Author: Kharatian Ani

SALE OF IMPORTED GOODS MARKED WITH EXCISE STAMPS WITH "THE YEAR 2005" TO BE BANNED FROM OCTOBER 1

Noyan Tapan
Aug 23, 2007

YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, NOYAN TAPAN. In accordance with the RA Law on
Excise Tax, making additions to the RA government’s decision No 662 of
October 26, 1999, the government approved – at the August 23 sitting
– the order of remarking the importers’ actual old stock of goods
marked with excise stamps with the date "The Year 2005" on them,
NT was informed by the RA Government Information and PR Department.

It was decided that starting from October 1, 2007, the sale of imported
goods marked with excise stamps with "The Year 2005" on them will
be banned.

In accordance with another addition, the order of write-off and
destruction of unused and damaged excise stamps will be approved
until September 1, 2007.

Turkey disapproves of ADL’s statement recognizing Armenian massacre as
genocide

By: Israel Insider staff
August 23, 2007

The Turkish government expressed its disapproval of the Anti
Defamation League’s new position that the Armenian massacre by the
Turks "was tantamount to genocide," a radical change in the
organization’s policy. The Turkish ambassador to Israel cut short his
vacation to officially issues Turkey’s concern over the statement, the
Jerusalem Post reported.

"We see this statement as an unfortunate one that is unjust to the
Holocaust, which has no precedent, and to its victims. And we expect it to
be corrected," an official statement from the Turkish government read.

Health Minister Ya’acov Ben-Yizri, speaking on behalf of Foreign Minister
Tzipi Livni, said at the time: "As Jews and Israelis we have special
sympathy and a moral obligation to commemorate the massacres that were
perpetrated against the Armenians in the last years of Ottoman rule. The
State of Israel never denied these terrible acts. On the contrary, we
understand fully the intense emotional feelings aroused by this, taking into
consideration the number of victims, and the suffering of the Armenian
people."
Source: .htm

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance
22 Concord Lane Cambridge MA 02138 USA
Phone 617 871-6764 Fax 617 491-1011

Contact: Bianca Bagatourian, President
Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance
617-871-6764
[email protected]
www.arme niandrama.org

ADAA Advisory Board Member

SUCCESSFUL ADAA GALA & AWARDS IN GLENDALE

by Lisa Kirazian

Sunday night, August 19, the Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA)
held its second annual Celebrity Gala at Stars Palace in Glendale.
It was a night of glamorous performances, awards, music and festivity.

The classic restored theater welcomed 200 people from the Armenian
and American theater and film communities, with Horizon Television
and the Hollyscoop.com hosts Diana Magpapian, Nora Gasparian, and Ani

Esmailian manning the red carpet. Former Miss Hollywood and
ReelzChannel Correspondent Jill Simonian emceed the Gala with energy
and charm.

Celebrities included Alek Keshishian, film director; Jose Rivera,
Oscar nominated screenwriter; Anita Vogel, FOX News Reporter; Karen
Kondazian, Ovation award-winning actor; Simon Levy, playwright and
Fountain Theatre Artistic Director; producer Anahid Nazarian; Adriana

Sevan, actor/playwright; Anoush NeVart, film and television actor;
Glen Farr, film editor, directors Michael Arabian and Martin Bedoian
and comedian Ara Basil.

The Gala program included an encore excerpt reading of Berge
Zeytuntsyan’s `Born and Died,’ performed by brothers Gregory and
Lawrence Zarian (`The Fashion Guy’ who appears on KTLA-TV). The
Zarian brothers captivated the audience with their interpretation of
an Actor and Director competing onstage. Afterwards, ADAA Founder
Bianca Bagatourian, who directed `Born and Died,’ encouraged
everyone’s support… ‘So that we can continue bringing the Armenian
voice to the world stage.’

An excerpt of Yehuda Hyman’s play, `I Ask You, Ladies and Gentlemen,’
was then performed by Ludwig Manukian, based on the novel and life of
Armenian author Leon Surmelian and directed by Fountain Theatre
Artistic Director Simon Levy. Manukian’s performance was
spellbinding, according to many in the audience. ADAA is producing the
play Off-Broadway in the coming year.

At the Gala, the inaugural $10,000 Paul prize was awarded to winner,
Richard Kalinoski for his play, `A Crooked Man.’ The other finalists
were Jose Rivera’s `Three Apples fell from Heaven’ and Bill
Hoversten’s `Mamigon’s War.’ The honorary jury which evaluated the
finalists were Oscar-winning screenwriter Steven Zaillian, American
Zoetrope producer Anahid Nazarian, award-winning director/playwright
of the Fountain Theatre Simon Levy and Emmy- winning
actor/writer/director Michael Goorjian. Actor Karen Kondazian —
whose father Varnum Paul established the award — and Glendale Mayor
Ara Najarian presented the prize to Kalinoski. The Paul award is
granted biennially to the best screenplay based on an Armenian theme.

Also awarded during the evening was ADAA’s first Armenian Star

Award, presented by Fox News Reporter Anita Vogel to Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger. Deputy director, Lisa Kalustian, was on hand to
receive the Star Award and to read a letter of acceptance from the
Governor who was thrilled to be honored by ADAA and applauded the
organization for its work in the California arts community. Ms. Vogel

expressed the sentiments of the Armenian artistic community when she
stated that the passing of the resolution `Inspires and
encourages
us to tell our stories and lets us know that they will be heard.’

After the awards presentations, folk/rock singer-songwriter Gor
Mkhitarian performed a couple of selections for the eager audience.

The ADAA Celebrity Gala Event Committee was Zoe Kevork, Lisa
Kirazian, Kristin Lazarian, Debbie Ohanian, Anahid Shahrik and
Loraine Shields and the impressive dinner was provided by Carousel
Restaurant and Anoush Catering. The gourmet desserts were created by
Jovina of Panos Pastry.

`An inspiring evening,’ said one patron, apparently echoing the
sentiments of many. Funds from the gala will support ADAA’s
productions and programs intended to project the Armenian voice on
stage and screen around the world. For more information on ADAA,
visit

###

Qualifier Report:
Poor Portugal Held By Animated Armenia

oid=390812

A great move from Cristiano Ronaldo saved Portuguese honour in Erevan as the
visitors suffered an early goal and only harvested a meagre point from their
away fixture. The result is a let-down for Scolari and his men and postpones
Portugal’s chances of making it through to Switzerland and Austria next
year…

Armenia 1-1 Portugal

The game got off to the expected start where Armenia put the visitors under
pressure, Ricardo saving a Pachajyan effort that left Scolari apoplectic
with the lax attitude of his rearguard. The Brazilian tactician’s worst
fears were realised just two minutes later as centre-back Arzumanyan (11
min) was left free to head a cross home.

The Republican stadium erupted with unabashed joy as Portugal reeled and a
nasty-looking vein throbbed on Felipão’s temple. Portugal reacted and a
Simão corner was punched clear by Berezovski and a Postiga long shot held
little danger before Armenia hit back and a Karamyan effort went close.

Cristiano Ronaldo (37 min) made the difference as the Manchester United star
did it all: robbed a ball and snuck in past three Armenians on the right
before smacking the ball in from a tight angle to earn the equaliser and
pound the Selecção das Quinas badge with fierce pride.

The second half started with a Karamyan shot that grazed Ricardo’s right
post before Portugal surged forward but a Raúl Meireles effort went far wide
and a strong Ronaldo shot exploded off the local barrier. The first subs
came on as Felipão took off Hélder Postiga for Nuno Gomes and Simão for
Ricardo Quaresma.

Deco, not exactly playing his finest game, slipped up on the poor surface to
add insult to the injury of a paltry draw and Tiago let rip with a trademark
30-metre rocket that whizzed by the Armenians’ left post. Jorge Andrade saw
yellow for a foul on Tateosian and the resulting free kick was hoofed over
by Karamyan.

A tired Karamyan, one of the Armenian highlights, made way for Melikiyan to
clamorous home applause. Nuno Gomes set Quaresma up by the FC Porto star
banged a predictable shot in that was easily held by Berezovski. Portugal
made their last adjustment as another FC Porto man, centre-back Bruno Alves,
came on for Jorge Andrade, the new man heading a Deco assist wide soon
after.

Armenia attempted to go for the full three points as Ghazaryan and Pachajyan
tried Ricardo out, but the keeper responded well and kept the damage to a
minimum. As time ran out, Deco walloped a shot way over the crossbar and a
Quaresma cross couldn’t find Nuno Gomes. It was all going pear-shaped and
both team and tactcian appeared powerless to find a suitable answer to the
dilemma.

Arakelyan made way for Khachatryahn as four minutes of injury time were
added and despite a late chance where a Quaresma free kick found Bruno Alves
on the left the chance went wide and so did the result. A bad day for
Portugal that delays the long-awaited classification for the Euro 2008 and
leaves Coach Felipão stewing in his own juice.

ARMENIA (1): Berezovski; Hovsepyan, Arzumanyan, and Tateosyan; Arakelyan
(Khachatryahn), Voskanyan, Pachajyan, Lazarian; Karamyan (Melikyan),
Malkonyan, Mkhitaryan (Ghazaryan).
Unused Subs: Habobyan, Dokhoyan, Minasyan, and Zebelyan

Coach: Ian Porterfield

PORTUGAL (1): Ricardo; Miguel, Fernando Meira, Jorge Andrade (Bruno Alves)
and Paulo Ferreira; Tiago, Raúl Meireles and Deco; Cristiano Ronaldo, Hélder
Postiga (Nuno Gomes) and Simão (Ricardo Quaresma)
Unused Subs: Quim, Bosingwa, João Moutinho and Miguel Veloso

Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari

APM

11.2% GDP GROWTH RECORDED IN ARMENIA FOR JAN-JUL 2007

arminfo
2007-08-20 15:25:00

GDP in Armenia grew by 12.1% over Jan-Jul 2007 as compared with
the same period of 2006, the preliminary data of the RA National
Statistical Service say. In June GDP grew by 38.4% totaling 1,287 bln
AMD or $3.6 bln in late July. GDP index deflator grew by 4.3%. The
AMD/USD exchange rate for the period under review averaged 354.08
AMD/$1 USD.

GDP grew due to a considerable increase in population incomes by 26.6%
as against Jan-Jul 2006 and 13.6% in July (1,039 bln AMD or $2.9
bln). The annual growth of services (trading exclusive) made up 17.9%
(an 8.9% growth in July) to 286.1 bln AMD ($808 mln). Construction grew
by 19.2% and 19.6% in July, totaling 254 bln AMD ($717.3 mln). Retail
turnover grew by 10.8% (a 4.4% growth in July), totaling 434.5 bln AMD
(over $1.2 bln).

Population expenses grew by 23.3% as against Jan-Jul 2006 and by 5%
in July, making up 999.9 bln AMD or $2.8 bln.

Electricity generation fell in July by 5.6% and by 1% as against
Jan-Jul 2006, making up 3,557.2 mln kWh. Industrial produce grew by
0.9% in July, and by 1.3% in Jan-Jul 2007 totaling 388.1 bln AMD or
$1.1 bln. Foreign turnover grew by 37% in Jan-Jul 2007 and by 4.3%
in July, making up 800.5 bln AMD or $2,262 mln. In the structure of
foreign turnover, exports grew by 0.6% in July, and by 20.8% in Jan-Jul
2007. Imports grew by 5.8% in July and by 44.5% in Jan-Jul 2007.

GEORGIA SUSPENDS RUSSIAN GAS TRANSIT TO ARMENIA DUE TO PIPE REPAIRS

Prime-Tass English-language Business Newswire, Russia
August 20, 2007 Monday 4:24 PM EET
Tbilisi

Georgia has temporarily suspended Russian natural gas transit to
Armenia through its territory due to planned repairs of a gas pipeline,
a spokesperson for Georgian International Oil and Gas Corporation
said Monday.

The repairs along the Georgian stretch of the North Caucasus –
Trans-Caucasus gas pipeline are expected to last approximately a week,
the spokesperson said, adding that after the repairs have been finished
Georgia will fully resume Russian gas transit to Armenia.

Armenia will be using gas from its underground storage during the
period of suspension, the spokesperson said.

The suspension of Russian gas supplies will not affect Georgia as
either, as it has been buying gas in Azerbaijan over the past several
months, the spokesperson said.

Georgia is allowed to either take 10% of Russian gas transported
via its territory to Armenia as payment for gas transit services or
collect cash from Russia’s Gazprom.

WHDH-TV, MA
Aug 19 2007

Two board members of regional Anti-Defamation League resign

BOSTON– In a deepening rift, two board members of the local
Anti-Defamation League have resigned in protest over the decision by
the national organization to fire its New England regional director.

Andrew Tarsy was fired because he wanted the organization to
recognize the Armenian genocide.

Stewart Cohen, former chairman of the Polaroid Corporation, and
Boston City Council member Mike Ross tell the Boston Sunday Globe say
they could no longer be part of an organization that doesn’t
recognize the Armenian genocide.

"I’m devastated by that and it’s not something I can support," Ross
said.

Tarsy, who was regional director for about two years, said the
organization’s stance is "morally indefensible."

The Anti-Defamation League is primarily known for combating
anti-Semitism.

The ADL’s national director Foxman and Glen Lewy, who is national
chairman of the ADL, said in a written statement that the
organization has acknowledged "the massacres of Armenians at the
hands of the Ottoman Empire and called on Turkey to do more to
confront its past and reconcile with Armenia."

The organization also must "protect the interests of the Jewish
community in Turkey, work for Israel’s safety and security, and
combat extremism," the letter stated.

Historians estimate up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by
Ottoman Turks around the time of World War I, an event widely viewed
by genocide scholars as the first genocide of the 20th century.
Turkey, however, denies the deaths constituted genocide, saying that
the toll has been inflated and that those killed were victims of
civil war and unrest.

RELATIONS WITH REPUBLIC OF KOREA ARE AMONG ARMENIAN FOREIGN POLICY’S KEY FOCUSES

ARKA News Agency
Aug 17 2007
Armenia

YEREVAN, August 17. /ARKA/. Relations with Republic of Korea are among
Armenian foreign policy’s key focuses, Robert Kocharyan, Armenian
president, said Friday as received credentials from Lee Kyu Hyung,
newly appointed Korean ambassador to Armenia (residence in Moscow).

Presidential press office told ARKA News Agency that the president
pointed out with pleasure that relations between the two countries
are increasingly developing and mutual interest and cooperation in
international organizations are growing.

The head of state called Korea’s achievements in various sectors of
economy impressive and said they can set a good example for Armenia.

Hyung, in his turn, said that Armenia’s centuries-long history
admires him.

The diplomat said his country is interested in Armenia’s participation
in many Korea-offered education projects and experience exchange
programs.

8 NEW POTATO SEED VARIETIES REPRODUCED IN KARNUT VILLAGE OF SHIRAK REGION

Noyan Tapan
Aug 15 2007

YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, NOYAN TAPAN. With the assistance of the
Armenian Technology Group (ATG) fund, Hovhannes Gaboyan, member
of the association of ATG seed growers, is engaged in reproduction
of eight new potato seed varieties brought from the Netherlands in
the village of Karnut of Shirak marz (region). During a talk with
NT correspondent, H. Gaboyan said that 60 tons of potato seeds was
purchased at the price of 730 euros (about 335 thousand drams) for a
ton from AGRICO international organization that grows seeds for the
purpose of reproduction. In his words, under favorable conditions
the new potato varieties give 40 tons from a hectare against 25-30
tons of local varieties.

According to H, Gaboyan, 6 potato varieties brought from Germany are
also being grown (in small amounts) in Karnat to be tested.

MATTHEW BRYZA ADMINISTERS SHOCK THERAPY?
By Aghavni Harutyunian

AZG Armenian Daily
15/08/2007

Moreover, According to US Assistant Secretary, War Will Become a
Catastrophe for Azerbaijan’s Future

Sometimes some hope-giving moments and sometimes the opposite –
disappointing moments appear in the process of the Karabakh conflict
settlement

No matter what kind of circumstances the South-Caucasus’ societies are
served, one of the Co-Chairs of OSCE Minsk Group, US diplomat Matthew
Bryza is led by the approaches of his own peculiarities. Moreover,
the many-sided announcements of Bryza are like a process of shock
therapy: the announcements of the US Co-Chairman sometimes are in
favor of Armenia, and sometimes – in favor of Azerbaijan.

It’s difficult to foretell what really the bright-faced and always
cheerful US diplomat aims at by his various announcements, but,
nevertheless, Matthew Bryza’s speech is more optimistic than anyone’s.

On August 1 the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Matthew Bryza (USA), Yuri
Merzliakov (Russia) and Bernard Fussier (France) for the recurrent
time met in the Foreign Ministry of Russia to discuss the current
state of the settlement of Karabakh conflict and the main principles
of the negotiation process.

What the Co-Chairs discussed, only we could guess from the
announcements of Matthew Bryza during his visit to Baku.

However, this time again the Azerbaijani media is the only "witness"
of the US Co-Chair’s talkativeness, and we cannot be sure that in
the August 3 press conference everything sounded solidly like what
the Azerbaijani news websites informed.

Touching upon the theme of the Greece-Turkey-Italy gas pipeline
project parallel with the issues of energetic cooperation of the
United States and Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza announced that the next
meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents might take place
on October-November of this year.

While Matthew Bryza is optimistic about the continuation of the
negotiation process, the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan announces
about the deadlock of the process. Moreover, the Azerbaijani president,
in his turn, for the recurrent time repeats his announcements "about
the military might of Azerbaijan".

Anyway, the war-like announcements of Azerbaijan are a simple
bluffing, otherwise how we may understand the recent announcements
of US Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried against the restart of the
military operations.

"War will destroy Azerbaijan’s future", announced Daniel Fried. "There
were good talks, I would even say a good dialogue between Armenia
and Azerbaijan, and a certain progress was fixed", he added.

The US Assistant Secretary hopes that the two sides will find the
peaceful way of the settlement of the conflict.

"Azerbaijan’s future is vague until this problem is resolved. Peaceful
solution of the Karabakh problem is the way to go through. We have
passed such a way and I hope will reach the solution of the problem",
Daniel Fried underlined.