press released issued yesterday.
Late Friday, Mr. Martin announced four other candidate
appointees. They include: B.C. party president Bill Cunningham, who
worked on Mr. Martin’s leadership campaign, in the Burnaby-Douglas
riding; lawyer Julia Turnbull, in Calgary South Centre; John Bethel,
who was Mr. Martin’s Alberta leadership campaign director, in Edmonton
East; and Dave Muti, who served as a Liberal riding president, in
Calgary North East.
He also gave Winnipeg MP John Harvard an appointment to be the new
lieutenant-governor of Manitoba in exchange for him stepping down so
Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray could run in his
Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia riding.
Human Resources Minister Joe Volpe staunchly defended Mr. Martin’s
appointments on the grounds that the Liberal party permits such
appointments under its constitution.
But Conservative leader Stephen Harper said Mr. Martin has “tainted”
the Liberal candidates he has appointed with all the bad publicity the
announcements have garnered.
“This hardly seems like a way to fix the democratic deficit. It will
ultimately jeopardize the election chances of every single one of them
— especially in Western Canada where these issues of democratic
reform are most acute and the dissatisfaction with the existing system
is most severe,” Mr. Harper said yesterday.
NDP leader Jack Layton accused Mr. Martin of showing a blatant
disregard for the Chinese community by ousting Asian candidates in
B.C. that have already shown they can win elections
Mr. Layton said Mr. Martin has shown a “complete … lack of
understanding of western alienation” by playing a game of “who you
know” rather than allowing democracy to take its course.
“There seems to be no understanding in the prime minister’s mind of
the concept of grassroots. How are you going to get effective local
voices if you don’t allow local communities, through their local
ridings to pick their candidates?” said Mr. Layton.
A few weeks ago, Mr. Martin made another round of appointments in
B.C., including businessman David Emerson, former NDP premier Ujjal
Dosanjh, union leader Dave Haggard, native leader Miles Richardson and
community activist Shirley Chan.
© The Ottawa Citizen 2004