Author: Karapetian Hovik

A BIA APPROACH TO RIGHTS REPORTING
Emine Ozcan-Gokce Gunduc

BIA
Jan 22 2008
Turkey

BIA launches a four volume series on rights reporting. Introduced
to media professionals in the weekend the series is the outcome of
training workshops for journalists and rights activists and focuses
on a rights approach to reporting.

As part of its "Media Freedom and Independent Journalism Monitoring
and News Network (BIA)" project, the IPS Communication Foundation
releases four new books on rights journalism. The books, aimed at a
readership of journalists and rights activists, are a result of 23
media training workshops run by IPS between 2004 and 2005.

A total of 860 journalists and rights activists, 348 of them women,
512 men, had taken part in these educational workshops. Assistant
Professor Dr. Sevda Alankus, Dean of the Eastern Mediterranean
University’s Communications Faculty, acted as editor and training
advisor for the series of books.

A focus on rights The four books are titled "Human Rights Journalism",
"Journalism Focusing on Women’s Rights", "Journalism Focusing on
Childre’s Rights" and "Rights Organisations: Becoming Visible in
the Media."

At the weekend, BIA invited journalists, lawyers, academics and
activists to a breakfast in order to launch the series of books.

Making the invisible visible BIA coordinator Ertugrul Kurkcu spoke
about the progress in the reporting on the freedom of expression
and rights monitoring since the inception of the project. He also
discussed the Independent Media Forum organised at the end of 2006,
saying: "We have the possibility to see what others cannot see."

He added, "Even if the state boasts that the number of imprisoned
journalists has decreased, we started 2007 with the murder, with the
execution of Hrant Dink," and invited those at the breakfast to join
the commemoration event for the murdered Turkish-Armenian journalist
on that day.

A contribution to human rights literature Assistant Professor Dr. Sevda
Alankus spoke about the fact that with this project academics had
become part of "real life". "We gathered examples of how journalism
could be done better."

Describing BIA as a "special experience", Alankus added that reporting
on rights also meant considering rights violations. The books,
she said, represented a contribution to the literature focusing on
human rights.

She added that in the current atmosphere of conflict and social
tension, BIA was the first to express the concept of "peace
journalism"; it was heartening that the term had been adopted by the
mainstream media, too.

Bianet dissolves lines Assistant Professor Dr. Serdar Degirmencioglu
said that in journalism there were often rigid lines between areas of
interest. For instance, someone working on children’s rights might
have problems finding a newspaper or television channel interested
in their work. However, bianet represented a forum where these lines
had been dissolved, and the newly-published books were a result of
this mentality.

Lawyer Hulya Gulbahar, president of the Association for Supporting
and Educating Women Candidates (KADER), praised the fact that bianet
had introduced women’s rights journalism to dozens of female and male
journalists of regional media institutions through their educational
workshops.

"If the media does not try to look at issues from a woman’s
perspective, then it is turned into a mechanism against women. Bianet
has played an important role in the formation of the Women’s Media
Monitoring Group. Indeed, bianet’s educational workshops, which have
been the basis fort he books, have been important for creating ethical
rules for the media."

Journalists inadvertently violate rights and need to be educated
Journalist Tugrul Eryilmaz emphasised the importance of rights
journalism, pointing out that even the most well-meaning journalistst
could inadvertently violate rights. Thus, bianet was taking an
important step forward. He called on all people working in the media
to acquire the books and read them.

Journalist Ipek Calislar described bianet’s approach as an invitation
to everyone to change themselves first. "We began to understand
together that by making news we could also commit crimes. Some of us
commit many, some of us few crimes. Focusing on this has widened all
of our horizons and this needs to be continued." (EZO-GG/TK/AG)

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES OSCE OBSERVATION MISSION

Mediamax
Jan 22 2008
Armenia

Yerevan, 22 January: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan today received
the head of the long-term observation mission of the OSCE Office
for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights [ODIHR], ambassador
Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, in Yerevan.

Kocharyan said that he attaches great importance to the work of the
observation mission, the presidential press service told Mediamax
news agency today.

"We are interested in holding elections that comply with international
standards and have tried to do everything possible in the sphere of
organization," the Armenian president said.

Kocharyan said that "he counts on fruitful cooperation with the
OSCE/ODIHR observation mission, the aim of which should be the conduct
of good elections".

The Armenian president expressed his request that each alarming signal
and information be thoroughly checked before they are registered.

RESTORATION OF JUSTICE UNDERLIES VAHAN HOVHANNISYAN’S ELECTION PROGRAM

arminfo
2008-01-21 20:08:00

ArmInfo. Restoration of justice underlies the election program of
Vice-Speaker of RA National Assembly, representative of Board of
ARF Dashnaktsutyun party, presidential candidate Vahan Hovhannisyan,
the latter said, January 21, when presenting his election program.

According to him, our state lacks justice, namely. "The Armenian
nation has proved its ability to live more than once, but this is
only the process of existing of the nation. It’s high time to enter
the process of development", he emphasized. According to him, it is
the justice that is lacking in our state. "Armenian people proved
their vitality for several times, but it is only the process of the
nation’s existence. It is time to start the process of development",
he stressed. Hovhannisyan thinks that Armenians succeeded in any
point of the world, except their motherland, as the law is equal for
everybody in all countries, except Armenia. The candidate emphasized
that restoration of justice should be the basis of the state,
socio-economic, security spheres, which need systemic reforms. "Our
key goal is to restore people’s confidence in the authorities. People
cannot trust the authorities if they don’t trust the origin of these
authorities’ mechanisms. Therefore we strive to hold transparent and
fair election, and I guarantee it", he said.

I HAVE NO DOUBT, THE EVENTS OF 1915 WAS GENOCIDE, HRANT DINK SAID IN AN UNPUBLISHED INTERVIEW

arminfo
2008-01-21 09:45:00

ArmInfo. ‘I have no doubt, the events of 1915 was genocide’, –
Hrant Dink told Turkish journalist Alin Ozinian in October 2006 in
an interview at site. To note, the interview
was not published earlier.

Speaking about an attempt of diplomatic relations establishment with
Turkey without preconditions suggested by Armenia and the committee
of historians proposed by Turkey, Hrant Dink said that he does not
think Turkey’s attitude is an honest one. ‘The Armenian side is more
sincerely’, – Dink said. He explained that he has doubts that the
committee of historians will be of any use, as such policy will go on
without relations and results.’This is the way which Turkey loves: no
relations. I think Azerbaijan also obliges such policy to Turkey. The
Armenian side is more reasonable and expects more’,- Hrant Dink said.

BARACK OBAMA CALLS FOR PASSAGE OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

armradio.am
21.01.2008 11:03

Presidential candidate Barack Obama shared with the Armenian
National Committee of America a strongly worded statement calling for
Congressional passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106
& S.Res.106), and pledging that, as president, he will recognize the
Armenian Genocide.

In his statement, the Presidential hopeful reaffirmed his support for a
strong "US-Armenian relationship that advances our common security and
strengthens Armenian democracy." He also pledged to "promote Armenian
security by seeking an end to the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades,
and by working for a lasting and durable settlement of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict that is agreeable to all parties, and based upon
America’s founding commitment to the principles of democracy and
self determination."

"Armenian American voters welcome Senator Obama’s powerful call
for real change in how our government addresses the core moral and
foreign policy issues that hold such great meaning for our community,"
said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "After decades of White
House complicity in Turkey’s efforts to block American recognition
of the Armenian Genocide, most recently in the form of President
Bush’s personal efforts this past October to delay the Armenian
Genocide Resolution, the time has clearly come for a President who
will personally lead – not obstruct – the commemoration of this crime
against all humanity."

As a Senator, Barack Obama has spoken in support of US affirmation of
the Armenian Genocide and cosigned a letter urging President Bush to
properly recognize the Armenian Genocide. He has forcefully called
for the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution, but has yet
to formally cosponsor this legislation. While visiting Azerbaijan
in August 2005, Senator Obama was asked by reporters why he cosigned
the letter to President Bush. Obama defended his decision by stating
the genocide was a historical fact. The Illinois Senator publicly
criticized the firing of former US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans,
who was dismissed for speaking truthfully about the Armenian Genocide.

In recent weeks, the ANCA has invited each of the candidates to
share their views on Armenian Americans issues, and to comment
on both the growing relationship between the U.S. and Armenian
governments and the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian
peoples. Questionnaires sent to the candidates have invited them
to respond to a set of 19 questions, including those addressing:
affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, U.S.-Armenia economic, political,
and military relations, self-determination for Nagorno Karabakh,
the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades, and the genocide in Darfur.

Armenian Americans, in key primary states and throughout the country,
represent a motivated and highly networked constituency of more than
one and a half million citizens. The ANCA mobilizes Armenian American
voters through a network of over 50 chapters and a diverse array of
affiliates, civic advocates, and supporters nationwide. ANCA mailings
reach over a quarter of a million homes, and, through the internet,
updates and action alerts reach well over 100,000 households. The ANCA
website, which features election coverage from an Armenian American
point of view, attracts over 100,000 unique visits a month. The ANCA
also has broad reach to Armenian American voters via a sophisticated
media operation of newspapers, regional cable shows, satellite TV,
blogs, and internet news sites.

Panorama.am

20:26 18/01/2008

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATION TAKES PART IN PCOEC
MEETING

RA National Assembly delegation leaves for Strasbourg
to take part in the Parliamentary Congress of European
Council meeting held on January 20-26. According to
the national Assembly official web page, David
Harutunyan the leader of the delegation, Avet Adonts,
the president of NA European integration questions
council, Vahe Hovhannisyan, the member of the council,
Hermine Naghdalyan, a member of NA economic questions
council, Raffi Hovhannisyan, the leader of `Heritage’
party.

Source: Panorama.am

World-known economist in Karabakh

19-01-2008 16:14:01 – KarabakhOpen

On January 17 President Bako Sahakyan met with Abel Aghanbekyan,
academician of the Russian Academy of Science, an honorary member of
the Armenian Academy of Science.

According to the General Information Department of the president
administration, during the talk they focused on the investment policy
for NKR.

The NKR president underlined the importance of involvement of the
scientific potential of the Armenian Diaspora, noting that the
experience of such scientists as Abel Aghanbekyan could foster the
development of the economic and scientific potential of NKR.

For his part, Abel Aghanbekyan said ready to assist in the social and
economic development of Karabakh.

During the talk the prospects of investments in the NKR economy were
discussed. Agreement was reached that Abel Aghanbekyan will visit
Karabakh in March to get acquainted with definite investment projects.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Friday, January 18, 2008

AGBU Applauds 10th Anniversary of Gyumri Branch of Yerevan Fine Arts
Academy

The Gyumri branch of Yerevan Fine Arts Academy celebrated its 10th
anniversary on December 21, 2007 at the Hoktember movie theater in
Gyumri, Armenia. Republic of Armenia Education and Science Minister
Levon Mkrtchian, Rector of Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts Aram
Isabekian, AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian, other
officials, local authorities, and representatives of higher educational
institutions were present at the festive celebration.

Coinciding with the celebration was the opening of an exhibition of
various works, including fine arts, graphics, sculptures, ornaments, and
textile designs, by academy students in the halls of the institute. Also
on exhibit in the nearby Aslamazian Sisters Hall were art works by
academy professors.

"This building was renovated by the funds provided by ‘Hayastan’
All-Armenian Fund, AGBU and the money raised by the people during the
pilgrimage of composer Loris Tjeknavorian to Gyumri in 1991." This
sentence is inscribed on the plaque at the entrance of the building
unofficially called the Academy of Fine Arts, which houses the Gyumri
branches of three state art institutions of Yerevan: the Yerevan Fine
Arts Academy, the Yerevan Conservatory and the Yerevan Institute of
Movie and Theater. This educational center, which started with less than
10 students a decade ago, today has 192 specialists in six departments.

"I’m very glad that the building, which resembled a pile of stones back
in 1994, breathes today and creates art. It reflects the soul of the
people of Gyumri – fine arts, music and theater. These are things that
have always been strongly characteristic of the people of Gyumri and
have fed our culture. I remember the days when this building was
half-ruined and a sign on it said, ‘An arts academy will be built here.’
People used to bring their children here even before it was fully built.
And I remember once I heard a woman saying, ‘My child will study here.’
Thank God, AGBU had the opportunity of investing here and establishing
this cultural center," said Ghazarian.

"We are so happy," said Isabekian. "The establishment of this
department, as well as the other two, was of vital importance back in
the 1990’s. The atmosphere in Gyumri after the disastrous earthquake was
very depressing, people felt abandoned. And even though there were a lot
of other unsolved issues then, time proved that the establishment of
such a cultural center was a very right decision. It brought enthusiasm
to the city, to the youth. And today we have a beautiful 10-year-old
cultural center. I want to mention with admiration about our lecturers
working in Gyumri, amazing painters, wonderful people, who organized all
this work, who overcame all the difficulties. And certainly, I would
like to underscore the great contribution of the Armenian General
Benevolent Union in all this."

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an
annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six
continents.

PATENTS FOR 138 INVENTIONS GRANTED IN ARMENIA LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Jan 17 2007

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. At the January 17 sitting, the
Armenian government approved the bill on useful models of inventions
and industrial models. The head of the Intellectual Property Agency
of the RA Ministry of Trade and Economic Development Armen Azizian
told reporters after the sitting that the bill aims to improve the
legislativer field on itellectual property and bring it into line
with European standards.

The bill envisages simplifying the procedure of granting patents for
inventions and useful models of inventions. It was stated that the RA
Law on Patents does not correspond to international standards as it
stipulates a complicated procedure of granting patents. Under this
law, two patents are granted: at first a preliminary patent for up
to 10 years is given to the inventor, after which a second patent is
granted for a 20-year period. The bill envisages granting one patent
for 20 years by a simple procedure.

A. Azizian added that at present the agency has to publish the patent
within 1-2 months after the submission of the bid on patent for the
purpose of general familiarization. According to the bill, the person
submitting the bid may keep the essence of his/her invention secret
up to 18 months.

Last year the agency granted patents for 138 inventions, only 3 of
which have been put in use. Most of patents are related to medicine,
energy, mining industry.

LAND WITH MINERALS SHOULD BE LEASED BY COMPETITION

KarabakhOpen
16-01-2008 14:04:27

On January 15 the NKR government discussed the issue of changing
the category of 12 hectares of land near the village of Drmbon,
Martakert. The land will change from a "pasture" to "land for
industrial and mining purpose". According to the draft project of
government, the land will be provided to the Base Metals Company
to produce tuff. During the meeting of government Prime Minister
Ara Harutiunyan proposed to change the category of the land, not
mentioning the company which got the land. He said the lands rich in
minerals should be leased by competition.

The head of government instructed to present the map of lands rich
in minerals and the list of exploration activities carried out so far.

The government will continue to elaborate the project.