Author: Karapetian Hovik

GIBRAHAYER
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PASTOR SHOCKS TURKISH TV VIEWERS BY BOLD REMARKS ON GENOCIDE

By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier

Even though the Turks are supposed to be on their best behavior in
order to convince the Europeans that they are civilized enough to join
the
European Union, they are still extremely intolerant of anyone who dares
to
bring up the taboo subject of the Armenian Genocide.
Last month, when Orhan Pamuk, an internationally-known Turkish
novelist, boldly told a foreign reporter that one million Armenians were
killed around 1915, just about all Turkish commentators, historians
(government-paid propagandists) and politicians severely condemned the
writer for making such a statement. A radical Turkish group even called
for
the murder of this `traitor.’ Furthermore, a Turkish publisher is being
prosecuted by the government for releasing the Turkish translation of an
English language book that urges the acknowledgment of the Armenian
Genocide. Around six months ago, in the midst of trying to qualify for
the
start of membership talks to join the EU, the Turkish Parliament adopted
a
new law that makes it a crime for anyone to acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide. If this is how the Turkish government is acting, while trying
to
impress the Europeans, imagine what it would do if its actions were not
under scrutiny!
Given all the controversy this issue has generated within Turkey,
the
Turkish `Flash TV’ decided to air earlier this month a five-hour live
talk
show on the Armenian Genocide. The host of the program requested that
the
Armenian Patriarchate send a represen tative to take part in this show.
However, the Patriarchate refused to participate by saying that it did
not
have an expert on the subject to be discussed. The host then invited
Rev.
Krikor Aghabaloghlu, the outspoken and courageous pastor of a local
Armenian
evangelical church, to present `the Armenian point of view.’ Rev.
Aghabaloghlu is a well-known activist who has already been jailed once
for
challenging the confiscation of his church’s property by the Turkish
government.
While there have been many talk shows on the Armenian issue, no one
has
ever dared to go on Turkish TV and repeatedly assert in a bold and
brazen
manner, as Rev. Aghabaloghlu did, that there is no doubt a genocide was
committed against the Armenians. Both Hulki Jevizoglu, the host of the
show,
and his main guest, historian Mehmet Saray were dumb-founded and
tongue-tied
by the Armenian clergyman’s unexpectedly outspoken remarks. In a very
calm
and congenial manner, and with always a smile on his face, Pastor
Aghabaloghlu said on national Turkish TV that all Turks in Anatolia know
the
truth about the Armenian Genocide. He said that no one dared to talk
about
this subject and that anyone who had the courage to speak about it, is
called a traitor, condemned by the media, taken to court, and sent to
jail.
Despite all attempts to shut him up during the show, Rev.
Aghabaloghlu
kept on insisting that as a clergyman he has the obligation to tell the
truth. When asked to back up his comments, he said that he knew the
facts
first-hand from the experiences of his own family. Besides, he added,
there
is plenty of evidence for the Genocide in thousands of books and that
everyone knew that the Armenians in Anatolia were the victims of
Genocide.
Otherwise, he said, what did happen to the Armenians inhabiting
that
region? Did they evaporate? Did they decide to migrate en masse? Are
there
any Armenians left in Anatolia?
Making the Turks even angrier, Rev. Aghabaloghlu said that since
Armenians are mistreated in Turkey today, one can only imagine how much
worse their treatment must have been back then under the Ottoman Empire?
Mehmet Saray, the Turkish historian, was so enraged by the Armenian
clergyman’s assertions that he kept asking the host of the show, `where
did
you find this man?’ Saray said he would have refused to appear on the
show
if he had known that he would take part in such a `low quality’
discussion
and that his years of research and his books on this issue would be
ignored.
When a viewer from Erzeroum called to say that mass graves of Turks
were recently uncovered, Rev. Aghabaloghlu immediately retorted: `How do
you
know that these bones did not belong to Armenians?’
This astounding conversation, broadcast live to millions of Turkish
viewers, went on until the wee hours of the morning.
Rev. Aghabaloghlu is the courageous shepherd not only of his own
flock,
but that of all Armenians in Turkey who dare not to speak out fearing
for
their lives! The good pastor risked his life by making such bold remarks
on
a taboo subject in Turkey. European Union officials should warn the
Turkish
government that Turkey’s EU membership prospects would be seriously
jeopardized should anything happen to this brave Armenian servant of God
who, as he says, has an obligation to tell the truth!

HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISER TO THE PM OF TURKEY RESIGNS
By Jonny Dymond 25 March 05 – BBC News, Istanbul – The chairman of the
Turkish prime minister’s human rights advisory board has confirmed to
the
BBC that he will resign from his post. Yavuz Onen, who is leaving with
five
others, has bitterly criticised the attitude of the Turkish government
towards human rights.
His departure is an embarrassment for the government.
It has worked hard over the last three years to persuade the world
its
attitude to human rights has changed.
The advisory board and the government had clashed before, following
a
report from the board which criticised the country’s attitude towards
its
minorities and questioned some of the fundamentals of Turkey’s
constitution.
The government effec tively ignored it; at one point, locking it
out of
its own offices.
Mr Onen complained that he and 30 other members of the board had
tried
to get to see the foreign minister, but with no success.

No consultation
He condemned what he called the government’s insincere attitude towards
human rights and its lack of consultation with the board.
The resignation of Mr Onen and five other members of the board
comes at
a time when Turkey’s human rights record is once again under the
spotlight.
The EU, which has given Turkey a date for membership negotiations
to
start, has made it clear that those negotiations are contingent upon
continuing human rights improvements.
Many were deeply shocked by pictures of women demonstrators being
assaulted by the police earlier this month in Istanbul.
And human rights groups in the sout h-east of the country have told
the
BBC that the situation there has got worse in the last few months.

TWELVE TRIBAL LEADERS OF SYRIA ARRIVE IN YEREVAN
28.03.2005 YEREVAN (YERKIR) – A delegation comprised of the leaders of
12
Arab tribes inhabiting in northeastern Syria, accompanied by
representatives
of the Armenian Church’s Beria Prelacy, arrived in Yerevan on Monday,
Dashnaktsoutiun press service reported.
Armenian National Assembly’s Dashnaktsoutiun faction secretary
Hrair
Karapetian and Bureau’s Hay Tad and Political Affairs Office director
Giro
Manoyan met the honorable guests at Yerevan’s Zvartnotz airport.
The influential tribal leaders, some of whom reside in Saudi
Arabia,
Jordan, Iraq and Qatar, are in Armenia to take part in the events
commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, pay tribute
to
the Genocide victims and once again remind the world of the vicious
crime,
the perpetrators of which are still tryi ng to deny it.
Their hospitable ancestors gave refuge to the fragments of the
Armenians who had miraculously survived in the Genocide; today, many of
those Armenians and their heirs still live side-to-side with the
friendly
Arab people and enjoy equal rights.

VAHAN BEDELIAN
In Artsagang’s March 2005 issue, Asdghig Tavitian reviews the newly
published biography of Music Master Vahan Bedelian, who taught the likes
of
internationally acclaimed violinists, Manouk Parikian (soloist with the
Liverpool Philharmonic), Haroutune Bedelian (B.B.C Prize Winner) and
Levon
Chilingirian (of the Chilingirian Quartet).
Bedelian also taught at the Melkonian for 35 years,
Melikian-Ouzounian
elementary school for 50 years, the English School for 15, the Turkish
Lycee
for ten and the Cyprus National Conservatory for 50.
In every school he taught Bedelian formed orchestras, bands and
choirs.
He was a lso the Choir Master of the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Choir for more
than
six decades. He started serving the Armenian Church at the age of six in
his
home town of Adana – Cilicia.
He was a composer of several songs and hymns.
He was decorated by the Queen of England with a Coronation Medal,
by
The Catholicos Khoren of Cilicia with the Order of Knighthood of Cilicia
and
was honoured by the Government of Cyprus for his multidimensional
contribution to the cultural life of Cyprus. He was known as “The father
of
Music of Cyprus”.
The book – that has been written by former Melkonian Principal
Antranik
Dakessian – will be available in Cyprus soon.
The Melkonian Alumni and the Oshakan Cyprus Chapter of the
Hamazkayin
Cultural and Educational Association are co-organising a Book-Launch and
a
cultural evening dedicated to Vahan Bedelian in spring.
; Follow Gibrahayer e-magazine and the Cyprus Armenian printed
media on
how to obtain your own copy, which parallel to Vahan Bedelian’s
biography is
also a testimony on the history and evolution of the Armenian community
of
Cyprus.
The book includes interesting and rare documents and photographs.

RECOMMENDED SITE

Turkish Parliamentarians are preparing to formally challenge the
authenticity of the 1916 British Parliamentary Blue Book on the Armenian
Genocide, the Gomidas Institute (UK) reported on Tuesday. As part of
their
formal challenge, they intend to send a delegation to make
representations
to the Houses of Parliament.

You are invited to read
The website of the Armenians in the Middle East.

California Court case Postponed
Today was due to be the date of the Court hearing in the case brought
about
by the Istanbul Patriarch against the AGBU, has at the last minute been
postponed, without any explanation.
The California Alumni & Friends website, simply states
The AGBU Hearing March 15th, at 9:15AM
Court date postponed. New date will be announced as soon as it is final.
As informative as ever
* Has there been some sort of behind the scenes deal?
* Have they (the AGBU) seen the error of their ways and given up?
* Has the court postponed it due to lack of time or on legal grounds?

Considering the overall secrecy of this whole case, anything co uld have
happened.
I suppose time will tell, let’s wait and see……

more from the savemelkonian.org website
Main Page
– Students handing over the cheque for tsunami relief to Mrs.
Panayiotou,
the Director of UNICEF in Cyprus
Diary section
– One court case postponed another couple on their way?
– Church, Ramgavars and the AGBU
– AGBU discontinues Hayatsk

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TATIANA’S CORNER
This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage
awareness
and interest toward our community’s everyday happenings.

NEWS IN BRIEF
* A drunk Jewish man assaulted two Armenian priests near the Church of
the
Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem’s Old City on Easter Sunday night.
* Writer Orhan Pamuk’s books along with flags of the outlawed Kurdistan
Workers’ Party were burned during a flag display demonstration on Sunday
in
Bilecik, 313 kilometers west of Ankara.
* A car belonging to the chief of the Armenian customs Armen Avetisian,
was
rocked by an explosion early on Thursday in what law-enforcement
authorities
see as a botched attempt on the influential official’s life. No
casualties
were reported.
* TURKEY has enlisted the help of a United States historian Justin
McCarthy,
as part of its campaign to counter Armenian efforts for world-wide
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
* With the initiative of ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Nikol Aghpalian student
Association about 30 youth and student organizations of Armenia sent a
letter on Thursday to the organisers of the concert featuring Russian
singer
Philip Kirkorov demanding that they cancel it, as they claim, he had has
cursed an Armenian journalist and had spoken of her origin in a
derogative
way.
* Electricity supply to 19 villages of Vayots Dzor region cut due to
heavy
snowfall has been restored.
* Kilikia” sailing boat, that visited Cyprus last summer presently
stationed
in Venice St.Lazzaro Island, will start its second four-month sailing on
May
9, 2005.
* Armenia moved above Andorra at the bottom of the group with a 2-1 win
in
Yerevan in the qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Cyprus take
on
Switzerland tonight.
* California youth will embark on a 215-mile 19-day walk to raise
awareness
about the unpunished crime of genocide committed against the Armenian
people
between 1915 and 1921.

MEET THE YOUNG SKI CHAMP
Meet Yannos Kouyoumdjian. He is eight years old, a student of
Nareg
Armenian elementary school and he is already familiar with concepts
like
practice schedules, giving 150% and being a champion.
You can all be sure that we will hear from this young man, often.
We
certainly will write about him and share his achievements with our
readers.
Yannos recently won a Pancyprian under 12 Ski Championship that
took
place in Troodos North Face Slope. In the giant slalom category he came
first among 30 participants, most of whom were older than him.
Yannos is a true champion. If the snow falls short on the Cyprus
mountains, he probably would do just as well in either soccer or tennis.
I
certainly hope he choses the latter.

g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r

* The committee of the Armenian Club of Larnaca invites you to a Lecture
on
Saturday 2nd April at 5:00 pm at the Nareg Armenian School in Larnaca.
Interpretation of ROBIN SHARMA’S “THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI” By
Avedis
Avedissian (lecture in Armenian). Tea and cakes after the lecture.

* MUSICAL LUNCH – Sunday 3rd April 1:00 pm – Larnaca Armenian Club. Live
Armenian Mu sic – Delicious Food and All Inclusive Drinks Participation:
7
CYP & 3 CYP for children. Sign Up:Mihran Boyadjian 24655139 99372274 –
Vart
Karageulian 24659245 Armenian Cultural Event ` Dance & Poetry April 8 ,
2005
at 7:30 pm, MEI Auditorium. Organised by the AGBU ` Melkonian
Educational
Institute with the participation of Melkonian Students. Organised by
Areta
Keshishian. Dance Instructor: Ashot Ordinian

* The “Sipan” Dance Group of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association
of Cyprus will be presenting the Musical Performance of Toumanyian
“Famous
Children’s Stories” on Sunday April 10, 2005 at 7:30 pm at PASIDY
Auditorium.

* Homenetmen London Presents: In commemoration of the 90th anniversary
of
the Armenian Genocide, a lecture: REMEMBER OUR PAST, EDUCATE OUR
FUTURE-The
Armenian Genocide by Public International Lawyer Dr Harry Hagopian.
Date:
16th April 2005. Place: Acton High School, Gunnersbury Lane, Acton W3
8EY
Time: 15:30pm for 16:00pm sharp start. For further information contact:
Armineh Gasparian at 07775 504 569 or by e-mail on
[email protected]

* Armenian Cypriot artist Nanor Tashdjian will be exhibiting her works
in
Cardiff, Wales. from April 12 – April 21, 2005 at the Temple of Peace,
Cathays Park.(Tel 02920 228549) The exhibition, entitled “The Battle
Field”
is partly a reflection by Nanor on her background. She was born during
the
Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and identifies strongly with her
grandparents,
orphaned during the genocide. The exhibition will be held in the foyer
of
the entrance to the Temple of Peace, from April 12 -21 from 9.00 a.m.
till
5.00p.m.(not the weekend). The exhibition will culminate in a
Commemorative
meeting at The Temple of Peace (up stairs Council Committee room) at
7.00
p.m. on Wednesday, 20th April.This will be the fifth Welsh National
Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, organised by Wales-Armenia
Solidarity , in co-operation with CRAG, London. Taking part will
Caerphilly
Labour Councillor and Human Rights campaigner Ray Davies and other
politicians and the well-known poet Mike Jenkins of Merthyr. He will
read
his poem “Komitas”. Another Welsh poet Chris Williams will read hos poem
“Horseshoes” inspired by the reading of “The Burning Tigris” All the
major
Christian Churches will be represented. This meeting will emphasise once
again that the Welsh Political, Cultural and Religious establishment has
no
sympathy with the British Government denial of the genocide..

* Pancyprian Commemoration of APRIL 24 9OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE. Saturday April 23, 2005 – Picture Exhibition at Eleftheria
Square
from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. At 7:00 pm March on Armenia street leading up to
the
Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church where a Memorial Service will be held. Keynote
speaker Dr.Antranik Ashdjian.
April 24, 2005. Holy Mass at Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church followed by
Memorial
Service at The Genocide Monument. More details in next week’s issue of
Gibrahayer e-magazine.

* The “Timag” Theatre Company of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter is getting ready for its annual
performance which will take place on Sunday May 8, 2005 at 8:30 pm (note
the
new date) at PASIDY. This year’s performance will be Yervant Odian’s
“Ser ou
Dzidzagh”.

* Armenian musical duo of Jean Davidian and Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian
perform at the Palm Beach Hotel in Larnaca twice a week starting from
April
2005.

* Commemoration of The Armenian Genocide ` 90th Anniversary April 20,
2005
at 7:30 pm, MEI Auditorium. Organised by the AGBU ` Melkonian
Educational
Institute with the participation of Melkonian Students.

* Gathering on the occasion of the visit of the Chairperson of the
Central
Executive of the Armenian Relief Society (HOM), organised by the Cyprus
“Sosse” Chapter, on Wednesday 4 May, 2005.

* Lecture by Peter Balakian on Friday May 20, 2005 organised by The
Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association Cyprus “Oshakan”
Chapter.

* Cyprus Dart Championships. AYMA/HMEM is participating in the Cyprus
Dart
League with home matches being played every other Thursday at AYMA.

* AYF Badanegan Mioutian get-togethers take place on Saturday at 3:30 pm
at
AYMA. Contact Vartoog Karageulian on 24-659245.

* Practices of the “Sipan” Dance Group of Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association of Cyprus for the Musical Performance of
Toumanyian
“Famous Children’s Stories” take place as follows: Every Friday and
Sunday
at 5:30 pm and every Saturday at 4:30 pm

* AYMA/HMEM Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from 7:00
–
8:30 pm for children starting from the age of 7. Contact Krikor
Mahdessian
on 99650897.

* AYMA/HMEM Table Tennis practices take place every Saturday from 5:30
pm
under the guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion Sirvart Costanian. Classes for
all
ages.

* AYF meetings every Wednesday at 9:00 pm at AYMA.

* AYMA/HMEM Football team practices take place every Thursday at 7:30
pm.

* For more details of the next Bible Study Class organised by the
Armenian
Prelature at the Vahram Utudjian Hall of The Armenian Prelature call
Father
Momik Habeshian direct on 99 307966 or at the Prelature Office on 22
493560
email [email protected]

* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation via real
audio
on . Broadcast 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus time
(14:00-15:00
GMT)

* The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permits for the
Armenian
Cemetery visitations at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, are on Sunday
April 3 and 17, 2005.

* Every Wednesday from 7-8 pm (Cyprus time + 2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito,
Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blue”. Internet edition on

Interfax
March 29 2005

Karabakh talks hampered by Baku’s militant statements – Armenian
minister

YEREVAN. March 29 (Interfax) – Armenia and Azerbaijan have some
points in common in regards to the settlement of the conflict of
Nagorno-Karabakh, but the sides are far from hammering out a common
position for solving the problem, said Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanian.

“There is the desire to settle the conflict on our part, but the
militant statements on the Azerbaijani side and, in particular,
[Azerbaijani President] Ilkham Aliyev’s recent remark to the effect
that he does not see any chance for a compromise in solving the
problem of Nagorno-Karabakh causes concern,” Oskanian told the press
at hearings on Nagorno-Karabakh at the Armenian parliament on
Tuesday.

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 28 2005

UN to mull OSCE fact-finding mission’s report

Baku, March 26, AssA-Irada

The OSCE fact-finding mission’s report on the illegal settlement of
Armenians in the occupied regions of Azerbaijan will be discussed at
the 60th session of the UN General Assembly in September.
Azerbaijan has submitted its proposals for the agenda of the session
to the United Nations, says Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.
The OSCE fact-finding mission held monitoring in the occupied regions
of Azerbaijan from January 30 till February 5 after the situation in
the occupied territories of Azerbaijan was discussed at the UN
General Assembly.*

Turkish Daily News
March 26 2005

Putin says ready to work with Kyrgyz opposition
Saturday, March 26, 2005

YEREVAN – Reuters

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he was ready to
cooperate with the Kyrgyz opposition and would not object if ousted
Kyrgyz leader Askar Akayev sought refuge in Russia.
Putin, on a visit in Armenia, also said he hoped the Kyrgyz
opposition would soon have the situation under the control.

“We know these people (the opposition) pretty well and they have
done quite a lot to establish good relations between Russia and
Kyrgyzstan,” Putin told reporters. “For its part, Russia will do its
best to keep up the current level of relations between the states and
improve relations between the people.”

Considerable problems:The chairman of Europe’s leading security
organization said on Friday in Pridtina there are considerable
problems with establishing order and power structures in Kyrgyzstan.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
Chairman-in-office Dimitrij Rupel said the organization does not
favor any party following the ouster of Akayev.

“My information tells me that there are of course some considerable
problems with establishing order and power structures in Kyrgyzstan,”
said Rupel, who is also a Slovenia’s foreign minister.

“I think that the signs that we have been receiving from Kyrgyzstan
are clear enough,” he said. “Kyrgyzstan wants to reach a state of
democratic, fully operational, viable and prosperous country.”

Rupel made the comments following a meeting with Kosovo’s Prime
Minister Bajram Kosumi. He is on a one-day visit to this disputed
U.N. run province, where he also met with the President Ibrahim
Rugova.

EU urges Kyrgyz people to behave responsibly :The European Union
urged Kyrgyz citizens on Friday to avoid violence and restore law
following a quick coup, in which the opposition seized power in the
former Soviet republic.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana made the appeal after
discussing the situation in the impoverished Asian country with
officials of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe
(OSCE), Solona’s spokeswoman said.

“The high representative strongly appealed to the people of
Kyrgyzstan to behave responsibly, to ease restoration of law and
order throughout the country and to refrain from violence and
looting,” Cristina Gallach said.

Solana’s cautious reaction contrasted with a statement made by the
European Parliament’s socialist group, which welcomed “the opening of
the path to democracy in the country after the opposition took
control of Akayev’s palace.

“We now call for engagement by the European Union in stabilising
the democratic process in the country and we hope that this will be
done in a peaceful context,” the group’s vice president, Jan Marinus
Wiersma, said in a statement.

“After Georgia and Ukraine, this is another example of people
claiming their democratic rights. This is an ongoing process in that
part of the former Soviet Union,” he added.

Darchinyan vows to unleash the power
By Peter Kogoy

The Australian
March 26 2005

March 26, 2005 — JEFF FENECH cranked up the pre-fight propaganda
machine last night by claiming his prized flyweight boxer Vic
Darchinyan fears nobody in or out of the ring.

For those who aren’t familiar with Darchinyan, there is a body
pad hanging on the side of the Team Fenech gymnasium in the Sydney
suburb of Marrickville with a handwritten inscription which reads:
“Everyone must wear a body protector when sparring Vic”.

Fenech needed little reminding of the fact local fans are expecting
nothing less than an impressive win from Darchinyan in his first
defence of the IBF flyweight crown against South African Mzukisi
Sikali at the NSW State Sports Centre tomorrow night.

“He will do the job,” Fenech said last night.

Sikali, 33, is a tough opponent with a 29-2 record. He has not been
beaten since June, 1999.

“He’s a good, smart fighter, Darchinyan said. “He can run in the ring,
but he can’t run away from me.

“Pacheco was a great champion, very strong and very tough, but people
will see that I am an even stronger fighter tomorrow night. I will
show all of Australia what I can do and how good I am.”

Darchinyan, four years Sikali’s junior, joined the Fenech camp in 2000
after fighting at the Sydney Olympic Games for Armenia. He turned
professional the same year after an amateur record of 152 wins from
170 fights.

Unbeaten in 22 professional fights, including 17 by KO, Darchinyan won
the IBF belt last December by stopping Irene Pacheco in the 11th round.

The world-title fight and undercard featuring Lovemore Ndou and Nedal
“Skinny” Hussein in separate bouts will be shown live on the Main
Event Channel and at participating hotels and clubs through Sky
Channel from 7pm (AEST).

ARMENIANOW.COM SPORTS March 25, 2005
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SPORT DIGEST: SNOW IN YEREVAN DAMPENS FOOTBALL NATIONALS’ PREPARATION FOR ANDORRA

By Suren Musayelyan
ArmenianNow Reporter

FOOTBALL

NATIONAL TEAM: Armenia played a friendly match against Kuwait in Dubai
(United Arab Emirates) on March 18 losing 1-3.

The first half was goalless. Although after the opening 10 minutes
Armenian footballers dominated the field, they could not materialize
their goal scoring chances.

Kuwait scored the first goal in the 27th minute of the second period,
followed by their second at 32.

Armenia’s Hamlet Mkhitaryan scored the guests only goal (handball
penalty) in the 43rd minute of the second half, but it was followed
two minutes later by Kuwait’s capper.

March 26, at 6:00 pm local time, Armenia will play a World Cup 2006
qualifier against Andorra in Yerevan’s Vazgen Sargsyan Republican
Stadium. Then, on March 30, Armenia will play an away qualifier
against Holland.

Armenia head coach Bernard Casoni made public the names of 21
footballers invited for training before the two qualifiers. They
are: Edel Apula Edima Bete (Pyunik), Roman Berezovsky (Dynamo,
Moscow), Sargis Hovsepyan (Pyunik), Robert Arzumanyan (Pyunik),
Alexan Tadevosyan (Pyunik), Karen Dokhoyan (Krilya Sovetov, Samara),
Valeri Alexanyan (Pyunik), Yeghishe Melikyan (Metalurh, Ukraine),
Aghvan Lazarian (Pyunik); Hamlet Mkhitaryan (MPZO, Belarus), Romik
Khachatryan (Ofi, Greece), Karen Alexanyan (Zimbru, Moldova), Rafael
Nazaryan, David Grigoryan (Yesil Bogatir, Kazakhstan), Artavazd
Karamyan (Rapid Bucharesti, Romania), Romeo Jenebyan (Banants),
Armen Shahgelyan (AHD, Lebanon), Aram Voskanyan (Yesil Bogatir,
Kazakhstan), Arman Karamyan (Rapid Bucharesti, Romania), Ara Hakobyan
(Stal, Ukraine) and Galust Petrosyan (Zimbru, Moldova).

Winter-like weather has hampered the national team’s preparations
for Andorra.

“Because of the weather conditions we cannot train for the match
properly,” coach Bernard Casoni told A1+ on Wednesday. “I haven’t had
the opportunity yet to see the degree of each player’s preparedness.”

The coach said he expected only a win in the match against Andorra,
but added: “Andorra is not my concern. My concern is Armenia. Of
course, Andorra are not what they used to be and now they are a good
team that could earn 4 points in two matches against Macedonia.”

International bookmakers, too, highly evaluate Armenia’s chances to
win Andorra. Armenia’s victory has a coefficient of 1.3. Meanwhile,
Andorra’s victory is evaluated at 1 to 8 and a draw at 1 to 4.2.

ARMENIAN CUP: Second leg matches of the 1/8 finals of Armenian Cup 2005
were played on March 19 and 20. The following results were registered:
Kilikia v Arax – 1-1; Shirak v Gandzasar – 2-0; Banants v Abovyan
– 15-0; Pyunik-2 v Esteghlal-Kotayk – 1-2; Pyunik v Mika-2 – 3-1;
Yerevan United v Mika – 1:0; Dynamo-Zenit v Esteghlal-Kotayk-2 – 2-0;
Ararat v Banants-2 – 1-0.

Thus, the following clubs progress to the next stage: Kilikia, Shirak,
Banants, Esteghlal-Kotayk, Pyunik, Mika, Dynamo- Zenit, Ararat.

(source: the press service of the Football Federation of Armenia).

FENCING

World junior fencing championships began in the Austrian city of Linz
on March 23. More than 500 athletes from 45 countries are participating
in the competitions. According to Armenpress, Armenia is represented by
young epee fencers Hakob Saroyan, Edgar Avetisyan and Mikael Ghazaryan.

The Armenian team is coached by Alexan Navasardyan. The tournament
will last till March 30.

TENNIS

According to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) latest
rankings published this week, Argentinian-Armenian David Nalbandian
is ranked No. 9, followed by American-Armenian Andre Agassi, No. 10.

RINGO ANYONE?: ENTHUSIAST POPULARIZES NEW SPORT IN ARMENIA

By Suren Musayelyan ArmenianNow Reporter

As spring ends the winter hibernation, many Armenians find that they
have put on a few kilograms and need the gym.

But is there a simpler way to keep fit?

Petros Marukyan says Ringo might be the answer.

The 42-year-old engineer from Karakert, Armavir marz, has been
promoting this sport in Armenia since 1989 when he first learned
about the game while on a business trip to the Baltic States.

Ringo, which was invented by Polish fencer Wlodzimierz Strzyzewski
in 1959 to help him train for fencing competitions, later grew into
a separate sport with its own following.

The game of ringo is played with a hollow rubber ring with an external
diameter of 17 centimeters and a weight of 160- 165 grams on a 9×18
m court.

It combines elements of volleyball and tennis and can be played by one,
two or three players from each side.

Marukyan , who founded the Ringo Federation in Armenia in 1998,
says that ringo is a perfect sport to keep fit for all with minimum
equipment that one can put together from whatever is at hand.

“People playing ringo develop quick movement, good reaction,
coordination, abrupt motions,” he says. “Besides, ringo is a very
exciting and enthusing game. Once you try it, you’ll understand that
it is good for your health and your spirit.”

Besides, according to Marukyan, people of all ages alike can start
playing ringo from scratch, without any special training. “All you need
is a rubber ring and a line. Children start playing ringo with great
enthusiasm and as they play they grow fond of this sport,” he says.

According to Marukyan, there are a few hundred people regularly
playing ringo in Armenia. This sport has been involved in the official
calendars of sporting events in Armenia since 1999. Local competitions
begin in April-May and last till late autumn.

Ringo in Armenia is more popular in regions than in the capital. It is
played in Baghramyan, Armavir, Talin, Ashtarak, Spitak and other areas.

According to the Federation president, they also participated in a
series of international competitions in Poland and the Czech Republic
where they were supported by the local Armenian communities.

Today, ringo is played in 17 countries and Marukyan is the
Vice-President of the Association of the Ringo Federations in CIS
countries.

He says that when ringo was first entering Armenia it was supported
by sponsors and other people who saw the advantages of this game,
but during the last few years this support has been withdrawn.

“I always say: there is no bad sport, there is a bad approach to
sport,” he says. “Many children who started playing ringo seven
years ago feel frustrated because we have no funds to ensure their
participation in high-level competitions. That’s why some of our
ringo players stopped playing.”

Meanwhile, Marukyan, who designed equipment for the game of ringo that
could be put in one bag and wrote a book about this game in Armenian,
says he is determined to continue to popularize this sport in Armenia.

“I believe that many Armenians will appreciate this sport as they
learn more about it, and with good sponsors we can develop this sport
in Armenia very quickly,” he says.

Fifteen-year-old Melik, who has played ringo for seven years now,
says that he was fascinated by this sport as soon as he first threw
the rubber ring.

Since then Melik has participated in a number of competitions and
made certain achievements in this sport.

“This is a very interesting sport that makes you physically and
psychologically stronger,” he says. “Every time I play ringo I play
with great enthusiasm.”

Marukyan says they will hold the first ringo competition in Armenia
this year in early April.

All those who wish to join in may contact Petros Marukyan directly on
(374) 3375146 or visit the website:
for more information.

uruknet.info, Italy
March 23 2005

Iraqi Resistance Report for events of Tuesday, 22 March 2005

Translated and/or compiled by Muhammad Abu Nasr, member, editorial
board, the Free Arab Voice.

Al-Anbar Province.
Al-Qa’im.

Nine US troops killed in Resistance ambush late Tuesday morning.

About seven masked Iraqi Resistance fighters armed with C5K and RPG7
rocket launchers attacked a column of five US Humvees and one tank at
the intersection at the end of al-Kubaysat Street in the middle of
the city of al-Qa’im on the border with Syria at 11:15 local time
Tuesday morning. Mafkarat al-Islam reported witnesses as saying that
the Resistance fighters completely blew up two American Humvees and
killed nine US troops in the attack, which also left three Resistance
fighters martyred.

US troops returned fire causing great damage to the fronts of three
houses on the street. The correspondent reported seeing US vehicles
hauling away the bodies of the nine dead Americans and two wounded
soldiers from the area, which they left an hour after the attack. The
Americans left Iraqi puppet troops surrounding the zone in which the
attack took place.

A source in the Iraqi puppet “national guard” who reported to the
scene of the attack told Mafkarat al-Islam that the Resistance had
begun to change its attack methods in a way that the Americans were
not expecting. He said that the American forces regard many areas as
particularly dangerous, yet the Resistance does not hit them there,
but rather in areas that the Americans regarded as totally secure and
where they don’t expect any attacks at all.

Hit.

Resistance bombards US base near Hit late Tuesday afternoon.

Iraqi Resistance forces fired 12 heavy mortar rounds into northern
and central parts of the US ‘Ayn al-Asad base in the area of Hit,
west of Baghdad, at 4:15pm Tuesday afternoon, local time. Mafkarat
al-Islam reported that an extremely dense plume of black smoke rose
into the sky after the attack, visible throughout the city. The
Americans called in three helicopters that flew around over the camp
for about an hour.

Al-Fallujah.

Resistance bombards US headquarters in agricultural area near
al-Fallujah Tuesday night.

In a dispatch posted at 7:50pm Tuesday night, Mecca time, Mafkarat
al-Islam reported that about 10 minutes previous the US occupation
headquarters in al-Fallujah was bombarded by Resistance fighters
positioned to the west and north of the US facility.

The correspondent said that at the time he was sending his report,
the bombardment was escalating in force. US helicopters and fighter
planes were flying all over the city in an attempt to get a fix on
the source of the Resistance fire.

The correspondent reported that so far more than nine rockets had
been fired into the US base in the agricultural area.

Ar-Ramadi.

Resistance abducts deputy chief of puppet police in ar-Ramadi.

In a dispatch posted at 5:15pm Mecca time Tuesday afternoon, Mafkarat
al-Islam reported that more than 10 Iraqi Resistance fighters with
light arms attacked a Land Cruiser belonging to the Iraqi puppet
police in the city of ar-Ramadi and forced Muhammad Khalaf, the
deputy chief of puppet police, and three of his aides out of the car.
Witnesses told Mafkarat al-Islam in ar-Ramadi that the Resistance
fighters tied the hands of the captive puppet police officials and
blindfolded them and then took them away to an unknown destination.
Two other Resistance fighters poured gasoline over the police car and
set it ablaze.

Baghdad.

US soldier killed in Resistance bombing in Abu Ghurayb early Tuesday
afternoon.

An Iraqi Resistance bomb exploded in the middle of Shaykh Darri
Street in Abu Ghurayb, 30km west of Baghdad, at about 1pm Tuesday
afternoon, local time. Mafkarat al-Islam reported residents who saw
the explosion as saying that the blast disabled one US Humvee and
killed a US soldier. Three other American troops were wounded. A
member of the Iraqi puppet police confirmed to the correspondent the
toll of one dead, three wounded Americans, adding that the three who
were wounded only suffered light injuries.

Kurdish separatist demands reportedly deadlock talks among US lackeys
on new puppet “government.”

The meetings of Iraqi collaborationist parties that have been taking
place on the grounds of the area around the Republican Palace – known
to the invaders as the “green zone” – have reached an impasse in
their efforts to chose a new puppet president and puppet prime
minister to serve as front men for the US occupation regime.

The correspondent of Mafkarat al-Islam in Baghdad met with Amin
Muhammad, a leader of the Shi’i chauvinist collaborationist “Islamic
Da’wah Party” and asked him about the latest developments in the
on-going discussions between Kurdish collaborators and Shi’i
collaborators – two groups with distinct sectarian objectives under
the umbrella of the American occupation.

Amin Muhammad told Mafkarat al-Islam that the Kurdish demands were
impossible for any Iraqi, whether Sunni or Shi’i, to accept. Muhammad
said that, for example they want to keep the Peshmergah militia
intact, something all the other group leaders oppose, for they feel
it’s not right to have militias inside a state.

Muhammad said, “then they want Kirkuk to be joined to the northern
region and to be considered a Kurdish city. That is a matter full of
many problems, since Kirkuk is a city with Arabs, Turkmen, Armenians,
and Assyrians too. They also demanded that the natural resources in
the north – the oil and natural gas – be put under Kurdish control,
not under the authority of the Iraqi state. That also is something
that no sect or group in Iraq can accept, whoever they are.”

Muhammad went on, “another of their conditions is that the Iraqi army
would not be allowed to enter Kurdish territory, while members of the
Kurdish Peshmergah militia would be permitted to enter and move about
all the provinces of Iraq. They insist on getting three sovereign
cabinet posts – namely the foreign ministry, the ministry of defense,
and the ministry of finance – as well as six other ministries. This
has created problems with the other parties.”

“We told them that the Sunnis in Iraq are still silent and if they
speak they will upset the scales altogether. But still they insisted
on those ministries, despite what we told them about how the Sunnis
must be given some ministries. They rejected that argument saying
that the Kurds themselves are Sunnis,” Muhammad said.

Amin Muhammad went on, “They are playing all their cards. The
negotiations now, and today in particular, have become deadlocked.”
He added that the Kurdish parties have reservations about Ibrahim
al-Ja’fari becoming Prime Minister, for fear that this would create a
religious state, despite all the assurances of pro-American Shi’i
religious authority ‘Ali as-Sistani that he does not believe in the
rule of religious legal scholars. Amin Muhammad said, “that calmed
them down considerably, but they are still not convinced.”

Muhammad concluded saying, “If the Kurds insist on those conditions
of theirs, there won’t be any government formed in the next few days
or even the next few weeks.”

Diyala Province.
Ba ‘qubah.

Resistance bombards US camp near Ba’qubah at noon Tuesday.

Iraqi Resistance forces fired a barrage of rockets into the southern
parts of the US camp located west of the city of Ba’qubah (which is
east of Baghdad) at 12 noon local time Tuesday. The correspondent of
Mafkarat al-Islam in Ba’qubah reported that the southern parts of the
camp are where the US troops are concentrated.

Witnesses said that eight Grad rockets pounded the US camp, which is
set up in what was formerly an Iraqi military headquarters. The
attack ignited fires that raged for about half an hour. US
helicopters were brought in afterwards.

Salman Bak.

Resistance targets US Marines with high explosive bomb.

A high-explosive Iraqi Resistance bomb exploded by a US armored
vehicle in downtown Salman Bak, 35km south of Baghdad at 10am Tuesday
morning. Mafkarat al-Islam reported a US Marine corporal who gave his
name as “Chistopher” saying that the Resistance had planted a
home-made bomb by the side of the road that blew up as his patrol was
searching for members of al-Qa’idah. He said that the blast severely
wounded five US Marines.

A captain in the puppet so-called “Iraqi national guard” reported
that the blast killed seven US troops instantly and totally destroyed
a US armored vehicle.

Witnesses confirmed that version, one of them saying, “the explosion
set a big fire burning inside the armored vehicle after blowing it
upside down and sending whole parts of its rear section flying
through the air.”

The correspondent watched US helicopters transport the bodies away
from the site of the blast. American forces called in giant cranes
and big military trucks to haul away the hulk of the armored vehicle.

Babil Province.
Al-Hillah.

Resistance bombing kills four Polish occupation troops Tuesday
morning.

An Iraqi Resistance roadside bomb exploded by a column of Polish
occupation troops on 1920 Revolution Street in central al-Hillah,
south of Baghdad at 5:30am Tuesday morning. The correspondent for
Mafkarat al-Islam reported that the blast destroyed a Polish vehicle
and killed four Polish soldiers instantly, according to a lieutenant
in the city puppet police who was on the scene at the time of the
bombing.

The lieutenant told Mafkarat al-Islam that the blast left a deep
crater in the street forcing traffic to take alternate routes.
Wreckage of the vehicle and blood from the dead soldiers was also
strewn all over the street.

Al-Latifiyah.

Resistance fighter blows up motorbike by US foot patrol in
al-Latifiyah Tuesday afternoon.

An Iraqi Resistance martyrdom fighter driving an explosives-laden
motorcycle blasted into a US foot patrol in downtown al-Latifiyah,
30km south of Baghdad, at 2pm Tuesday afternoon, local time. The
fighter blew himself up along with his motorcycle, killing or
wounding more than 11 US troops.

Witnesses in the area told Mafkarat al-Islam in al-Latifiyah that the
fighter on the motorbike suddenly burst ouf of one of the narrow
alleys onto the main street where a foot patrol of more than 20
heavily armed and equipped US troops was walking. A source in the
puppet police confirmed that the attack had taken place and said that
it resulted in a “large number” of American dead and wounded, but
gave no precise figures.

Ninwa Province.
Mosul.

Resistance car bomber strikes US column in Mosul Tuesday morning.

An Iraqi Resistance car bomb exploded by a US military column in
Mosul at about 9:30am Tuesday morning. The correspondent for Mafkarat
al-Islam reported witnesses as saying that an Iraqi Resistance
martyrdom fighter drove an explosives-laden white Mercedes car broke
into the US column in the overgrown area north of the city, totally
destroying two Humvees and killing all aboard them.

The correspondent was able to get to the scene of the attack and
observed a number of dead US soldiers and the two totally demolished
vehicles. He was unable to ascertain the exact number of American
casualties, however.

Irbil Province.
Irbil.

Four Peshmergah gunmen killed in Resistance bombing in Irbil Tuesday
afternoon.

An Iraqi Resistance bomb that was apparently planted by the side of a
road in the Sarkis neighborhood west of Irbil exploded by a passing
patrol of Peshmergah Kurdish chauvinist gunmen at 3pm Tuesday
afternoon, local time. Witnesses told Mafkarat al-Islam that one
pickup was destroyed and four Peshmergah gunmen were killed in the
attack.

A source in the Peshmergah accused the Ansar al-Islam Resistance
organization of planting the bomb, which, he admitted, killed four
Peshmergah militiamen and destroyed one vehicle. The source added
that the Peshmergah gunmen were now interrogating citizens who live
in the neighborhood who, as he put it, “allowed the ‘terrorists’ to
plant the bomb and did not inform on them.”

Al-Muthanna Province.
As-Samawah.

Resistance bombards Japanese occupation troops camp in as-Samawah.

In a dispatch posted at 2:15pm Mecca time Tuesday afternoon, Mafkarat
al-Islam reported that the Japanese occupation camp in the southern
Iraqi city of as-Samawah was at that moment under mortar bombardment
by the Iraqi Resistance.

The correspondent in as-Samawah reported that four mortar rounds had
so far blasted into the Japanese camp, followed by the sound of
explosions. Sirens wailed within the Japanese camp and could be heard
from far away, witnesses reported.

;l=i&size=1&hd=0

AZERI-ARMENIAN WAR TO BREAK OUT ANY INSTANT, WARNS AZERI PRESIDENT

RIA Novosti
2005-03-21 22:07

BAKU, March 21 (RIA Novosti’s Gherai Dadashev) – An Azeri-Armenian
war may start any day, President Ilkham Aliev of Azerbaijan said
to newsmen.

“A war can break off any instant as there is no peace agreement
between us. There is only a ceasefire, and ceasefire is a very
ticklish matter. There are violations of the arrangement. They run
counter to our interests, as you all know-the achievements we have
made do not force us to break the ceasefire.”

As President Aliev emphasized, Azerbaijan is anxious to see the
Azeri-Armenian issue and the Karabakh conflict peacefully settled. “We
want a peaceful way out of the conflict under the impact of the world
public, and with the Armenian top to take a correct stance on the
issue. If it does not, things will certainly change. We shall talk
on the matter later on.”

PanArmenian News
March 18 2005

NKR FOREIGN MINISTRY REFUTED REPORTS ON MEETING OF ABKHAZIAN,
KARABAKH, SOUTH OSSETIAN AND PREDINESTROVIAN PRESIDENTS

18.03.2005 07:18

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The NKR foreign ministry refuted the reports on the
formal meeting of the Presidents of Abkhazia, Nagorno Karabakh and
South Ossetia Sergey Bagapsh, Arkady Ghukasian and Eduard Koykota
allegedly held in Moscow, Arminfo agency reports. Karabakh Foreign
Minister Arman Melikian stated that the agenda of the NKR foreign
policy does not provide for any meeting of the Abkhazian, Karabakh,
South Ossetian and Pridnestrovian Presidents.

Azerbaijan violating truce to influence peace talks – Armenian aide

Aravot, Yerevan
18 Mar 05

Armenia’s main priority is to ensure strict security guarantees for
the Nagornyy Karabakh people and the recognition of the region’s
independence and self-determination, Armenian presidential adviser
Garnik Isagulyan has said. Nagornyy Karabakh is an independent state
that must be taken into account, he said. Touching on the recent
cease-fire violations on the Armenian-Azerbaijani contact line,
Isagulyan stressed that in order to change the format of the OSCE
Minsk Group and force the Minsk Group to conduct a different policy
with respect to Nagornyy Karabakh, the Azerbaijani party is trying to
show that the situation in the region is unstable and that a
resumption of military actions is possible. He urged Azerbaijan to put
an end to the firefights on the front line. At the same time,
Isagulyan said that the Armenian forces are ready to give an
appropriate response to each attack from the Azerbaijani side. The
following is the text of Margarit Yesayan’s report by Armenian
newspaper Aravot on 18 March headlined “We will defend our
motherland”. Subheadings have been inserted editorially:

Garnik Isagulyan, advisor to the Armenian president, comments on the
cease-fire violations on the contact line between Azerbaijan and the
Nagornyy Karabakh Republic [NKR].

We are ready to defend the country

[Aravot correspondent] Cease-fire violations have lately become
frequent. What impact can such a situation have on the peaceful
settlement of the Karabakh conflict?

[Garnik Isagulyan] It should be noted that no cease-fire violations
from the Armenian party have been registered. As for the Azerbaijani
party, unfortunately, they, including [Azerbaijani President] Ilham
Aliyev, have lately made statements that if the peace talks do not
progress as Azerbaijan expects, that country may start military
actions. It is clear that these fine-sounding statements do not
coincide with today’s balance of forces. Azerbaijanis are well aware
that the balance of forces is not in their favour. Since the beginning
of March up till now, provocations from the Azerbaijani party have
been continuing. Unfortunately, there were casualties and deaths on
both sides. It is great sorrow, each soldier is dear to us. On the
other hand, the country’s defence is at stake, and we are ready for
this. Our forces gave an appropriate response to each attack from the
Azerbaijani party and did not cede a single inch of our territory.

[Correspondent] So, what is the explanation for these calls and acts?

[Isagulyan] We are confident enough that being well aware that all the
options for solving the problem proposed within the framework of the
OSCE Minsk Group lead to Nagornyy Karabakh’s de facto independence,
and it is impossible to neglect this independence, the Azerbaijani
authorities resort to these acts in order to change the process of
solving the problem.

Hostilities doomed to failure

[Correspondent] Nevertheless, firefights occur on the border, there
are people wounded and killed. Can it mean that military actions have
resumed on the border?

[Isagulyan] No, as we are sure that all this is doomed to failure.
Unfortunately, all provocations happen mainly in the Agdam
direction. The Azerbaijani party has probably launched reconnaissance
activities, but we’d urge them to stop them for the time being as a
mission has visited the liberated territories at their own request and
serious reports on this issue are expected soon. If they are informed
of the initial version of these reports and know that they are not in
their favour and if they have understood that all their acts in the
international arena are failing, it does not allow them to resume
military actions in that region. Maybe, in order to change the format
of the OSCE Minsk Group and force the Minsk Group to conduct a
different policy with respect to Nagornyy Karabakh, the Azerbaijani
party is trying to show that the situation in the region is unstable
and that a resumption of military actions is possible.

[Correspondent] However, it is evident that the negotiations have
failed due to the efforts of the Armenian party as well. Does it mean
that a resumption of military actions is in favour of both parties’
authorities?

[Isagulyan] I can say that the Armenian party has not set itself a
task to disrupt any process. We have always been ready for
negotiations at any level and if Azerbaijan sees any problems in the
negotiating process, it is their own problem.

Karabakh’s independence is a priority

[Correspondent] If the military actions on the border intensify, what
steps will the Armenian party take?

[Isagulyan] The position of the Armenian party is well-known – to
establish Nagornyy Karabakh’s right to self-determination. It is a
fact that Nagornyy Karabakh has never been part of Azerbaijan. This
has been made clear. [Unclear sentence omitted]

[Correspondent] If the military actions resume, will it mean that the
negotiations held by [Armenian President] Robert Kocharyan since 1998
have been senseless and fruitless? That’s to say we shall return to
1998.

[Isagulyan] I would not say so, as the policy I have spoken about has
been conducted since 1998, i.e. Nagornyy Karabakh is an independent
state that must be taken into account. Since 1998, the Armenian
authorities have not brought the negotiating process into deadlock,
they have not attempted to neglect them or avoid participating in
them. We have no right to ignore the situation that existed before
1994. And I do not think that Azerbaijan or the international
community are right in demanding unilateral compromises from
Armenia. The Armenian authorities will not agree to such compromises
without strict security guarantees for the Karabakh people and the
recognition of Karabakh’s independence and self-determination. I
repeat that Karabakh has never been part of Azerbaijan and this will
be the main line of our policy.