Author: Nahapetian Samvel

ARMENIANS LAUNCH NEW INTERNET CAMPAIGN TO BREAK KARABAKH TALKS

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 8 2007

Armenians have launched new campaign targeted at breaking off the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Armenian NGOs are holding
new campaign via the Internet.

Armenians forward free protest fax to US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner,
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanian, Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Mathew Bryza,
Bernard Fasier, Yuriy Merzlyakov and Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal
Representative of the Chairman-in-Office through web site
en.

The protest action says "The general terms of the settlement of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as declared on May 25, 2007 in Baku
by the OCSE Minsk Group mediators B. Fassier and Y. Merzlyakov,
contradict the expectations of the Armenian people for a peaceful and
secure future. "The surrender to Azerbaijan of the liberated lands
of Nagorno-Karabakh, controlled by the local Armenian population,
and the subsequent transformation of Nagorno-Karabakh into an enclave
or semi-enclave within Azerbaijan".

"In return – an unsubstantiated promise of a referendum in an
unreasonably distant future regarding the status of Nagorno-Karabakh,
which effectively denies the right to self-determination for the people
of Nagorno-Karabakh" Absence of an international political recognition
of Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the main concerns of Armenians.

It also said "We would like to inform the OSCE about the Armenian
society’s position regarding the potential negative consequences of
these terms of settlement, should they be realized" Traditionally
repeated thesis of Armenians such as "Nagorno-Karabakh has never
been a part of independent Azerbaijan" has repeated this time
too. "By pushing the Armenians to unilateral concessions, the OSCE is
taking a responsibility for a future Azerbaijani aggression against
Nagorno-Karabakh. Such an aggression will inevitably take place
immediately after Karabakh surrenders to Azerbaijan the historical
Armenian lands around its boundaries."

RPA TO SIGN AGREEMENT OF COALITION WITH BARGAVACH HAYASTAN

Noyan Tapan
Jun 06 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 6, NOYAN TAPAN. RPA, which has received absolute majority
in the parliament, will sign an agreement on making coalition with
Bargavach Hayastan (Prosperous Armenia) Party and the newly created
coalition will sign cooperation agreement with ARFD on June 6. Noyan
Tapan correspondent was informed about it from a source standing
close to RPA.

ARFD will retain three Minister’s posts in the staff of the newly
created government, which will be published at the NA sitting to be
held on June 7.

ARFD representatives Levon Mkrtchian, David Lokian and Aghvan Vardanian
will continue taking posts of Ministers of Science and Education,
Agriculture, Labor and Social Affairs. Conceding the post of Minister
of Social Issues to ARFD during the negotiations, RPA received the
right to appoint its candidate on the post of Shirak Governor instead.

"YOUTH FOR TOLERANCE" PROJECT LAUNCHES IN ARMENIA
By Ani Baghdasarian

AZG Armenian Daily
06/06/2007

The Open Society Institute and AIESEC youth organization initiated
"Youth for Tolerance" program, recently. The event is aimed to
increasing the tolerance to other nations among the youth. Many
participants from Iran, Georgia, Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan,
Kirghizia arrived in Armenia to represent their events and seminars,
as well as the cultural traditions from their countries here. The
events within the framework of the program touch upon such aspects as
the history, religion, traditions and cultural heritage. The program is
aimed to change and improve the attitude to some cultural traditions
and nations. It will also help unfold a dialogue among the nations
and increase the tolerance to other nations in the society.

"In conditions of growing globalization processes, there is really
great need for tolerance to other nations in the society. This program
will be our contribution to spreading this idea," Arevik Ohanian,
chairman of the program’s steering committee, said.

The participants of the program have great expectations from their
participation, as they believe that it’s important to accepts and
understand other cultures. This will help solving problems.

SCHOOL GRADUATES TAKE COMMON EXAMS IN ARMENIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Panorama.am
18:18 01/06/2007

Today, at 10:00, common exams in Armenian language and literature
started in 56 school centers and general exams were taken in all
other schools. The grades from common exams will be transferred to
higher educational establishment during entrance exams.

Schools graduates will take common and general exams in Armenian
language and literature in Nagorno Karabakh as well. Common exams
will be taken in one center in Karabakh. The center is equipped with
photocopy machines for the students to make copies of their exams
after they finish.

Exam tests were sent in closed boxes to the regions through banks. They
were printed in London. The test results will be announced in 6 days.

LIBRARIES OF ARTSAKH RECEIVE 3478 BOOKS
By Marieta Makarian

AZG Armenian Daily
01/06/2007

Karine Khodikian, RA Deputy Culture and Youth Affairs Minister,
informed that a unique event is being held within the framework of
the 15th anniversary of the Armenian Armed Forces and the liberation
of Shoushi.

In particular, the Artsakh based libraries received 3478 books. All
of the books were newly printed, published within the framework of
the state order. The collection included classical books, as well
as modern literature, books for children, encyclopedias, translated
books and critical literature. The collection will be distributed to
the libraries located in both towns and the villages of Artsakh. The
Artsakh people were glad to receive such a precious present, as
the libraries of the republic are always crowded with readers of
various ages. Mrs. Khodikian emphasized the importance of paying great
attention to the book publishing, of supporting such state programs,
as the demand of classical literature is great not only in Artsakh
but also in Armenia.

U.S. CONGRESS DELEGATION AT TURKISH PARLIAMENT

Turkish Press
May 30 2007

ANKARA – Turkey-U.S. Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairman
Egemen Bagis hosted a dinner on Monday in honor of members of
U.S. Congressional Study Group on Turkey who are currently in Ankara.

Speaking at the dinner, Bagis reminded that Ed Whitfield
(Co-chairman of Turkey Friendship Group at House of Representatives
of U.S. Congress) led the first U.S. delegation which visited Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by using Ercan Airport. He said,
"following this initiative, other foreign delegations paid such
visits."

"Also U.S. delegation`s attending the first formal luncheon in
Turkey together with TRNC Ambassador shows the determination to lift
the isolations (on TRNC)," noted Bagis. He also expressed pleasure
over the efforts of U.S. delegation against the draft on so-called
Armenian genocide.

Noting that Iraq and PKK terrorist organization were discussed in
all meetings of U.S. delegation, Bagis said that terrorism in Iraq
is preventing many things.

On the other hand, Co-chairman Whitfield said that they had many
beneficial meetings within the last few days, adding that they
discussed TRNC issue, PKK terrorism, Turkey`s EU process and the
draft on so-called Armenian genocide.

The U.S. delegation will proceed to Istanbul on Tuesday, and depart
from Turkey on Friday.

TURKISH GENERAL INCITES AZERBAIJAN TO WAR IN KARABAKH

ArmInfo News Agency
2007-05-29 10:42:00

It is impossible to settle the Karabakh conflict in peaceful way,
ex-Head of the Intelligence Department of Turkey’s Air Forces,
Lieutenant-General Yashar Demirbulagh told APA.

"Everyone must know that the lands, which are conquered by bloodshed,
cannot be returned bloodlessly. If Azerbaijan intends to solve this
issue through the mediation of international organizations, it has to
weigh everything once more. These lands were lost not as a result of
defeat of the Azerbaijani people and not by the power of the stronger
army of Armenians, but as a result of treachery. Therefore, Azerbaijan
will return these lands by its forces only.

Everyone must know that this matter will be resolved neither by
OSCE charity nor by the UN instructions, nor by charity of other
international organizations . No one should forget under what
conditions one million refugees live in Azerbaijan. If the Azerbaijani
party resolves on liberation of its lands in military way, it will
be able to save them. The World will look at Azerbaijan otherwise
after beginning of the military operations", the Turkish General said.

Ouest-France
25 mai 2007 vendredi
Toutes Edition

Le cinéaste retourne sur les traces de son grand-père arménien

ISTANBUL (de notre correspondante). – Avédis, le grand-père du
cinéaste et acteur Serge Avédikian, n’aurait sûrement jamais imaginé
que son petit-fils insisterait tant à raconter son histoire : celle
d’un Arménien de l’empire ottoman qui, en 1915 prend le chemin de
l’exil pour échapper à la mort. Et surtout renouerait un dialogue
avec les habitants actuels de Sölöz (où vivait le grand-père), un
village autrefois arménien, près de Bursa, ville turque d’un million
d’habitants.

Mais comment parler d’un passé aussi douloureux que le génocide
arménien alors que le sujet reste un tabou en Turquie ? Comment les
Turcs qui habitent aujourd’hui à Sölöz perçoivent ce passé dont ils
ne connaissent que des bribes ?

Avec son film Retourner, Serge Avédikian explore ces questions. Le
réalisateur est invité dimanche à Istanbul pour une projection
spéciale du film. Une première en Turquie où d’autres films évoquant
le génocide arménien avaient été censurés dans le passé. «Le film a
une histoire incroyable, confie le réalisateur dont les parents sont
nés en France. En Arménie, il a été accueilli avec beaucoup
d’enthousiasme. Les gens ont saisi l’originalité de la démarche: ne
pas être dans une logique de demande des comptes, mais essayer de
comprendre.»

Retourner montre comment les habitants de Sölöz ignorent le sort
réservé aux Arméniens en 1915. Ils croient, sincèrement, qu’ils ont
simplement été déplacés ailleurs, comme eux-mêmes ont dû quitter la
Grèce en 1922. Mais l’amnésie n’est pas le seul mal qui touche la
Turquie. Le pays souffre aussi d’un nationalisme violent qui a coûté
la vie au journaliste arménien Hrant Dink, assassiné en janvier.
«Nous devons trouver un moyen de dialoguer, on ne peut plus tourner
autour du pot, déclare Serge Avédikian. Les milieux nationalistes se
sentent en danger, c’est pour cela qu’ils sont aussi violents. Mais
la démocratisation du pays est en cours. Le processus d’adhésion de
la Turquie à l’UE doit continuer pour cette raison.»

Burçin GERCEK.

MUSIC REVIEW: TRIO NAREG OFFERS ARMENIAN RARITIES
By Richard S. Ginell, Special to the Times

Calendar Live
LA Times, CA
May 25 2007

The new group, which takes its name from a mystic poet, makes an
impressive debut in the Chamber Music in Historic Sites series

A new piano trio has come onto the scene, one that definitely has an
identity of its own.

Named after the 10th century Armenian mystic poet St. Gregory of
Nareg, Trio Nareg aims to mix Armenian repertoire with European
classics, not unlike the Dilijan Chamber Music Concert Series
downtown. Appropriately, the trio made its debut Wednesday night in
Burbank’s Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America –
another distinctly different locale for the Da Camera Society of
Mount St. Mary’s College’s Chamber Music in Historic Sites series.

Two of the musicians are noted veterans – pianist Armen Guzelimian
and violinist Ani Kavafian – while cellist Ani Kalayjian represents
a young, up-and-coming generation. On Wednesday, the balance of
the instruments tended to strongly favor the piano and the violin,
but this cannot be attributed solely to star power. For one thing,
Guzelimian was manning an aircraft carrier of a piano, a 97-key
Bosendorfer Imperial with the lid fully open.

Yet already, one could hear a well-developed sense of give-and-take
in Haydn’s brief Trio in A, Hob. XV:9, with Guzelimian offering a
particularly sharp, incisive presence (the Bosendorfer can serve
classical-period music surprisingly well). The Mendelssohn Trio in
C minor was a little rough in patches – especially the difficult,
quicksilver scherzo – but the performance had life and impressive
weight.

Of greatest interest were the rarities from Armenia. Arno Babadjanian’s
Piano Trio turned out to be another powerful, unabashedly Romantic
composition from this composer – a little easier on the Rachmaninoff
sauce this time, highlighted by the juicy, gorgeous melody lines for
the strings in the second movement before a boisterous folk-flavored
finale.

Tigran Mansurian’s meditations and modernisms are more fashionable
these days; his style is a good fit for the sleek sound of the ECM
label, which has released a lot of his music. Yet the most striking
thing about his Five Bagatelles – with its episodes of spare trance
music and vehement mini-dances – is its symmetry, the arch-like shapes
of each of the central three pieces and the work as a whole.

Trio Nareg also played a lighthearted Edward Aprahamian scherzo that
was loaded with tunes of local color.

Everything sounded clear, if rather dry, in the ballroom-like Nazareth
and Sima Kalaydjian Hall, which is very well-insulated from the noise
of its next-door neighbor, Interstate 5.

DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY WITHDRAWN VIA AZERBAIJAN FROM RUSSIAN MILITARY BASES IN GEORGIA

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
May 24 2007

Azerbaijan, Baku / Òrend corr E. Huseynov / Defence equipment was
withdrawn from two Russian military bases in Georgia on 24 May. It
will be delivered to Russia via the Azerbaijani territory.

According to data provided by the Azerbaijani Embassy to Georgia on 24
May, the defence technology is being withdrawn from the 62nd Russian
military base located in Akhalkalaki and the 12th base in Batumi.

The agreement to withdraw four Russian military bases from Georgia
was signed in 1999 at the OSCE summit in Istanbul. In accordance with
the agreement, the 62nd Russian military base must be shut down by
the end of 2007 and the 12th Russian military base within 2008.

However, the head of the Joint Staff of the Russian Federation Armed
Forces, Yuri Baluevski, stated at the beginning of May that Russia
would complete the withdrawal as early as 2007.

The equipment assembled in one train has been sent from Khashuri
railway station and includes 33 carriages carrying mainly motor
transport facilities, armoured troop carriers, ammunition and property.

Fourteen trains with equipment and property must be withdrawn from
the Russian military bases in Georgia via Azerbaijan by the end of
August; another 5 trains will go to Armenia to the 102nd Russian
military base in Gumri.

In May, 2 trains with ammunition and defence equipment have been
withdrawn from the 12th Russia military base in Batumi, Georgia via
Azerbaijan. In compliance with the agreement, the defence equipment
will be withdrawn from Batumi every Thursday.

The Russian defence equipment is being withdrawn via the Azerbaijani
territory as it simplifies the withdrawal of troops and lowers the
cost for the Russian Defence Ministry.

The Russian-Georgian agreement stating the terms and the temporary
functioning and withdrawal of the Russian military bases and other
military units of the Group of Russian Troops in Transcaucasia located
in Georgia was signed on 31 March, 2006.

–Boundary_(ID_tNdkUxHOllNlLsV1O/ty+Q)–