Author: Nalbandian Eduard

SELFLESS ACTION

;p=0&id=977&y=2009&m=09&d=19
18.09 .09

It is the duty of every soldier to defend and, should it be
necessary, also help his compatriots. He ought to give the lead
with his unimpeachable conducts and ought to behave himself as a real
citizen. Capitan Tigran Avetisyan – an officer of the RA Armed Forces –
as a section commander, is serving in one of the artillery battalions
in the region of Syunik.

After the working day Tigran heard noises in the area adjoining to
his house. It turned out that there was a fire – resident of Goris
Vahram Grigoryan’s house was burning, and three teenager children
were left inside. Capitan Tigran Avetisyan rushed to the scene of
actio and seeing that it was impossible to enter through the doors,
he, without hesitating, broke the back window of the house, entered
and following the voices of the children in the smoke, he brought out,
unfortunately, only two of them – Mariam and Diana. In the thick smoke
Tigran was not able to find the third child, who had a disablement
from the birth: he was deaf and dumb. Some time later the house turned
to ashes and only the metal carcass was left.

This unfortunate family will never forget Capitan Tigran Avetisyan’s
heroic deed. And every officer of the Armenian Army should follow
Tigran’s example.

For his selfless action Tigran Avetisyan has been20presented by the
Minister of Defence for a medal "For Courage".

ARMENIAN PRODUCERS USE MORE DRIED MILK

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.09.2009 14:14 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The crisis compelled producers to use greater amount
of dried milk, Armenian Agriculture Minister Gerasim Alaverdyan said.

"The price for dried milk has eased. As result, producers began using
less fresh milk," he said.

The Armenian government introduced an amendment in the relevant law,
obliging producers to mention the raw product on the packing

ARMENIA, IMF STAFF REACH DEAL; MAY GET ACCESS TO $60M OF LOAN

Wall Street Journal
Sept 16 2009

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)–The International Monetary Fund announced
Wednesday a staff-level agreement with Armenia on its loan, which would
give the country access to $60 million once the IMF board approves.

The second review on the 28-month standby facility, which was increased
in June to $823 million from $540 million, is expected to go before
the board in late October.

The IMF now expects Armenia’s economy to contract by 15% as the impact
from the global crisis has deepened.

Tax revenues have dropped sharply, with the budget deficit expected
to rise to as much as 7.5% of gross domestic product, the IMF said
in a statement.

TANER AKCAM: TURKISH POLICY OF DENIAL IS A STRATEGY OF BUYING TIME
Ruzan Khachatryan

"Radiolur"
16.09.2009 18:48

There are two separate problems between Turkey and Armenia. You could
define the first as the normalization of relations and the second
as the problem of reconciliation as a result of what occurred in
history. These two problems should be dealt with entirely separately,
and normalization of relations should be achieved immediately,
without any precondition," Taner Akcam, who holds the chair in
Armenian Genocide Studies at Clark University, said in an interview
with daily Taraf.

"The establishment of diplomatic relations should follow the opening
of the borders. Azerbaijan should be made to understand that its
objections are unjustified and that the normalization of relations
between Turkey and Armenia is in its own interest also," he said.

As for turning the discussion to the problems related to history,
Taner Akcam notes the late Hrant Dink would say, "The real problem
is the normalization of relations and the opening of borders. Without
that, you can’t solve any problem."

The interview was reproduced by the Armenian Reporter today with
Professor Akcam’s permission.

Professor Akcam does not believe that either Armenia or international
circles will accept the formation of a commission based upon the
recommendation of the Turkish government to "research the claims of
Agenocide." "This idea is based on some false presumptions. First
of all is a presumption that operates from an idea that there is an
unknown out there, and that if historians were to get together and
publish what they knew, this unknown would disappear. In fact, this
is not the case, either for the Armenians or for the international
academic world. What we have before us is Turkey’s policy of denial.

According to the professor, the subject bears a close resemblance to
the Kurdish issue. "For 90 years, Turkey claimed that there were no
Kurds, and that these people were really Turks who happened to live
in the mountains. Telling Kurds today, "Let’s form a commission and
study the problem scientifically, and if the commission determines
that Kurds do exist, we’ll move forward from there," makes about as
much sense as saying, "We will accept the decision of a commission
formed for the purpose of making a decision on the events of 1915."

"Secondly, this belief rests on a false presumption that if the
commission were formed and a conclusion were reached, everyone would
agree and accept that conclusion. Neither Armenians nor the interested
academic world expects or needs this," he said.

If the job of examining the archives is given to a future commission
or commissions, isn’t there a danger that finding a solution to the
problem gets postponed even further?

"This is in fact a ve ry possible risk. The now 90-year-long Turkish
policy of denial is in reality, a strategy of buying time. This
strategy is what is behind pouring millions of dollars into Washington
lobbyists. Every time the question is on the agenda, what’s been said
is, "Let’s get past this headache one more time. We’ll pay any price
now and think about it later." If Turkey tries to link the resolution
of the problem to research conclusions of the commission or commissions
to be formed, then it falls right into this "buying time" playbook,"

Accoridng to the professor, the enlightenment of Turkish society is
a priority; to help people who have been spoon-fed lies for over 90
years learn the truth. "Society’s lack of information and the need
to address that is a priority. In order to do that, you need candid
and free discourse on the subject. I have my doubts that this can
be achieved without rescinding Article 301 of the Turkish Criminal
Code. There are intellectuals among us who are still being prosecuted
and punished for using the word "genocide." Before you start forming
commissions, you need to remove the obstacles that prevent an honest
and open discourse."

"Of course you can form commissions. Those commissions could be
bestowed with the duty of creating the kind of atmosphere that
will lay the groundwork for a positive reception, by each country’s
public opinion, to a resolution. The most fundamental=2 0problem is
the creation of trust. The commissions should really be formed not
to come to a conclusion about history but to create trust between
the two countries. Starting with the parliaments of each respective
country, commissions that would oversee various organizations should
be formed on the civil society level, and these commissions should
endeavor to promote mutual understanding and growing trust between
these societies," Taner Akcam said.

EU TO ALLOCATE 33M EUROS TO ARMENIA FOR INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES UNDER EASTERN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

/ARKA/
September 15, 2009
YEREVAN

The European Union is to allocate about 33 million euro to Armenia
for strengthening of institutional structures in 2011-2013 under
the Eastern Partnership program, DGRELEX head of unit for Ukraine,
Moldova, Belarus and South Caucasus John Kjaer said at the presentation
of the program in Yerevan Tuesday.

The program has four main directions – free trade, simplification of
visa regime, cooperation in energy sector and respect for democracy
principles, Kjaer said. The program envisages deeper bilateral
cooperation in an expanded format, he said.

According to Kjaer, the program will facilitate the European
integration of Armenia.

An EU expert group is to start working in Armenia by late 2009. The
group will be studying the market, the legislation, compliance with
EU-set criteria.

Eastern partnership initiative with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as participants was officially launched
at EU summit in Prague in May.

The program envisages negotiating over introduction of free trade
zones, signing of strategic agreements, student exchange programs,
environmental protection and energy supplies and simplification of
visa regime.

The EU has already started simplifying the visa regime with Ukraine
and Moldova.

BURGANOV CENTER MUSEUM FEATURES YOUNG CIS SCULPTURES’ WORKS

PanARMENIAN.Net
14.09.2009 19:06 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today, Moscow’s Burganov Center Museum of classic
and modern art hosted a closing ceremony of International Sculpture
symposium for CIS art students.

On August 15-September 15, an International Sculpture symposium for
CIS art students was held in Moscow, on the initiative of Burganov
Center Museum of classic and modern art.

Burganov Center Museum featured young CIS sculptures’ works, with
best of them to be nominated by CIS International Humanitarian
Collaboration Fund.

Yerevan State Academy of Arts was among CIS art students’ International
Sculpture symposium participants.

TUFENKIAN FOUNDATION URGES INCREASED ASSISTANCE TO KASHATAGH

2009/ 09/15 | 01:36

Nagorno Karabakh

The Tufenkian Foundation, which organized a conference in Kashatagh
in the Spring of 2008, emphasizing the importance of the liberated
territories for the security and viability of Artsakh and which sought
to attract diaspora business investment to the region, has issued a
statement calling on Armenians to redouble their efforts in supporting
humanitarian and economic development projects there.

Executive Director Antranig Kasbarian notes the mixed results of the
conference and laments the fact that "the majority of participants have
been slow to respond – either expressing goodwill without tangible
result, or remaining silent altogether." Luckily, Mr. Kasbarian
adds that some groups in the diaspora have stepped up their efforts,
already taking on important projects to benefit the region.

The Tufenkian Foundation oversees a number of projects in the liberated
territories in the health, education and culture, infrastructure and
agricultural sectors.

Mr. Kasbarian stresses the importance for the continued funding of
projects in the region. "At a time such as this, when Azerbaijan
and Turkey seek land concessions in return for normalizing ties with
Armenia, Karabagh’s fate hangs in the balance," he notes.

Those interested in getting involved are urges contact Maro
Matosian, Karabakh Country Director at our Stepanakert office at
[email protected].

Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
3111 Los Feliz Avenue, #206, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Contact person: Dr. Frieda Jordan
Phone: (323) 663-3609
Email:[email protected]

Press Release

Walk of Life 2009 to be held on October 3

Community event, featuring performances by several musicians,
will support the life-saving activities of the ABMDR

Los Angeles, September 14, 2009 – The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor
Registry (ABMDR) will hold its annual walkathon on Saturday, October
3, at the Verdugo Park in Glendale, California. As with previous
walkathons, Walk of Life 2009 will be a celebration of fitness and
health, raising awareness of the ABMDR’s vital work and offering
attendees the chance to join the ranks of the registry.

`The walkathon provides a wonderful opportunity to support a cause
that affects everyone, especially those of Armenian descent,’ said
Dr. Frieda Jordan, president of the ABMDR Board of Directors.

Expected to draw hundreds of participants from all age groups, the
event will feature food and live entertainment, with performances by
a number of popular musicians.

Youth participation in the walkathon is a top priority. Currently
Mariette Keshishian and Dr. Evelyn Baghdassarian of the ABMDR are
coordinating teams of students from local public schools with the
help of Daniel Baghdassarian, a student at La Canada High.

Armenian schools will also have a strong presence at Walk of Life
2009. While all Armenian schools are invited to participate in the
walkathon, the Chamlian and Mesrobian schools are already onboard,
with their respective teams posted on the ABMDR site (abmdr.am). In
addition, Garbis Bartanian, a science teacher at Mesrobian School, is
currently educating students about stem cell transplantation and
genetics through a series of special talks. Dr. Baghdassarian noted
that individuals of any age can start their own walkathon team or
join an existing one through the ABMDR site.

Walk of Life 2009, which is chaired by Armond Aghakhanian of the
ABMDR, has received considerable corporate and local-government
support. The event’s main sponsor is the Glendale Memorial Hospital,
represented at the walkathon by Arpine Kestenian. Other sponsors
include the Glendale City Council and Bank of America. The latter has
contributed $1,000 to the walkathon and pledged to match all funds
raised by Bank of America employees. Dr. Jordan said that other
sponsors can still join in and will receive ABMDR recognition as
walkathon supporters.

`We will be walking to save lives,’ Dr. Baghdassarian said. `At this
very moment there are patients who are in desperate need of a bone
marrow donor, so this is the time to help.’

During Walk of Life 2009, participants will be encouraged to join the
ABMDR. Throughout the event, volunteers will register potential
donors after conducting a quick and simple screening, which involves
taking a saliva sample with a swab.

`The ABMDR has become a genuinely pan-national project around which
Armenians everywhere continue to rally,’ said Fimi Mekhitarian, one
of the registry’s scores of volunteer donor recruiters. `Our upcoming
walkathon is a vitally important event not only because it will
celebrate community activism and wellness, but function as a great
conduit to further boost the life-saving mission of the registry.’

About the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry: Established in 1999,
the ABMDR, a nonprofit organization, helps Armenians worldwide
survive life-threatening blood-related illnesses by recruiting and
matching donors to those requiring bone marrow stem cell transplants.

To date, the registry has recruited 14,144 donors across three
continents, identified 1,305 patients, found 1,033 potential matches,
and facilitated nine bone marrow transplants.

For more information, call (323) 663-3609 or visit abmdr.am.

# # #

Walk of Life 2009
5K/10K walk-run
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Starting at 9 am
Registration: 8 – 9 am
Verdugo Park: 1621 Canada Blvd., Glendale, CA 91208
Featuring live performances by Joseph Krikorian, Ara Sahagian, Hratch

RA PM TO PAY FORMAL VISIT TO U.S.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
14.09.2009 14:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Economy Minister Nerses Yeritsyan met with
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Maria Yovanovitch to discuss the upcoming
visit of RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan to the United States,
the Ministry’s press office said.

The sides also referred to the agenda of Armenian-American working
group’s meeting and the action plan for 2009, including anti-corruption
strategy, export, investment and trade relations.

Trend, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2009

Azerbaijani judoka wins silver in European championship in Yerevan

Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 11 /Trend News, F.Huseynli/

An Azerbaijani judoka has won a silver medal in the European junior
championship in Armenia.

The Member of the Azerbaijani squad, Ilgar Mushkiyev (55kg) could not
gain victory over the Russian Judoka, Viktor Achkinidze in the final
of the European Championship, held in Yerevan.

Two other Azerbaijani judokas, including Rasim Asadullayev and Fagan
Eminoglu could not win their rivals Floren Urani and Artem Buligo in
the semi-final. Asadullayev’s rival will be Italian Amadeo Assorsi and
Eminoglu’s – Spanish Ares Herrero.

A total of five Azerbaijani sportsmen are representing the country in
the championship. Other members of the Azerbaijani squad, including
Ramin Gurbanov (81kg) and Elmar Gasimov (100kg) will join the contest
during the next days of the championship.