Author: Maghakian Mike

GATHERING MONEY AT SCHOOLS IS A CRIME

Lragir.am
28 Aug 06

This was stated by the first deputy mayor of Yerevan during the August
28 briefing at the City Hall of Yerevan. Moreover, the directors
of schools who organize illegal raising of money will be dismissed
forever. "Raising money is an unacceptable phenomenon, if we have
facts, the directors will be dismissed," warns Kamo Areyan. The latter
confirms that raising money at schools is illegal because the schools
do not have the right to make a deal with pupils.

However, in order to legalize this money raising at schools it
should be on a volunteer basis. In this case the extra-budget sums
of the schools will be considered legal. And while the first mayor of
Yerevan assures that they will battle this phenomenon, the experienced
directors of schools will resume their mission in several days.

SCHOLAR SAYS AGHDAM FINDS SHOW ARMENIANS’ LONG CULTURAL PRESENCE
By Gayane Danielian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Aug. 23, 2006

An Armenian scholar argues that the historical and cultural monuments
of the town of Tigranakert dated to the first century B.C. recently
found in Aghdam are additional proof that Armenians and Armenian
culture were present in the region still millennia ago.

Director of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography Aram
Kalantarian told RFE/RL that the expedition working in eastern
Karabakh found exact replicas of monuments one could come across in
Armenian territory.

"What was found in Aghdam simply repeats what is present in the
territory of Armenia. That is, it proves that here we have a common
cultural field and that the monuments were created by people living
in the same cultural field," Kalantarian said.

Aghdam is an Azerbaijani district east of Karabakh presently controlled
by the Nagorno-Karabakh armed forces.

Kalantarian said that during the past two years the government to a
certain degree increased state budget allocations for archeological
expeditions. In particular, according to him, 34 million drams
(about $85,000) had been allocated for the purpose in 2006, and 22
expeditions have been working in the territory of Armenia this year.

Kalantarian said the expeditions had achieved ‘marvelous results,’
as new historical and cultural monuments were found. However, he said
that it is equally important to preserve what has been found.

The monuments of Tigranakert were found recently by an expedition led
by Hamlet Petrosian. The team of archeologists has already returned
from Karabakh and now is working in Garni.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY: PLACE AND DATE OF MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIANI FOREIGN MINISTERS NOT KNOWN YET

Yerevan, August 23. ArmInfo. No specific data on the place and date
of the meeting of Armenian and Azerbaiani foreign ministers has
been determined yet. Vladimir Karapetyan, Acting Press Secretary
of Armenian Foreign Ministry, informed ArmInfo commenting on the
statement of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammedyarov that he
is ready to meet with Vardan Oskanyan.

"At present the date and the place of the meeting are discussed," V.
Karapetyan said. Azerbaijani media report E. Mammedyarov had a meeting
with the French Co- chair of OSCE Minsk Group. "The Co-chairs made
several proposals to us regarding the date and the place of the
meeting. In our turn, we gave our agreement," E. Mammedyarov said.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armenian National Committee – Texas Chapter
11301 Richmond Ave. # K108
Houston, Texas 77082
Phone: 281.558.1918
[email protected]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++

PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 18, 2006

Contact: Vatche Hovsepian

Tel: (281) 558-1918

ANC OF TEXAS MEETS WITH LONE STAR STATE LEGISLATORS

HOUSTON, TX – Taking advantage of the August Congressional recess,
the Armenian National Committee of Texas today wrapped up its first
week of district office meetings to update Lone Star State
legislators on a broad range of Armenian American legislative
priorities.

As part of its ongoing effort to connect the Texas Armenian American
community with their federal representatives, the ANC of Texas met
with Congressmen Ron Paul (R-Victoria) and Charles Gonzalez (D-San
Antonio). The leadership of the Texas community also met with senior
aides in the office of Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Austin).

Kicking off the week this past Monday, ANC of Texas member Vrouir
Frankian was joined by Mhair Dekmezian and Zaven Ouzounian for a
meeting with Congressman Paul and his deputy District Director,
Dianna Kile, in his Lake Johnson office. Topics discussed included
the current status of Armenian Genocide legislation and ongoing
Nagorno Karabagh peace talks. Mr. Frankian also raised the matter of
Azerbaijan’s recent desecration and destruction of the historic
Djulfa Armenian cemetery to the Congressman’s attention, as well as
the impact of the ongoing blockade of Armenia by Turkey and
Azerbaijan.

Representative Paul said he would look into co-sponsoring H.Res.316,
the Armenian Genocide Resolution. The meeting attendees thanked the
Congressman for his support of H.R. 3361, the Open Railroads Act that
prevents the United States from financially backing a proposed
railroad in the South Caucasus that would bypass Armenia.

On Friday, the Chairman of the ANC of Texas, Vatche Hovsepian, took
to the road to lead delegations of constituents in Congressional
meetings in San Antonio and Austin. In the morning, Mr. Hovsepian
was joined by San Antonians, Dr. Sos Aghoyan, Zaven Ekmekjian, Dr.

Tavit Hagopian, Haig Panoyan, and Diran Yeghparian for a meeting with
Congressman Charles Gonzalez. The Congressman noted that the
Armenian Genocide must be recognized and promised to co-sponsor
H.Res.316. He also conveyed his support for maintaining parity in
U.S. military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Congressman was
pleased to meet with the many constituents in attendance and enjoyed
hearing about how they were contributing to the health and welfare of
the broader San Antonio community.

Following the meeting with Congressman Gonzales, the Chairman of the
ANC of Texas was joined by Austin community members Ken Maranian and
Khachig Papanyan for a meeting with Congressman Lamar Smith’s
community liaison.

"The meetings we have held with Members of Congress and their aides
have been productive," noted Vatche Hovsepian. "These Congressmen
are, today, even more familiar with Armenian American issues, and, as
a result, when they come across these issues in Washington, D.C.

they will know that they have constituents at home who are attentive
to how they address these matters."

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United
States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA
actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on
a broad range of issues.

DISCOVERED CITY OF TIGRAN THE GREAT

AZG Armenian Daily
18/08/2006

August 10, The expedition "Tigranakert" of the institute of Archaeology
and Ethnology of the Academy of Sciences of Republic of Armenia with
the initiative and financing of ~DFrance-Karabagh~I and "Yerkir"
Union of NGO-s for Repatriation and Settlement has made astounding
discoveries. The expedition, led by the Doctor of Historical Sciences
Hamlet Petrosyan, managed to find the citadel constructed by Tigran The
Great. The structure was built by huge plain stone blocks tied to each
other with the so called "swallow-tail bounds" – an advanced Hellenic
technique. Such a complicated and advanced technique is used here
for the first time and serves as evidence for the hypothesis of the
research group, in particular that Tigranakert of Artsakh is located
at the same place as the current archaeological excavation. One of
the fenced terraces of the city, which is also constructed from plain
blocks, is also under excavation.

The excavations of the urban district and adjacent burial mounds
have also been initiated. These excavations have come to prove
that Armenian identity has been present in the lower stream of
Khachenaget (former region of Aghdam) at least since the first century
B.C.

180 ARMENIAN COMPANIES HAVE LICENCES FOR PROVIDING DATA TRANSMISSION AND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICES

Noyan Tapan
Aug 15 2006

YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, NOYAN TAPAN. About 180 Armenian companies currently
have licences for providing data transmission and Internet access
services.

Gevorg Gevorgian, Head of the Telecommunication Department of the
RA Public Services Regulatory Commission, told NT correspondent
about it. According to him, the operation of 14 companies providing
data transmission and Internet access services was ceased due to the
fact that these companies were not engaged in this type of activity
but were unaware that this circumsatnce does exempt them from annual
duties for licence and from fines for non-payment of these duties. At
the same time, in the first half of this year, 9 licences allowing
to carry out such activity were granted. G. Gevorgain found it
difficult to answer the question about the volume of the Armenian
market of data transmission and Internet access services. He noted
that ArmenTel company can throw a light on this question. It should
have submitted information to the commission about the amount its
electronoic communication services until February 1, 2006.

The publication of this information was delayed until the commission’s
sitting scheduled for July 28, which did not take place.

AZIMOV: "NEW PROPOSALS FOR SETTLEMENT OF NK CONFLICT ARE EXPECTED IN SEPTEMBER"

Today, Azerbaijan
Aug. 15, 2006

There is not a concrete proposal whether or not Azerbaijani and
Armenian Foreign Ministers will meet, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign
Minister Araz Azimov told journalists.

Mr.Azimov said the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are discussing this issue
adding there will be concrete information in few days, APA reports.

"We have always assessed the meetings in terms of their efficiency and
concreteness. We’ll have heard constructive proposals not repetition
of old stances. We can achieve something only if Armenia demonstrates
a constructive position," the Deputy Minister said.

Reminding that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has offered concrete
proposals regarding the principal issues, Azimov said details are
discussed at the meetings at a level of Foreign Minister.

He admitted that some standstill appeared in the negotiating process
for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict after the Bucharest
meeting stressing new proposals are expected to be made in September
this year.

"We can hope for something to happen in September. Proposals are on
the table. Armenia can state its position if interested," the Deputy
Minister said.

URL:

EVENTS DEDICATED TO 15th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ARMENIA TO BE HELD AUGUST-OCTOBER

Armenpress
Aug 15 2006

YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Education and Science Ministry
is going to conduct a set of events in August-October dedicated to the
15th anniversary of the Armenian Independence. Pupils and students
of the educational establishments of the provinces and Yerevan will
participate in the events.

Narine Hovhannissian, head of the Education and Science Ministry’s
general education department, said today at a press conference that all
the events are of patriotic, familiarizing nature. From August 17 to 20
second pan-Armenian educational conference will be held in Tsakhkadzor,
from August 20 a school competition on writing a composition on
"My Free Homeland" will be announced. The best compositions will be
published in "Krtutyun" ("Education") and "Kanch" newspapers.

On September 1, the Day of Knowledge, open lessons dedicated
to the 15th anniversary of the independence will be conducted in
schools. Besides exhibitions of works of students and pupils will be
held; on September 21 a march to Yerablur will be organized.

Events will be held in the sport sphere as well, particularly
championships in volleyball, basketball etc. will be
conducted. Besides, in the schools the pupils will meet with
state-political figures, in higher educational establishments
conferences, lectures will be conducted.

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

August 14, 2006
____________________

DR. OUNJIAN’S UNWAVERING DEVOTION TO THE STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY AT THE
OUNJIAN SCHOOL

The June-July trip to Gyumri, Armenia was Dr. John Ounjian’s second in 2006.
He visits several times each year to survey the developments of the Armenag
and Yeghisapet Ounjian School. Reopened in 2000, the school was
reconstructed in honor of Dr. Ounjian’s parents through the Fund for
Armenian Relief (FAR).

Every where he goes in Gyumri, he is welcomed with ‘good mornings’ and
‘hellos’ by the 700 students (his "children") and their smiles. Dr. Ounjian
takes pride in helping the school and its community, which has added new
meaning to his life. His actions and constant attention encourage the
students to strive for a better future.

With each trip back to Armenia, usually three per year, Dr. Ounjian
cultivates strong bonds with "his children." He knows each of their names.
Concerned about their well-being, the New Yorker motivates them to identify
their strengths and plan for adulthood (life after the Ounjian School).

In 2002, he established a university scholarship program for Ounjian School
graduates. The first year of its offering, Dr. Ounjian helped 15 students
pursue higher education at Gyumri and Yerevan universities. Since then, the
program has grown, enabling about 40 bright minds to receive an Ounjian
Scholarship each year.

Additionally, Dr. Ounjian is exploring the possibility of launching a
vocational training program for those graduates who wish to pursue technical
skills over higher education. He wants to help create opportunities for
each Ounjian School graduate to become a productive member of Armenian
society.

In May 2006, Dr. Ounjian had returned to Gyumri to preside over the school’s
graduation. He awarded diplomas to the 43 graduates and inducted them into
the Ounjian School Alumni Association, that has 200+ members. Formed one
year ago, the Alumni Association meets regularly and proposes activities to
keep the community active and involved even after high school. Recently, it
organized a literary and musical event devoted to 1600th anniversary of the
Armenian Alphabet.

On this most recent trip, Dr. Ounjian held a public meeting with the
students and community of the Ounjian School. He emphasized the importance
of education, a lesson he remembers well from his own parents, and the role
that knowledge plays in an individual’s life.

"I have been working my entire life and still do," he said. "Everybody asks
me, ‘have you retired from your job?’ or ‘are you going to leave your job?’
In such cases, I reply that while I am alive, I continue to learn through
study and work. All of life is about studying and working."

At the end of the meeting, Ounjian School graduates expressed their opinions
and characterized the Dr. Ounjian’s lecture as a lesson in life. One
student noted, "the most important thing I have learned from our benefactor
is that, in this life, one should be useful and helpful for our people and
country."

ABOUT FAR

Since its founding in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has served
millions of people through more than 220 relief and development programs in
Armenia and Karabagh. It has channeled more than $265 million in
humanitarian assistance by implementing a wide range of projects including
emergency relief, construction, education, medical aid, and economic
development.

FAR, one of the preeminent relief and development organizations operating
there, is dedicated to realizing the dream of a free, democratic,
prosperous, and culturally rich Armenia. It works towards a brighter future
by partnering with donors to make life a little better for our people. By
offering hope and more promising prospects in Armenia, Karabagh, and
Javakhk, FAR binds the Diaspora and the Armenian family together around the
globe.

For more information about FAR, to organize a visit to FAR projects, or to
send donations, contact the Fund for Armenian Relief at 630 Second Avenue,
New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150; fax (212) 889-4849; web
; e-mail [email protected].

— 08/14/06

E-mail photo available upon request.

PHOTO CAPTION: FAR Benefactor Dr. John Ounjian surrounded by this year’s
Ounjian Scholarships recipients.

# # #

A ug 6 2006

Armenian Activist Reports from Anti-War Protest in NYC

Photo by Aramazt Kalayjian On Saturday 8/5/06 at 4 pm, an Anti-War
protest took place in Times Square, NYC. The rally was sponsored by
Al-Awda, NY; the Arab American Muslim Federation; Defend Palestine
NY; International Action Center; NJ Solidarity Activists for the
Liberation of Palestine; Jorge Marin, Martin Luther King, Jr,
Bolivian Circle; Josue Renaud, NE Human Rights Org. For Haiti, Chuck
Turner of Boston City Council.

The attendance was much more significant then at the previous rally
held in front of Israel’s Mission to the UN, not only because it was
held on a weekend day but also due to the fact that the outreach
through emails had been more effective and widespread. The relative
small attendance by the Arab community can be ascribed to this group
having been so closely monitored and persecuted by the US authorities
that many are now afraid (especially those with a precarious visa
status) to be seen as supporters of any Arab cause.

The protesters were easily in excess of a thousand. The Armenian
contingent was made of about 12 individuals, almost all familiar
faces from the Armenian and the Left Conference. Many held signs that
said "Armenians in solidarity with Lebanon." We discussed the current
political situation, exchanged information, as well as listened to
the speakers.

As was the case with the previous protest-rally, this one too was
packed with energetic slogans and chants. The speeches came from
various ethnic, religious, and human rights groups and the speakers
expressed their solidarity with the Lebanese and Palestinian people
while condemning Israeli and US policies. There were speakers
representing Iranians, Cubans, Palestinians, Arabs, LGBT, Filipino,
African-Americans, Orthodox Jews, etc. as well as those representing
the various leftist organizations that sponsored the rally.

The most memorable and poignant speeches were those by Rashid Khalidi
and Ramsey Clark. The latter asked that we cut US military budget by
70% so the US can offer better education and universal free health
care to children rather than kill children with US made bombs.

Unlike the Boston rally on 8/2 there were no Armenian speakers in NYC
— something that needs to be changed. The rally ended with a march
to the Exxon-Mobile building.

Maro Matossian