Author: Tadevosian Garnik

AZNAVOUR, JIGARKHANYAN, BITOV, SPIVAKOV RECEIVE KAROT AWARD

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.05.2008 14:11 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The first-ever Karot award ceremony took place in
the State Kremlin Palace in the framework Days of Armenian Culture
in Moscow festival.

French singer of Armenian origin Charles Aznavour, actor Armen
Jigarkhanyan, writer Andrey Bitov and conductor of the Russian National
Philharmonic Orchestra Vladimir Spivakov received the award for their
contribution to development of Armenian culture and art.

The renowned French singer could not attend the ceremony. The statuette
in form of a vine will be handed to him later, in the Russian Embassy
in Paris.

ARMENIANS SUFFER NO LOSSES

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on May 16, 2008
Armenia

According to the representative of RA Foreign Ministry Armen Melkonyan:
"Lebanese Armenians and Armenian citizens visiting Lebanon at the
moment didn’t suffer any losses and their lives are not at danger
according to the information we possess. The only incident is the
burning of the radio station "Sevan", which was located in the building
belonging to party "Future" which is the reason why it was burnt.

But before burning the building the people inside were asked to leave
it, they were allowed to take out their equipments. After some time
the radio station restarted its work from another place."

There are several hundred RA citizens in Lebanon; most of them –
on the bases of permanent citizenship.

UKRAINIAN "SAGA" TOURIST COMPANY CONSIDERS NAGORNO KARABAKH AS A PART OF ARMENIA

Azeri Press Agency
May 16 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Zaur Nurmammadov-APA. Ukrainian "Saga" Tourist Company considers
Nagorno Karabakh as a part of Armenia, APA reports.

Nagorno Karabakh has been shown as a part of Armenia in "Armenia"
section of website Moreover, "Armenian History" section
covers distorted information about 1988-Sumgait Massacres.The text
says that tensity in Nagorno Karabakh made nationalist Azerbaijanis
commit massacres in Sumgait. The material says that a great part
of Armenian lands, as well as Agri Mountain is placed in Turkey and
Yerevan claims to return back these lands. The authors touched upon
developments occurred during Ottoman Empire in 1915. They think that
"genocide" was committed against Armenians in Turkey in 1915. "Heads
of Young Turks Movement considered that Armenians would take Russia’s
side during war because of Christianity and therefore they began to
kill and deport Armenians. Turks killed about 1-2 million Armenians
as a result of war", the material says. It is interesting that there
is not any section on Azerbaijan in the website of the tourist company.

Khazar Ibrahim, Spokesman for Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told APA
that Azerbaijani Embassy in Ukraine would be instructed to investigate
the misunderstanding on presentation of Nagorno Karabakh as a part of
Armenia in Ukrainian "Saga" Tourist Company. He added that they would
demand to take out false materials on Azerbaijan from the website.

ARAZ AZIMOV: "MR. NALBANDYAN IS IN A DIFFICULT STATE AS HE ATTEMPTS TO DEFEND FALSE FACTS"

Today.Az
itics/45022.html
May 16 2008
Azerbaijan

In an answer to Day.Az correspondent’s request to express attitude
towards the comments of Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan,
regarding Azerbaijan’s principal position on the resolution of
Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict, deputy foreign minister of Azerbaijan
Araz Azimov said:

"I consider such disputes senseless, as it is evident that the newly
appointed Foreign Minister of Armenia needs additional time to get
acquainted with all issues of the resolution process. The immediate
reaction of the Armenian side and the very comment of the Minister
says that Mr. Nalbandyan is in a difficult state when he attempts to
defend false facts.

Speaking about plebiscite, as about a coordinated mechanism of
definition of the status of Nagorno Karabakh, Mr. Nalbandyan says a
lie. I hope he does not do it by his own will. Any unilateral proposal,
which has not been coordinated, can not be considered a coordinated
element of resolution.

I do hope that the Minister of Armenia, speaking about the population
of Nagorno Karabakh, implies both communities of this region, including
Armenian and Azerbaijani. Otherwise, his statement can be regarded
as a support to ethnic cleansing, committed against the Azerbaijanis
of Nagorno Karabakh. By the way, his forerunner Mr. Vardan Oskanyan,
repeatedly confirmed Armenia’s agreement for return of Azerbaijanis
to Nagorno Karabakh on the official level.

It should be added that for free expression of its opinion, the
Minister speaks about, the population of the region, including both
Armenians and Azerbaijanis primarily need peace, stability, security
and possible creative labor and cooperation in legal conditions. It
is hard to imagine normalization of the situation in the region
in conditions of continuing occupation and preservation of the
consequences of ethnic cleansing.

I would like to hope that Armenian side will be courageous enough
and have political will to admit it. Anyway, if Mr. Nalbandyan
implies conduction of the next manipulation, called a referendum or a
plebiscite, like the one, which Armenian side has already conducted in
conditions of military state after driving the Azerbaijani population
away, he is obviously contradicting the norms of international
humanitarian law.

In order to define compliance of the principal position of Azerbaijani
side, I have expressed in my interview to Day.Az with the document,
which is on the negotiation table, I would recommend him, with the due
respect for his status, to address to the principal postulates of the
Helsinki Final Act, which is among the main documents of the resolution
process, taken into consideration by the Minsk Group co-chairs in
their draft main principles of resolution. After that, it would be
easier for the Armenian side to realize the fact that as Azerbaijan
does not agree to anything else, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
should be settled in the framework of the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan. Armenian side also should not have any misunderstandings
regarding the application of principle of right for self-determination.

And gradually, it is a pity that before initiating the subject talks,
Mr. Nalbandyan had already demonstrated detachment from generally
accepted norms and concepts, which has become Armenian’s habit.

The obvious intention of the Armenian side to prevent return of
Azerbaijanis to Nagorno Karabakh and accelerate the further isolation
of the region from the remaining part of Azerbaijan, would not be
accepted not only by Azerbaijan but the whole world society. Armenia’s
position, based on territorial expansion and ethnic animosity, does
not comply with either the generally accepted principles, or modern
tendencies and trends of regional integration and development",
said Araz Azimov.

PRESS RELEASE
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Contact: Remo Alexandri
Tel: +1 (818) 558-7474
Fax: +1 (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

May 15, 2008
<[email protected]>
DIOCESE HONORS JEWISH WORLD WATCH FOUNDER

Burbank, CA – It was truly an auspicious occasion when, under banner of the
Kinship of Suffering, the Armenian Community and the Jewish Community joined
together to give reverence to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and
Jewish Holocaust, as well as celebrate each other’s rich culture. On
Thursday, May 15, 2008 the Western Diocese hosted a special event to honor
Rabbi Harold Schulweis, founder of Jewish World Watch, spiritual leader of
Valley Beth Shalom, and long serving advocate of social and interfaith
initiatives. Nearly 400 members of the Armenian and Jewish communities were
in attendance, as well as several dignitaries and elected officials.

The evening’s program was a rich and varied representation of the spiritual
and cultural heritage of the Jewish and Armenian peoples. A united choir was
formed with representatives of each community that performed the Israeli,
Armenian, and American National Anthems, and spiritual hymns in beautiful
harmony. Two graceful and entertaining dance groups, the Armenian Dance
Center and the Kashet Chaim Dance Ensemble, also offered several
performances during the evening.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. Michael Amerian, Esq., who
welcomed the evening’s guests, as well as acknowledged the planning
committee and those who worked hard realized the event. In his introductory
remarks he said of Rabbi Shulweis, "Brilliance and humility don’t frequently
find harmony within the same soul. Yet the fact he possesses these qualities
combined with a fierce sense of justice has benefitted not only the Jewish
community, but the world as a whole."

His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian was then invited to offer his remarks,
"Our journey tonight proves to be a sign of victory and perseverance for the
cause of global justice. ‘Together we will not forget’ is the leading
thought. History demands justice and justice is a prerequisite for peace.
The Honorable Rabbi Harold Schulweis the founder of the Jewish World Watch
is not only a spiritual leader of the Jewish community, but a leading figure
amongst the leaders. He has a compassionate heart, whose love is the
reflection of God’s love for humanity, whose genuine respect for the victims
of the Armenian Genocide has utterly rejected all political considerations."

The Primate then presented Rabbi Schulweis with the gift of a handmade
Armenian tapestry. The Rabbi then offered his reflections on the evening to
the attendees, "What would our ancestors wish? That we together answer the
question that pursues human history from the story of Cain and Abel. ‘Am I
my brother’s keeper?’ Cain asked. We know the answer that the children of
Abel must give is ‘Yes, Dear God – we are our brother’s keepers.’ We know
from the bowels of our haunted histories that… You, God, want us to
protect Your children. You, God, want us to cry out against the myriad forms
of genocide. You, God, want us to make whole shattered lives. You, God, want
us to enlarge the meaning of our hemorrhaging ancestors lying in the
blood-soaked earth, ‘The voice of the blood of your brothers cries out unto
me.’ Two communities, yours and mine, have found each other. We must not let
go."

The Western Diocese was proud to host many esteemed guests and officials
whose attention and leadership the Armenian Community cherish. The guests
include Consul General Armen Liloyan, Supervisor Zev Yurovslasky,
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, Hon. Wendy Greuel, Hon. Dave Golinksi, Hon.
James Bozajian, Judge Armand Arabian, Judge Zaven Sinanian, Fr. Alexei Smith
representing Cardinal Roger Mahony, and JWW Executive Director Tzivia
Schwartz-Getzug.

The event was sponsored through the generous support of the George Ignatius
Foundation, whose trustees are Michael Amerian Eqs., Walter Karabian Esq.,
and George Phillips Sr. Esq.

Full text versions of Abp. Hovnan Derderian’s and Rabbi Harold Schulweis can
be found at
jewish-world-watch-founder/.

###

Photos

http:/ / /DSC_0532.jpg

Caption: Supervisor Zev Yurovslasky speaking at a private reception prior to
the event.

leries/kinship/DSC_0572.jpg

Caption: Hon. Judge Armand Arabian presenting Rabbi Harold Schulweis with a
gift.

lleries/kinship/DSC_0576.jpg

Caption: Los Angeles City Councilmember Wendy Grueul addressing guests of a
private reception.

/galleries/kinship/DSC_0585.jpg

Caption: Assemblymember Paul Krekorian addressing guests of a private
reception.

m/assets/galleries/kinship/DSC_0649.jpg

Caption: Master of Ceramonies Mr. Michael Amerian, Esq.

ries/kinship/DSC_0750.jpg

Caption: Consul General of the Republic of Armenian Armen Liloyan

lleries/kinship/DSC_0817.jpg

Caption: Rabbi Harold Schulweis

galleries/kinship/DSC_0838.jpg

Caption: Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Rabbi Harold Schulweiss shake hands as
onlookers, including Consul General Armen Liloyan and Assemblyman Paul
Krekorian, applaud the Rabbi’s Accomplishments

ssets/galleries/kinship/DSC_0864.jpg

Caption: The Kashet Chaim Dance Ensemble leading guests in a traditional
Jewish dance

eries/kinship/DSC_0913.jpg

Caption: Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Rabbi Harold Schulweis presented a
traditional Armenian carpet gifted to the Rabbi.

PRESS RELEASE
May 11, 2008
Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance
20 Concord Lane, Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact: Zoe Kevork
(818) 415-9848

SAROYAN PLAYWRITING PRIZE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

by Zoe Kevork

The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) is pleased to announce the three
finalists of the inaugural William Saroyan Prize for Playwriting: Nadia by
Lilly Thomassian, Flesh and Tenderness by Kristen Lazarian and The Living
and the Dead by Matthew "Yazo" Yaldezian.

Play submissions were received from across the United States, the UK and
Armenia. Entries were required to be full-length plays written in English
and based on Armenian themes. The plays were required to have a professional
production or reading prior to submission, which resulted in high quality
entries.

First round judges were Claire Cox, playwright and writing instructor at the
Gotham Academy in New York; Enrique Urueta, playwright and former literary
manager at Impact Theatre in San Francisco; Landon Vaughn, actor, writer and
producer; Tanya Yerevanian, actor, writer and graduate of the Royal Academy
of Dramatic Arts in London; and David Grillo, actor, writer and producer of
the off-Broadway production of Beast on the Moon.

The three finalist plays will be evaluated by an honorary jury including
Leslie Ayvazian, award-winning playwright and Assistant Professor of
Playwriting at Columbia University; Deborah Salzer, playwriting educator and
Founder of The Playwrights Project; and, Mac Wellman, Lifetime Obie-award
winning playwright and the Donald I. Fine Professor of Play Writing at
Brooklyn College.

The winner will be announced at the ADAA’s 3rd Annual Celebrity Gala on
Saturday, August 23, 2008, which will be held at the Stars Palace Theatre in
Glendale, CA. The winner will be honored with a $10,000 award.

The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance’s mission is to make the Armenian voice
heard on the world stage through the dramatic arts of theatre and film. The
organization accomplishes this mission by supporting playwrights and
screenwriters and providing production opportunities, research tools,
networking resources and writing awards. In addition to the William Saroyan
Prize for Playwriting, the ADAA administers the $10,000 Lillian and Varnum
Paul Prize for Screenwriting, the deadline for which is February 15, 2009.

For more information about ADAA, its activities and how to contribute to its
important mission, please visit the website at or call
at 617-871-6764.

ARMROSGASPROM TO INVEST 52BLN AMD TO IMPROVE GAS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN ARMENIA

ARKA
May 12, 2008

YEREVAN, May 12. /ARKA/. ArmRosgasprom is going to invest 52bln
AMD (approximately $150mln) in 2007-2009 to improve and expand
the gas-transport system in Armenia, as well as to enhance
the network capacity. A new 197.4-kilometre-long gas main –
Kajaran-Sisian-Angeghakot-Jermuk-Ararat – will be constructed (the
diameter of the pipe to be 720mm) and basic blocks with a total length
of 102 kilometres will be renovated to enhance the capacity of the
country’s gas-transport system.

The gas main will run from the south to the north-west, through the
territory of Syunik, Vayots-Dzor, and Ararat, in some sections running
as high as 3,000 metres above sea level, in tough climate and relief
conditions, the company reported. Once the new gas main is put into
operation, the annual delivery volume of Iranian gas will reach 2.3bln
cubic metres against the current volume of 1.1bln cubic metres.

The payment for the additional gas supply will be paid according
to the "gas against energy" principle, via the 230-megawatt-strong
combination-cycle power generating unit being constructed at the
Yerevan Thermal Power Plant (TPP) and the 440-megawatt-strong 5th
power generating unit of Hrazdan TPP.

The Meghri-Kajaran section of Iran-Armenia gas main has been
constructed under an agreement signed by the Armenian government,
represented by "High-Voltage Power Network" Company, and the Iranian
"Sanir" Company, and the loan was extended by the Export Development
Bank of Iran. The second section of the gas main – Kajaran-Ararat –
is under construction now. ArmRosgasprom says by the end of 2008
Armenia will be ready to accept as much natural gas from Iran as set
by the contract – 1.1bln.

ArmRosgasprom has a monopoly right to deliver and distribute Russian
natural gas on Armenian market. The company was founded in 1997. Its
current capital totals $580mln, the shareholders are Gasprom (57.59%),
the Ministry of Energy of Armenia (34.7%) and the Itera oil and gas
company (7.71%).

The Gazette (Montreal), Canada
May 11 2008

A glittering gala
JENNIFER CAMPBELL, The Gazette

[parts omitted]

Jazzy J&J: Guess what, noties?

The inaugural Joie de Vivre Gala fundraiser (spectacularly chaired by
Ana Afeyan) also worked the Jeans and Jools theme to perfection,
raising an inspiring $65,000 for Hay Doun Family Support
Services. Founded by Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada, Bishop
Bagrat Galstanian, Hay Doun provides social services and civic
education to Quebecers of Armenian origin and the community at large.

And like D&D, the J&J at Bonsecours was a night to remember for all
265. Among the highlights: a shmoozy-fun cocktail; moving speeches by
emcee Narod Odabashian, Bishop Galstanian, Hay Doun chairperson Nayiri
Tavlian, and Mayor Gérald Tremblay (there with gallant bro Marcel); a
brimming buffet by Bon Appetit featuring "treasure cakes" by La
Gterie; mega boogie thanks to the Rhythm Club; Levon Afeyan’s auction
fever; and a glittering guest list graced by Eileen Margossian and
husband Vahé Kassardjian; Rudsak toppest (and top sponsor) Evik
Asatoorian with magnificent Mary; Sossi Manoukian and hub John;
Conservative candidate for Laval-Les Îles, Agop Evereklian; Bellinda
and Aram Yacoubian; master attorney Harry Dikranian and wife Norma
Alepian; Marcelle-Lavoie Meterissian and husband, Sarkis; Chanel’s
Anny Kazanjian with better-than-any-accessory, hub Andy Habib; plastic
surgeon Nabil Fanous and glam wife Stephanie; and Tria Publications’
Houri Hakimian.

The Event Equation? Denim + Diamonds+ Jeans+Jewels=Pure jeanius!!

olumnists/story.html?id=06b62790-52fb-4e66-9b1d-55 a8627f43b2

Al-Arabiya TV, Dubai
May 10 2008

Hezbollah gunmen said to have "torched" radio station in Beirut

[Announcer-read report over video]

Our correspondent has reported that Hezbollah gunmen occupied a
building belonging to Future Television in the A’ishah Bakkar area in
Beirut and torched the Armenian radio station, Radio Sevan, an
affiliate of the Future Movement, in the city.

ARMENPRESS

TIGRAN SARGSIAN CONGRATULATES ARMENIANS ON THE VICTORY DAY

YEREVAN, MAY 9, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsian congratulated Armenians on the Day of
Victory and Peace. Governmental press service told
Armenpress that in his message he particularly says,
`Dear compatriots,
I warmly congratulate you on the Day of Victory and
Peace. Today we, together with many nations, are
celebrating anniversary of the historic victory
against fascism which thanks to the patriotism,
devotion, sacrifice and courage of the sons of our
people has become ours too.
The victory is doubled by another great event –
liberation of Shushi. Sixteen years ago in a demanded
war our people registered its right for peaceful and
independent right.
Today I direct my warmest congratulations to the
war veterans, our freedom fighters and whole people
and pay tribute to the memory of those who lost their
lives in this fight.
Dear compatriots, I wish you all good mood, peace
and welfare.’