Author: Karakhanian Suren

The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
August 26, 2006 Saturday
State Edition
History On This Day; Pg. 77
THIS DAY
1768: Captain James Cook and the crew of the Endeavour weigh anchor
at Plymouth, England, bound for Tahiti to observe the transit of
Venus and with secret orders to look for a great south land.
1883: The volcano on Krakatoa island, in what is now Indonesia,
erupts, creating a tidal wave that washes over neighbouring islands.
More than 36,000 people die.
1896: Armenian revolutionaries attack the Ottoman Bank in Istanbul,
sparking a massacre in which 6000 Armenians die in the city.
1900: At the Paris Olympics a Dutch rowing team uses a French boy
from the crowd as cox, then wins. The boy, about 7, disappears after
the medal ceremony, possibly the youngest Olympic champion.
1920: American women are allowed to vote, as the 19th Amendment of the
US Constitution is certified by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby.
1978: Cardinal Albino Luciani of Venice is elected Pope and takes
the name of John Paul I. He serves only 33 days before dying of a
heart attack.
1999: Federal Parliament passes a motion by Prime Minister John Howard
expressing “deep and sincere regret” for past injustices to Aborigines.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY RECEIVES NO INFORMATION ABOUT OPENING OF
VERIN LARS BORDER PASS BY RUSSIA
YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has
not received any information from the appropriate bodies of the
Russian Federation about the opening of the Verin Lars (Upper Lars)
border pass. NT was informed about it from the acting spokesman for
the RA MFA Vladimir Karapetian.
To recap, according to the August 24 issue of the daily “Azg”, Russia
intends to open the Verin Lars border pass for 10 days. The same source
reported that Georgian mass media explained this intention of Russia
by “the circumstance of providing the Armenians who are on the on the
border with the opportunity to reach Armenia through Georgia”. At
the same time, it was noted that as the Georgian newspaper “Akhali
Taoba” put it, “the Russian side’s decision to open the border pass
for Armenians was taken as an offence by the Georgian authorities
that refused to open the border pass from their side.”
To recap, Russia closed the Verin Lars border pass during the first
ten days of July, explaining this step by the necessity to carry out
repairs. NT was informed on July 10 from the press service of the
RA Ministry of Transport and Communication that the border pass will
open no sooner than in a month.

ANALYST OF “IRAVUNK” NEWASPAPER: IAC NEVER PRESENTED ACTIUAL REASONS
OF CRASH OF ARMENIAN –320 LINER
Yerevan, August 25. ArmInfo. The Interstate Aviation Committee has
never presented the actual reasons of crash of the Armenian A-320
liner, which was carrying out Yerevan-Sochi flight May 3, the Yerevan
“Iravunk” newspaper writes today. In the opinion of the material
author, the Committee experts tried to blame the Armenian pilots
with which the Head of “Armavia” Company, Mikhail Baghdasarov,
categorically disagrees. In one his interview, Baghdasarov said:
“It is very easy to blame the pilots as they had died and there is no
witness”. Reading the IAC conclusion, one can make a conclusion that
the Armenian pilot started to make mistakes just from doing nothing.
What the IAC tries to represent us, is wrong”, Baghdasarov said.
According to “Iravunk” newspaper, a rather strange and awful situation
forms. In fact, the main purpose of the crash reasons investigation
was not punishment of the guilty but clarification of the crash
reasons. So, several months later after the air crash, the “Armavia”
owner does not know if he is guilty or not and if yes, what is his
fault and what to do for what happened not to repeat again.
The IAC conclusion had to give answers to these questions, which did
not happen. Moreover, the investigation of the air crash reasons
is evidently transferred to the political field and not without
IAC participation. Possibly, the delayed investigation of the crash
reasons became a reason of the followed crashes of A-310 in Irkutsk
and TU-154 under Donetsk, the author of the material said.

BAKU PLOTTING ATTACK AGAINST ARMENIAN DIASPORA AND MEDIATORS
By Gayane Movsessian
Yerkir.am
August 18, 2006
Baku has discovered a new scapegoat for its diplomatic failures –
the Armenian Diaspora.
The activities of the Armenian Diaspora aimed at moral and material
support to the policies of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh Republic have
been bothering Azerbaijan and Turkey for a long time. The latter have
been trying to oppress politically and economically the two Armenian
states for more than ten years.
There are very few people in Baku who do not talk about the
“omnipresent and omnipotent Armenian lobby”. The Azeris have been
trying in vain to mobilize their nationals living abroad for the
benefit of the homeland.
At last, Ilham Aliyev decided to mobilize his diplomats against the
successors of those who survived the Turkish yataghan and escaped to
different parts of the world from the Western Armenia. At a meeting
with representatives of diplomatic missions in Baku Aliyev expressed
his concern that the international community’s sympathy lies with
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. He demanded that all Azeri diplomats
exert their best efforts to change the situation.
“We have to launch an information attack and reveal the true nature of
Armenia’s policies,” Aliyev stated expressing his discontent with the
fact that the Azeri diplomacy fails to counter the activities of the
Armenian Diaspora and change the international community’s sympathy
towards Azerbaijan. “The international community sympathizes with
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh,” Aliyev stated in a very nervous manner
and demanded that his diplomats do everything to change this situation.
One can easily make guesses as to how this will be achieved: the
Azeri propaganda machine will most likely increase the flow of lies
and dirt poured against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh Republic in
an attempt to present Azerbaijan as “the unfortunate victim of the
Armenian aggression”. Baku does not seem to care that Azerbaijan,
with its population of 7-8 million people, its oil reserves and
increasing wealth, sounds ridiculous because of its constant weeping
and complaints against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh Republic and its
tendency of accusing everyone for its failures.
OSCE Minsk Group might become another target for activation of Azeri
diplomacy. At the same meeting with the Azeri diplomats a proposal was
made that USA, Russia and France chair the Minsk Group on a rotation
basis. Of course, the proposal was not made with the purpose of making
the negotiation process more efficient. On the contrary, the Azeri
diplomats are looking for a scapegoat to blame for the failures in
the Karabakh negotiation process. Official Baku believes USA, Russia
and France can be such scapegoats. It is interesting to know who will
be the first one?

JAPANESE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES GRANT TO ARMENIAN NGO FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-LANDSLIDE PROGRAMS
Armenpress
YEREVAN, AUGUST 18, ARMENPRESS: The Japanese government is going to
provide 80,254 USD grant to the Armenian “Mkhitar Gosh” NGO for the
implementation of anti-landslide programs in the Armenian provinces
of Tavush and Gegharkunik.
The document of providing the grant was signed today at the Foreign
Ministry by the second secretary of the Japanese embassy in Armenia
Yukiko Mizuno and head of the “Mkhitar Gosh” NGO Lena Arzumanian.
Mizuno said that the Japanese government highlights the implementation
of anti-landslide programs. Before providing the grant, preliminary
studies and experimental programs were carried out in Gosh and Martuni
communities which showed that there exists a necessity of fighting
against landslides.
The second secretary said that overall the Japanese government has
provided 1.6 million USD within the framework of which 18 programs
have been carried out in Armenia.
The head of the NGO said that the funds provided by the grant will
be directed towards the implementation of tree-planting and drainage
works.

WASHINGTON BACKS TURKISH TROOP PRESENCE IN LEBANON
The New Anatolian, Turkey
Aug. 17, 2006
The U.S. on Tuesday backed the possible deployment of Turkish troops
in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon but also stressed
that it’s a decision Ankara has to make based on its national interests
and own foreign policy guidelines.
In a move to encourage Turkey in this issue, U.S. Assistant Secretary
of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch also expressed
Washington’s great confidence in the Turkish military, citing his
country’s experience in working with Turkey in such peacekeeping
operations.
Welch made the remarks at a press conference when asked about the
U.S.’ position on Turkey’s potential contribution to the force and
the reasons for Ankara’s cautious stance on deploying Turkish troops
in the region.
“We consider that the first most important step to be taken now for
implementation of the UN resolution is that the parties observe a
cessation of hostilities. Second, the United Nations rapidly should
form the new elements to be added to the existing UN Interim Force in
Lebanon [UNIFIL] so that those are prepared as quickly as possible
to deploy into Lebanon to help UNIFIL do its job pursuant to this
new resolution,” Welch said while listing other reasons for Turkey
to send the troops.
“The present resolution authorizes the composition of a new and
enhanced UNIFIL. A second resolution is out there as a possibility
should it be necessary to have an additional mandate for United
Nations activity. But presently there’s sufficient legal authority
under international law to do what is necessary to make the new force,”
he added.
Armenian lobby urges Bush to block Turkish troop deployment
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) yesterday urged
U.S. President George W.Bush to block Turkey deploying troops in
Lebanon in a letter sent to the president.
The letter, which is signed by the head of ANCA (an umbrella Armenian
lobby which gathers various radical Armenian groups) Ken Hachikian,
claimed that the deployment of Turkish troops in the region would be
contrary to the U.S.’ national interests and would undermine efforts
to ensure permanent peace in the region.
Reiterating the Armenian genocide claims, ANCA also claimed in its
letter that the Ottoman Empire ruled the Middle East for centuries
through violence. “Turkey’s presence in Lebanon will only make the
situation in the region worse,” the letter also asserted.
There’s a sizable Armenian minority living in Lebanon.
In related news, the Greek lobby the American Hellenic Institute
has also reportedly sent letter to the White House against a Turkish
contribution to the peacekeeping force.

LARGE AMOUNT OF STALE MEDICINES IN ARMENIA
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 10, 2006
YEREVAN, August 10 /ARKA/. A large amount of stale medicines is kept in
Armenia, stated Chairman of the Standing Commission for Social Affairs,
Health and Nature Protection, RA Parliament, Mnatsakan Petrosyan at his
meeting with Director of the Medecins sans Frontieres Christer Terling.
“The stale medicines have mainly been accumulated since the devastating
earthquake in 1988 and have become a serious problem for us,”
he said. Petrosyan reported that the Armenian Parliament is now
considering a bill “On medicines”.
In his turn, Terling informed Petrosyan that a plant reclaiming stale
medicines was constructed in Bosnia with partial sponsorship of the
Medicins sans Frontieres organization.
Petrosyan proposed the construction of an identical plant with
the organization’s sponsorship in Armenia. Terling expressed his
willingness to support this project.

DOES ARMENIA WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH TURKEY?
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
Aug. 9, 2006
Armenia is trying to be close with Turkey. Regnum News-Agency referring
to the document entitled Armenian commitments within the framework
of the Individual Partnership with NATO, placed in web-site of the
Ministry of Defence of Armenia informed. The document says that the
main purpose of Armenian foreign policy is a full-fledged integration
to European structures, and also aiming at being close with NATO,
it intends to activate practical and political cooperation with the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The document highlights that allegedly “in the point of relations with
neighbors Armenia desires stability and security in the region as well
as a constructive development and improving of these relations. Armenia
makes efforts aiming at peace regulation of the Nagorno-Garabagh
conflict and will assist the OSCE Minsk Group.”
It is noteworthy that “Armenia provided to be aimed at regulating
of relations with Turkey and will be consistent with regulation of
a constructive dialogue with Turkey, including relations with Turkey
for these purposes.” The document affirms so.
It is appropriate mention that Armenia is a military-strategic partner
of Russia, a member of the Organization of Treaty for Collective
Security, and also a military bastion of Russia in the South
Caucasus. Because making a curtsey towards the European structures,
particularly NATO, can mean the policy of double standards. While
NATO-Russian relationship develops not simple and Russia has been
always against NATO enlargement to the East, Armenian foreign policy
looks hypocritical and double-faced. The statement that Armenia
will assist the OSCE Minsk Group causes distrust, as its destructive
position and desire to keep status quo is also available.
Armenian’ desire “to be consistent with regulation of a constructive
dialogue with Turkey” within the context of the demands of recognition
of “Armenian genocide”, and consequently, demands of compensation
from Turkey, are beneath criticism, in general.
–Boundary_(ID_epXW9h9fbl/uqM3JXya92w)–

EXHIBITION ABOUT DISPLACED EUROPEANS OPENS IN BERLIN
Agence France Presse — English
August 9, 2006 Wednesday 4:45 PM GMT
An exhibition about Europeans displaced, deported and expelled during
the 20th century opens in Berlin on Thursday amid concerns that it
will minimise the Nazis’ role.
The exhibition, titled “Paths unchosen”, is being mounted by a
foundation created by the powerful Federation of the Expelled.
The federation represents some 14 million Germans who were forced to
leave their homes in eastern Europe from 1944 as the Soviet Red Army
advanced and the Third Reich began crumbling.
Poland and the Czech Republic have warned against any initiative that
could give rise to compensation claims from these Germans against
the countries they were forced to leave.
The Czech Republic has repeatedly baulked at giving special recognition
to the three million Germans who were expelled from the Sudetenland
along the German-Czech border at the end of World War II under the
Benes decrees.
The organisers, the Centre Against Expulsion, has taken care to
highlight the plight of other Europeans who were displaced by conflict,
not only by Nazism, but in Armenia, the Balkans and Poland.
But they are courting controversy by describing the exhibition as
a first step towards creating a centre in Germany to document the
plight of victims of expulsion.
Critics of such a move include former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
They have warned that it could put undue emphasis on the German
victims, thereby diverting attention from the fact that it was Nazi
Germany that began the war in the first place.
Poland is bitterly opposed to the idea of a German-based centre and
there have been suggestions that it would be more appropriate to
honour the displaced in a joint European project spread out over
several capitals.
The deputy president of the Bundestag, Wolfgang Thierse, told AFP:
“We want a project which takes place in accord with our European
partners and not against their will.”
The exhibition at the Kronprinzenpalast runs until the end of October.

CALIFORNIA STATE SENATORS CHARLES POOCHIGIAN AND JOSEPH SIMITIAN TO
INTORDUCE RESOLUTION ON DESIGNATING SEPT 21 AS ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Armenpress
YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, ARMENPRESS: California State Senators Charles
Poochigian (R-Fresno) and Joseph Simitian (D-Palo Alto) decided to
introduce a resolution in the State Senate designating September 21,
2006 as “Armenian Independence Day.”
A similar resolution will also be introduced in the State Assembly
by Majority Leader Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) and Assembly Member
Greg Aghazarian (R-Stockton), making California the first state to
mark the anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
Both resolutions recognize September 21, as “A Day of Celebration
of the California-Armenia Relationship,” and encourage the people
of California to recognize the many talents, achievements, and
contributions that Californians of Armenian heritage make.
The resolutions also note that California is home to the largest
population of Armenians in the U.S., and state, “those citizens have
enriched California through leadership in the fields of academia,
medicine, business, agriculture, government, and the arts, and are
proud patriotic practitioners of the American citizenship.”