RUSSIAN PRESIDENT TO ARRIVE IN YEREVAN ON OFFICIAL CALL
De Facto
Oct 16, 2008
YEREVAN, 16. 10. 08. DE FACTO. On October 20 President of the Russian
Federation Dmitry Medvedev will arrive in Yerevan on a two-day
official call.
According to the RA President’s Press Office, the visit will be held
on RA President Serge Sargsian’s invitation. The details of the visit
have not been elaborated yet.
TURKISH NOVELIST DENOUNCES GOVERNMENT AT BOOK FAIR
By Motoko Rich
IHT
October 16, 2008
FRANKFURT: Orhan Pamuk, the Turkish novelist and Nobel Prize laureate,
publicly and forcefully denounced the Turkish government for its
treatment of writers in a speech he gave at the opening ceremony of
the Frankfurt Book Fair on Tuesday evening as the president of Turkey
sat listening.
Every year, a nation is chosen to be guest of honor at the fair,
an annual rite of the international publishing industry, and this
year it is Turkey.
Hundreds of thousands of publishers, editors, agents and authors are
gathered here from 100 countries to talk about and negotiate deals
for upcoming books in what has become the most important annual event
on the book-publishing calendar.
At Tuesday’s opening ceremony in a packed auditorium, Pamuk spoke
quietly but intensely as Abdullah Gul, the president of Turkey,
sat in the audience.
"A century of banning and burning books, of throwing writers into
prison or killing them or branding them as traitors and sending them
into exile, and continuously denigrating them in the press — none of
this has enriched Turkish literature — it has only made it poorer,"
Pamuk said.
Pamuk, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2006, was the subject
of criminal charges of "insulting Turkishness" after giving a 2005
interview to magazine in which he condemned the mass killings of
Armenians in Turkey in World War I and the killing of Kurds by Turkey
in the 1980s. The charges were dropped, but many nationalists have
not forgiven Pamuk.
"The state’s habit of penalizing writers and their books is still very
much alive," Pamuk said in his speech. "Article 301 of the Turkish
penal code continues to be used to silence and suppress many other
writers, in the same way it was used against me; there are at this
moment hundreds of writers and journalists being prosecuted and found
guilty under this article."
When he was working on his latest novel, "Museum of Innocence,"
Pamuk said he used YouTube to research Turkish films and songs. Now,
he said that YouTube, along with many other domestic and international
Web sites, are blocked in Turkey "for political reasons."
President Gul, who spoke immediately following Pamuk, said that Turkey
was "really proud" of his Nobel Prize and the fact that Turkish
literature was being recognized more generally as well as at the
Frankfurt Book Fair.
He did not address Pamuk’s criticisms directly, but said that "today,
I can state with happiness that in Turkey, thanks to political
and economic reforms that have gradually and more intensively been
integrated," his nation is coming closer to fulfilling the conditions
necessary to join the European Union. "Although we have not been
fully successful and there is a lot yet to be done," he said, "If we
compare it to the situation before, we can say that in Turkey there
has indeed been a positive development."
ARMENIAN ACTIVIST BLAMES PRESIDENT FOR COMPROMISES OVER KARABAKH
Aravot
Oct 3 2008
Armenia
Karabakh war veteran Zhirayr Seyfilyan has blamed Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan for plans to yield Karabakh to Azerbaijan.
The coordinator of the For Protection of Liberated Territories civil
initiative, Zhirayr Seyfilyan, believes Sargsyan tries to stay in
power by handing Karabakh over to Azerbaijan, the paper reported.
He believes that "secret" Armenian-Turkish talks were held in Europe
before Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived in Yerevan, adding
that the Armenian government agreed to withdraw its troops from the
Azerbaijani territories it currently controls, according to the piece.
Seyfilyan believes that otherwise, Gul would not agree to visit
Armenia. As for Sargsyan’s statement that Azerbaijan may invest in
Nagornyy Karabakh, Seyfilyan describes it laughable. He said that
"there can be no word about concessions" in Karabakh conflict,
adding that the Armenian people should not forget about Turkey’s
pan-Turkish plans.
He believes that although Sargsyan tries to stay in power at the
cost of Karabakh, the international community will soon understand
that holding talks with the Armenian government is senseless since
it does not represent the Armenian people. Seyfilyan believes that
compromises discussed at the cost of liberating territories will
inevitably damage security of Karabakh and Armenia, the paper said.
Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
October 14, 2008
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
REGIONAL COUNCIL
Los Angeles, CA- The Armenian Assembly of America’s (Assembly) Western
Region Office is proud to announce the formation of its Southern
California Regional Council (Council).
The Council consists of current Assembly Board Members Lisa Kalustian,
Joyce Stein and Peter Kezirian, Jr.; past Assembly Board Member Richard
Mushegain; 2007 Gala Co-Chairs Al and Diane Cabraloff; and former
Assembly intern and AGBU Committee Member of Hye Geen, Talin Yacoubian.
"The Council will play a pivotal role in working with the Western Region
Office and its Director in facilitating its grassroots operation and
community outreach initiatives," said Bryan Ardouny, Assembly Executive
Director.
At the inaugural meeting, the members reviewed issues for the remainder
of 2008, as well as upcoming priorities for 2009 – including the March
1-3 National Advocacy Conference in our Nation’s Capital and the passage
of the Armenian Genocide resolution.
"I look forward to working very closely with each and every member,"
stated Assembly Western Region Director, Yeghig Keshishian. "The key to
developing a strong and effective grassroots effort is to bring in
individuals that have left a positive imprint on the surrounding
Armenian communities. Working within this dynamic framework, I am
confident we will further strengthen and build on the Assembly’s
successes."
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.
###
NR#2008-073
Editor’s Note: Photo can be viewed by following the link below.
Photo Caption: L-R: Yeghig Keshishian, Al & Diane Cabraloff, Talin
Yacoubian, Joyce & Joe Stein, Lisa Kalustian, Peter Kezirian, Jr., Bryan
Ardouny
images/PR_-_2008/Sept/L-R_YK__Al_Dian
e_Cabraloff_ Talin_Yacoubian__Joyce_Joe_Stein_Lisa_Kalustian_Pe ter_K_BA.J
PG
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ANDRE TABOURIAN: SON OF KAREKIN, SON OF LEBANON
Daily Star – Lebanon
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Lebanon
Much will be written about Andre Tabourian,* and more will remain in
the good memory of people who knew him or benefited from his work or
philanthropy. My testimony highlights a story that must be told. Along
with his brother Gerard Tabourian, Tabourian honored his father by
establishing the Karekin Tabourian Dentofacial Clinic at the American
University of Beirut (AUB) Medical Center. Many of my AUB colleagues
and I met Andre Tabourian in these happy circumstances, and in him the
knowledgeable, good-hearted, witty, charming and truthful man. At the
time of the clinic dedication, the grateful children summed up their
late father’s interests in life and his legacy in two matters: his
family and his profession as dentist and AUB professor. Recalling the
ultimate sacrifice of Karekin’s parents and Armenian people who were
killed not because of what they did, but because of who they were,
the sons stated: "He taught us the opposite." Empowered with this
strength of character, Andre Tabourian built a successful and generous
legacy like his father. He was a proud, grateful, and honorable son
of Karekin.
In this story that builds on suffering to reach the summit of success,
lies a fertile ground of opportunity – Lebanon. Is it odd to think
of the cedars land as one of opportunity? Not to this Tabourian
family. Grateful to what this country offered, the Tabourians gave
back, by creating work opportunities; through charity; and in public
service, be it on Beirut’s municipal council (Karekin), the Lebanese
Parliament ( Andre) or government (Alain). Andre Tabourian was a good
citizen. He was a proud, grateful and honorable son of Lebanon.
When planning the opening of the Tabourian Clinic, Andre expressed his
and his brother’s desire: no propaganda. "Our giving is for a cause,
not self-satisfaction and praise." Though praise we may abundantly, in
your honor we simply say: thank you for the lessons your life has been.
Joseph George Ghafari is head of the dentistry department at AUBMC
*Co-donor of Karekin Tabourian Dentofacial Clinic at AUBMC, Andre
Tabourian passed away on October 7. Mr. Tabourian is survived by
his wife Nina, his sons Alain (minister of energy) and Mark, brother
Gerard, and their families.
SESSION OF NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL UNDER PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA HELD
ArmInfo
2008-10-13 11:17:00
ArmInfo. Session of the National Security Council under the president
of Armenia was held. The session was conducted by Head of the Council –
President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.
As the presidential press service told ArmInfo today, S. Sargsyan
required to assure high efficiency of judicial-legal reforms. Her
said there is a serious discontent with the courts in the country,
and the legislative reforms, towards which essential steps have
already been done, are insufficient for enhancement of the courts’
role. ‘I have marked already that fight against legal corruption and
bribery is of special importance’, the president said. Henceforth,
the public trust to the system and not the length of the list of
the specific steps done will be an indicator for him to assess the
course of the judicial-legal reforms, S. Sargsyan said. ‘I claim that
the president’s administration will periodically order the relevant
specialized polls that will allow us to understand not only the level
of the public trust to the judicial system at present, but also the
dynamics of this indicator changes’, Armenia’s president said.
He also said that conclusions on the efficiency of the laws and
normative documents being adopted, the staff policy, the steps aimed at
corruption-fight, system solutions, increase of the judges’ salaries
should be drawn just based on this dynamic. ‘We should bring the
judicial-legal reforms to the logical end, that supposes formation of
such a system which will facilitate fulfillment of the persons’ rights
for judicial recourse’, the president said. Guarantee of the judges’
independence will enhance the role and importance of the institute
of legal protection, consequently, the efficiency of fulfillment of
rights for such a protection, S. Sargsyan said.
He added that the judicial system and its structure should meet
the interests of the society and justice, as well as balance
them. According to S. Sargsyan, it is necessary to achieve for every
man, when applying to the court or appealing against a judicial
act, to be initially enabled to realize the possible result and the
consequences within reason. ‘That is, the structure and the system
should be such as to balance the society’s requirements with the
interests of the justice’, the president said. He emphasized that a
great volume of work is expected and added that this is the system
which does not admit tardiness or unserious attitude. ‘I have already
talked of the relevant will, now it is the time for actions and I
expect specific results’, Armenia’s president emphasized and added
that this problem will be in the center of attention of the National
Security Council.
S. Sargsyan instructed the participants in the session to initiate
wide professional and public discussions on judicial-legal reforms.
DREAM champ Gegard Mousasi seeks boxing world title, move to 205 pounds
by MMAjunkie.com Staff on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:10 am ET
Riding an 11-fight win streak, DREAM middleweight grand prix winner
and new DREAM middleweight champ Gegard Mousasi now intends to chase
after a world title in boxing.
Mousasi shared his vision with his management company, M-1, who shared
the news in a recent press release.
"First I want to thank everybody that supported me to reach my goal of
becoming the DREAM grand prix champion," Mousasi stated. "I see this
title as the stepping stone to accomplish my real desire, and that is
to also become the world champion in boxing."
The Armenian striker believes that his management company — which
also represents WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko — has
strategic partnerships in place that will allow him to pursue a boxing
career.
"Because M-1 is nowadays cooperating with Affliction and Golden Boy
(Promotions), I think this dream can come true," he stated.
In addition to branching out into a new career, Mousasi will also look
to move up to the light-heavyweight division for future MMA contests.
"In MMA I will go up to 93 kilograms (205 pounds)," Mousasi
stated. "Not only to increase my strength, but if I fight between 85
and 93 kilograms in boxing, I have quite a wide range to test my
skills before I decide in which weight class I enter boxing
competition."
Just 23 years old, Mousasi has been victorious in 23 of his past 24
bouts.
A veteran of DREAM, PRIDE and DEEP, Mousasi defeated Denis Kang, Dong
Sik Yoon, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Melvin Manhoef to win this year’s
inaugural DREAM middleweight grand prix.
No time table was announced for Mousasi’s boxing debut.
YEREVAN-BERN DIALOG TO PROMOTE CONSOLIDATION OF ECONOMIC TIES
PanARMENIAN.Net
09.10.2008 18:34 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanian
met Thursday with the delegation of the Switzerland’s national
council led by Dominique de Buman amd Ueli Leuenberger, the RA MFA
press office told PanARMENIAN.Net.
Expressing satisfaction with the Armenian-Swiss bilateral relations,
Mr Gharibjanian emphasized the importance of opening of Switzerland’s
diplomatic outpost in Armenia.
At the guests’ request, he briefed on the Karabakh process and
Armenian-Turkish relations.
ORANGE THE THIRD MOBILE OPERATOR IN ARMENIA
armradio.am
08.10.2008 15:16
Orange has been awarded the third mobile operator license (GSM and 3G)
in the Republic of Armenia. This announcement, which was made public
by the Armenian government, follows Orange’s submission of a formal
bid of E51.5 million on October 6. The sums proposed by the other
two companies were considerably smaller.
Following a detailed analysis of local market conditions, Orange firmly
believes in the potential for the Group’s development in the Republic
of Armenia thanks to its experience and its know-how for offering
innovative and high-performance services. Commercial activities will
be launched in the coming months following the formal attribution of
the license and frequencies by the Armenian regulatory authorities.
ARMENIAN HUMANS RIGHTS OFFICE TO COOPERATE WITH OSCE
ARMENPRESS
Oct 6, 2008
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Human Rights Defender Armen Harutyunian
and head of the OSCE Armenian office Sergey Kapinos signed today a
cooperation agreement which is aimed at increasing the oversight of
the democratization of the Armed Forces.
Within the frameworks of the agreement a joint group of experts
affiliated to the office of the ombudsman will be set up which will
analyze the legislation over the punitive measures in the army, will
point out the flaws and will study the relevance to international
standards. On the basis of the studies of the group a report will be
prepared which will present suggestions to the government.
A. Harutyunian noted that the ombudsman’s office starts a long-term
cooperation program with the OSCE. He also thanked Sergey Kapinos
for the support.