Author: Karakhanian Suren

GUL: FIGHT AGAINST ARMENIAN ALLEGATIONS REQUIRES A COLLECTIVE EFFORT

Anatolian Times, Turkey
Dec 26 2006

ANKARA – "The fight against Armenian allegations requires a collective
effort and cooperation among state institutions and non-governmental
organizations," Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul said on Sunday.

In response to a question motion by Zuheyir Amber of the Motherland
Party, Gul said, "the fight against Armenian allegations requires
a collective effort and cooperation among state institutions and
non-governmental organizations. We need contributions of universities,
vocational organizations and businessmen to this end."

"Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed Turkey`s proposal to
establish a joint history commission to President Robert Kocharian
of Armenia on April 10th, 2005. However, we could receive a positive
response from the Armenian party yet," Gul added.

AZERBAIJAN’S TURN TO ISLAM IS QUITE POSSIBLE

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.12.2006 13:43 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Azerbaijan’s turn, as some Azeri politicians say,
is quite possible, responded to the PanARMENIAN.Net journalist’s
question political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan, the Director
of Caucasian Media Institute. In his words, Azerbaijan is divided
into two conditional states: Baku and province, and they are quite
different. "Baku is a civilized European city, and the province lives
by quite other canons and mostly Islamic. This division is typical to
all Middle Eastern countries and here Azerbaijan is not an exception,"
he underlined. The Armenian political scientist stressed that Baku
lives at the expense of oil pipeline and the province of Azerbaijan –
at expense of migrants in Russia. "If one of this components fails
the development of the country can go through any course, including
Islamic," said Iskandaryan.

It is worth mentioning that earlier politician Leyla Yunus during an
interview to ‘Zerkalo’ stated that ‘Azerbaijan should only wait the
day when Azeri Khomeini comes and says: "Neither West, nor Russia,
only Islam!"

ILHAM ALIYEV: BAKU WILL FIGHT FOR KARABAKH EVEN "BY FORCE"

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.12.2006 13:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Azerbaijan will never agree to grant sovereignty to
Nagorno Karabakh and will "struggle for the region even by force",
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev told Echo of Moscow. "We have always
eyed the Minsk Group as a unified constitution and I should mention
that the latest period of its activities is remarkable for attempts
to find ways of settlement.

This fact may be described as one of those remaining elements of joint
work of the Group," he remarked adding that the level of cooperation
between the three states has considerable lowered lately. "In
some cases it’s very serious. Within the framework of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict settlement France, Russia and the U.S. demonstrate
cohesion. We respect the states which try to find a solution to the
conflict. But this is our problem and we should not burden it with
anyone else. On the other hand, it’s our land, our territory.

We should be strong. We should strengthen our economy and army. We
should be more active at the diplomatic front. We should become
and are becoming a more significant state than Armenia and should
overweight the Armenian lobby. Armenia as a state is not a rival for
us. As a mater of fact it’s not Armenia that we struggle with. But
for the Armenian lobby the issue would be settled soon and simply,"
the Azeri President said.

WORLD PREMIERE OF ‘THE SPEAR OF CHRIST’

AZG Armenian Daily
20/12/2006

Documentary – History Channel Tracks The 2000 Year Journey Of The
Spear That Pierced The Side Of Christ.

For the first time, a US film crew has traveled to Armenia to
investigate the Holy Lance in Etchmiadzin.

Producer Ken Winikur and Boston-based Northern Light Productions have
recently completed "The Spear of Christ", a one-hour documentary for
the History Channel’s, "Decoding the Past" series.

Filmed in over 4 countries, including Armenia and Turkey, the program
follows the legend of one of history’s most powerful relics on its
2000-year journey. The spear that pierced the side of Jesus Christ
while he was on the cross is believed to hold miraculous powers. It
has been linked to some of history’s most powerful rulers and said
to have been present at some of the greatest battles ever waged.

Constantine and Charlemagne have waved the spear. The ruthless Adolf
Hitler coveted it. Today, four artifacts exist which claim to be
this holy spear: one in Vienna , one in Poland, one in the Vatican ,
and the mysterious lance of Armenia . The program examines each in an
effort to determine which, if any, is the authentic Spear of Christ,
and what powers each may hold.

Tufts Professor, Ina Baghdiantz McCabe, Darakjian Ja farian Chair of
Armenian History at Tufts University provides a historical analysis
of Armenia and the Spear. Unprecedented access to the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin and exclusive footage of the Holy Lance being used in
religious ceremonies will be seen.

For producer Ken Winikur his trip to Armenia is central to the success
of the documentary. Armenia is a beautiful country with a rich history,
says Winikur.

The story of its Holy Lance is virtually unknown to an American
audience and we are excited to feature it in our program.

Winikur’s previous film, Bet Herut, the end of the beginning, a
one-hour documentary investigating the rise and fall of a communal
farming village in Israel made its world premier to a packed house
at the 2003 Philadelphia Film Festival. It has since gone on to show
around the world, most recently on a three city tour in Israel.

The information was rendered by Lola Koundakjian at the Armenian
Poetry Project on the web or
in iTunes/Podcasting.

VARTAN OSKANIAN: WE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ARMENIA’S COOPERATION WITH EUROPEAN ORGANIZATIONS

Noyan Tapan
Dec 19 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The coming six months will be
very active for Armenia in the respect of development of cooperation
with European organizations. Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
declared at the December 19 press conference. In his words, cooperation
with the European Union receives key importance. Thus, Germany that
will preside in EU from January declared about its priorities in
the period of its chairmanship in EU, among which are the Caucasian
region, the New European Neighborhood program. And proceeding from
this, the coming six months will be rather eventful and intensive
in the respect of cooperation with EU. Armenia plans to clarify its
priorities within the framework of the Actions Plan and to present
them to EU. In the Minister’s words, both many-sided cooperation with
the European Union and reaching agreements on a number of issues
with concrete members of EU are scheduled within the framework of
the Actions Plan. V.Oskanian reported that intensive work in another
two European directions – NATO and the Council of Europe, is also
planned. In particular, in the first half of 2007 NATO is to sum
up the results of the first year of Armenia’s cooperation with NATO
within the framework of the Individual Partnership Actions Plan. In
the respect of Armenia’s cooperation with the Council of Europe the
Minister pointed to reforms in the sphere of legislation.

A VOYAGE OF SELF-DISCOVERY: DAUGHTER FOLLOWS AILING FATHER TO ARMENIA
By Bernard Perusse, The Gazette

The Gazette (Montreal)
December 15, 2006 Friday
Final Edition

Le Voyage en Armenie (Armenia)
Starring: Ariane Ascaride, Gerard Meylan, Chorik Grigorian

Playing in French and Armenian with English subtitles at: AMC cinema,
with French subtitles at Ex-Centris.

Parents’ guide: nudity, violence.

– – –

Some directors throw everything at the wall in the hope that
something will stick. Too often, that means lack of direction –
one of filmmaking’s greatest enemies. With Le Voyage en Armenie,
Robert Guediguian (Le Promeneur du Champ de Mars) has clearly adopted
a go-for-broke approach – and it works far more often than not.

Mostly character drama, part thriller, with moments of comedy and
a healthy dose of geopolitical manifesto, Guediguian’s film takes
a few missteps in its unwieldiness. On the whole, however, it’s not
only watchable, but entertaining.

Anna (Ariane Ascaride), a rigid cardiologist, is treating her father,
Barsam (Marcel Bluwal). When a serious heart condition is diagnosed,
longstanding issues between the two come to the surface.

Barsam shuns urgently needed surgery and flees to Armenia, his
birthplace.

A worried Anna takes off after him and finds herself in a country
where she knows no one and does not speak the language. Encounters
with a friendly taxi driver (Romen Avinian), a hairdresser’s assistant
who moonlights as a stripper (Chorik Grigorian) and a former general
(Gerard Meylan), who acts as Anna’s de facto protector, begin to
change her. Within a few days, Anna is no longer so sure about her
roots, her father or herself. Exactly as dad intended, of course.

The top draw in Le Voyage en Armenie is Ascaride’s impressive turn
in the pivotal role, which earned her the best-actress award at
this year’s Rome Film Festival. (She also co-wrote the screenplay
with Guediguian and Marie Desplechin). Meylan, however, is more than
capable as her onscreen companion.

Guediguian has filmed the Armenian countryside lovingly, making it,
in effect, a central character.

What doesn’t work? Some oddly out-of-place narrative techniques –
cornball voice-over flashbacks, for example – and some implausible
plot developments, like Anna’s too-casual familiarity with firearms.

The flaws are not fatal. The voyage in the title – both a literal
and an interior one, as it turns out – is worth taking.

ARGUMENT OF ESTABLISHMENT OF NAGORNO KARABAKH INDEPENDENCE IS MORE BENEFICIAL THAN IDEA OF UNIFICATION, ALEXAN MANASIAN CONSIDERS

Noyan Tapan
Dec 13 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, NOYAN TAPAN. The referendum on NKR Constitution
was to take place earlier, as it is able to regulate the whole
public life and to give a legal status to the acting bodies
of the power. Political scientist Alexan Manasian, Head of YSU
Theoretical Philosophy and Logic Department, gave assurance at
the December 13 meeting with journalists. In his words, Artsakh
people’s active participation in the referendum is evidence that
the Constitution has been approved by the whole people. "Since 2001,
RA and NKR state officials have adopted the policy of establishment
of Karabakh independence, which is more beneficial than the idea of
unification," A.Manasian said. In his words, thanks to such approach
is will be possible "to register diplomatic success." A.Manasian
also said that one should not depair of the negative reaction of
some countries and international structures in connection with the
referendum. The political scientist reminded the OSCE’s 1992 decision,
according to which this organization considers as conflict parties
RA, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh’s "elected representatives." In
A.Manasian’s words, this decision itself obliged NKR population to
hold elections. And to have elected representatives means to have
legal authorities and laws, which is also registered by the newly
adopted Constitution.

5 MEN ACCUSED IN MORE THAN 70 AREA BURGLARIES
By Mary Frances Gurton Staff Writer

Pasadena Star-News, CA
San Gabriel Valley Tribune, CA
Dec 12 2006

Juvenile is among the suspects

Pasadena authorities believe they have stemmed a wave of summer
burglaries with the recent arrests of four men and a juvenile.

The suspects are believed to be responsible for more than 70 thefts
at homes and businesses across the city. Most were arrested separately
in September.

"There were several bad people doing a series of burglaries who have
been arrested," said Mayor Bill Bogaard, whose district actually showed
a slight decline in burglaries in the same period. "It happened that
a few burglars operated for a time before they were caught. I would
hope that when the fourth-quarter data is released, it reflects a
decline in the number."

The thefts – ranging from bikes, wallets and keys to laptop computers –
caused a 52.7 percent spike in the number of reported burglaries from
July through September 2005 to the same period in 2006, according
to a Pasadena Police Department report to the City Council released
last month.

"This is an anomaly," said Pasadena police spokeswoman Janet Pope
Givens, of the third-quarter crime surge. "It’s pretty evident that
when we arrested these suspects the burglaries stopped."

Responsible for at least six area burglaries is a 15-year-old boy who
suffers from an alleged compulsion for stealing, according to police.

He was arrested after a short foot pursuit when officers were called
to a break-in at 776 E. California Ave., according to the report.

"Especially during the summer, juveniles can be responsible for a
crime trend in a neighborhood," said Pope Givens. "Most crimes are
crimes of opportunity, and when kids are out of school with time on
their hands, this can be one of the things that happens."

A number of residential burglaries in the North Pasadena Heights area
targeting Armenian victims ceased after a known Armenian gang member
was arrested and found to be carrying a handgun lost in one of the
burglaries, according to the report.

"He was arrested for a DUI in Glendale," said Pope Givens, "and then
found to be connected to the North Pasadena Heights burglaries. We
can’t definitely connect him, but after he was arrested that series
stopped."

Another suspect was arrested after several daytime commercial
burglaries, according to the report.

In yet another instance, a latent fingerprint lifted from one of
five "hot prowl" burglary sites – so named when a resident is home –
in the area of Colorado Boulevard and Allen Avenue, led to another
suspect’s arrest, the report reads. Councilman Chris Holden, whose
district includes Old Pasadena, where some of the crimes occurred,
said the arrests reflect city and policeattempts to concentrate law
enforcement on crime "hot spots."

"Not unlike some of the other commercial shopping districts in the
Southland," he said, "we want to make sure nothing unsafe happens in
Old Pasadena."

MUNICIPALITY OF YEREVAN DECIDED TO INTERRUPT "NUSHIKYAN" ASSOCIATION’S CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN CENTER OF YEREVAN

Yerevan, December 12. ArmInfo. The Municipality of Yerevan which
had licensed the "Nushikyan" Association’s construction works made
a decision on interrupting the works under the pressure of the
"Population Rights Protection Group" and MP Khachatur Sukiasyan. The
construction works were to result in cutting down 20 trees, the
"Population Rights Protection Group" told the ArmInfo news agency.

The members of the Group also appealed to the Prosecutor-General’s
Office to suppress the corrupted activity of some high ranking
officials of the Yerevan Municipality and protect the legal rights
of the organization’s members.

AZERI MINISTER SAYS KARABAKH REFERENDUM "FARCE"

TREND, Azerbaojan
Dec 11 2006

Baku, 11 December: It is too early to speak about whether Armenia
is ready go ahead in the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement,
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said today at the
opening of the meeting of the political committee of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe in Baku.

He noted that the "referendum" in Nagornyy Karabakh shows that Armenia
is not ready for talks. "Possibly, involvement in the talks is a
move aimed at getting the West’s support in order to retain power,"
Mammadyarov said. He believes that the farce with the "referendum"
will have negative consequences.

Mammadyarov stressed that once the conflict is resolved, roads will be
unblocked, stability in the region will be ensured, and thus Armenia’s
economy will also develop, the minister said. He added that the three
South Caucasus countries can achieve a lot together.