Author: Taslakhchian Andranik

PRESS COUNCIL GIVES STATEMENT REGARDING THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST INTELLECTUALS FOR VISITING SHUSHA

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
July 7 2007

Press Council is concerned about the insulting articles sounded
regarding recent visit of several Azerbaijani intellectuals to Nagorno
Karabakh and Armenia, Council told the APA.

The statement says various opinions regarding the visit are clear,
but non- observance of ethic principles while presenting opinions is
disturbing the Press Council.

"Humiliating opinions in several leading newspapers and websites
regarding the visitors is unacceptable. The Press Council always
stresses that media representatives have proper chances for presenting
their positions and opinions and recommends them to base on these
requirements. The Nagorno Karabakh problem is a global one and –
it worries world community, therefore analyze of our intellectuals’
visit is natural. Their assisting liberating our regions will depend
on our common attitude to this issue," the statement says.

This issue will be debated at the next meeting of Press Council
Managing Board.

"NOT ONLY ZHARANGUTIUN (HERITAGE) PLAYS GREAT ROLE IN FAILURE OF BILLS THREATENING AZATUTIUN (LIBERT) RADIO STATION," STEPHAN SAFARIAN SAYS

Noyan Tapan
Jul 6, 2007

YEREVAN, JULY 6, NOYAN TAPAN. A statement was made by Stephan Safarian,
the Secretary of the Zharangutiun (Heritage) faction of the RA National
Assembly, during the debate organized on July 6 that not only the
Zharangutiun (Heritage) faction, but also the other opposition
force, as well as some individual MPs played a great role in the
failure of the adoption of the package of bills, which envisaged
to make amendments and addenda in the RA laws on "State duty" and
"Radio and Television." In response to the question of whether the
failure of those bills was connected with responses of international
organizations, he mentioned that the protection of the interests of
the Azatutiun (Liberty) radio station were more important for him,
personally, than those responses of international organizations,
"as the Azatutiun stands out with its comprehensive media among other
numerous mass media."

In response to the question of why Larisa Alaverdian, a member of the
Zharangutiun (Heritage) faction, declared in one of her interviews
that the world community can shake its finger at Armenia, S. Safarian
mentioned that if Armenia lives according to international standards
and the rules of the whole world, as well as receives financial
assistance from foreign organizations, then it should take their
points of view into consideration.

ACCORDING TO ARKADI GHUKASIAN, KOSOVO CAN SERVE AS PRECEDENT FOR NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

Noyan Tapan
Jul 03 2007

YEREVAN, JULY 3, NOYAN TAPAN. "During the past 15 years Azerbaijan did
nothing in order to deserve the confidence of the Karabakh people,
instead it has chosen a policy of threats and blackmail." This
statement was made by Arkadi Ghukasian, the President of the
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, during a meeting with the students
of the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) State University in Yerevan on
July 3. He observed that the Azeri side is currently engaged not in
the conflict settlement but in its promotion, trying to present the
conflict to the world community as a mere argument between Armenia
and Azerbaijan. In the opinion of Arkadi Ghukasian, there is only one
way out of the created situation: the Karabakh side should again take
part in the negotiation process.

He believes that making compromises is out of the question in the
created atmosphere of inconfidence. "One can make compromises for his
or her associate, but not for his enemy, who has chosen a strategy
of threats," the President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh said.

He declared that if Azerbaijan continues to be engaged in promoting
instead of dealing with the problem, the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
"will reconsider its approaches" with respect to the conflict. Arkadi
Ghukasian mentioned that, under that circumstances, the Republic of
Nagorno Karabakh will make its steps directed at making the conflict
known in the world community more active.

In A. Ghukasian’s conviction, Kosovo can fully serve as a precedent
for the solution of the Karabakh problem. "If Kosovo is able to
implement its right of self-determination, why is Karabakh incapable
of it? Nobody has an answer to this question," the NKR President
concluded.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
July 4, 2007

Opening of Renovated Guest House of the Mother See

On Saturday, June 30, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the opening ceremonies of the
newly renovated Guest House of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.  The
Guest House, also known as the `Vanatun’, was constructed in 1978 through
the generosity of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, during the pontifical
of His Holiness Vasken I of blessed memory.  The building has been used for
the past 30 years to house Armenian clergymen and ecumenical delegations
during their visits to the headquarters of the Armenian Church.

The comprehensive reconstruction of the three-story building was sponsored
by Deacon James Kalustian in honor and love of his parents, Mardiros and
Mariam Kalustian, who had traveled to Armenia to be present for the
opening.  James Kalustian is a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council of
the Armenian Church, as well as the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

His Holiness Karekin II offered the Home Blessing Service with the
participation of the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.  Also
present for the service and ceremony were His Eminence Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern); His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate for the
Eastern Diocese; Oscar Tatosian, Eastern Diocesan Council Chairman; members
of the Eastern Diocesan Council; members of the Board of Directors for the
Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR); and faithful pilgrims from the United
States.

Following the short service, His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Grand
Sacristan of the Mother See, invited Abp. Khajag to share his thoughts on
the occasion.  The primate of the Eastern Diocese expressed his pleasure
that upon every visit to Holy Etchmiadzin, he witnesses the opening of
another sanctuary or building which benefits the mission and activities of
the Mother See.  He also stressed his contentment to see a faithful son and
deacon of the Church honoring his parents and his community with steadfast
devotion to his faith and nation.

The Pontiff of All Armenians addressed his message of blessing to those
present, placing great importance on the ties and relationship of every
individual Armenian to Holy Etchmiadzin.  `The Mother See lives in every
Armenian heart, and therefore, every son or daughter of our nation hopes
with all hope that she blossoms and flourishes, that her appearance and
condition causes every Armenian soul to soar with pride and happiness.  Each
visitor who enters this monastery, will give thanks to God that the Mother
See, with her past, present and future, is beautiful, strong and increasing
in its scope and mission day by day’, stated His Holiness.  The Catholicos
also expressed his words of appreciation and thanks to the benefactor, for
the noble and kind initiative he undertook out of respect and love for his
parents.  At the end of his remarks, His Holiness bestowed James Kalustian
with the highest award of the Armenian Church – the Order of Saint Gregory
the Illuminator, and presented him with the medal of St. Gregory.

DELEGATION HEADED BY ARMENIAN PRESIDENT VISITED ROSTOV-ON-DON

ARMENPRESS
Jul 2, 2007

ROSTOV-ON-DON, JULY 2, ARMENPRESS: Delegation headed by the Armenian
President Robert Kocharian was in Rostov-on-Don on a working visit
from June 30 to July 1 to participate in the non-official meeting of
the heads of the CIS countries.

The Armenian delegation consisted of Vice Prime Minister, Minister
of Territorial Governance Hovik Abrahamian, Armenian Consul General
in Rostov-on-Don Ararat Gomtsian and other officials.

On June 30, in the afternoon, Robert Kocharian together with his
CIS counterparts, was present at the horse race for the prize of
the Russian president. By the way at the horse race present was the
President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez who has paid visit to Russia.

After the event the delegation headed by President Kocharian visited
Armenian-populated village of Chalter.

At the St. Hambardzum church of the village Kocharian was met by
the deputy governor of the Rostov province Jivan Vardanian, head
of Myasnikian region Khachatur Anosian, Primate of New Nakhijevan
and Russian Diocese of the Armenian church Yezras Nersisian,
representatives of Armenian community.

In the village the head of the community Karapet Khaltamajian said that
almost all the branches of economy are developed in the village and it
is among leading villages of the province. He said at least two roads
are being constructed in the community annually, it is already the
second year when the bridges of the community are being reconstructed.

"Our wealth is our working people," Khaltamajian said. According
to him, four secondary schools are functioning in the village,
soon another school will be constructed. The village also has
cultural ensembles. He said close ties are being maintained with
Homeland. According to him, annually they receive text-books from
Armenia.

Visiting St. Hambardzum church the Armenian president got acquainted
with its history, reconstruction works conducted here. At present
it is being reconstructed with the donations of the members of the
Armenian community. It will be completely renovated in the coming year.

Kocharian and the delegation headed by him visited Historic-Ethnologic
museum of Myasnikian region.

Director Anahit Ghalghldian presented to the guests the history of
the local Armenian community, traditions, cultural heritage. The
museum presents all the phases of the history. Afterwards Armenian
president visited monument to the Armenian soldiers who participated
in the Great Patriotic War and put wreath to the monument.

In the evening Kocharian met with the representatives of the Armenian
community, got acquainted with their issues, presented Armenia’s
foreign and inner policy, directions of economic development.

On July 1 Robert Kocharian visited Storocherkask.

On the second half of the day the delegation headed by the president
returned back to Yerevan.

GEORGIAN MINISTER OF JUSTICE VISITS AKHALKALAK TO ANSWER CITIZENS’
QUESTIONS

AKHALKALAK, JUNE 29, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 29, Gia
Kavtaradze, the Minister of Justice of Georgia, arrived in Akhalkalak.
According to Javakhk-Info, the goal of the visit was to meet with the
local citizens, to listen to the questions interesting them trying to
clear them up as far as possible.

"The initiative of organizing such an action belongs to the Ministry.
Its goal is that the local population instead of leaving for Tbilisi
will be able to get the answers of the questions interesting them
connected with the passport and other migration problems on the spot,"
said Artur Yeremian, the Head of the Akhalkalak Municipality.

Local self-government elections expected in Ararat marz

armradio.am
30.06.2007 12:50

Elections of the Mayor will be held tomorrow in two cities of Ararat
marz ` Artashat and Ararat. Press Office of the Ararat Marzpetaran
informed Armenpress that in Artashat the only candidate is the
incumbent Mayor, member of the Republican Party of Armenia Gagik
Muradyan (four other candidates withdrew their candidacies).

Incumbent Mayor Hakob Tovmasyan, Abraham Babayan and Hayk Haykyan will
compete for the position of the Mayor of Ararat.

The same day Mrganush will elect the head of community, and Ditak will
elect the community council.

CYPRUS JUSTICE MINISTER TO PAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO ARMENIA

Financial Mirror, Cyprus
June 27 2007

Cypriot Minister of Justice and Public Order Sophocles Sophocleous
leaves for Yerevan, Armenia, on Thursday afternoon for an official
visit from June29 to 30.

Sophocleous will meet his Armenian counterpart to discuss issues of
mutual interest and a possible interstate agreement concerning legal
aid in civil cases.

He will also meet the country’s Police Chief and Attorney General
and visit Armenia’s Prisons.

Sophocleous will be accompanied by the representative of the Armenian
religious group in the House of Representatives Vartkes Mahtesian
and a Ministry official. He returns home Sunday.

KAROLOS PAPOULIAS: ONE SHOULD NOT BE THE CAPTIVE OF THE PAST, BUT SHOULD NOT FORGET THE PAST, EITHER

ArmRadio.am
27.06.2007 15:46

One should not be the captive of the past, but should not forget
the past, either, Greek President Karolos Papoulias declared during
the meeting with the students and faculty of the Yerevan State
University. Armenia and Greece belong to a large region, many of the
peoples of which have a tragic fate.

The President noted that the transition period that started after
the collapse of the Soviet Union, emergence of ethnic conflicts, the
competition of superpowers, the situation in Iran, the uncertainty of
the issue of Turkey’s accession to the European Union create a serious
situation in the region. However, Karolos Papoulias expressed hope
that regional cooperation will help overcome the existing problems.

NA SPECIAL SESSION CONVENED ON JUNE 27 ON RA PRESIDENT’S INITIATIVE

Noyan Tapan
Jun 27 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, NOYAN TAPAN. A National Assembly special session
was convened on the RA President’s initiative on June 27. Four bills
and one legislative package are on the agenda. They will be discussed
in the first and second readings. According to the decision made by
the NA, the second reading of the bills will be done within 24 hours
after the first reading.

The Zharangutiun (Heritage) faction and independent MP Viktor Dallakian
were against such haste.