Author: Jilavian Emma

OKTAY EKSI: THE EU COMMISSION’S "SHAMEFUL" REPORT

Hurriyet, Turkey
Nov 9 2006

The EU Commission’s progress report on Turkey, which had been prepared
for months, delayed once, and whose contents everyone was curious
about, was finally released yesterday. What the report revealed was
nothing too surprising, in fact, it went over things which were already
known. Like that we need ot bring our military-civilian relations in
line with EU standards.

It’s true-but in order bring about these standards in that arena,
the current political administration must leave off its policies which
carve away at the foundation of the secular republic. Unfortunately,
these policies continue. The main opposition CHP, which should be
the first in line to protect secularity, is content instead to stand
back and just regard secularity with love and respect. Which is why
the military steps in, saying "secularity is not a political matter,
but a basic part of life."

Let’s hope the EU excuses us but…..in Turkey, with things the way
they are, there is no way military-civilian relations can be brought
to any level which is going to please the EU. And so, what will happen
if they don’t? Well, maybe Turkey won’t be able to get into the EU,
due to the role its military plays, but at least, and more importantly,
its secular order will stay in place.

Yesterday’s EU progress report on Turkey also issues a complaint about
the 301st article from the Turkish Penal Code, saying "it is being used
to limit expressions of thought which do not contain any violence."

Maybe the EU has a free pass to comment on every matter there is,
but it was the EU itself who ignored Turkish protests on this 301st
article when it was first accepted in its current form. And now the
EU is ignoring the fact that even some of its member countries have
similar laws on their books. Most EU countries, including Austria,
France, Germany, Holland, and Belgium all have laws calling for jail
sentences for people denying the Holocaust, or who publish anti-semitic
work. Add to this the new tilt towards making it a crime to deny the
Armenian genocide allegations. Don’t all these things also fit into
the category of "limiting expressions of thought which don’t contain
any violence"? Which is why I say, let the EU first clean up its own
house before it takes on Turkey in this arena.

By this, I do not mean that we should protect the mistakes we have in
our own legal system. Of course we need to straighten them out. All
I’m saying is that those who can’t see the speck in their own eyes
should really look in the mirror before criticizing us.

The EU progress report also contains an expression of the EU desire for
Turkey to open up its air and sea ports to Southern Cypriot airplanes
and ships.

This desire is understandable, since Turkey, in order for the EU
accession talks to start up in December 2004, gave its word to follow
the 1963 Ankara and 1996 Customs Union agreements as they pertain to
Southern Cyprus. It gave its word, true, although before that point,
there was a promise from the EU that isolationary measures against
Northern Cyprus would be lifted with a resounding "yes" to the Annan
Plan. And now the EU, which was not able to keep its previously
made promise, wants Turkey to keep its part of the promise, also
previously made.

Do these Europeans think they are the smartest people in the world?

A person can want demand certain things, but only if they are in the
right position…..

OSMAN: ONE POSTCARD AT A TIME
By Franny Osman/ Guest Commentary

Zaman, Turkey
Nov 9 2006

Last month I joined a student fast to bring people’s attention to
the genocide now happening in Darfur, Sudan … even though I am not
a student, and despite my skepticism that my fast could make anyone
aware of anything except me to my stomach’s grumbles.

On the way to the school bus stop, I mentioned the dilemma of
the ineffective fast to a neighbor who suggested that I buy some
postcards and sit in front of the supermarket and let people write
to our lawmakers about the atrocities. Yes! Instead of one letter
from me, there would be many. Now, to prepare.

I spent two hours on the Web, mostly at savedarfur.org. I collected
president and congress addresses. I printed sample letters and current
articles about the rape and torture, 400,000 dead in three years,
more than two million civilians forced from their homes.

The first genocide of this century. I cringe as I write, "the first,"
as if I fully expect more to come. May it never be.

I recalled the advice of an activist friend, "You can’t get it if you
don’t ask," and made the dreaded call to the manager of Roche Brothers
to request permission to sit outside the store. I was so afraid I would
be rejected from a place on the sidewalk by a frustrating policy. But,
as they have so often in the past, Roche Brothers proved extremely
helpful and friendly. "Just not political campaigns," the manager
explained. "No, it’s not. As long as you’re against rape and murder,"
I said, and he agreed with an ironic laugh.

When I bought the postcards, I explained my plan to the clerk who said,
"Darfur? That’s familiar. What’s that?" That communication was the
first positive result of my morning’s work: one more person reminded
of what is happening right now, today, to human beings.

By the time my preparations were complete, I had only half an hour to
sit that morning at Roche Brothers. I hung cardboard signs from the
card table. "Write postcards here, now, about the genocide in Darfur,
Sudan." It was hard for me to sit there, embarrassing. How much do
I know about this? I can’t tell others about Sudan unless I am a
complete expert on the matter. What if someone asks me a question I
can’t answer?

Socially, it was a study in balance, wanting to catch people’s eyes and
say hello but not wanting to put pressure on busy people. I know more
than anyone how hard it is to see tables in front of the supermarket,
want to stop, but have a soccer team waiting for oranges or be on a
break from work.

During my short stint, I had only about four visitors, but they meant
a lot to me and I hoped they would relate the information to their
friends at home. One man took a postcard and promised to use it. He
said he knew genocide; his family had lost 129 members in the Armenian
genocide in the early 20th century.

Another man with a grey beard said he traveled to Sudan when he did
the Peace Corps in Northern Africa many years ago. He wrote a card to a
Sen. Edward Kennedy. Two women spent a long time reading the articles
I had printed, and wrote postcards to lawmakers. One even asked me
a question I couldn’t answer. "What is the Clinton amendment within
the Defense Authorization bill?" she asked, referring to one of the
sample letters. Neither of us knew which Clinton wrote it and what
it said. I simply told her I would check, at home. Not so shameful.

One mother entered the store with her little girl. When they wheeled
their food out a while later, the mother said she had her work cut out
for her with all the daughter’s questions. That was it for contact
with the public during that one "pilot" half hour, outside of many
curious stares from rushed shoppers and basket-toting employees.

I had reached a few people and sent a little more conversation about
this present-day horror out into the community. And when I return to
my table, I will know about the Clinton amendment.

Is it worth my time to sit in front of the supermarket? I believe,
yes. A few letters and phone calls can mean faster action by
our government and by the UN. Martin Luther King said, "He who
passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps
to perpetrate it." Every day we move up the end to this horror, we
stop suffering. The large population of Sudan means that a little
change affects many. If I can contribute to change that helps save
one woman from rape, a man from torture, or a child from losing his
home to fire or bombs, it is worth my time.

Franny Osman is an Acton resident and member of Acton’s No Place for
Hate organization.

ALCATEL SA URGES ITS EMPLOYEES TO APPEAL THE SENATE

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 7 2006

Alcatel SA employees are made to take part in the campaign for the
recognition of Armenian genocide, APA reports.

Obeying the orders of the president of the company, Armenian Serge
Tchuruk the employees make appeals to the French Senate for the
adoption of the bill making Armenian genocide denial punishable.

Besides, the employees who don’t join the campaign for financing some
organizations headed by Armenians are dismissed on various pretexts.

After uniting with the US Company Lucent Technologies in April, 2006
Alcatel SA extended its activity. Serge Tchuruk asked his American
colleagues to do their best for the recognition of Armenian genocide
by the US legislative body in the conference held recently.

Serge Tchuruk was born in Marseilles, his parents moved to France
from Turkey. It is interesting that the French massacre in Algeria
coincides with Serge Tchuruk’s military service.

Alcatel SA founded in 1898 in Alsace is considered one of the leaders
in the telecommunication market. The company functions in 130 countries
of the world. Nearly 55 000 people are employed in the company. The
financial turnover of the company was $13.1bn last year.

Alcatel Deutschland GmbH participated in the Armenia – Germany economic
forum held in Yerevan recently.

LET THEM SPEAK, SERGE SARGSYAN SAYS

Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 6 2006

Today in the National Assembly RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan
responded to a number of questions about some rumors.

The journalists tried to clarify the Minister’s opinion about the
statement of "Orinats Yerkir" President Arthur Baghdasaryan that the
next President of Armenia should be from Armenia. Serge Sargssayn’s
response was as follows: "I repeat once again. The Armenian President
cannot be a Mexican. Of course, he must come from Armenia."

In response to the question about Aram Karapetyan’s accusations
that Serge Sargsyan orders and organizes a black PR against him,
the Minister said, "Some people have an exaggerated opinion about
themselves. As if I do not have other affairs, other topics of
investigation. Why do I need it? What kind of danger does he
comprise? Everyone considers it his duty to accuse me of something.

Let them speak. It was 7-10 years ago that one’s eye could be plucked
out for speaking. But now, let them speak if they want."

As for the 2007 budget, of its being pre-election, Minister Sargsyan
said that pre-elective means social, since expenses increase.

Furthermore, the Minister said he would like all the budgets to
be pre-election.

Was there a quarrel in the crashed A-320 jet? Was there fighting and
shooting in the plane? Serge Sargsyan said this information has already
been refuted. Besides, the results of the crash are being investigated
not only by our specialists, but also by Russians and French.

"Specialists form Russia and France are participating in the
investigation. Do you believe they would not tell the whole world if
there was the slightest suspicion of it? There must be at least some
logic in any gossip," Serge Sargsyan noted.

Election issues spark political passion in Bee readers
Nov. 6 2006

Keep the pressure up

Your "Political Notebook" section on Oct. 28 was absolutely correct in
stating that Armenian-Americans are accustomed to empty promises from
presidential candidates in accurately terming the events of 1915 as
genocide. Both President Clinton and President Bush attempted to gain
Armenian-American support by saying they would recognize the genocide
if elected. However, under pressure from Turkish officials, both
immediately changed their positions.

Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, has not allowed President Bush to
get away with it easily. Despite being from the same political party,
the congressman has continually opposed the president, vice president
and House speaker on this issue.

He has sent a letter drafted by him and his colleague, Rep. Adam
Schiff, D-Pasadena, to the administration, making sure it understands
this issue will not be allowed to go on the back-burner. They have
been soliciting the support of other members of Congress to put
pressure on the administration as well.

Sevag Tateosian, Fresno

California Courier Online, November 9, 2006

1 – Commentary

Sen. Biden Calls State Dept.’s Stand
On Genocide: ‘Historical Fiction’

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

2 – Ararat Home Board Decides
To Sell Rockhaven Facility
3 – AMAA James G. Jameson Essay Contest
Open to High School and College Students
4 – Andre Set to Perform Live During
Armenia Fund’s Telethon 2006
5- APU’s Nov. 10 Cultural Arts Celebration
Features Guest Armenian Musicians, Artists
6 – United Armenian Fund Donates $4.5 Million To All 28 Armenian
Schools in Lebanon
7 – Armenians Fight Glendale
Over Grill Chill Ordinance
8 – CSUF Armenian Studies Program
Announces Spring 2007 Classes
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1 – Commentary

Sen. Biden Calls State Dept.’s Stand
On Genocide: ‘Historical Fiction’

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Two months ago, when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 13 to 5 to
report to the full Senate the nomination of Richard Hoagland, the Ambassador
Designate for Armenia, many Armenian Americans were dismayed that among the 13
was Sen. Joe Biden (D-Delaware), a staunch supporter of Armenian issues, who
had played earlier a key role in challenging the State Department’s recall of
Amb. John Evans for acknowledging the Armenian Genocide.
After reversing his position and supporting Hoagland, Sen. Biden, valuing
his long-standing close relationship with the Armenian American community, took
the initiative of explaining his vote in a letter to Ken Hachikian, the
Chairman of the Armenian National Committee of America.
Pledging to work with the ANCA "toward full recognition of the Armenian
Genocide," Sen. Biden outlined the reasoning behind his vote on the Hoagland
nomination.
He said that he had cast that vote after engaging in a series of exchanges
with the State Department. Even though he said he was "not fully satisfied with
some of the responses" he received, he felt that his inquiries "have prompted
the State Department to take a number of actions that addressed" some of his
questions about "the Hoagland nomination and U.S. foreign policy toward
Armenia generally."
Sen. Biden stated in his letter that at his urging, the State Department has:
"Revised the language of Ambassador Hoagland’s responses to questions for
the record that could have been construed to cast doubt on the Armenian Genocide.
"Committed that the next U.S. Ambassador to Armenia will meet extensively
with representatives of the Armenian American community before and during their
tenure in Yerevan.
"Agreed to brief Members of Congress on State Department efforts to promote
Turkish recognition of the real history of the Armenian Genocide.
"Agreed to an exchange of visits between the U.S. Ambassadors to Yerevan and
Ankara with the goal of ending Turkey’s economic blockade of Armenia.
"Provided some additional information – though not as much as I would have
hoped – on the materials used to educate State Department employees about the
Armenian Genocide.
"Provided some additional information – though, again, not as much as I
would have hoped – on Turkish government contacts with the State Department
regarding Ambassador Evans comments about the Armenian Genocide."
Sen. Biden said in his letter that in addition to the above 6 considerations
or concessions from the State Department, he voted for the nomination of the
Ambassador Designate to Armenia because he was "concerned about the possible
consequences of leaving" the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan "without an Ambassador for
an extended period of time." He said that he was particularly troubled that
Armenia may lose the $235 million in U.S. assistance from the Millennium
Challenge Account if it did "not demonstrate a firm commitment to democracy in
elections next spring."
Despite the above assurances, Sen. Biden made it clear to the State
Department and the Turkish government that the real issue on hand goes beyond the
dismissal of Amb. Evans and his proposed replacement by Amb. Hoagland. He said that
he has not changed his belief that "the Administration’s policies toward
Armenia are grounded in historical fiction." He also said that he is "firmly
committed to changing the Administration’s policy on the Armenian Genocide."
The Armenian American community should keep hounding both the State
Department and the government of Turkey, which are partners in the denial of the crime
of genocide — until they unequivocally acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. Of
course, in the case of the Turkish denialist regime, which has usurped
Armenian territories and other assets, the struggle does not end with mere
acknowledgment – as Armenians consider the Genocide already recognized — but with the
return of the occupied lands.
The U.S. Senate should maintain its hold on the nomination of Amb. Hoagland
until the State Department explains fully and honestly the reason why it
dismissed Amb. Evans. The Bush Administration should also reveal the secret
communications between Turkish officials and/or its lobbyists to confirm their role in
influencing the State Department’s decisions in the eventual removal of Amb.
Evans.
Only time will tell whether Sen. Biden was hoodwinked by the State
Department’s ambiguous promises into supporting Amb. Hoagland’s nomination.
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2 – Ararat Home Board Decides
To Sell Rockhaven Facility
MISSION HILLS, Calif. – The Ararat Home of Los Angeles announced recently
that circumstances have made it necessary to offer for sale its Rockhaven
Sanatorium in Montrose, after nearly five years of consulting with architects and the
Glendale City for the construction of a replacement facility.
The Ararat Home, established in 1949, operates a Skilled Nursing Facility and
Board and Care Home for the aged on its Mission Hills campus for more than
300 residents and patients. In addition, it conducts a skilled nursing facility
for 42 patients in Eagle Rock. The latter facility is outdated and needs
extensive remodeling. The Board of Trustees of the Ararat Home purchased the
Rockhaven complex with the objective of bringing the patients from the Eagle Rock
Nursing Home to a newly constructed facility at Rockhaven which would also
accommodate the existing Alzheimer residents.
"The desire for a single level state-of-the-art 99-bed skilled nursing and
Alzheimer’s facility, nestled among the stately oaks and meandering paths, was a
dream that could not become a reality," said John Yaldezian, Chairman of the
Ararat Home Board of Trustees. "While the site is beautiful, the buildings are
outdated and have become unsafe and uninhabitable. What was first thought to
be a matter of patching, repairing and remodeling for the near term, became
an issue of teardown."
The Board sought to research every opportunity on this project, before the
decision was made to sell the property. The Board concluded that further
development on this site was not economically feasible.
It was at this point that the residents, most of who are under
conservatorship, were ransferred with great care for their welfare to equivalent facilities
in the area. All transfers were accomplished to the satisfaction of all those
concerned.
The funds from this eventual sale will be used to purchase an appropriate
site for development of another facility to complement the existing Mission Hills
and Eagle Rock campuses.
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3 – AMAA James G. Jameson Essay Contest
Open to High School and College Students
PARAMUS, NJ – The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) will once
again sponsor the James G. Jameson Essay Contest. Topics should touch upon
some aspect of Armenian heritage such as religion, literature, language,
history, culture, geography, economy or history.
Awards will be made in two categories: High School contestants and
College/University contestants. The deadline for entries is December 15, 2006.
All Armenian or part-Armenian students are eligible. Only unpublished
entries will be accepted. The winner in each category will be awarded $250.00,
provided from the income of a special fund established by Mr. & Mrs. James G.
Jameson of Brookline, MA.
The essays should be written in English and have a length of 1,000 to 2,000
words. A contestant is allowed no more than one entry per year, and no more
than one member of a family may receive an award in a five-year period. If no
submitted essay is considered sufficiently meritorious, no award will be
granted that year.
Entries and/or inquiries should be directed to: James G. Jameson Essay
Contest, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Inc., 31 West Century Road,
Paramus, NJ 07652.
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4 – Andre Set to Perform Live During
Armenia Fund’s Telethon 2006
LOS ANGELES – Armenia Fund announced last week that one of the most popular
Armenian singers, Andre, will be performing at its 9th Annual International
Telethon to be aired worldwide on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In May of this year Andre won 8th place in Greece for representing Armenia at
Eurovision song contest competing against contenders from 23 other nations.
Armenia was competing at the Eurovision song content for the first time in 2006.
As part of the Rebirth of Artsakh project, proceeds from the live 12-hour
program will benefit the regional development of Hadrut, Nagorno Karabagh. The
funds will go towards building new drinking water pipelines as well as
reconstructing healthcare facilities and schools that fell victim to the devastating
war. In an effort to eradicate poverty in this war ravaged border region,
Armenia Fund will also implement a comprehensive agricultural development project
to impact 1,000 farmers in 8 Hadrut villages. A similar regional development
program is currently underway in the northern Martakert region using the
funds raised during last year’s Telethon 2005.
A graduate of Armenian State Music Theater, Andre was born in Stepanakert,
Nagorno Karabagh. His music career started early, when, as a member of a music
band "Children of Artsakh" he performed for the NKR Defense Army soldiers.
After winning the "Road to Renaissance" music competition he formed his own
pop-jazz band "Karabagh" touring regions
of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh. A winner of many international music
contests as a solo artist, Andre has performed in the United States, Russia, China,
Europe, Lebanon, Iran, United Arab Emirates and countries of the former Soviet
Union.
A winner in the Best Singer category of Armenian National Music Awards, Andre
has been topping the charts for several years in a row.
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5 – APU’s Nov. 10 Cultural Arts Celebration
Features Guest Armenian Musicians, Artists
AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music and Lake Avenue
Church of Pasadena present a "Symphonic Collaboration," a special concert event
on Nov. 10 featuring Maestro Eduard Topchian, highly-acclaimed conductor of
the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra,
For one evening only, the Azusa Pacific University Symphony Orchestra and the
Lake Avenue Chamber Symphony combine to create a 100-member symphony
orchestra under the direction of Topchian. The event includes a performance by an
Armenian dance troupe from the Yeraz School of Armenian Dance in Orange County and
a gallery exhibiting works by local Armenian artists. The program includes
movements from Aram Kachaturian’s "Spartacus Suite," Beethoven’s "Triple
Concerto for Violin, Cello, Piano and Orchestra," and Symphony No. 5 by Dmitri
Shostakovich.
Guest artists include Karne Kocharyan, cello, from the Armenian Philharmonic
Orchestra; Duane Funderbunk, Piano, from APU, and Lake Avenue Church, and Alex
Russell, violin, from APU and Lake Avenue Church.
The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave.,
Pasadena.
For more information, contact APU’s Felix Event Center Box Office at (626)
815-5494 or Lake Avenue Church at (626) 844-4723.
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6 – United Armenian Fund Donates $4.5 Million To All 28 Armenian
Schools in Lebanon GLENDALE – The United Armenian Fund, through a generous
grant from The Lincy Foundation, is donating a total of $4.5 million to all 28
Armenian schools throughout Lebanon. This contribution is prompted by the
economic crisis of the past few years, which was aggravated by the devastating
attack on Lebanon last summer. Thousands of needy Armenian families could no longer
afford the tuition for the Armenian schools their children attended.
Consequently, most of these schools were in no position to pay the salaries of their
teachers and staff. The UAF funds contributed to these schools are designated
for three specific purposes: (1) $3.2 million to pay full or partial tuition
for 5,092 needy Armenian students, which constitutes close to 75% of the 7,029
students enrolled in all 28 schools during the 2006-07 academic year; (2)
$757,000 to cover the salaries owed by most of the schools to 536 teachers and
staff for the past academic year; (3) A total of $513,000 for the general
operating expenses of these schools. Harut Sassounian, the President of the United
Armenian Fund, is currently in Lebanon to visit all 28 Armenian schools, meet
with their principals and educational councils, and deliver the earmarked sums to
each school. "The UAF’s contribution will be allocated to all Armenian
schools in Lebanon, without exception," Sassounian said. The schools receiving
financial assistance are: Nine Prelacy schools: Sophia Hagopian College; Haratch
C. Gulbenkian School; Apkarian School; Aksor Kassarjian School; Yeghishe
Manoukian College; Roupinian – Sahag Mesrobian School; Souren Khanamirian College;
Noubarian – Khrimian School; and Forty Martyrs School. Seven Evangelical
schools: Central High School; Gertmenian School; Anjar Secondary School; Torosian
School; Armenian Evangelical College; Shamlian Tatigian School; and Trad School.
Six Catholic schools: Harboyan School; Mekhitarian School; Sisters School of
Anjar; Mesrobian College; St. Agnes School; and Hripsimiantz College. Three
AGBU schools: Garmirian School; Tarouhy – Hovagimian School; and Nazarian
School. Armenian Educational & Cultural Society (Hamazkayin) school: M & H Arslanian
College (Jemaran). Tekeyan Cultural Association school: Vahan Tekeyan School.
Armenian Educational Benevolent Union school: Sahaguian – L. Meguerditchian
College. "This unprecedented gift of $4.5 million should alleviate a large part
of the heavy financial burden of the schools shouldered by the struggling
Armenian community of Lebanon. Armenians worldwide should lend a helping hand to
this most vital community which has many other needs. Few things are as
important for the future of the Armenian people as the education of the next
generation. By supporting Armenian schools, we are investing not just in the
survival, but the revival of Armenian culture," Sassounian said. Since its inception
in 1989, the UAF has sent $447 million of humanitarian assistance to Armenia on
board 140 airlifts and 1,359 sea containers. The UAF is the collective effort
of the Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian General Benevolent Union,
Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Relief Society, Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
America and The Lincy Foundation. For more information, contact the UAF office at
1101 North Pacific Avenue, Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818)
241-8900.
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7 – Armenians Fight Glendale
Over Grill Chill Ordinance
GLENDALE (AP) – Armenians here are skewering the city’s ban on outdoor
restaurant grilling as an offense to the kebab culture, but efforts to overturn it
have stalled in the City Council.
This city is 40 percent Armenian and Armenian-American. The 85,000 Armenian
residents comprise the largest such population in the United States.
Last year, voters elected three Armenians to the five-member City Council,
partly on an agenda to remove the outdoor grilling ban. But they have been
unable to win the four votes needed for passage.
That annoys Armenians who say indoor gas grills simply can’t do justice to
their traditional cuisine.
Vrej Sarkissian says it takes more than salt, pepper, onions and olive oil to
make a decent kabob. He cooks the skewered meat on charcoal outside his
restaurant.
"People can always tell the difference," said Sarkissian, owner of Anoush
Banquets & Catering. "They want the original flavor of home."
"It’s what our culture is about," said his brother, Sacco Sarkissian. "It’s
great, because they’re able to hold onto their
heritage. They haven’t been forced to Americanize."
The ban may have a chilling effect on the city’s dining, City Councilman Ara
Najarian argued.
"Most Armenians are highly sophisticated, and they demand the best," he said.
"It’s developed into a gourmet war between these folks. I once saw a place
serve a flaming rack of lamb."
"I think we all know that burgers on the grill taste better than on the
frying pan," Najarian said.
Mayor Dave Weaver, who opposes lifting the ban, accused his colleagues of
playing "the race card."
"We’re portrayed as anti-Armenian, and that’s so far off the mark," he said.
"We got a lot of complaints saying, ‘Why are you allowing them to grill
outdoors?"’
"I’m philosophically opposed to commercial grilling outside," he said. "If we
open the door, then anybody from Bob’s Big Boy to a barbecue place can do it."
"Would you like to smell other peoples’ food all day long?"
resident Nancy Campbell asked. "We were all OK stopping smoking in a lot of
public places."
Vrej Sarkissian said he is considering moving his steel grill indoors to
comply with the law, although he estimates it will cost him about $80,000.
"We’re going to do whatever we can to keep the flavor going," he said.
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8 – CSUF Armenian Studies Program
Announces Spring 2007 Classes
FRESNO – The Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Fresno
is announcing a full slate of courses for the Spring 2007 semester. The
Armenian Studies Program offers a wide variety of courses related to Armenian
language, culture, history, art, and literature each semester. Instruction for the
Spring 2007 semester begins on Wednesday, January 17, 2007.
Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian
Studies, and Director of the Armenian Studies Program, will be teaching three
courses. Armenian Studies 123 is a three-unit upper-division course exploring
Armenian architecture. The course will be offered completely on-line, allowing
students from anywhere in the country to enroll in the course.
Dr. Kouymjian will also be teaching two sections of the popular Armenian
Studies 20 course, the Arts of Armenia. This course is a survey of Armenian
miniature painting, architecture, and the minor arts.
Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian will be teaching four courses: Armenian
Studies 10, Introduction to Armenian Studies, which explores the rich cultural
heritage of the Armenians (10:00-10:50AM, MWF); Armenian 1B, the second semester
of elementary Armenian language (11:00A-11:50A MTWF); an upper division
general education course, Armenian 148, Masterpieces of Armenian Culture
(9:00A-9:50A MWF), a survey of Armenian literature in translation; and Armenian Studies
108B, Armenian History II (9:30-10:45A TTh), which will look at the modern
history of the Armenian people.
Finally, renowned dance instructor Tom Bozigian will offer a one-unit course
on Armenian Dance. The class will meet Friday and Saturday, February 2 & 3,
2007. The class begins at 5:00PM Friday. This class is open to all in the
community, with a fee of $75.
Contact the Armenian Studies Program at 559-278-2669 with any questions
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ARMENTEL HAS NOT BEEN SOLD – IT’S OFFICIAL

TeleGeography, DC
Nov 2 2006

A spokesperson for Armenia’s Ministry of Transport and Communication
says it has not received any official confirmation from OTE of Greece
concerning the sale of its 90% stake in national PTO ArmenTel. Tamara
Ghalechyan, press secretary to the Ministry, confirmed the operator
had not been sold following recent press rumours which suggested the
stake had been purchased by UAE-based operator Etisalat. The Russian
Kommersant newspaper, citing a source close to the Armenian government,
reported that a consortium led by Etisalat, and including investment
fund Istithmar, had agreed to pay OTE USD600 million for its stake in
ArmenTel. The source said that the consortium won the tender earlier
this year, beating off rival bids from Russian companies AFK Sistema
and VimpelCom, and a consortium of VTEL Holdings and Knightsbridge
Associates. Etisalat has denied the rumour.

BLACK ECONOMY MAY LEAD TO ECONOMIC REDISTRIBUTION

Lragir, Armenia
Nov 1 2006

The Union of Producers and Entrepreneurs of Armenia invited November 1
the president of the Central Bank, the minister of trade and economic
development, and the economic adviser to president to the ring. The
"fight" was on the dollar-dram exchange rate. The Union of Producers
and Entrepreneurs of Armenia made an attempt to explain to the
president of the Central Bank Tigran Sargsyan that the unpredictable
revaluation of the dram can stifle industry in Armenia because it is
becoming less competitive. Meanwhile, Tigran Sargsyan was trying to
persuade the businessmen and economists that even a policy of a fixed
exchange rate of the dollar would not solve the problem of competition,
because in that case prices would soar, which would affect the volume
of consumption. Tigran Sargsyan said the exchange rate of the dollar
is an inevitable consequence of the economic growth, and such countries
like Japan, Songapore and China have encountered this problem.

The president of the Central Bank advised the businessmen to focus
on technology and modernization, corporative management, involve
additional capital through shares and stop working in the shade to
become competitive rather than seek excuses in the exchange rate of
the dollar. The president of the Central Bank even announced that
there is not a group of businessmen in Armenia, who could help the
government battle black economy.

Answering Tigran Sargsyan, the president of the Union of Producers and
Entrepreneurs Arsen Ghazaryan first said that the Armenian businessmen
are intelligent enough to understand the necessity of modernizing
production. This is what they have been doing over the past three or
four years, stated Arsen Ghazaryan. However, the fluctuations of the
exchange rate of the dollar in Armenia does not allow for considering
competition. We sign a deal abroad, and before we get to Armenia,
the exchange rate changes, says Arsen Ghazaryan.

He says they can understand that the revaluation fo the dram is
inevitable and they can understand the objective reasons, the problem
is that this process is unsteady and abrupt, which complicates decision
making, because there is no way to predict the situation.

Besides, Arsen Ghazaryan announced that there are a number of Armenian
businessmen, who are against the black economy, and make efforts to
battle it, yet there are others who get immense profit, and operate
in the shade, and do not suffer losses from this exchange rate or
whatever juggling, whereas the ones who work legally suffer.

Arsen Ghazaryan also announced that the same businessmen operating in
the shade prevent corporative management and the policy of involvement
of additional assets. There is so much black capital that they can
change the economy in a day buying one company or another created
for years.

ARMENIAN DRAM APPRECIATED 15.2% AGAINST US DOLLAR IN OCTOBER 2006 ON DECEMBER 2005

Noyan Tapan
Nov 02 2006

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 2, NOYAN TAPAN. A 2.5% growth in consumer prices was
registered in Armenia in October 2006 on December 2005. The settlement
exchange rate of the Armenian dram against the US dollar declined
by 15.2% (the dram appreciated) in the indicated period. There
was a 3.5% and 7.6% decline in consumer prices and the settlement
exchange rate respectively in October 2005 on December 2004. The 0.2%
inflation registered in the Armenian consumer market in October on
September 2006 was accompanied by a 1.7% decline in the settlement
exchange rate of the Armenian dram against the US dollar. The average
settlement exchange rate of the Armenian dram against the US dollar
made 381.26 drams in October 2006, which is lower by 15.3% than the
index of October 2005 (449.28 drams).

IRAQ WILL BE CHOP-CHOPED TO PIECES SOON
Iran Zamin – Persian Journal

Persian Journal, Iran
Nov 2 2006

The city of Baghdad soon will be called city of Baghe Dad

On October 12th, 2006 Baghdad passed federalism law in their
parliament, which means Iraq is divided on three independent autonomous
regions. One is Kurdistan region, second is Sunni Sect region, and
last is the Shiite Sect region. According to present time, these
three regions are in a state of clash with one another and certainly
in recent future they won’t collaborate with one another, as a matter
of fact, the three regions will clash with one another and Middle East
region will be drag further in bloodbath. In this deadly formula of
Iraq federalism, clerics in Iran will annex the Shiite Sect region
of Iraq forthwith, and the city of Baghdad will be called city of
Baghe Dad which used to be called Baghe Dad under Iran’s domain.

There is a current available statistics that from time of US invasion
of Iraq, there are well over 600,000 people have died in Iraq and
the number is on rise which is due to religious and ethnic conflict.

According to the statistics only 31% of people died in Iraq as a
result of US invasion of Iraq. The large portion of the number is
contributed to conflict between the Shiite and Sunni Sects.

Currently, everyday there is news that there are about 30 dead
bodies found in Iraq which is because of vengeance of Shiite and
Sunni Sects. This vengeance of Shiite and Sunni Sects will never end;
as long as, these Machiavellian clerics cunning fox who are sitting in
Iran and knowing the fact that as long as there is a war in the region
they will remain as a brute ruler in the Middle East with intention
and blue print of exporting their fanatic revolution to the world.

These cunning foxes are the only source of contributor of conflicts
between the Shiite and Sunni Sects in Iraq. There is no doubt in
anyone’s mind after reading "Countdown to Crisis" published 2005
by Kenneth R. Timmerman that how the clerics in Iran are throwing
money around like a sugar daddy to terrorist organizations in order
to prolong their theology kingdom in Iran. Most importantly, there
are documented satellite images which are shown how Revolutionary
Guards from Qods unit were crossing Iran boarder and were walking on
Iraq’s territory and given away weapons to insurgents to wage holy
war against the Sunni Sect.

Now to make the matter worst in this deadly formula of the Shiite and
Sunni conflict, the Baghdad parliament passed federalism law, which
means all for our own self-interest and ignore each other. Thus,
the Shiite and Sunni Sects will take sharp turn and deep dive in
bloodbath conflict and it is non stop, it is a one way train and
heading on collision without any doubt, and in this conflict there
will be blood rage, and the both sides, the Shiite and Sunni Sects
will need a state as "mean of provider of vengeance machines", the
clerics from Iran will have no option but to publicly to embrace
the Shiite brother and sister Muslims of Iraq, the clerics in Iran
publicly will declare that the clerics have religious duty to support
children of Imam Ali and Fatmeh, who is daughter of Prophet Muhammad
peace upon Him, the clerics will remind Iranian and Iraqi Shiite
people about the Karbala saga where Imam Hussien was martyred in the
hands of Shimr under command of Yezed Sunni. The Sunni Muslims will
be in real predicament and in desperate need of support of a strong
state in order to stand-up for itself, and the Sunni Muslims will be
dissolve among Sunni nations at high cost.

There is one more variable on this equation which is going to be
harmful for the Middle East region stability, which is the Kurdistan
region in Iraq. The Kurds in Iraq will declare their independence
and want to cherish their new found nation with neighbor Kurds, and
the Iraqi Kurds will call upon other Kurdish people to join them. The
Kurds will chant of independence in Iraq out loud so the other Kurds
could hear them, this chant of independence will motivate other Kurds
to join Iraqi Kurds and calling for unification of Kurdistan, which
will spread quickly in countries like Iran, Turkey, and Syria.

Obviously, the clerics in Iran have an expansion agenda and will
suppress any opposition voice without any second thought. Turkey will
be left with a monumental tragedy on their hands.

>>From one hand Turkey wants to join European Union and from another
hand there will be voice of Kurdistan independence, Turkey will try
not to have second Armenia dilemma. Turkey will react swiftly toward
Kurdistan independence and will use extreme force in order to shut
anyone’s mouth who speaks Mede or more accurately "Iranian language".

The last country will be Syria which won’t act any differently than
Iran and Turkey. Syria will use force and deception and will shut
anyone’s mouth who speak of Kurdistan independence.

Iran, Turkey and Syria will use extreme force and deception to stop
anyone from expanding Kurdistan country outside of Iraq region, sadly
this Kurdish movement will claim innocent people’s life. Coming to
the final stage of the deadly Baghdad federalism formula what will
be so interestingly, there is a good possibility which is pending on
horizon of what appeared to the Iraqi Kurdish people to have their
own country, the clerics in Iran will invade their new found country
and will become part of the clerics’ kingdom, and no one will have
this courage to speak against nuclear mullahs.

All these killing never would happen, actually, it would come to an
immediate end, and it is not too late, if the Western nations decided
to support Iranian people to oust the clerics from Iran, also in this
humanitarian and progressive formula of ousting the clerics from Iran,
Iranian people should add to their humanitarian and progressive formula
Crown Prince Reza PAHLAVI Heir to Throne of Iran, we Iranian people
will go far further in our cause of liberation of Iran.