Author: Khondkarian Raffi

“ONE NATION, ONE CULTURE” PAN-ARMENIAN FESTIVAL WILL START TOMORROW
ArmRadio.am
22.06.2006 17:19
A folk fair, where the items exhibited are presented, not sold. With
this joint performance of directors Hrachya Ashughyan and Lusine
Martirosyan the pan-Armenian “One Nation, One Culture” festival
will start tomorrow. The organizers say they are doing everything to
arrange a real cultural celebration.
In Hrachya Ashughyan’s words, everything was done not to resemble
the previous festival.
Art Director of the festival Armen Manukyan attaches importance to the
establishment of human and artistic ties between Armenia and Diaspora.

OSCE REGISTERS PROGRESS IN THE INFORMATION FIELD OF ARMENIA
ArmRadio.am
21.06.2006 17:39
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Miklos Haraszti is in
Yerevan on a visit. Having spent several days in Armenia, he collected
first-hand information about the state of media in our country. He
noted that the OSCE has registered progress in the information field
of Armenian in the recent years.
However, the organization will issue the official report in mid-July.
Miklos Haraszti assures that the report will not be based only on
the information gained from the meetings. OSCE members periodically
observe the information field of Armenia, they read, listen and
watch Armenian news programs. ” Armenia has registered considerable
progress in improving the legislation on mass media. We should note,
however, that the diversity of opinion of the mass media is somewhat
restricted,” he said.
According to the OSCE Representative on the Freedom of Media, the
diversity of opinions is observed in the print media, the same cannot
be said about more powerful media like television. In his opinion it
is important that the State Television has been replaced by a Public
one. The OSCE has registered also that in the recent years the number
of violations against journalists has decreased.

BROCHURE – THE ANNIHILATATION OF JULFA BY AZERBAIJANI AUTHORITIES
Source
The Armenian National Committee of Cyprus
A Member of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and
Democracy
amp;pID=60&cID=5&s=2
19-06-2006
Abstracts from the Brochure
The centuries-old cultural monuments the Armenian people created
both in Nakhijevan and other territories of Historical Armenia are
of universal value.
At various periods, they were studied by different foreign scholars.
In recent years, Nakhijevan’s Azerbaijani authorities have been
perpetrating the premeditated annihilation of a wide variety of
Armenian monuments which are reminders of the Armenian presence in
the region.
In August 2005, European researcher Stephen Sim became witness to
the barbarities committed against the Armenian monuments in Nakhijevan.
The violence against the memory and history of the Armenian people
reached its climax with the total destruction of the historical
cemetery of Julfa (known as ‘Jugha’ in Armenian) located in Yernjak
District.
Julfa Cemetery used to extend over three hills on the left bank of
the river Arax.
Boasting a special place in the treasury of world heritage, this
extensive depository of spiritual and artistic monuments aroused the
admiration of both Armenian and foreign travellers and art historians
for many centuries.
French traveller Alexandre de Rhodes, who visited the cemetery in 1648,
saw 10,000 standing khachkars and ram-shaped tombstones there.
By 1904, however, their number had been reduced to 5,000.
In the brochure you can find many images of Jufra Cemetery (Past &
Present)

LOOKING FOR GUARANTEES
Aram Abrahamian
Aravot.am
16 June 06
EU and NATO aren’t Siamese twins; we can aspire to the EU but not
to the NATO. It’s another thing that the first organization doesn’t
need in either Armenia or any other former soviet country. But the
second is ready to involve us theoretically but agreeing with at this
moment will mean to find ourselves in strongest economic jeopardy of
Russia /depriving of gas, wheat, nuclear fuel etc./ and jeopardizing
Karabakh as well. If the RA President declares tomorrow that we have
a project for NATO membership, Russia will take revenge on us and
will encourage Azerbaijan’s attack on Karabakh in moral and military
cases. At this moment, it seems there is no guarantee that the West
will give us enough resources for counteracting those two economic
and military dangers.
I think, our aim must be the creation of those guarantees without
strict declarations in Sahakashvili style. Unfortunately our authority
goes just on the opposite way more deepening our dependence to
Russia. Selling the important branches of economy to Russia solves
our internal political problems and not our security, or rather the
problem of keeping the authority. For example selling the sphere of
communication to the Russian operator isn’t an obliged condition for
keeping the security of Armenia.
And our officials are constantly explaining the Western officials
in the outside sphere why we like Russians so much. The Na deputy
chairman Vahan Hovhannisian explained the NATO PA in Yerevan on
14 of June that the collective security agreement led by the RF
“has anti -terrorist character and provides for internal security
but anyway NATO membership means for Armenia to review relations
with that organization, for which Armenia isn’t ready today.” The
Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian said to “Azatutiun” b/s after
progress sitting of the NATO Council in the same day in Brussels;
“It became clear during discussions that everybody positively marked
our complementary policy and steps which we realize in security
problems”. It means the West treats with comprehension the fact of
being the “outpost” for Russia.
And it is the truth. Nobody makes us integrate to Europe. We, our
people need in it. But the guarantee for “getting rid of ” Russia
is the NK conflict settlement and democracy. But our authorities
don’t need in it.

Kenya
Bling-bling boys from abroad
Jun 15th 2006 | NAIROBI
> > From The Economist print edition
An odd saga with Armenians has mocked the government Reuters
I’m only on safari
“THE last six days have been humiliating for this nation,” opined
Kenya’s Standard newspaper this week. “Our sovereignty has been
violated. Our nationhood has been insulted. Our borders have been
encroached by hostile forces.”
Earlier this year two men claiming to be Armenian brothers, confusingly
calling themselves Artur Margariyan and Arthur Sargsian, came to
the nation’s attention. They were alleged, said Kenya’s opposition
politicians at the time, to be mercenaries responsible for organising
raids by police commando units on television and newspaper offices. The
raids were supposedly an attempt to muzzle Kenya’s largely free
press by powerful figures in the embattled government appointed by
President Mwai Kibaki-and specifically to stop investigative reporting
on government corruption.
It was the Armenians’ style that caught the eye. They were not
mercenaries, they insisted, but worthy businessmen involved in
property, diamonds and a night club. Their bling-bling image-dark
glasses, gold chains and wads of cash-delighted Nairobi’s hip-hop crowd
and appalled others, particularly those whom the Armenians came up
against. The brothers’ claims to be relatives of Armenia’s president
sounded shaky. Some even doubted whether they were Armenian at all.
They certainly seemed to have protectors high up in Kenya’s
government. But it was only after the two men allegedly pulled
guns on customs officials at Nairobi’s main airport last week that
the extent of their ties was revealed. The police commissioner,
Hussein Ali, had them deported on June 9th and their Nairobi house
and buildings searched. Inside, according to police reports, were
a Mercedes with government licence plates, AK-47 machine guns with
presidential security unit serial numbers, Ceska automatic pistols,
Kenyan passports bearing the photos of the Armenians but with other
names, a document appointing one of the men a Kenyan police detective,
plus masks and jackets similar to those used in commando raids on
the media outlets. Among other items was a security pass granting
the Armenians access to secure areas of the airport; this, along
with the alleged way the men claimed a piece of luggage at gunpoint,
particularly upset diplomats, some of whom reckon that Nairobi and
its airport remain a target for jihadist terrorist plots.
Distancing himself from the Armenians, Mr Kibaki has suspended several
senior policemen and immigration and airport officials. An inquiry
may reveal who the Armenians really were, what they did and whether
they were in the pay of the government. It is unlikely to improve
the government’s reputation or help the forlorn, indecisive Mr Kibaki.

“IF IT WAS MY FLAT, I WOULD THINK TO MOVE INTO OR NOT”
Margaret Yesayan
Aravot.am
15 June 06
The NA chairman Tigran Torosian says.
The members of the commission of Venice have mentioned in Yerevan that
for holding normal elections in Armenia we need in normal ”Electoral
Code”, do you agree with such appraisals, do we only need in it?
We need in not only the ”EC”. I clearly said during the NA chairman’s
elections that we must reform the omissions in the code by all means
but the formation of necessary moral-psychological atmosphere, inter
party relations are very important, too. I’m sure that our parties
aren’t enemies, they are rivals, partners, though the relations
sometimes turn into hostility. The most important thing is this and
if all parties realize this, they will understand that they have
a lot of general interests and profits, in connection with holding
elections corresponding to all standards. Here what we must be able to
provide. We must hope that the coming year will give an opportunity
to form the necessary moral-psychological atmosphere though with
small steps. This isn’t less important, than the ”EC” amendments,
the use of constitutional amendments in life, than any other action.
What kind of impression do you get when you look at the hall of
parliament as the NA chairman, is there any change?
My approaches, principles, opinions are never changed in filling or
leaving any post. I know my partners very well, we have worked together
for 7 years and I have been the NA deputy chairman for 7 years, so
there is nothing I didn’t know but knew now. I have enemies neither
in the parliament nor among parties. I have a lot of friends and I’d
be very glad if we managed to regulate this atmosphere using these
relations. Certainly I can guess that it will seem to some people
as something romantic, but I’m optimist in general. In any case we
should do our best.
Do you share the standpoint that becoming the NA chairman the situation
of the RPA became difficult as the responsibility was increased and
that selection was made for a special intention; to ”spoil” your
party before parliamentary elections.
No, I don’t share that standpoint, I don’t agree with it. We
have always declared that we are completely responsible for the
events in the country and for those good things, which are done in
the country, and for those omissions, mistakes that exist in the
country. Unfortunately we speak less about good things, though I
think it is worth to speak about good things.
There were publishments in the press that you were moving into
governmental summer residence, have you already moved?
No I haven’t, and I’m glad that I have an occasion to speak about
it. First of all I must say that I have decided to move but the
strangest thing is that that the publishment of the press was invented
and anonymous. But the most amusing thing was that I didn’t live in
that flat on Mashtots avenue for 7 years. So I can’t go out everyday
from there and not greet neighbors. The flat where I live with my
family isn’t ours. And I think the state official who is offered to
live in such conditions mustn’t refuse of it and keeps living in
a flat, which doesn’t belong to him. If it would my flat, I would
think to move into summer residence or not. But in this case it can
be very strange thing and can cause some appraisals with political
context. For that reason I have decided to move.
–Boundary_(ID_or3pi7gTevoZaEiBnzyIYA)–

A NUMBER OF NGOs ASK RA PRESIDENT TO GRANT RA CITIZENSHIP TO ZHIRAYR SEFILIAN
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 15 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 15, a number
of women’s NGOs sent an open letter to RA President Robert Kocharian
with a request to grant RA citizenship to Artsakh war Hero, Commander
of a separate battalion in Shoushi Zhirayr Sefilian.
“We are aware that the discussion of the second application addressed
to you by well-known Commander Zhirayr Sefilian on granting him
a citizenship of the Republic of Armenia is underway. We think
that each repatriated Diasporan Armenian has the right to become RA
citizen. Especially Zhirayr Sefilian who has been permanently living
in the homeland with his family for more than 15 years. He is the
lieutenant-colonel of the Armenian army who as the commander of a
military unit has participated in the operations from start to end,
has received high state awards. Granting RA citizenship to Zhirayr
Sefilian is an honor for all of us. We are glad and proud that such
an Armenian lives among us,” the letter, in particular, read.
The authors of the document express the hope that this time Zhirayr
Sefilian’s application will not be declined and he will be granted
RA citizenship.

FIRST PRIZES NOT AWARDED IN COMPETITIONS ANNOUNCED FOR PREPARING MONUMENTS OF G. CHAVUSH AND M. MKRTCHIAN
Noyan Tapan
Jun 15 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The Yerevan Mayor’s Office initiated
competitions of drafts to monuments of Armenian prominent politicians
and intellectuals. Works recognized best in the competitions will be
placed in the capital.
As Samvel Danielian, the Chief Architect of Yerevan informed at the
June 12 press conference, competitions on building monuments to Gevorg
Chavush and Mher Mkrtchian have already been held.
According to S.Danielian, by the competition commission’s decision,
no first prize was awarded in the competition for preparing the
monument to G.Chavush as none of the presented drafts corresponded
to all the proposed demands.
And the second prize winner was proposed to remake the draft and to
present it to the commission during the coming months. According to
S.Danielian, works of preparing the monument to G.Chavush will start
after affirming the draft.
It will be placed in the community of Ajapniak, at the place of cross
of the streets of Mazmanian-Bashinjaghian-Beknazarian.
6 works were presented at the competition of creating Mher Mkrtchian’s
monument. No first prize was awarded here as well. Sculptors awarded
2nd and 3rd prizes must remake their works after what the final
variant will be decided.
To recap, M.Mkrtchian’s monument will be placed in the park of the
G.Sundukian National Academic Theater.
S.Danielian informed that a competition has been announced for
preparing Garegin Nzhdeh’s monument as well. It is envisaged to place
the monument in the community of Shengavit, on the square near the
“Hayrenik” cinema.

FAMOUS AND UNKNOWN BRANDS AT ‘BRAND EXPO’ EXHIBITION
By Ara Martirosian
AZG Armenian Daily
16/06/2006
With an aim of representing Armenian and foreign brands “Brand Expo”
three-day exhibition opened yesterday in Yerevan. Around 40 companies
from various spheres represented the consumers more than 100 famous
and unknown brands.
The pavilion of Ashtarak-kat was as always affluent.
Company’s press secretary, Tatevik Khabazian, informed that they
participate in order to display the company’s new brands, get in
touch with the consumers and get acquainted with their ides. Among
other dairy producing companies was “Marianna”.
“Bjni” mineral water and “Noy” drinking water famous in the foreign
countries were also exhibited. Aries Catering Company has been
in organizing furshets, different events, coffee and lunch breaks
and shows.
Virs Info Company’s “Everything About Armenia” informational web
portal provides information on tourism, leisure, real estate rent
and other spheres.
“Treasures of Armenia” is the name of Nina Hovhannisian’s range
of souvenirs.
Yet, yesterday’s exhibition left somewhat sad impression due to lack
of visitors and the visual mess of products from different spheres.

FISHING BAN AGAIN
A1+
[08:37 pm] 14 June, 2006
Any kind of fishing is prohibited in the Sevan since June 25 until
August 31. Until now fishermen almost exhausted the whitefish stores
of the lake under pretence of catching crayfish. Deputy Minister of
Environmental Protection Artashes Ziroyan said that from now on no
fisherman will be allowed to go into the lake.
The representatives of the national park “Sevan” who were also present
at the meeting promised to do everything possible to prevent the people
from breaking the law. Newly appointed governor of Gegharqounik marz
Arsen Grigoryan expressed his readiness to support the corresponding
bodies.
TV Company “Qyavar”, Gavar