Author: Khoyetsian Rose

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSIAN CONGRATULATES ON DAY OF REPUBLIC

ARMENPRESS
May 28, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsian
congratulated Armenians on the Day of Republic. Presidential press
service told Armenpress that in his message the president particularly
said, "Dear compatriots, I warmly congratulate you on the Day of
Republic.

Ninety years ago, on this day, the ancient-long dream of our people
became a reality – the independent Armenian Statehood was restored. It
was achieved by our century-long fight, struggle of brave sons of our
nation, courage displayed at Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Karakilisa
battles.

Today each of us, both in the Motherland and Diaspora remembers
the sons who beat the enemy and granted the people the long-awaited
independence and with their courage registered name ‘Armenia’ on the
political map of the world. Independence is never achieved easily,
victories do not fall from above, people reach them suffering great
losses, when the demand of independence and freedom takes them on
the path of struggle for life and death.

The two and half years of the existence of the First Armenian
Republic included in itself enthusiasm and pain, achievements and
painful losses. In our collective memory they stamped three historic
and always contemporary lessons: the first one is the importance of
national unity. The birth of our statehood nine decades ago was the
result of joint national will. Unity, the absence of which became
one of the basic reasons of the collapse of the First Republic of
Armenia. Today we do not have right to be separate. More then ever
we must preserve and brightly keep the spirit of unity of 1918.

The second one is the realization of irreplaceability of our
statehood. There is no establishment which may replace the statehood,
there is no ideology which may be higher of the interests of the
state. If our country is weakening, neither of us is becoming stronger,
neither of us benefits. We all lose.

The third one is the trust of confronting challenges with own
strength. No one instead of us may solve the issues our country
is facing, no one can protect us, develop our economy, no one can
consolidate democracy and make Armenia a progressive state. It is we
who must do it. We must do it not for surprising or pleasing anyone
but for us. The history has proved that no one is more interested in
the further raise of Armenia then we do – the citizens of the Republic
of Armenia.

Today we enter period of new changes and the coming years will
be registered in our history as really important round. We must
consolidate our country and improve our life, have continuative
development which will refer to all the spheres – politics, economy,
culture and science. I am sure that the results will not make us wait
long, they will be noticeable for all in the near future.

Our country will have a brilliant future but not only the authorities
can be responsible for the erection of the next day. Each son and
daughter of our people has a work to do. It is a great honor to
be citizen of the Republic of Armenia, and lofty mission to serve
our people.

On this holiday I wish you success and high mood."

European Parliament (press release), EU
May 22 2008

Wednesday in Strasbourg: Turkey, crisis in Burma, China

Institutions – 22-05-2008 – 15:21

Turkey’s EU aspirations were debated by MEPs on Wednesday
morning. Parliament’s rapporteur on Turkey, Ria Oomen-Ruijten
(EPP-ED), called for 2008 to be "a year of reforms". Later the House
voted to support criminal sanctions for offences against the
environment. MEPs also debated recent natural disasters in Burma and
China – deploring the obstruction of Rangoon and praising the reaction
and transparency of China. A treaty to ban uranium shells was also on
the agenda.

Turkey progress in 2007 – "We have a mixed picture"

Speaking about Turkey’s 2007 progress towards EU accession, Mrs
Oomen-Ruijten, said that only the new Turkish constitution will
guarantee the separation between the state and religion and safeguard
the protection of religious and ethnic minorities – namely Kurds. "We
have a mixed picture, a lot more needs to be done, in order for Turkey
to keep their promises to the EU and to their own people."

Women’s and children’s rights, trades unions and cultural and
linguistic freedoms were quoted in the report as among the areas where
Turkish authorities still have serious backlogs. In addition,
so-called "honour killings" and a failure by Ankara to acknowledge the
Armenian genocide as well as bans on political parties were all
matters cited by members in the debate as indicators of Turkey’s
continued need to reform.

The adopted report says recent changes to the controversial Article
301 of the Turkish Penal Code is a "first step towards a fundamental
reform of that article as well as other articles of the Penal Code,
and looks forward to further moves in this respect." Parliament adds
that in its view "the repeal of Article 301 and other legal provisions
representing an illegitimate restriction on freedom of expression as
guaranteed by international law would be the best solution."

In her speech Ms Oomen-Ruijten welcomed the fact that in 2007 the
country stood up to the military and said she wanted Turkey to remain
a "lay state".

Criminal measures to protect the environment

In adopting a report by German Christian Democrat Hartmut
Nassauer,MEPs agreed on the principle that governments should apply
criminal measures to punish any illegal behaviour likely to seriously
injure people or damage the environment. The entry into force of this
legislation would oblige national government to apply "effective,
proportionate and dissuasive" criminal penalties to specific cases.

Burma cyclone and its generals – "dialogue of the deaf"

As the situation continues to deteriorate in Burma following
dramatically cyclone Nargis, MEPs were united in denouncing the ruling
military Junta for its reluctance to accept international aid and in
urging, the international community to work through the UN to
pressurise Burma’s Generals.

Speakers from the Socialist, Liberal, Green and Union of Nation’s
groups said the Burmese military’s behaviour was a "crime against
humanity" and said the Generals should face international justice.

The speaker for the largest group in parliament, the EPP-ED group,
said they wanted other Asian countries to put more pressure on the
regime in Rangoon.

Earlier EU Aid Commissioner Louis Michel called his fact-finding trip
to Burma a "dialogue of the deaf" with Burmese officials. He said
epidemics such as diarrhoea and malnutrition affected hundreds of
thousand of people.

China quake – Beijing praised for openness to help

In contrast, China was praised for way it had reacted to the 12 May
quake in Sichuan province and its willingness to accept international
aid. Many MEPs expressed condolences to Chinese people. Speaking for
the Slovene Presidency Janez LenarÄ?iÄ? told MEPs that 10
million had been affected and that 50,000 were dead. Louis Michel said
the EU has funded Red Cross blankets, tents, food and drinking water.

All groups praised the transparency of Beijing and the willingness to
allow media access. The Speaker for the Socialist group said that the
EU should help China with reconstruction The EPP-ED and Green speakers
voiced concerns over construction of buildings, especially schools.

Depleted uranium weapons

A group of MEPs tabled oral questions to the Commission and the
Council on the Global treaty to ban uranium weapons. In November 2006,
the Parliament called for a moratorium on uranium weapons in a
resolution on `biological weapons and inhumane conventional
weapons. The oral question urges Commission and The Council to follow
up the document. In December 2007, the UN General Assembly passed a
resolution highlighting concerns over the military use of uranium that
urges UN member states to re-examine the health hazards posed by the
use of uranium weapons.

Dutch Green Eli de Groen said that of EU/NATO members only Germany,
Italy and Ireland supported the UN resolution. "World storage of
depleted uranium weapons is estimated at 1.3 million tons, while far
less then one microgram of the material in the body can be fatal to
humans," she told fellow MEPs. Italian MEP Stefano Zappalà
(EPP-ED) underlined that uranium "pollutes water, soil and
agricultural crops".

REF.: 20080520STO29282

ws/public/story_page/008-29294-140-05-21-901-20080 520STO29282-2008-19-05-2008/default_en.htm

ARMEN AYVAZYAN TO DELIVER LECTURE ON ARMENIAN IDENTITY IN GLENDALE

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 22, 2008

GLENDALE, MAY 22, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. A lecture and a
public discussion on " The Cornerstones of Armenian Identity or
Who Is An Armenian " by Armen Ayvazyan, the director of " Ararat "
Center for Strategic Research in Yerevan will be held in the Glendale
Central Library on June 1.

"The Cornerstones of Armenian Identity or Who Is An Armenian ", a
newly 29-page publication in Armenian, English and Russian will be
presented to the public on the same day.

HIKMET HAJI-ZADE: "TO BE OUR TRUE FRIEND RUSSIA SHOULD REJECT SUPPORT OF ARMENIAN AGGRESSION IN KARABAKH"

Today.Az
politics/45136.html
May 21 2008
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with famous political scientist Hikmet Haji-zade.

-How do you assess current state of Azerbaijani-Russian relations?

Though a definite "calm and business-like tone" is observed in our
relations from exterior, unfortunately, this is a deceptive impression.

Russia continues to support Armenian aggressors and put pressure
on Azerbaijan in different issue. For example, Russia demands from
Azerbaijan to stop economic and political support to Georgia and
weaken ties with the West and Turkey. On the whole, the situation
is far from being ideal. Merely, unlike Georgie, Azerbaijan does not
present offenses and claims towards Russia on the international arena
and I think this policy is correct.

-Can we count on the cardinal closing of ties between Azerbaijan and
Russia under the new President Dmitri Medvedev?

-The cardinal closing of ties between our countries can occur only when
Russia rejects the support of Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan,
which will also promote the resolution of the Karabakh conflict. Yet,
it is not likely to occur soon. The Russian elite and society are
at present in euphoria about the Putin policy in such issues and
oil funds, the smallest part of which go to Russian budget officers
and pensioners.

-But will Russia benefit more from relations with Azerbaijan or
Armenia?

-Everything depends on what Russia considers to be profitable for
it. If following the USSR collapse Russia would have intended to become
a democratic national state (as Turkey did following the collapse of
the Osman empire) Azerbaijan would be a more favorable partner than
Armenia. Unfortunately, the nostalgia about the empire have dominated
other feelings and intentions and now, instead of learning to produce
ars, Russia again prepares its old rockets. Russia does not want to
maintain friendship, cooperate or trade, but it wants to rule! But
it will not attain it, as world has changed and it is not so strong
as previously.

-What do you think about the arguments, used by CSTO secretary general
Nikolay Bordyuzha, who spoke of prospects, our country would have
following its return to this organization?

-Nikolay Bordyuzha, speaking about the advantages of the CSTO, has not
made a single comment about the Karabakh conflict. And it is not clear
how we will cooperate in the sphere of security with such a member of
the organization as Armenia, and Russia, by the way, which supports
its aggression. Bordyuzha mentioned such spheres of interaction within
the organization as a combat with drugs, illegal migration, cooperation
in combat with calamities, but he said nothing of the main point!

In his interview he had mentioned the word "NATO" several times, it
seems that Russia is anxious about both Georgian membership in this
organization and expanding cooperation of Azerbaijan with NATO. But
who is to be blamed for the attempt of our countries and Ukraine to
escape from Russia’s pressing influence? I want to hope that the new
president of Russia will think over this issue.

-By the way, let’s talk again about the new president of Russia. A
number of analysts and political scientists noted following Medvedev’s
being elected the President, that the Korean will start rejecting
its empire ambition, stop hopping for restoration of its influence
on the whole territory of the former USSR and support separatists,
concentrating on the resolution of social internal problems. But
now we observe intensification of the Crimea tatars in Ukraine,
conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, raising of the Lezgiun
issue in Azerbaijan. Does it mean that Medvedev, in fact, fulfills
functions of a representative, leaving the power to the Prime Minister
of Russia Putin?

-I also hope that Medvedev will change Russia’s aggressive empire
policy and I want to hope that if he decides to do it, he will not
be alone, he will be supported by the world society; the currently
silent liberals within the Russian government; and, by the way,
a part of the militaristic elite of Russia can not disagree that
Putin has caused Russia to quarrel with the remaining world and
that it is time to moderate the intentions and deal with the urgent
internal problems. Thus, it will be much easier for Medvedev that it
may initially seem.

-Do you agree that the resolution of the UN General Assembly on support
of right of refugees and displaced persons to return to their homes in
Abkhazia adds to the optimism of the Azerbaijani and Georgian sides,
striving for the peaceful resolution of existing conflicts both in
South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as well as Nagorno Karabakh?

-Yes, I agree with it. Both Azerbaijan and Georgia should increase
efforts in this direction. We should inform the world society about
injustice to our peoples and the UN is an important tribune for
execution of this task. I consider that most, reading this statement,
will say that the UN is only a talking ship and everything depending
on super states, which care only about their pockets.

But today it is not like this. Not completely like this. Beginning
from late 20th century, the community of the countries-voters for the
government are becoming stronger and control their elite and public
opinion usually contains more morals than the pragmatic policy of the
governments. Each year the demand of voters for conduction of fair
and moral internal and external policy become more effective. And we
should appeal not only to super states and elite but also to world
democratic society.

-Then why don’t the GUAM countries develop a plan on private support
of separatism in Russia in a response to Russia’s actions towards
the GUAM member-states?

-This is a difficult question. Initially GUAM countries seem not so
strong to revenge Russia this way. But on the other side, if we recall
the recent history, for example, the Chechen war, we have witnessed
that in the mid 1990s both Azerbaijan and Georgia under Schevarnadze
supported the Chechen fights for independence. Thousands of Chechens
and Dudayev’s representatives came in Baku. Schevarnadze helped
them even more. But in the result, Russia suppressed the Chechen
rebellion and putting a pressure on Azerbaijan, made it reject the
active support of Chechens. It is unpleasant to recall it, considering
the Azerbaijani-Russian relations.

But who is to be blamed for it? Today Russian politicians, before
speaking about our eternal friendship, should see the root of the
problem. To become out true friend, Russia should reject its support
to the Armenian aggression in Karabakh.

KARABAKH FOLLOWS IN KOSOVO’S STEPS
by Ivan Preobrazhensky, Aleksei Bausin

DEFENSE and SECURITY
May 21, 2008 Wednesday
Russia

Bringing in 500,000 Armenians, Karabakh authorities intend to get
international recognition

WILL NAGORNO-KARABAKH ARRANGE ITS OWN TALKS WITH AZERBAIJAN?; Official
Stepanakert maintains that it itself should negotiate peace settlement
with Azerbaijan.

Nagorno-Karabakh President Bako Saakjan is convinced that
Nagorno-Karabakh should participate in the pace settlement talks with
Azerbaijan. "Independent Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is the principal
warring side. It has the priorities analogous to those of another
countries," Saakjan said. All negotiations have been conducted by
Armenia these last 14 years. Nagorno-Karabakh only participated in
the truce signing in 1994.

Gegam Bagdasarjan, the only oppositionist deputy on the Karabakh
parliament, suspects that the Nagorno-Karabakh authorities might
have been upset by rumors that Armenia was ready to give part of the
Karabakh territories to Azerbaijan to settle the matter.

Not even Armenia has established diplomatic relations with
Stepanakert. Azerbaijani settlements in Karabakh are in ruins,
Armenian thrive with help from diasporas abroad.

The army comprises approximately one sixth of the population. Economic
revival is undeniable. "Stability will culminate in a doctrine of
maximum density of the population," Karabakh Prime Minister Araik
Arutyunjan said. According to official estimates, the population of
Nagorno-Karabakh stands at under 150,000 men, density of population
amounting to one tenth of the Armenian. The government is out to
stabilize the population at 500,000. Population inflow is double
the outflow. The birth rate is about 14 births per 1,000 people. A
denser population may help with the problem of recognition "as it
did in Kosovo" (to quote Arutyunjan).

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandjan believes that status of
Nagorno-Karabakh should be determined at a referendum. "Moscow stands
for a compromise reached with help from foreign intermediaries,"
Leonid Slutsky of the International Committee of the Duma said.

INFORMATION ABOUT TRANSFER OF NORASHEN ARMENIAN CHURCH TO GOC IS CANARD OF RUSSIAN MEDIA, BAKU SAYS

PanARMENIAN.Net
21.05.2008 17:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The information about transfer of Norashen Armenian
church under the jurisdiction f the Georgian Orthodox Church is a
"provocation of Russian media," Azeri political scientist Rasim
Musabekov.

"It was supposed that ‘indignant’ Armenians will prefer pro-Russian
candidates to Saakashvili’s team during the parliamentary elections,"
he said.

"The current Armenia-Georgia relations can be described as ‘better
a bad peace than a good quarrel’, because Georgia experiences
problems in normalizing relations with neighbors and opposition
with Armenia will result in a new wave of Javakhetians’ autonomy
claims. On the other hand, Armenia’s only outlet to the sea lies
through Georgia. Complete isolation would be a calamity for it. So,
despite Kremlin’s instigations, Armenia will not strain relations
with official Tbilisi," Musabekov concluded, 1news.az reports.

Last week the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church
expressed indignation at the encroachment on Saint Norashen Church
and its surroundings instigated by Father Tariel Sikinchelashvili of
the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Saint Norashen Church was built in the middle of 15th century. In
1930-ies along with other places of worship, it was closed and used
as a book depository.

After restoration of state independence, the Georgian government did
not return the Church to its legal historical owner.

During the recent several days a brigade of workers has been building
an iron fence with depiction of religious elements typical for the
Georgian Orthodox Church. The

Armenian Diocese views the act as violation of the agreement to find
a civilized solution to the problem of belonging of Saint Norashen
and four other churches in Tbilisi.

Meanwhile, Father Tariel informed that in the near future he plans
to start "reconstruction works" within the church for holding divine
services by Georgian clergy.

The AAC Georgian Diocese called the Patriarchy of the Georgian Orthodox
Church to take action to prevent infringement of constitutional
rights and to observe the agreement, violation of which can bring to
irreparable injury.

PRESS RELEASE ~ May 20, 2008
ARMENIAN CULTURAL FOUNDATION
104 N. Belmont St. Suite 206- Glendale, CA 91206
Contact: Lerna Kayserian (818) 243-9264

LA MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA, PROMINENT State Legislators and
Congressman to Join Celebration of Armenian Independence and Culture
in Little Armenia, Hollywood, CA

The Armenian Cultural Foundation is pleased to announce the
participation of California State Assemblymembers Paul Krekorian
(D-Glendale) and Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) as co-sponsors of the
Third Annual Armenian Independence Day Festival in Little Armenia. The
Annual Festival will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 11:00
a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Hollywood Boulevard, between the streets of
Vermont and Alexandria.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congressman Brad Sherman, and
Assemblymembers Paul Krekorian and Kevin de Leon will also attend the
festivities. Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, who is
also cosponsor of the Festival, will also be in attendance.

`We thank our elected officials for their support of this special
event and their continued support of the Armenian American community,’
said Festival Committee member Ara Krikorian.

The large scale block party will feature a variety of cultural
displays, musical and dance performances, ethnic food, and
vendors. The festival will also have a kid’s zone, which includes a
petting zoo, pony rides, and various games and rides. Among the
various entertainers that will perform at the festival are Harout
Pamboukjian, Sako, Sahag Sisslian, Ara Shahbazian, Gagik Badalyan,
Harout Jekelian, the Knar Band, Armenian dance groups, and a
traditional dhol-zourna band.

The Annual Armenian Festival in Little Armenia is the largest of its’
kind and is organized by the Armenian Independence Day Festival
Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Cultural Foundation. The
festival marks Armenia’s first independence on May 28, 1918, which
came after 600 years of Ottoman Turkish oppression. The Republic
established on this date set the foundation for today’s independent
Republic of Armenia, which was one of the first former Soviet
Republics to declare independence on September 21, 1991.

Those who wish to obtain more information about the festival are
encouraged to call (818) 243-9264 or visit

ARARAT YEREVAN IN LEAD OF TOURNAMENT TABLE OF ARMENIAN FOOTBALL STAR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 6 STAGES

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 19, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 20, NOYAN TAPAN. The games of the sixth stage of the
Star National Football Championship of Armenia took place on May
17. The following results were registered: Mika – Ulis 1:0, Gandzasar
Ararat 2:3, and Cilicia – Pyunik 0:3. The Shirak – Banants game was
postponed. Ararat Yerevan is in the lead of the tournament table
with 18 points. The games of the next seventh stage are scheduled
for May 30.

DOVE-SHAPED SCULPTURE IN MEMORY OF HRANT DINK

armradio.am
20.05.2008 15:48

A well-known Turkish sculptor has said he will design a dove-shaped
sculpture in memory of slain Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant Dink,
the Turkish Daily News reported.

The sculpture will be 120 centimeters tall and 120 centimeters
wide. It will be placed inside a bulletproof glass case. There are
several options for where to place the sculpture, but Aksoy plans to
erect it on the sidewalk where Dink was shot.

"People passing by will see the place where he died and face their
conscience. Because the biggest conviction is people’s conscience,"
said Aksoy.

Aksoy was inspired by Dink’s last article "Guvercinin Tedirginligi"
(The uneasiness of a pigeon) and decided to make a dove-shaped
sculpture. He once visited the Dink family’s atelier and saw a dove
sculpture, which affected him greatly.

After some procedural requirements are completed, the project,
which has also been approved by the Å~^iÅ~_li Municipality, will be
undertaken, said Aksoy.

The editor-in-chief of daily Agos, Etyen Mahcupyan, emphasized
that Aksoy’s project is an important one. Mahcupyan said Å~^iÅ~_li
Municipality has confirmed the project and added that the idea of
placing the dove-shaped sculpture on the sidewalk came from the
municipality.

–Boundary_(ID_ViLbEPigebM27y0p dmm2AQ)–

IVANCHUK BEATS ARONIAN AGAIN

A1+
[04:46 pm] 13 May, 2008

Levon Aronian is beaten in "M-Tel Masters" Chess Tournament 2008,
Sofia. In Round 5 Aronian played against the Ukrainian Gross Master
Vassily Ivanchuk.

Before it Aronian had met Ivanchuk 13 times, 7 times losing to him,
twice winning and 4 times ending the game in a draw. The statistics
promised a difficult match to Aronian. Already in the 44th move he
yielded to GM Ivanchuk.

With 5 points Ivanchuk leads the tournament list, followed by Topalov
(3.5 points). Aronian is the 5th with 1.5 points.