Author: Kanayan Tamar

AME Info

Rakia and Rakeen Development to promote Ras Al Khaimah as a
world-class investment and tourist destination during Cityscape 2009

United Arab Emirates: Saturday, October 03 – 2009 at 13:38

PRESS RELEASE

Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia), Al Hamra Real Estate and
Rakeen will leverage the growing global interest in Ras Al Khaimah as
a leading business investment and tourism destination during their
participation at Cityscape Dubai 2009.

The three entities will collectively showcase a selection of
world-class residential and mixed-use developments, attractive
free-zone packages, onshore and offshore business solutions and a
rapidly growing global portfolio of real estate projects in what is
projected to be one of the most exciting showcase presentations during
the trade event.

Among the key developments that will headline the exhibition are Al
Marjan Island, the first man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah; the Bab Al
Bahr mixed-use development, Gateway City, Al Hamra Village mixed-use
development, Rakia Amenities Centre, and various business
opportunities within Rakia’s free zone. For Cityscape Dubai, Rakia, Al
Hamra Real Estate and Rakeen have jointly booked 400 square metres of
exhibition space at Stand No. 5B10 at the entrance to Hall 5 of Dubai
International Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the event runs
from October 5-8, 2009.

Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of Rakia, said:

"We have developed a distinct and extensive exhibition area that will
help visitors better appreciate the transformation of Ras Al Khaimah
as a haven for sustainable development and an attractive lifestyle,
tourism and business destination. Our participation at Cityscape is
also part of our efforts to showcase the pristine natural beauty of
Ras Al Khaimah, where residents can enjoy the emirate’s white sandy
beaches, red desert dunes and majestic Hajjar mountains, while being
in proximity to the comforts of state-of-the-art residential and
commercial amenities."

"All our developments are located within a radius of
reating greater accessibility and flexibility to attend to various
business, leisure and private activities," added Dr. Massaad.

During Cityscape, Dr. Massaad will also speak on behalf of Rakia, Al
Hamra Real Estate and Rakeen at a Cityscape Connect Seminar titled
‘Ras Al Khaimah: Emerging Emirate On The Move’. Representatives of RAK
Tourism and RAK Properties will also join Dr. Massaad during the
open-to-all seminar, which will be held on October 07, 2009 from 12:30
to 13:30 hours.

The combined showcase will also provide various presentations of the
construction progress of real estate developments being undertaken by
Rakia and Rakeen, while the fully completed facilities within Al Hamra
Village will be prominently displayed to highlight the new project’s
reputation as one of the most complete developments in the UAE. A
value-added feature is a unique showcase of groundbreaking mixed-use
developments and authentic project models that are being undertaken by
Rakeen in Lebanon, Congo (DRC), Georgia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and
other international destinations.

"We hope that Cityscape Dubai will help set off a new growth trend in
the region, marking the beginning of a revival of the real estate
sector. Our solid track record of being honest, transparent and
reliable developers, substantiated by a visionary strategy and strong
funding, has helped maintain our firm position within the industry
through the past difficult months. We are determined to deliver on our
promises and to keep proving that we deserve the trust of our esteemed
investors and business partners. Ras Al Khaimah is ready for new
challenges and will continue to script new success stories, especially
now that the America’s Cup is just around the corner," concluded
Dr. Massaad.

Ras Al Khaimah recently announced that it will host the prestigious
33rd America’s Cup, which will be held in Al Hamra Village in February
2010. A 22-hectare island within Al Hamra Village lagoon will serve as
the base for the sailing event. The island will accommodate the
edia, the sponsors and the viewing public.

Goal.com

This Spain Squad Will Be The World Cup Squad – Del Bosque

Barring injuries this will be the Spanish squad for the World Cup…
Oct 3, 2009 9:21:24 AM

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has said that the squad he has selected
for La Furia Roja’s remaining World Cup qualifiers will be the group
he takes to next years finals in South Africa.

Del Bosque’s side have already secured their place at the World Cup
finals having won European Qualifying Group Five with two games to
spare but Del Bosque has chosen to keep his best possible selection
for the remaining qualifiers, away to Armenia next Saturday, followed
by another away date with second-placed Bosnia four days later.

Such is the coach’s determination to keep the squad together that he
has been willing to incur the wrath of both Barcelona and Villarreal
by including Andres Iniesta and Marcos Senna who have just returned
from injury.

"The selection is not a closed shop but unless their are injuries or
unexpected changes, this is the group that will represent us at the
World Cup," Del Bosque said according to AS.

Those who have not been included in the squad, including Sevilla
striker Alvaro Negredo and Valencia’s Pablo Hernandez, know now that
they must produce something extra special to sway Del Bosque’s
thinking.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC.
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807 Fax: 416-512-1736 E-mail: [email protected]

September 30, 2009

President Serge Sargsyan
Republic of Armenia
26 Marshal Baghramian Avenue
Yerevan
Republic of Armenia, 0077
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Dear President Sargsyan:

The Protocols for establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and
Turkey, although intended to help normalize relations between the two
countries, raise serious questions about the process, and contain pitfalls,
which I have set out below for your kind consideration.

My interest in the Protocols arises from being a scholar of genocide studies
for most of my career, a founder of the International Association of
Genocide Scholars, Chairman of the Academic Board of Directors of the Zoryan
Institute, and a recipient of the Movses Khorenatsi Medal last year, awarded
by you, Mr. President, for my "considerable contribution to the
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide."

I and other scholars, who have no personal, ethnic or political motive for
affirming the Armenian Genocide, feel we must point out one significant
aspect of the Protocols, the clauses that call for

a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual
confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific
examination of the historical records and archives to define existing
problems and formulate recommendations

and

the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral commission which shall
comprise sub-commissions for the prompt implementation of the commitments
mentioned in operations paragraph 2 above in this Protocol.

Does "the historical dimension" article refer to the Armenian Genocide, and
does the "intergovernmental bilateral commission" article refer to a
historical commission? If not, then how can Armenia hope to have normal
relations with Turkey while ignoring a major cause of the tension between
the two countries? If so, then they are a source of grave concern, because
there is a broad scholarly consensus that genocide unquestionably occurred
in the case of the Armenians.

You are well aware, Mr. President, that numerous distinguished historians,
political scientists, sociologists, legal scholars, and authoritative
institutions around the world have investigated the Genocide many times
over, issued academic publications, and even made public declarations. These
scholars have devoted their professional lives to conducting scientific
research with the highest levels of academic integrity. As a result of their
work, scholars have identified the Armenian Genocide as the archetypal case
of modern genocide, whose pattern has many similarities with subsequent
cases. Therefore, any commission that purports now to conduct "an impartial
scientific examination of the historical records and archives" in effect
dismisses all of the extensive research that has already been conducted for
decades and implies that none of it was impartial or scientific. This is
offensive to all genocide scholars, but particularly non-Armenian scholars,
who feel their work is now being truly politicized.

I am sure you can appreciate that they have no confidence that a politically
organized commission would not compromise historical truth, especially
considering the imbalanced power relations between Armenia and Turkey. This
assessment is particularly exacerbated when one considers the following:

1. The national archives of France, Great Britain, and the United States, as
well as Turkey and its wartime allies Germany and Austria, to name only a
few, are full of incontestable documentation of the genocidal intent and
nature of the annihilation of the Armenians.
2. The historical records of the official investigation by a Turkish
military Tribunal in post-war Turkey, recently published, based on
authenticated, official Turkish documents, found irrefutable evidence of
centrally organized mass murder against the bulk of the Ottoman Empire’s own
Armenian citizens. The prosecutors were Turks, the judges were Turks, and
most of the witnesses were Turks, including high ranking military officers.
3. The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), reviewing the
Armenian case for the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC),
concluded that "the Events, viewed collectively, can thus be said to include
all of the elements of the crime of genocide as defined in the Convention,
and legal scholars as well as historians, politicians, journalists and other
people would be justified in continuing to so describe them."
4. Prime Minister Erdogan has stated repeatedly that Turkey would never
accept there was an Armenian Genocide, and even if a historical commission
found that the Armenian case is genocide, it is argued, Turkey would just
ignore the decision, as it did the report of the ICTJ, which led to the
resignation of all the Turkish members of TARC.

But most importantly, Mr. President, the scholars are concerned that a
historical commission would embolden those who would consider perpetrating
genocide in future years by showing how easily genocide can be relativized,
especially by the powerful.

In 2001, the Zoryan Institute issued a rare public commentary about
Turkish-Armenian relations, in which it stated

Normally, dialogue is the first step towards the possible resolution of any
conflict, and therefore reconciliation. The participants in a dialogue
generally need to define the key issues which divide the parties and
establish a process by which the dialogue will be conducted. There must be a
sincere desire for mutual understanding and willingness to accept the
factual issues in contention, even if emotionally highly charged..

Turkey does not have the capacity to enter into a process of dialogue to
define the key issue of the Genocide. Even if genocide were to be affirmed
by "an impartial scientific examination of the historical records and
archives," Turkey would not be able to accept this, as it is currently bound
by a strict penal code that makes it illegal for anyone from Turkey to even
mention the Armenian Genocide. Therefore, was the negotiation of the
protocols, so long in the making, done all this time in bad faith?

If not, then perhaps what is required is a modification of the wording in
the Protocol referring to the "historical dimension," or a modification of
the Turkish penal code, which currently criminalizes discussion of this
subject, to make the Protocols viable.

If such modifications are not possible due to diplomatic pressures at this
time, then perhaps it would be prudent to stage the process so that
discussion of the "historical dimension" is deferred. This would allow the
people of both countries, but especially Turkey, the opportunity to
demonstrate "a sincere desire for mutual understanding and willingness to
accept the factual issues in contention, even if emotionally highly
charged." In the meantime, Turkey and Armenia could proceed with the
establishment of a diplomatic exchange, which, in itself, would be a major
step towards reconciliation.

Yours respectfully,

[signed]

Roger W. Smith, Chair, Academic Board of Directors

RA MFA: INITIALED RA-TURKISH PROTOCOLS CONTAIN NO PRECONDITIONS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
01.10.2009 14:46 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Initialed RA-Turkish Protocols contain no
preconditions and they do not hamper international recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, nor are they linked to NKR conflict settlement
issue, RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said at parliamentary
hearings on "Initialed Protocols and RA-Turkish rapprochement".

According to him, concerns over Armenian Genocide issue becoming
restricted to two sides only and lose pan-Armenian and universal
importance upon establishment of relations with Turkey are
unfounded. "Initialed documents do not suggest Armenian nation will
be deprived of a right to restore historical justice," RA FM said.

Edward Nalbandian once again emphasized that the documents contained
no preconditions, and are not linked to NKR issue, which was repeatedly
confirmed by RA President and US Secretary State Hillary Clinton. "Ever
since gaining independence Armenia was ready to normalize ties with
Turkey without setting preconditions. Today we’re fulfilling our

PRESIDENT SAYS NORMALIZATION OF TIES DOES NOT MEAN GENOCIDE IS PUT UNDER SUSPECT

Panorama.am
17:34 30/09/2009

"To set ties with Turkish people, des not necessarily mean to put
Genocide under suspect, even more, to forget about it. It’s simply
impossible," Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan declared at the meeting
of Public Council today stressing that he has been repeating the same
thing various times during this year.

Regarding the formation of historic committee and the concerns
related to it, President made it clear that the committee can not
define anti-Armenian decisions.

"It is said that Turkey will give priority to Genocide issue just at
the very first day of the committee meeting. What does this mean?" the
president commented: "The committee is founded on parity principles
where each side is authorized to say what they want to."

To conclude the President pointed that Armenia will initiate activities
to reach the recognition of Armenian Genocide. President declared
that it might prolong the current negotiations but the most important
thing is that they would start thinking over this issue in Turkey.

TURKISH PARLIAMENT SOON TO DISCUSS ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROTOCOLS AND OPENING BORDER

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.09.2009 20:05 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Turkish parliament will enter the new legislature
year to begin October 1st with a busy schedule. The issues high on
the agenda which have recently stirred heated debates will be brought
to parliament floor with the beginning of the new legislative year.

The government’s democratization initiative launched to address the
Kurdish issue which created tension with the opposition will be the
first issue to be discussed in the Parliament’s General Assembly. The
government announced earlier that they would make public the measures
included in the initiative at the General Assembly.

Another issue to be discussed on parliament floor is the recently
initialed protocols between Turkey and Armenia for the normalization
of relations and opening of border gates. The issue will be discussed
in the foreign relations committee first and later at the General
Assembly, reported Anatolian News Agency.

KOMSOMOLSKAYA PRAVDA: YEREVAN ATTACHES GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO THE WORD DIASPORA

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.09.2009 10:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ During his visit to southern capital, President
Serzh Sargsyan will explain to CIS Armenian community representatives
reasons for establishing closer ties with Turkey. Beginning early
October, Armenian leader is startinG an unprecedented world tour,
"Komosomolskaya Pravda Rostov" reports. President plans to visit United
States, France, Lebanon and Russia to meet with national Diaspora
representatives living beyond the borders of their historical homeland.

"The thing’s that there are no diplomatic relations between Armenia and
Turkey. Upon Ankara’s in initiative, the border between two states has
been close since 1993 because of Turkey’s support to Azerbaijan during
Karabakh conflict. Why should President have decided to make a world
tour? Simply because Diaspora community is almost twice as big as the
present-day population of Armenia. And as specialists assume, different
spheres of our economy regularly receive investments which mostly come
from Russia and the States, Hence, Armenia attaches great significance
to the word Diaspora. Naturally, Mr. Sargsyan’s compatriots are eager
to know why he decided to pursue such foreign policy course.

According to experts, it’s no mere chance that Rostov was selected
as a meeting site. As we know, southern capital is populated by one
of Russia’s biggest Diaspora communities, including descendants of
Crimean re-settlers who were sent to Don by the demand of prince
Potemkin Tavrichesky. In 1781, Nor- Nakhichevan town was founded at
a short distance from Dmitry Rostovsky’s castle. In 1828, the town
was officially annexed to Rostov.

NKR PRESIDENT MET HIS HOLINESS GAREGIN II

armradio.am
29.09.2009 13:50

On 28 September President of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic Bako
Sahakyan met with His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians who arrived in Artsakh to participate in
solemn celebrations dedicated to the 20th anniversary of reopening
of the Artsakh Diocese of the Holy Universal Apostolic Orthodox
Armenian Church.

A wide range of issues related to the relations between the state
and the church, the socio-economic situation in Artsakh, and the
settlement of the Karabagh conflict were discussed at the meeting.

The Head of the State attached importance to the visit of the Supreme
Patriarch to Artsakh, noting that it would duly contribute to the
development of spiritual life in our republic.

The interlocutors emphasized the importance of the steady deepening of
state-church interrelations and implementation of important religious
events in Artsakh.

Touching upon the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, Bako Sahakyan
noted that official Stepanakert is a proponent of peaceful settlement
and the restoration of the full-fledged negotiation format. The
President again underlined that independence and security of Artsakh
cannot be matters of discussions.

"WINTER" TO LAST TWO DAYS

04:47 pm | September 28, 2009 | society

Snow fell in the marzes of Shirak and Lori on September 28.

Temperature went below zero in a few Armenian settlements – Ashotsk
(-4°), Amasia(-2°), Stepanavan and Hovit (-1°), reports "ArmHydrome"
Company.

Meteorologists say the temperature is 10-12° in Yerevan which is 2-3
degrees below the normal.

Temperature will go up by 10-14° on September 30 reaching 25-26°.

Painter-director Stepan Zohrabyan’s works to be displayed in Rostov
musical theater
26.09.2009 12:19 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Art director of Rostov State Musical Theatre Stepan
Zohrabyan will open his exhibition in Rostov on September 27.
Stepan Zohrabyan has designed over 200 stage performances and worked
with dramatic and musical theatres of Russia, Poland, Chzech Republic,
Latvia, Estonia and Armenia. He has also been participant and laureate
winner in native and foreign festivals (Italy, France, Scotland,
Switzerland, US and Canada), 161.ru reports.

Exhibition is dedicated to the artist’s 60th birth anniversary.

S. Zohrabyan’s works are kept in A. Bakhrushin Theatrical Museum,
Glinka Museum of Musical Culture, Volgograd Picture Gallery and
private collections in Russia and abroad.