Author: Jabejian Elizabeth

PREMIERE OF FILM ABOUT DOVLATOV TAKES PLACE IN MOSCOW
MOSCOW, November 29 (Noyan Tapan). The premiere of the “Intimate City”
documentary of Estonian film-maker Kristina Davidiants tookplace in
Moscow on November 10. The same day the premiere was also shown via
the Estonian TV.
According to the “Yerkramas” (“Krai”) newspaper, the film is devoted
to the Tallinn period of the life of Sergey Dovlatov, a writer of
Armenian origin, and based on the chapters of the “Compromise” story,
in which the real events are described and real personages act.
In 1972-1976, the writer lived in the Estonian capital and worked for
the “Soviet Estonia” newspaper. The film-maker succeeded in meeting
with many of characters of Dovlatov’s “Compromise”, as well as with
the writer’s friends and colleagues. The film is constructed on the
contrasts of Dovlatov’s text and the telling of the observes. The
records of RFE/RL, in whose air Dovlatov read the extracts of
“Compromise”, are used.
In 2004, “Intimate city” was included into the competitive show of the
Moscow International Film-Festival, participated in the Days of “Films
of Russia, the CIS and Baltic States” in Stuttgart, received a special
reward of the jury of “Gold Apricot” during the film-festival in
Armenia.
The premiere took place in Moscow with the support of the Armenian
Diaspora.

ANSA Notiziario Generale in Italiano
November 26, 2004
CAUCASO: GEORGIA CHIEDE A ITALIA DI MEDIARE CON MOSCA/ANSA ;
BONIVER: PRESTO IN RUSSIA PER BUONI UFFICI
BAKU
(dell’inviata Elisa Pinna)
(ANSA) – BAKU, 29 NOV – La Georgia ha chiesto all’Italia
“una mediazione” con la Russia per risolvere i cosiddetti
“conflitti congelati” interni, ovvero le crisi secessioniste
dell’Abkhazia, dell’Ossezia meridionale e dell’Adhzara, regioni
dove gli irredentisti chiedono indipendenza dal governo di
Tbilisi contando sulle simpatie di Mosca. E’ questo un impegno
prioritario su cui il sottosegretario agli Esteri con delega per
l’Asia, on. Margherita Boniver, di ritorno da una missione nel
Caucaso meridionale, lavorera’ immediatamente.
“Penso di programmare, nel piu’ breve tempo possibile, una
visita a Mosca – ha spiegato ai giornalisti -. La richiesta di
‘mediazione’ da parte delle massime autorita’ georgiane, a
partire dal presidente Micheil Saakasvili, e’ stata veramente
pressante, ma io – ha precisato – parlerei piuttosto di ‘buoni
uffici’ presso il governo russo”. “I georgiani – ha proseguito
– contano sul momento eccezionale nelle relazioni tra Roma e
Mosca, caratterizzate, oltre che dalla profonda amicizia
personale tra Berlusconi e il presidente Putin, anche da una
presenza di 20-30 mila imprese italiane in territorio russo”.
Il governo georgiano,nato dalla ‘Rivoluzione della Rosa’
capeggiata da Saakasvili esattamente un anno fa e presa a
modello dall’opposizione ucraina in questi giorni, e’ composto
per lo piu’ da ministri trentenni filooccidentali, che chiedono
alla Russia di smantellare le proprie basi militari, circa 3
mila soldati, dal territorio della Georgia.
Nella regione del Caucaso meridionale, l’on. Boniver ha
visitato anche l’Armenia e l’Azeirbagian. “Il bilancio della
missione e’ piu’ che positivo. E’ la terza che compio nel giro
di tre anni, e cio serve a creare una continuita’ di dialogo e
un rapporto di fiducia essenziali al miglioramento delle gia
ottime relazioni bilaterali”. “Anche se il governo italiano –
ha detto scherzando – ha gia’ cambiato quattro ministri degli
esteri in pochi anni, il sottosegretario per l’Asia e’ rimasto
lo stesso”.
Nelle tre capitali dell’area (Tbilisi, Ierevan e Baku), l’on
Boniver ha firmato accordi economici bilaterali, ed ha parlato
anche di quell’altra sanguinosa guerra “congelata” del Nagorno
Karabakh, l’enclave armeno cristiana che si e’ separata
unilateralmente dall’Azeirbagian a maggioranza musulmana, tra
decine di migliaia di morti e quasi un milione di profughi.
“Sia a Ierevan (capitale armena) che a Baku (capitale azera) –
ha riferito l’on. Boniver – ho trovato chiusura e astio
reciproci. Ai miei interlocutori ho ribadito che l’unica
soluzione possibile passa per la via negoziale e, innanzitutto,
per la trattativa bilaterale, pur se affiancata da iniziative
internazionali come quella dell’Osce e del gruppo di Minsk, che
si possono tradurre anche in aiuti finanziari”.
Da Baku, ultima tappa ieri della missione italiana, e’ venuta
una seconda richiesta, stavolta di tipo economico: quella di
diversificare i rapporti economici, attualmente dominati dal
commercio energetico. L’Italia, infatti, e’ il principale
importatore di petrolio dall’Azeirbagian, con 214 mila barili di
greggio al giorno per un miliardo di dollari all’anno. La firma,
ieri nella capitale azera, di un accordo per la creazione di un
“Forum consultivo per i rapporti economici bilaterali” e la
nascita di una Camera di Commercio italo-azera, “apriranno la
strada – ha osservato Boniver – a nuovi investimenti nel settore
agro-alimentare, delle infrastrutture, delle costruzioni”.
(ANSA).

UN official visiting Azerbaijan to inquire about refugees’ problems
ANS TV, Baku
25 Nov 04
[Presenter] Azerbaijan’s internally displaced persons have asked UN
High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers to mediate the settlement
of the Nagornyy Karabakh problem. The UN official who is on a visit
to Baku has started his first meeting with refugees in Barda [central
Azerbaijan].
[Correspondent over a group of people and Lubbers] UN High Commissioner
for Refugees Ruud Lubbers visited the refugees in Barda’s Arab-1
refugee camp. As the guest flew to Azerbaijan via Georgia, he missed
the planned meetings, and therefore, he managed to visit only one
family. Although he said that he was visiting Azerbaijan to learn
about the living conditions of the internally displaced persons and
refugees, the high commissioner could have only brief conversations
with some refugees.
In turn, the refugees urged Lubbers and the UN to specify their
positions on the return of the occupied territories.
[An unidentified refugee] The UN Security Council has passed four
resolutions, i.e. the Armenian aggressors must liberate the occupied
Azerbaijani lands. None of these resolutions have been fulfilled.
[Correspondent] Ruud Lubbers’s meeting in the tent camp lasted only
for 10 minutes. The guest hastily left Barda for Bilasuvar. The
high commissioner’s meeting in Bilasuvar lasted for less than 10
minutes. He visited a school in a settlement where refugees from
Cabrayil are settled.
Speaking to the refugees, he said that he was in Azerbaijan to meet
and help them.
Etibar Ibrahimov, Sahin Rzayev and Aladdin Azimov for ANS.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Nov 25 2004
PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES ITALIAN DELEGATION
[November 25, 2004, 17:31:49]
On 25 November, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade received
the Italian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Margherita
Boniver.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the prospects of
the Azerbaijani-Italian economic cooperation and touched upon the
problem of peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Prime Minister of Azerbaijan noted that Italy is a leader in
Azerbaijan’s foreign trade turnover, but expressed regret about law
level of Italian investments in the economy of Azerbaijan. Our
country is very interested in attraction of Italian investors and
their active involvement in global transport projects.
Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Margherita Boniver for her part
pointed out that the agreements on establishment of the
Italy-Azerbaijan Economic council and joint Chamber of Commerce and
Industry signed during this would strengthen economic cooperation
between the two countries.
Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Prime
Minister Artur Rasizade recalled that during her visit to Yerevan,
the Italian diplomat stated on Italy’s abstention while voting at the
UN General Assembly on the situation in the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan. He stressed in this connection, that it is Azerbaijan not
Armenia that was subjected to the aggression, expatriation of
peaceful population and occupation of its lands.
It is these factors that should be kept in mind in the first place
while discussing the issue, he said.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Italy to Azerbaijan Mrs.
Margherita Costa.

HOVANNESS BADALIAN MUSIC FUND BANQUET
WATERTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS, November 22 (Noyan Tapan). The first annual
banquet of the Hovanness Badalian Music Fund (HBMF) will be held
on December 4, 2004 at the Hellenic Cultural Center, Watertown,
MA. H. E. Arman Kirakossian, Armenia’s ambassador to US, will be
in attendance and composer Konstantin Petrosian of Providence,
RI will be the MC. Among the highlights of the evening: first US
appearance of young and talented folk singer Artur Anushavanian;
soprano Nune Karapetian performing with pianist Nune Hakopian and
recognizing Bostonâ~@~Ys own Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble with an
Appreciation Award.
HBMF was established in early 2004 to celebrate the life of the
singer who made songs such as Hayastani Karmir Ginin, Yes Im Anoosh
Hayastani and Mayres Mahes Chimana famous. The goal of the Fund is
to provide merit-based scholarships, worldwide, to children enrolled
in Armenian music education programs. The Fund will also provide
assistance to individuals and organizations that create material and
training programs for children.
In October of this year Armenia celebrated Badalian’s 80th birthday
at the National Opera in Yerevan with the participation of prominent
artists including his daughter, opera singer Nuneh Badalian. Fifty of
his students led by pedagogue Arsen Grigorian came on stage singing
together and watching the great Maestro sing “Yes Im Anoush Hayastani”
on the screen, representing not only the past, but inspiring hope for
the future. “Badalian’s dedication and unrelenting work will always
be an enduring reminder to his devotion to his art and ultimately to
his people,” said Aram Gharabegian, Artistic director and conductor
of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia, and a key organizer of
the event.
HBMF is organized under the charter of Amaras Art Alliance, a not for
profit organization. For the past ten years Amaras has been an active
member of the Boston, MA cultural scene, presenting jazz concerts,
solo performances, art exhibits and organizing student trips to
Armenia. Amaras has co-organized major events such as the multi-venue
celebration of composer Aram Khachaturian’s Centennial in 2003.
–Boundary_(ID_Mh96OP7lwqTodiOAjxy2nQ)–

ARKA News Agency
Nov 22 2004
Speaker of Armenian Parliament asks Azerbaijani Parliament’s head and
NATO Chairman to provide security of Armenian delegates on Rose-Roth
NATO seminar
Europe could be more insistent in issues of settlement of conflict on
South Caucasus
Special anti-emergency service to be launched in Yerevan soon
Armenia and Azerbaijan should come out with constructive
recommendations on Karabakh conflict settlement, PACE insists
*********************************************************************
SPEAKER OF ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT ASKS AZERBAIJANI PARLIAMENT’S HEAD AND
NATO CHAIRMAN TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF ARMENIAN DELEGATES ON ROSE-ROTH
NATO SEMINAR
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. Speaker of the Armenian Parliament sent
official letters to the Chairman of Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan Murtuz
Aleskerov and Chairman of Parliamentary Assembly of NATO Pierre
Leluche with request to provide security of the Armenian delegates on
NATO seminar Rose-Roth. As Armenian Parliament Public and Press
Relations Department told ARKA, the letter was sent on occasion of
recently increasing violence toward Armenians in Azerbaijan and in
other countries by Azerbaijanis, as well as hindering Armenian
officers participation in NATO exercises and expulsion from
Azerbaijan Bulgarian sport commentator of the Armenian descent Eduard
Papazyan. The Armenian Parliament confirming readiness of its
delegates to work in international structures and holding a positive
stance around leaving for Baku, at the same time he expressed its
concern around providing of security of the delegates on Azerbaijani
territory and expects that relevant security guarantees will be
provide to them on Rose-Roth seminar.
Armenian parliamentarians represented by two delegates – head of
associated of Armenian delegation to NATO PA Mher Shahgeldyan and
member of delegation Alexan KArapetyan will participate on the 58th
NATO Rose-Roth seminar in Baku scheduled on Nov 25-27, 2004. T.M.
-0–
*********************************************************************
EUROPE COULD BE MORE INSISTENT IN ISSUES OF SETTLEMENT OF CONFLICT ON
SOUTH CAUCASUS
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. Europe could be more insistent in
issues of settlement of conflict on the South Caucasus, as Armenian
President Robert Kocharian said, making his speech on Berlin European
Forum. He stressed that the history of forming of the EU shows the
privileges of the regional cooperation that is the way to prosperity
and also an instrument of stability. “Based on its experience Europe
could be more insistent in the issues of the settlement of the
conflicts on the South Caucasus thru incentive to the cooperation”,
he said.
President stressed that one of the main obstacles for the settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is absence of eh regional
cooperation. He mentioned that Armenia believes in the settlement of
the conflicts thru regional cooperation, while Azerbaijan refrains
from the possible cooperation prior to the settlement of the
conflict. Among other obstacles on the way of cooperation of the EU
with the South Caucasus states he named the blockade of Armenia by
Turkey. “We think that it is not normal when the state launching the
negotiations on accession to the EU blockades the participants of the
European Neighborhood policy”, he said, adding that the EU actually
was formed due to pragmatism of its founders. “Everything began not
from parliamentary assemblies and ministerial councils, but
understanding of the common interests and compatibility of the value
systems. We would like to see something similar in the EU’s policy
toward the New Neighborhood participant countries”, Kocharian stated.
T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
SPECIAL ANTI-EMERGENCY SERVICE TO BE LAUNCHED IN YEREVAN SOON
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. A special anti-emergency service will
be launched in Armenia soon, as the Vice Mayor of Yerevan Vano
Vardanyan said. In his words, it will correspond to the US “911”.
“This program will be in accordance to the international standards.
The service employees will collect the signals received by “1-02″
service and the Emergency Management Department of Armenia”, the
official stressed. According to Vardanyan, similar cooperation of the
Department and the Municipality will allow to react operatively and
efficiently to the signals received from the capital residents. T.M.
-0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN SHOULD COME OUT WITH CONSTRUCTIVE
RECOMMENDATIONS ON KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT, PACE INSISTS
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. Armenia and Azerbaijan should come out
with constructive recommendations on Karabakh conflict settlement, as
states the published PACE report. According to the document, the
suggestions should be presented through the OSCE Minsk Group.
“Otherwise, the sides should consider the possibility of applying to
the International Justice Court attached to the UN” states the
report. Meanwhile, according to the report, the Council of Europe
should offer experts to Armenia and Azerbaijan, which would assist in
making up of the draft political status of NKR. PACE also expressed
concern regarding the fact that monoethnic territories are being
created in Armenia and Azerbaijan, “which looks a lot like ethnic
clean-ups”.
This report will be discussed at the regular plenary PACE session on
January 24-28, 2005. L.V.-0–
*********************************************************************

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/19/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Congress Adopts Key US-Armenia Trade Provision 2) ACF Banquet Delivers Powerful Message 3) 2000 in Paris Demand Vote on Turkey's EU Accession 4) Telethon 2004 Entertainment Line-up 5) Telethon 2004 Domestic and International Broadcast Info 6) Hairenik Association Online Radio Station 7) Tidbits From the Diner 8) WHAT'S LOVE BUT A SECOND HAND EMOTION? 9) Reverb, and Organizations' Obligations 10) LETTERS: 1) Congress Adopts Key US-Armenia Trade Provision Bill Granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status to Armenia Headed for Presidential Signature WASHINGTON, DC--The Senate, today, unanimously acted to permanently normalize trade between the US and Armenia, opening the door to expanded economic relations, new commercial opportunities, and the further strengthening of the longstanding bonds between the American and Armenian peoples, reported the Armenian National Committee Of America (ANCA). With the House version of the measure adopted in October, the bill now goes to President Bush for signature. This provision, which grants Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status to Armenia, was adopted in the final hours of the of the Senate lame-duck session as part of the larger bill, HR 1047--the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act. The bill, which has been held up due to human rights concerns in Laos, was considered following a Senate vote to avert a filibuster of the measure. Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) was the first to raise the issue of Armenia PNTR in Congress. His legislation, HR 528, introduced last year was supported by the Armenian Caucus and cosponsored by 112 other Members of Congress. A companion bill was introduced on the Senate side by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and cosponsored by 21 other Senators. The strong support for these measures paved the way for their inclusion by members of Congress negotiating the final version of the larger trade measure. "The ANCA welcomes the Congressional passage of the Armenia-PNTR bill and thanks Congressman Knollenberg, Senator McConnell and all those who played a role in securing its passage," said Ken Hachikian, Chairman of the ANCA. "Following Presidential signature of the measure, we look forward to exploring new opportunities to further expand the growing US-Armenia economic relationship." Over the past two years, the ANCA has worked, in Washington, DC and in local communities throughout the country to generate bipartisan support for this trade measure among legislators, including those serving on key trade subcommittees. Over ten thousand pro-Armenia activists sent ANCA WebFaxes to Congress, thousands more made phone calls in support of PNTR, and this important issue was raised in several hundred Congressional visits, both in District Offices and the nation's capital. The sample ANCA WebFax letter for activists included several reasons to support this legislation, among them: - Increased US-Armenia trade and investment advances US foreign policy by strengthening Armenia's free market economic development and integration into the world economy. - Expanded US-Armenia commercial relations will strengthen bilateral relations and reinforces the enduring friendship between the American and Armenian peoples. - Adoption of PNTR for Armenia will help offset - at no cost to US taxpayers - the devastating impact of the dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades, estimated by the World Bank as costing Armenia up to a third of its entire GDP (as much as $720 million annually) and half of its exports. The Trade Act of 1974 excluded all Soviet countries from having normal trade relations (NTR) status with the United States. One particular provision of the Act, known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment, required the President to deny NTR to those countries that restricted free emigration. The policy was adopted, in part, in response to Communist government restrictions on the emigration of Jews. According to the terms of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, when the President determines that freedom of emigration rights have been reinstated in a country, normal trade relations may be granted. To maintain NTR, the President must report to Congress twice a year that Jackson-Vanik requirements have been met. While successive Presidents have waived the Jackson-Vanik Amendment restrictions on Armenia during the past decade, the passage of the Knollenberg bill, would grant Armenia permanent normal trade relations status, without the need for semi-yearly Presidential determinations. The text of the Armenia PNTR provision is provided below: Title II, Section 2001 Subtitle A - Miscellaneous Provisions SEC. 2001. TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV OF THE TRADE ACT OF 1974 TO ARMENIA. (a) FINDINGS. ­ Congress makes the following findings: (1) Armenia has been found to be in full compliance with the freedom of emigration requirements under title IV of the Trade Act of 1974. (2) Armenia acceded to the World Trade Organization on February 5, 2003. (3) Since declaring its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia has made considerable progress in enacting free-market reforms. (4) Armenia has demonstrated a strong desire to build a friendly and cooperative relationship with the United States and has concluded many bilateral treaties and agreements with the United States. (5) Total United States-Armenia bilateral trade for 2002 amounted to more than $134,200,000. (b) PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS OF NONDISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT. Notwithstanding any provision of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC. 2431 et seq.), the President may: (1) determine that such title should no longer apply to Armenia; and (2) after making a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to Armenia, proclaim the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations treatment) to the products of that country. (c) TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV. On and after the effective date of the extension under subsection (b)(2) of nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Armenia, title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 shall cease to apply to that country. 2) ACF Banquet Delivers Powerful Message By Jenny Kiljian The Armenian Cultural Foundation, along with 250 of its loyal supporters, gathered on Saturday, November 13, at the Glendale Hilton for its 8th Annual Banquet, under the auspices of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western Prelacy of the United States and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western Region Central Committee. After a lavish cocktail hour prior to the reception, the program began with Rima Garabedyan, who roused the patriotism of the audience with her powerful renditions of the national anthems of the United States and Armenia. Welcoming remarks were delivered by master of ceremonies Saro Nazarian. He thanked those people who lovingly and wholeheartedly continue to support each year the activities and events of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation in the Western Region of the United States, noting that in the more than 100 years since its inception, the ARF has always enjoyed the support of the communities it has served. Nazarian specifically thanked ARF Bureau member, Deputy Speaker of Parliament in the Republic of Armenia Vahan Hovhannisian, ARF Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, Troshag editor Nazareth Berberian, and ARF East Coast Central Committee representative Zohrab Tazian for their presence that evening. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian then led the audience in prayer, after which guests enjoyed their dinner while listening to the delightful strains of the Artashes Kartalyan Jazz quartet. Following the dinner, Nazarian introduced a short film about the Armenian Revolutionary Federation that was produced by the Armenian Cultural Foundation. The film began with the slogan "Hayootyan Hed, Hayasdani Hamar," (With the people, for the homeland), and was the perfect backdrop for the images of ARF volunteers who fought the Ottoman Empire to defend the Armenian people against extermination. Flags bearing the slogan "Freedom or Death," and the ARF emblem were proudly displayed by their battalions. The film emphasized the importance of the ARF in the political arena at the end of World War I, and how the party demonstrated its leadership in both the battlefield and the state rooms of Europe. The film also highlighted the work of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANC)the grassroots, political lobby of the ARF. The ANC is the oldest grassroots organization in the United States, and is founded on the principles of the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia, started by Vahan Cardashian. The ANC displays the face of the community, and represents issues of importance to Armenian-Americans within the United States. The organizations three priorities are recognition of the Armenian genocide, education about the genocide within school system, and political lobbying through state and local government. Mountainous Karabagh was also a key segment of the film. The ARF has been one of the staunchest supporters for the liberation of the Artsakh region; the bond that the party has established between the diaspora and Armenia is inextricable. The ARF has been able to turn the impossible into a possibility, and has succeeded in giving the people of Armenia and the diaspora hope in a future full of possibilities. Following the film, Nazarian invited ARF Bureau member, Deputy Speaker of Parliament in the Republic of Armenia Vahan Hovhannisian, to deliver his keynote remarks. Hovhannisian expressed that it was a great honor and joy to be present that evening. He commended the audience, saying that talk of the social climate in Armenia, the poverty level, or whether soldiers in Karabagh are well, were not truly pertinent to discuss that evening, because those present continue to be involved in those matters daily, and know that the situation on all fronts is well. Hovhannisian reminded the audience of the ARF motto "A free, independent, and united Armenia," noting that the continual change in the global political climate has often made it necessary to shift their respective priorities. In 1988, unity was the top priority, when the people of Karabagh began their struggle, with no diplomatic solution in sight. 1991, noted Hovhannisian, brought with it the need for the independence of Armenia. "What good was a united Armenia under a fascist regime?" posited the Bureau member, noting that from the mid-90s until present day, the top priority has been to free the Armenian people from unjust and inhumane leadership. "The most dangerous thing for Armenians would be to become disillusioned with independence because of fundamental injustices committed against them," Hovhannisian said. "More people emigrate from Armenia because of injustice rather than poor social conditions. But, we've survived because we continue to fight against injustice." The current year, according to Hovhannisian, also brought with it a new prioritythe freedom of Armenia. In 1918, and 1991, Hovhannisian conceded that the Armenian people were unprepared to be given their independence. But, they accepted it and lived under a new social climate. "It's easy to live as a slave and have no decisions to make. Though you may complain and express your dissatisfaction, you accept that you have no control and your fate is not up to you," expressed Hovhannisian. "You have no responsibility to decide your fate or the fate of your people. We must not become disillusioned because of the difficult decisions that come part and parcel with independence." Hovhannisian emphasized that the determining of one's fate is a tremendous, often overwhelming responsibility. Though Armenia may not have been ready to be free, that freedom has been on the ARF platform since 1890 and that is the central reason, according to Hovhannisian, why the ARF stands behind the government. "In the end, we won't lose our freedom. But, our role is to make this freedom a reality. We can't rest with little victories," urged Hovhannisian. "We've had a mediocre independence, freedom, and unity. But, I can't live in a country of mediocrity. We need and deserve complete independence, freedom, and unity." Chairman of the ARF Western Region Central Committee Hovig Saliba also addressed the audience that evening. "We are one people, and we have one homeland. We live in different regions, under different social conditions. But, we're all Armenian with one homeland," said Saliba, echoing the opening of the film. "There are no issues of 'the homeland' and 'the diaspora.' Rather, there are Armenian issues that our futures are centered around." Saliba touted the importance of the youth in promoting the platform of the ARF, and expressed that the Armenian culture and traditions need to be instilled from an early age in Armenian schools. He also mentioned that various sister organizations of the ARF each play a crucial role in shaping the community and the lives of the youth. The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) imbues in young Armenians the importance of political involvement and radical thinking; the Armenian General Athletic Union (Homenetmen) provides an opportunity to display athletic prowess and mastery of scouting; Hamazkayin provides a forum to learn about culture and history; and the Armenian Relief Society demonstrates the importance of social work and volunteerism. Saliba also regarded the work of the ANC in getting the youth involved in genocide recognition, issues relating to the Republic of Armenia issues, Artsakh, and within California and federal politics. According to Saliba, however, the salient issue is the recognition of the genocide. The 90th anniversary of the genocide is rapidly approaching, and without more concerted efforts, admonished Saliba, Armenians would soon be marking the first century since the Ottoman Empire tried to exterminate the Armenians. "The genocide must be recognized once and for all. Turkey must be forced to admit its past, and make reparations of Armenian land," he said. "Not I nor any Armenian can imagine Armenia without Ararat." Saliba called on all organizations to work togetheron a united front without political bias, because the genocide was committed against all Armenians regardless of political affiliation. "We also have a responsibility in Armenia. If we don't sustain our homeland, the diaspora will not survive," said Saliba. "We must strengthen our homeland, so that we can persuade more and more people to return to Armenia." The evening closed with Armenian Radio Ensemble of Traditional and Troubadour Music, under the direction of Tovmas Boghossian. The ensemble performed many traditional and troubadour songs, along with their unique renditions of Armenian Revolutionary anthems such as Verkerov Lee and Menk Angeghdz Zeenvor Enk. 3) Paris Rally to Demand Vote on Turkey's EU Accession PARISOver 2,000 French-Armenians gathered at a rally Wednesday at the Palais Bourbon, home to the French National Assembly, to demand that the country's Parliament vote on Turkey's accession to the European Union (EU). Organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Armenian Democratic League (Ramgavar party), and the Hai Tahd Committee of France, the rally attracted 22 ministers representing 266 members of French Parliament, 265 of which categorically oppose opening accession talks for Turkey's EU bid. The French National Assembly on October 14 had discussed the issue of Turkish accessionbut did not hold a vote, despite the demand of a large number of political parties and parliamentarians to do so. The French governmentparticularly President Jacques Chiracopposed such a vote, fearing that a majority of the Assembly, including Chirac's own party members, might reject Turkish accession. That result would have undermined Chirac's authority and likely isolated France within Europe. Wednesday's rally took place exactly one month before the EU's December 17 summit, which will set the date on when the EU would begin formal accession talks with Turkey. The vast majority of French voters are opposed to Turkey's accession to the European Union, and rally organizers hope to put pressure on President Chirac to heed public opinion. They are also seeking to make Turkey's recognition of the Armenian genocide a precondition for Turkish entry into the EU. In that context, ARF's Mourad Papazian said that in spite of difficulties, there exists the possibility of gaining the backing of at least one European leader or Prime minister to oppose setting a date for Turkey's accession talks, unless it recognizes the Armenian genocide. "It is impossible for French President Jacques Chirac to turn a deaf ear to the pain and anguish of French Armenian's," said Harout Mardirossian, speaking on behalf of the Armenian National Committee. "Each time that Turkey approaches Europe, it's as if the dagger more deeply penetrates the Armenian psyche." Speaking on behalf of 78 ministers of France's UMP party, Philippe Pemezec revealed that he generally opposes Turkey's EU bid, and more so considering the Cyprus issue and Armenian genocide recognition. The Socialist Party's René Rouquet, representing the 144 Socialist party representatives in French Parliament, and on behalf of the head of that party's block Jean-Marc Hérault, assured they are fully behind the party's official decision to set recognition of the Armenian genocide as a precondition to Turkey's EU entry. According to Rouquet, after meeting with ARF and ANC representative earlier that day, Hérault immediately demanded, from the head of Parliament, the scheduling of a draft law that would criminalize genocide denial in France. Rouquet also revealed that if a categoric effort is made, President Chirac too can be forced to change his stance on the issue. Other ministers, including the president of the France-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group François Rochebloine, also addressed the rally. On behalf of the Armenian Democratic League, Varoujan Sirapian appealed to European Armenians to attend the upcoming December 17 rally in Brussels to exert pressure on European leaders. 4) Telethon 2004 Entertainment Line-up GLENDALEAn unprecedented line-up of Armenian folk, jazz, pop, rock, and comedy performances by internationally recognized artists will be featured during the Armenia Fund (AFI) Telethon 2004 Make It Happen broadcast on Thursday, November 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (PST). Armen Chakmakian, a keyboardist for the Grammy award winning band Shadowfax, will lead Telethon 2004's live, seven member house band with renowned oudist and composer John Bilezikjian, while Zulal, the acclaimed New York City based a cappella folk trio of Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian, and Anais Alexandra Tekerian, will perform numerous sets throughout the twelve hour international broadcast. The all-star entertainment line-up also includes live performances by Aram Asatryan, Shushan Petrosyan, the Garni Folk Ensemble, Gor Mkhitarian, duduk ensemble Winds of Passion, and Nune Yesayan, as well as two monologues by comedian Vahe Berberian. The broadcast will feature interviews with celebrities, AFI supporters and political leaders from Armenia, Mountainous Karabagh, and the diaspora, as well as construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh, and stories of lives impacted by AFI-initiated infrastructure development projects. Telethon 2004, live from Glendale, California, is a 12-hour event airing throughout the United States, Europe, South America, the Middle East, the CIS, and Armenia. Telethon 2004's goal is to raise funds to complete the remaining 52 miles of the North-South "Backbone" Highway in Karabagh. When completed, the $25 million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages to provide crucial economic, trade, and development opportunities. Telethon 2004 will also provide continued assistance in health care, education, and infrastructure development in the Republic of Armenia. Detailed domestic and international viewing/broadcast information is available at , or by calling 800.888.8897. Telethon 2004 will also be available in full-motion web-cast at Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online. Armenia Fund, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, is the US West coast affiliate of the "Hayastan" All-Armenia Fund (HAAF). Established in 1994 to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Karabagh, HAAF has administered over $100 million in humanitarian, rehabilitation, and construction aid through the united efforts of Armenian communities internationally. 5) Telethon 2004 Domestic and International Broadcast Info The following is a list of US/Canada broadcast information. All broadcast information is listed in viewer local time. Refer to local listings for detailed information, or call AFI at 800.888.8897. Berkeley, CA Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm Boston, MA Game Show Ch. 8pm-11pm Denver, CO Comcast Ch. 15 12pm-6pm Detroit, MI WPXD Ch. 31 4pm-6pm Chicago, IL WJYS Ch. 34/62 7pm-10pm Fresno, CA KJEO Ch. 32 8am-8pm Comcast Ch. 14 8am-8pm Houston, TX KTBU Ch. 55 12pm-6pm Time Warner 55 12pm-6pm Las Vegas, NV Cox Cable Ch. 48 12pm-7pm Los Angeles, CA KSCI Ch. 18 8am-8pm Oakland, CA Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm Milwaukee, WI Time Warner 95 7pm-10pm Minneapolis, MN Time Warner 99 10am-10pm New York Tri State WMBC Ch. 58 2pm-6pm Philadelphia, PA WPPX Ch. 61 4pm-6pm Providence, RI WPXQ Ch. 69 4pm-6pm Salt Lake City, UT KJZZ Ch. 14 9am-1pm Comcast Ch 14 9am-1pm San Diego, CA KSCI Ch. 18 8am-8pm San Francisco, CA KTSF Ch. 26 12pm-6pm San Jose, CA Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm Seattle, WA KBCB Ch. 24 12pm-8pm Comcast Ch 14 12pm-8pm St. Louis, MO Charter Ch. 8 11am-6:30pm Vancouver, BC KBCB Ch. 24 12pm-8pm West Palm Beach, FL WHDT Ch. 59 8pm-11am International viewers in Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and portions of South America (Argentina) may watch and participate in Telethon 2004 via a live satellite feed from Armenia's H1 TV Channel from 7:00PM to 7:00AM. (Armenia time--Greenwich Mean Time plus three). Viewers may also watch Telethon 2004 on both MGN/Paradise and Horizon Armenian TV via cable and/or satellite television. Telethon 2004 will also be available in full-motion web-cast on Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online. The broadcast will feature live entertainment, interviews with numerous celebrities and political leaders, development and construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh and stories of individuals impacted by AFI projects For more information on Telethon 2004, call AFI at 800.888.8897 or visit 6) Hairenik Association Online Radio Station WATERTOWNThe Hairenik Association Inc. formally launched its new internet radio station, Hairenik Online Radio Station, which broadcasts Armenian music and news about Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, and the Armenian diaspora 24 hours a day. The station began broadcasting with a music-only format on August 10, and has since been updating its musical selection and conducting small promotions to test the interest of listeners. "The response from our listeners has been overwhelmingly positive," says Jirayr Buegekian, Programming Director. "The number of listeners is increasing steadily and emails of encouragement are pouring in. We have regular listeners in more than 35 countries!" A measure of that popularity was reflected in a recent report, which appeared on the website of California's Fresno Bee newspaper, citing the unique programming provided by the station. Hairenik Online Radio started broadcasting an expanded format. "We were currently broadcasting music 24 hours a day. Based on listener requests, we expanded the format to also include some news, interviews, and special programs for children," reveals Buegekian. But the station maintains music at the heart of its programming. Prior to launching the online radio station, the Hairenik Association worked with Bentley College in Massachusetts to undertake a study on the viability of launching an internet radio station. Based on those findings, Hairenik Online Radio will reserve at least 80 percent of its airtime for Armenian music. "Although we think our listeners will enjoy the expanded format, we remain committed to broadcasting lots and lots of music," stated Buegekian. The Hairenik Online Radio can be accessed via the web site of the Hairenik Association (), which also includes an online bookstore and the online versions of its two newspapers, the Armenian language "Hairenik Weekly" and the English language "Armenian Weekly." Hairenik Online Radio can also be accessed at and selecting the media player of your choice. 7) Tidbits From the Diner By Tatul The November snow had covered the sidewalk and the steps leading to the entrance of the Diner. There was a chill in the New England air that seemed to linger long after the announcement of the presidential election results. I was pleased with the warmth that greeted me insidealong with the smell of bacon and Greek sausage sizzling somewhere in the kitchen. I looked around and, sure enough, Marty was already there, sitting alone at his usual corner, uncluttered by his usual stack of newspapers. "Hi, Marty," I said, settling down across him, "Where are all the papers… and where's Arty?" Without saying a word, he pushed an envelope across the table. I noticed the Canadian postage stamp and a return address in Montreal. "I didn't know Arty had relatives in Montreal," I said, handing the envelope back to him. He doesn't," said Marty. I guess he is vacationing," I said, "They do have a great Casino…" Nothing like that," replied Marty, "He wants to move to Canada." What for?" He says he wants to live in a civilized country. He's convinced that the US is slowly retreating into the dark world of robber barons and sweat shops…" Marty looked tired and dejected; I would have said discouraged, if I didn't know him better. He had seen action in Korea, as a rifleman, losing the tip of his trigger finger in a firefight and returning home with a Purple Heart. I knew that Arty, his junior by several years, had served in Vietnam with the Marines, but he seldom, if ever, talked about it. "What makes him so pessimistic?" I asked, "Is it because Kerry lost the election?" "Not so much that," mumbled Marty, "I think it is the realization that more than fifty-percent of American voters put their faith in Bush and what he stands for…" His voice trailed off as his eyes wandered outside the window where it had started to snow again. "Fear is a powerful motivator," I said, "and dangerous when it's the sole motivator; but in this case." "Greed," he said, "Greed and fear. A twisted partnership of an overfed, greedy establishment and a misinformed, terrorized working class… No wonder Arty got panicky and…" "Don't forget the "morality" issue," I interjected, "It must have played an important part, along with greed and fear." "What sort of morality are you talking about?" He seemed to be waiting for an answer, but continued, "How can morality exist in a system powered mostly by greed and fear? In this case, it is the Bible belt high-jacked by born-again GOP radicals and used to discipline the wayward, wicked liberals." "Whatever happened to the separation of church and state?" "Good question," said Marty, pulling out Arty's letter from its envelope. "Let me read what he says on that issue." His eyes scanned the open sheet of paper covered with Arty's surprisingly neat handwriting, stopping at a point close to the bottom of the letter. "Listen to this," he said: "…after fighting a stubborn enemy for a certain length of time, you begin to resemble him. Our government has declared war against Islamic fanatics, against radical groups like the Hazbullahwhich translated means 'Party of God', POG, for short. The party in power in Washington, the GOP, the 'Grand Old Party' of the past, is slowly becoming a mirror image of POG, the Party of Godthey both have stopped listening to the people and talk directly to Godsoon GOP will stand for 'God's Own Party,' with Bush as its prophet… So I left, before that happens, before Homeland Security evolves into a new Inquisition, hunting down and burning at the stake dissenters and old Vietnam war protesters, like me. You guys are going to need help. May the gods of our forefathers keep and protect you." "Amen," I whispered. 8) WHAT'S LOVE BUT A SECOND HAND EMOTION? By Skeptik Sinikian Skeptik tries to find out if true love can be found through a computer So last week I decided to venture into the world of online dating for Armenian singles. I must admit that I haven't had the time to conduct this experiment in the most scientific way possible. I had it all planned out to the last detail last week. The goal was to register my friends on these websites, monitor their activities, and see if online dating really works for Armenians. My prediction is that the idea of finding love through the internet is a pipe dream but we'll have to wait and see the results before passing final judgment. Before I get into the actual details of my experiment, I have to tell my readers that of all the columns I have written, last week's column elicited the greatest response yet. I didn't know whether to smile or cry, so I laughed until I cried and then sat down to begin my great experiment. Day 1: Monday, November 15, 2004RegistrationWow, it's free! Since there's no cost to registering on these websites, I decided to register on one of the many Armenian singles sites in order to do some further research before creating my friends' profiles. I registered as myselfSkeptik Sinikian on "Hye Singles" (HS). I put up the best picture of myself I could find and began answering the questions that HS had presented in order to determine who my ideal match would be. After reading some of the questions which included such gems as "If you had magical powers, how would you use them to help society?" and "How do you feel about the ethnic Armenian separatist conflict against the Azeri government?" I decided that this will take a little bit more thought than I had originally anticipated. I logged off and went to grab coffee. By the way, I chose "Skeptik" as my HS profile nickname. So much for creativity. Day 2: Tuesday, November 16, 2004There's no such thing as a free lunch: I had had a full breakfast of cold lahmajoun and an apple. I had read the morning paper and was in a good mood. I logged onto my profile and had already received 2 "flirts." For those of you who don't know what "flirts" are, they are a method for users of HS to contact one another in what will be interpreted as the internet equivalent of "Can I buy you a drink." My two "flirts" were from individuals who thought I was apparently "hot." Here is a sampling of the "flirts" I received: "Hello Skeptik. Wow, you're hot! I feel as though we have know each other for ever. Email me! I'm waiting for you... " So in spite of the fact that this message gave me visions of some quiet, innocent looking Armenian girl breaking into my apartment to boil my pet rabbits, I decided to respond anyway. Interestingly enough, if I wanted to send this young, potentially psychotic girl who claimed to feel "as though we have know [sic] each other for ever," I would have to upgrade my membership to the platinum level. The least expensive of these services would cost me a mere $29.95 per month with a $29.95 initial fee. Apparently the best things in life aren't free. The only thing standing between me and my potentially psychotic soul mate was a mere $59.90. I decided to continue living the frugal life and not respond to my "flirts." Day 3: November 17, 2004Answering life's difficult questions: I finally got around to answering HS's questions. Here's a sampling of the questions and my responses to them. I tried to be as honest as I could. By the way, these are actual questions and my actual responses. Describe the perfect evening or weekend: Mid 70s with a slight offshore breeze. Do you believe in love at first sight?: I believe the question discriminates against blind people and since true love is blind, I will not answer this question. How do you feel about the ethnic Armenian separatist conflict against the Azeri government?: I fully support the right of the people of Karabagh to seek self-determination and relinquish any ties to the illegitimate Stalinist Soviet borders imposed upon them. What do your friends tease you about the most?: My friends tease me about my punctuality. They are always making fun of me for being on time or early to everything. They also tease me about my SARCASM!!! Interest for using this site (to find a cyber pen pal, lover, etc.): Yes, my motivation is to find a cyber pen pal...idiots!! What the heck is a cyber pen pal!? Here's the deal. I'm on this website to conduct an experiment to see if it is indeed possible for Armenians to meet each other using this medium. For more details on my experiment, you can refer to my blog at I'm also seeking actors and actresses for an Armenian Soap Opera I'm working on called "Ashkharuh Bududoomah" (As the World Turns). Any interested aspiring actors or actresses should email me. Okay, satisfied with my answers, I log off. I have yet to convince my friends to create their profiles and join me in this experiment. Day 4: Wednesday, November 17, 2004The Profile Nazi censors Skeptik: I try to log on only to find that my profile has been suspended. I wonder if HS has caught on to the fact that I'm doing an experiment and not in search of TRUE LOVE like everyone else on the sight. I begin to panic thinking my cover has been blown and the Hye Singles Security Squad will break down my door and take me away to re-education camp where I will learn to give more conformist responses to questions like "What is your ideal age for marriage?" or "If you had to identify with one animal, which would it be and why?" I start packing a small suitcase of clothes, a sock full of change that totals $37.48 and my passport, just in case I have to flee the country to Canada or Mexico. After great deliberation, I decide to email the World Single Network and inquire about the suspension. I wait an entire day with no response. Potential lovers are being denied access to Skeptik. This is wrong on so many levels. Day 5: Thursday, November 18, 2004Back on track: I log on and find an email response to my previous day's inquiry. At least someone is working on this website every day. Sort of reassuring I suppose. Here's what the email said. Hello, As delineated in the terms section, member profiles may not be used for commercial promotional purposes (casting calls). You may however use the Message Boards to raise this topic. Your profile has been reinstated. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. WS Staff Apparently my mention of my fictitious Armenian soap opera was enough to shut me down. I removed the information about my potential program and continued my experiment. Day 6: Friday, November 19, 2004One is the loneliest number: Thus far, I have received 28 hits on my profile. I have received one email from a loyal reader of Asbarez and have received two more "flirts" bringing my "flirt" total to four. I've received some encouraging and supportive emails from Asbarez readersmostly women. The experiment may have hit a snag. Tomorrow I will create the other profiles and make them appear as genuine and generic as possible. Where it asks the ideal age for marriage, I will put down 1925 for women and 30-39 for men! Where it asks what animal I most resemble, I will put down a Mercedes Benz! I will play their game and I will find out what makes these Armenian singles tick... End of Week 1 log. Be sure to read next when I begin to reveal some of the more bizarre dating experience stories that people have emailed me during the course of these last two weeks. Skeptik Sinikian is not a licensed relationship counselor or a psychologist. The last experiment he conducted was adding basturmah and string cheese to a home made Hawaiian pizza. The results were inconclusive. He can be reached at [email protected] or visit his blog at 9) Reverb, and Organizations' Obligations By Garen Yegparian Fortune smiles upon us. A letter to the editor appeared in Asbarez a few weeks back, containing, among some reasonable issues, the very same inane assertions about Bush's "largest ever" vote tally. In addition, two letters in the November 7 Los Angeles Times, one by a fellow Armenian, also make the same grandiose assertion. Need I say more about the right wing propaganda machine's echo chamber? They just keep screaming the same thing until nothing else is audible and it becomes 'truth!' But let's address a different, actually valid, concern raised in the Asbarez letter, overlooking the cheap shot at our organizations marching "in lock step" with Democrats. Briefly, the issue is: Should Armenian organizations consider a broad range of issues, not just "narrow" Armenian ones, in deciding which candidate to support? Do the right to life groups, NRA, Sierra Club, AIPAC, NAM, Emily's List, etc. make their endorsements based on a broad range of issues? Of course not. Were they to do something that foolish, they would lose their constituencies in a heartbeat. It's not their job or place to do that. The people who support these and other groups look to them for clear, concise information based on the area of civic life they work on. Then the "sophisticated" voter weighs all the political input and votes accordingly. Unfortunately, sophisticated voters are not the norm, YET, in the Armenian community of the United States*. So why should Armenian organizations functioning in the American political arena behave any differently? More appropriate, however, is to point out why this kind of question is posed. A hidden agenda is masked by a purported concern for "Armenian-American" needs. The very term "Armenian-American" betrays much. Inherently, it deems us Americans with some Armenian flavor, as opposed to Armenians who are citizens of the United States of America. It confuses nationality and citizenship, two distinct political realities. The real intent of those posing these "questions" is to promote their right wing econo-socio-political goals. It is a tried and true tactic. The Soviets even used it. By nominally espousing benevolent and necessary economic and social programs, they masked the actual political tyranny. Such rich ironydiametrically opposed political ideologies using identical tactics. Though I suspect what really unites them is their cohorts' dictatorial inclinations. Be alert. *See "Armenian Electoral-Political (Im)Maturity," February 14 Asbarez, March 27 The Armenian Weekly. 10) LETTERS: Dear Editor: What Now I am a long time subscriber to Asbarez. For months I have been reading articles in your newspaper highly critical and, often, with insulting remarks towards President Bush. To make matters worse, I noticed that in your post-election issues, the diatribe against President Bush continues. Not only was I upset with the tone of your articles, but was saddened more so by the fact that we revealed a lack of political savvy by placing all our eggs in one political basket once again. In Southern California (and most likely throughout the country), our Armenian political parties took a pro-Kerry position in the hopes that he will recognize the Armenian genocide. As much as any other Armenian, I also hope and pray that the Armenian genocide will someday be recognized by the American government; however, given the current geopolitical reality, it was naive that our Armenian leaders believed that Senator Kerry can deliver on this campaign promise when as we all know, past presidentsboth Republican and Democratunder tremendous pressure from the State Department, have refrained from doing so. It should have behooved our Armenian leaders (and your paper) to adopt a more balanced policy towards the candidates. Just to remind you, most corporations contribute money to candidates of both parties so that they have leverage with either winning candidate. Why couldn't we be smarter and exercise wiser diplomacy so that no matter what the election results may be, we would have leverage. As the heading of this letter states, we will obviously have to work through our friends, both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, to do fence mending with the Bush administration. Also, those of us who have been supportive of the President should write letters to him, as well as to the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority leader, encouraging them to do what is morally right and recognize the Armenian genocide. I for one, as a life long Republican, will do so. Futhermore, I hope that this may be a lesson for our leaders to exercise smarter diplomacy in the future. We should learn not to act through our hearts alone, but through our head as well. Perry Maljian All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. --Boundary_(ID_Iwk+l6zRQwFNs95sRf6d/w)--

The New Zealand Herald
Saturday November 20, 2004
South African Nick du Toit arrives in court in Malabo. Picture / Reuters
Equatorial Guinea coup suspects claim they were tortured
19.11.2004
12.30pm
MALABO – A South African arms dealer who could face death for plotting to
overthrow the president of Equatorial Guinea told a court on Thursday he and
his comrades had been chained like animals and tortured into confessing.
Equatorial Guinea’s state prosecutor demanded the death penalty for Nick du
Toit and decades in jail for 13 other suspected foreign mercenaries.
However, in a dramatic final day of submissions in a trial that began in
August, the defendants stood up in ankle chains and hand-cuffs to plead
their innocence.
“No weapons, no arms, no explosives were found on us,” du Toit said.
“We have done nothing wrong. Since our arrest, we have been chained like
wild animals … We have been tortured by the police … There hasn’t been
any coup attempt.”
State Prosecutor Jose Olo Obono rejected any allegations of mistreatment,
saying all prisoners’ rights had been respected.
“Any statement to the contrary … is not admissible in this trial,” he told
the court.
He demanded jail terms ranging from 26 to 86 years for seven other South
Africans, six Armenians and two Equatorial Guineans. He dropped charges
against three other Equatorial Guineans.
Until this week, du Toit was the only one of the defendants who admitted
involvement in the plot to oust President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
However, he retracted his confession on Tuesday, saying it was extracted
through torture.
Obono said the men were working for an international web of financiers
aiming to install exiled politician Severo Moto in power in the country,
sub-Saharan Africa’s third-biggest oil producer. Moto, who lives in Spain,
denies involvement.
His name and those of eight members of his self-proclaimed government in
exile were added to the original charge sheet on Tuesday, and the prosecutor
asked for death for Moto and 102 years in jail for the others, to be
convicted in absentia.
Fourteen people, including Mark Thatcher, the son of former British Prime
Minister Margaret Thatcher, are also listed in court documents read out by
Obono as financiers of the plot.
Thatcher is accused of providing the alleged plotters with $275,000,
($394,000) while Lebanese oil tycoon Eli Calil is alleged to have
contributed US$750,000. Both deny any involvement.
Lawyers for Equatorial Guinea denied media reports that the country had
charged Thatcher. Equatorial Guinea has yet to say whether it will seek his
extradition from South Africa.
The verdict in the trial will be announced on November 26. Defence lawyers
on Thursday said all the suspects in the courtroom were innocent and should
be acquitted.
The lawyer for the eight South Africans, Fabian Nsue Nguema, said his
clients had suffered physical abuses including beating, trampling and a
torture session in a room with blood-stained walls, and mental torment
including death threats.
Several of the South Africans spoke of torture when given a chance to speak
at the court session’s end. They said their wrists and ankles had been
chained since their arrest in March.
“Please, please remove these handcuffs…We’ve been like this for eight
months 24 hours a day,” Joao Americo Pimentel Riveiro told the presiding
judge.
Equatorial Guinea says the plot was organised by Simon Mann, a former
British special forces officer jailed by Zimbabwe in August on weapons
charges related to the alleged coup.
A number of British businessmen are also named in the list of financiers
handed out in the court, including a J H Archer. He is alleged to have
provided US$240,000 to the coup plotters.
Disgraced British politician and best-selling novelist Jeffrey H Archer, who
spent time behind bars for perjury in a libel case, has denied links to any
coup plot.
“Lord Archer emphatically denies any involvement with the alleged coup in
Equatorial Guinea,” his lawyers said in London.
– REUTERS

Baku Today
Nov 17 2004
Energy Ministers of Caspian/Black Sea Region Discuss Cooperation with
EU
The international conference with the participation of Energy
Ministers of the Caspian/Black Sea basin countries, opened in the
Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baku, last Saturday.
The conference was organized at the initiative of Francois Lamorod,
General Director of the Euroðean Commission for Transðort and Energy,
Turan reported today.
The conference was aimed at the development of cooperation for
increasing the safety of power suððlies from the Casðian/Black Sea
region to the EU countries, as well as at develoðment of energy
sector of countries of the region under the EU assistance.
The conference was attended by Energy Ministers of Azerbaijan,
Belarus, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkey,
Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekstan. Armenia was reðresented by Levon
Vardanyan, head of foreign relations deðartment of the Ministry for
Energy of Armenia. In his interview with Azeri journalists, he said
that Armenia was ready to sell its electricity to the Nakhchivan
Autonomous Reðublic in Azerbaijan.
A joint declaration was adoðted by the results of the meeting.

Anadolu Agency
Nov 15 2004
Paris Court Rejects Lawsuit Filed Against Turkish Consulate General
In Paris

PARIS – A court in French capital Paris rejected a lawsuit filed by
”Committee for Defense of Armenian Cause” (CDCA) against the
Turkish Consulate General in Paris on charges that it denies
so-called Armenian genocide on its official web site.
The court announced that it decided to reject the lawsuit application
as the Turkish Consulate General in Paris has diplomatic immunity.
The court also decided that the CDCA would pay the court expenses.
During the hearing on October 11th, French prosecutor requested the
court to declare itself unauthorized for the case in line with the
Vienna Convention.
Lawyers of the Turkish Consulate General in Paris requested the court
to reject the lawsuit in line with the Vienna Convention and within
the scope of freedom of expression.
Rejecting reasons of the Armenian committee, the lawyers said,
”recognition of so-called Armenian genocide by French parliament and
the European Parliament does not constitute an obstacle in front of
expression of another view on the issue.”
CDCA applied to the court on July 7th to file a lawsuit with the
accusation that the Turkish Consulate General in Paris was trying to
convince French people to deny so-called Armenian genocide through
its web-page.
Claiming that the Turkish Consulate General should be punished and
its web-page should be closed, CDCA also accused the French internet
server company hosting the web-page.