Author: Toganian Liana

HAYASTAN ALL ARMENIAN FUND STARTS WORK IN LORI REGION’S BORDER VILLAGES

armradio.am
13.11.2008 11:48

In the framework of its continuous development effort in Armenia’s
border villages, Hayastan All Armenian Fund signals the launch of
drinking water network restoration projects in Lori region’s border
villages of Apaven and Dzoramut.

The projects have been made possible thanks to the contribution of
Armenian communities in Montreal, Canada and France via the Fund’s
local affiliate offices. The realization of the projects will ensure
that in the near future the members of both communities will have
a stable and dependable access to potable water. At this point, the
construction works on the Apaven water pipeline are going full steam
ahead and the Dzoramut drinking water project is in the final stages of
the design process with the Fund’s construction experts working on the
ground to ensure a sustainable and definitive solution to the problem.

Apaven, with its population of 130, and Dzoramut, population – 420,
face a variety of different challenges, many of which are shared by all
the border communities of Armenia and can be summed up as fundamental
lack of the life essential infrastructure. This is the issue that
the Fund is aiming to tackle through its Rural Development Program.

"People often got sick when drinking the water that came through the
rusty pipelines,"=2 0says Anush Saghabalyan from Apaven. "People had
almost lost their hope.

At first we didn’t believe when we were told that the Hayastan Fund
was going to help us. Then the construction crews arrived and brought
a new hope to our village."

"We hope that the reconstruction of water pipelines in the villages of
Apaven and Dzoramut will bring relief to the people living in these
communities; communities that are just hundreds of meters away from
Armenia’s state border and are vital for the future of our homeland,"
says Ara Vardanyan, the Acting Executive Director of Hayastan All
Armenian Fund. "I would like to extend my gratitude to the Armenian
communities in Canada and France whose patriotism and generosity has
made it possible to bring these essential initiatives to life."

Office of Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
Adrin Nazarian Chief of Staff
620 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 403
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 240-6330
(818) 240-4632 fax
[email protected]

November 13, 2008
(818) 240-6330

Assemblymember Paul Krekorian Appointed to California Film Commission

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Speaker Karen Bass has appointed State
Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) to the California Film
Commission, filling the seat that she previously had held herself.

Assemblymember Krekorian has been among the strongest advocates for
California’s film industry in the State Capitol. His district includes
Burbank, Glendale and surrounding areas of Los Angeles, and is the home
of most of the major film studios and a very significant number of
industry professionals, so he well understands the enormous economic
impact of this critical industry.

"California’s film industry is a treasured and world-renowned part of
our state’s history, and it also creates good middle class jobs that are
a vital part of our economic future," Krekorian said. "Unfortunately,
many foreign countries, and over 40 other states, are going to great
lengths to take these jobs away from Californians, and they’ve been
succeeding. I’m looking forward to working with my fellow
commissioners, my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor to find
ways to make California more competitive so that we can keep these good
jobs here at home where they belong. I’m honored that the Speaker has
entrusted me with the opportunity to do so"

Assemblymember Krekorian is the Chair of the Assembly’s Select Committee
on the Preservation of California’s Entertainment Industry, and in that
capacity he has led the fight to keep film and television production
jobs in California. He was the joint author of AB 1696, which would
have created a grant program to make filming in the state more
cost-competitive with other states and countries. He also authored
three new laws to assist in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting
of motion pictures, sound recordings and other creative property.
Krekorian was an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer for many
years before his election to the Assembly.

"Paul Krekorian has the expertise and the passion we need to promote
quality film production in California," said Speaker Bass. "I have every
confidence in his ability to develop innovative ways to encourage the
in-state production that makes up such a vital part of California’s
economic activity and job creation."

Other members of the Commission include motion picture professionals
such as actor/director Danny DeVito, actor/director Clint Eastwood,
entertainment industry labor leader Michael Miller, and studio
executives from Paramount, 20th Century Fox, and Sony Pictures, among
others.

Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) represents the cities of
Burbank and Glendale, and the Los Angeles communities of Atwater
Village, Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley
Glen, Valley Village and Van Nuys.

# # #

TURKISH GOVERNMENT MAY KNOCK AT FED’S DOOR FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Hurriyet
Nov 11 2008
Turkey

The Turkish prime minister may appeal to the Federal Reserve for
financial support at the G20 meetings that would be held next week as
well as seek to finalize a new deal with the IMF, Referans business
daily reported on Tuesday. (UPDATED)

Tayyip Erdogan could appeal for financial resources from the Fed if the
IMF continues its demands of cuts in spending; a move the government
is reluctant to do ahead of the local elections in March 2009.

"Turkey has a young population, so that it has to continue its growth
path. What we are going to ask from the IMF is financial support to
our mid-term program instead of pushing for new conditions," Referans
quoted Erdogan as saying in a meeting with bank executives on Friday.

Turkey’s 10-billion dollar stand-by agreement with the IMF expired
in May and the government is yet to decide on the future shape of
the relations with the IMF amid global turmoil.

Turkish officials had said the main sticking point with the IMF is
the level of spending for local administrations.

MEETING WITH BUSH

Erdogan will travel to Washington to attend a ‘working reception’ to be
hosted by U.S. President George W. Bush, the Anatolian Agency reported.

Erdogan told bank executives that he would also meet with German
Chancellor Angela Merkel after Bush and ask them to help Turkey in
its bid to use Fed funds, Referans also said.

Erdogan is also likely to meet Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke during a
3-day U.S. visit on Nov. 13-15. Economy Minister Mehmet Simsek would
visit Washington ahead of the G20 meetings.

Deputy Prime Minister Nazim Ekren and Undersecretary of the Turkish
Treasury Ibrahim Canakci will accompany Erdogan and Simsek.

The Fed had provided a total of around $120 billion to Brazil, Mexico,
South Korea and Singapore through swap line mechanisms.

Economists voiced some concerns about Fed loans; in particular, that
this swap line mechanism provides short term financing and that this
would not be enough for Turkey amid the growing global crisis.

They added Turkey needs longer term financing and should be supported
with an IMF agreement. Some of them cited political concerns as well,
Referans reported.

An economist said the IMF is linked to the U.S. government while the
Fed is completely managed by the Washington administration. "What
would you do if you get a loan from the Fed and then in February or
March, newly sworn-in President Obama brings the Armenian claims to
the agenda?" Referans quoted an economist as saying.

SFEIR LEADS TALKS FOR COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC PATRIARCHS AND BISHOPS
By Maroun Khoury

Daily Star
Nov 11 2008
Lebanon

Prelate laments ‘dreadful divisions’ among Christians

BKIRKI: The Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon held
its 42nd session in Bkirki on Monday under the auspices of Maronite
Patriarch Nasrallah Butros Sfeir. Among those in attendance were the
catholicos-patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, Nerses Bedros
XIX; the papal nuncio (or Vatican ambassador) to Lebanon, Luigi Gatti;
and the council’s members, including Lebanon’s Catholic bishops and
head of monasteries.

In his opening speech, Sfeir expressed dismay over what he described
as the "dreadful divisions" within Lebanon’s Christian community.

"Many of our sons have left their homeland because they have lost hope
in our capability to dispose of our divisions," Sfeir said. "And if
the situation remains as it is, we cannot but blame ourselves."

"But our keenness on [preserving] our inherited values and habits will
help us restore the lost hope," the patriarch added. "We will not find
in the whole world a country that looks like Lebanon, a country that
embraces members of 18 sects, who have got used to living together
in an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual respect and love."

Sfeir also criticized clashes between Lebanese University students
earlier last week.

"If we go back in time, we find that many people from the non-Christian
sects try to forget their discords, while refraining from throwing
insults at one another like some Christians do," Sfeir said. "As if
the latter have forgotten that their religion is that of forgiveness
and love."

Security forces were called to the Fanar campus of the Lebanese
University last Wednesday after a student was stabbed in fighting
between two rival Christian political groups, the Lebanese Forces
(LF) and the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM).

Sfeir then voiced hope that God would lift the country up and help the
Lebanese boost cooperation so Lebanon "remains the country of freedom,
values, forgiveness and love."

"We, like the rest of this country’s sons, cannot but assume the
responsibility of its fate, knowing that ours is bigger and more
dangerous than others,’" he added.

Gatti, for his part, said he hoped the bishops would succeed in
their work, asking God grant to Lebanon stability, consensus, unity
and prosperity.

He also urged Lebanon’s bishops to help youths love "Jesus in his
Church."

"Jesus’ mission unifies humanity in one people, one race and one
citizenship," the papal nuncio added.

The opening ceremony was followed by two sessions during which
participants discussed a report by the council’s executive committee
over the latter’s objectives and activities between 2005-2008 in
addition to issues related to the general secretariat of Catholic
schools in Lebanon, respectively.

This year’s session is dedicated to hold discussions over episcopal
committees and the council’s different bodies, according to Sfeir.

"Each head of the 20 episcopal committees is to submit a report
over the work his committee has carried out in the past four years,"
he said.

The council is expected to conclude its meetings on Saturday when
it will issue a statement on the issues being discussed and the
decisions made.

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN RECEIVED DELEGATION OF ERNST AND YOUNG

RIA OREANDA
Nov 6 2008
Russia

Yerevan. OREANDA-NEWS . November 05, 2008. President Serzh Sargsyan
received the delegation of Ernst and Young – one of the worlds
leading professional companies providing auditing services, headed
by the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive
Officer of the company, James Turley, reported the Official website
.

The company has been working in the Armenian market for over ten
year now and intends to expand its activities and open its office
in Yerevan.

The President of Armenia welcomed the initiative of Ernst and Young
to expand its activities in Armenia considering the companys high
repute and role, as well as the decades long experience in auditing,
tax, legal and consultative services.

Serzh Sargsyan said that these areas were not sufficiently developed in
Armenia yet. In recent years, the Government of Armenia has undertaken
steps toward the significant improvement of the areas of accounting
and audit and with this regard it needs assistance.

Noting, that currently there are also other internationally commended
firms providing auditing services in Armenia, the President of
Armenia expressed confidence that vigorous activities would foster
the development of these areas, particularly, for the establishment
of competitive environment, sharing international experience and
for the improvement of the quality of the services provided by the
local companies.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive
Officer of Ernst and Young, James Turley explained the decision to
expand activities in Armenia by the growth of the Armenian economy
and market and deepening international integration.

He also noted that the company was ready to provide assistance to
the growing business community of Armenia in the framework of a wide
range of services supplied by the company.

TURKEY WELCOMES RUSSIAN, ARMENIAN, AZERI JOINT STATEMENT ON KARABAKH

Anatolia News Agency
Nov 5 2008
Turkey

"TURKEY WELCOMES SIGNING OF JOINT STATEMENT ON UPPER KARABAKH"

ANKARA (A.A) – 05.11.2008 – Turkey on Wednesday welcomed a joint
statement signed by heads of state of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia
who convened on November 2 to find a solution on Upper Karabakh
problem.

According to a statement released by Turkish Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Turkey welcomed the joint statement which said the parties
targeted a solution through direct dialogue based on international
law. The parties also agreed to continue work, including during
further contacts on a high level.

Turkish MFA statement said Turkey from the very beginning supported
a peaceful solution to the Upper Karabakh problem through dialogue
that would be accepted by both parties.

The statement said Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform
suggestion of Turkey, developed after clashes in Georgia in August,
targeted formation of conditions necessary to resolve all conflicts
through dialogue.

The statement said Turkey, which is at the same time a member of OSCE
Minsk Group, will continue to work with the related parties for the
solution of Upper Karabakh problem, which poses an important threat
to security and stability of the region.

"Turkey will also continue to support works and endeavours of the
OSCE Minsk Group," the statement added.

AZERI OPPOSITION UPBEAT ABOUT OBAMA’S VICTORY

Turan news agency
Nov 5 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku, 5 November: Turan news agency has carried a poll among
Azerbaijani politicians on Barack Obama’s election as US president
and on prospects for Azerbaijani-US relations.

The chairman of the [opposition] Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, Sardar
Calaloglu, has said that Obama’s victory is a clear demonstration
of the elimination of racism. At the same time, Calaloglu does not
expect any serious changes in the US foreign policy. He believes that
Democrats will ease the existing tension in the world.

The leader of the opposition Musavat party, Isa Qambar, sees Obama’s
victory as the readiness of American society to be refreshed. With
regards to US-Azerbaijani relations, Baku should inform the
new administration about Azerbaijan’s interests and regional
problems. Qambar recalled that Obama’s intention to recognize the
Armenian genocide and said that Azerbaijan and Turkey should join
their efforts in this issue.

Ali Aliyev, chairman of the [opposition] Citizen and Development Party,
said Obama’s win was a full victory of democracy. On the other hand,
Aliyev said he was concerned about US politics towards Azerbaijan,
noting that the dominance of oil interests in foreign policy is
inappropriate. Washington should support democrats in Azerbaijan.

The chairman of the [opposition] People’s Front of Azerbaijan Party,
Ali Karimli, has described the US election as a demonstration
of a democratic election. He expects serious changes in the US
policies. Karimli thinks that Obama can help the USA restore its
damaged relations with the Muslim world, the EU and Latin America. At
the same time, the USA will actively support democratic values, limit
the influence of oil companies on the politics and its relations with
authoritarian regimes. The possible strengthening of the Armenian
lobby around Obama is an issue of concern, and Karimli said that
Azerbaijan and Turkey should join their efforts in this regard.

[Turan news agency, Baku, in Russian 0839 gmt 5 Nov 08 quoted former
presidential aide and political expert Vafa Quluzada as saying that
Obama’s personality gave people grounds to believe that he would
correct George Bush’s mistakes. Obama will successfully promote US
interests in Africa, Latin America, as well as in the Muslim and Arab
countries, Quluzada said and added that Obama was closer to the Arab
world than white John McCain. Quluzada believes that during Obama’s
rule the US interest in Azerbaijan will significantly grow. Azerbaijan
is a strategically important country and there is a potential for
the development of democracy here, Quluzada said].

MAJOR 4-5-POINT EARTHQUAKE RECORDED IN ARMENIA, NO VICTIMS OR DAMAGE REPORTED

ARKA
Nov 5, 2008

YEREVAN, November 5. /ARKA/. A major 4-5-point earthquake occurred
yesterday in Armenia, 7 kilometers west from Masis town of Ararat
region, at 22:53 local time, the duty officer of Emergency Department
of Armenia’s National Survey for Seismic Protection told ARKA Agency.

No victims and damage have been reported.

"This is the first such major earthquake recorded in Armenia recently.

Last month shocks were recorded in Armavir, but of lower intensity,"
the man on duty said.

According to the National Survey for Seismic Protection, intensity
of shocks in Yerevan was 3-4 points.

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL COUNCIL

Noyan Tapan

Nov 5, 2008

LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 5, ARMENIANS TODAY-NOYAN TAPAN. Armenian
Assembly of America’s Western Region Office announces the formation
of its Southern California Regional Council (Council).

The Council consists of current Assembly Board Members Lisa Kalustian,
Joyce Stein and Peter Kezirian, Jr.; past Assembly Board Member Richard
Mushegain; 2007 Gala Co-Chairs Al and Diane Cabraloff; and former
Assembly intern and AGBU Committee Member of Hye Geen, Talin Yacoubian.

"The Council will play a pivotal role in working with the Western
Region Office and it’s Director in facilitating its grassroots
operation and community outreach initiatives," said Bryan Ardouny,
Assembly Executive Director.

At the inaugural meeting, the members reviewed issues for the remainder
of 2008, as well as upcoming priorities for 2009 – including the
March 1-3 National Advocacy Conference in our Nation’s Capital and
the passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution.

FORWARD OF ARARAT, MARCOS HEADS LIST OF STAR ARMENIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP’S FORWARDS

Noyan Tapan

Nov 4, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, NOYAN TAPAN. 26th round’s games of the Star
Armenian Football National Championship are scheduled for November
4. Mika will receive Ararat, Gandzasar will receive Pyunik, Shirak
Ulis, and Kilikia Banants.

Pyunik is at the top of championship’s tournament table with 56 points.

Ararat lags behind Pyunik with 3 points. Gandzasar concludes the best
three with 43 points. It is followed by Mika with 42 points, Banants
34 points, Ulis 24 points, Shirak 15 points, and Kilikia 11 points.

Ararat’s forward Marcos heads the list of championship’s forwards.