Author: Toneyan Mark

GASPROM BOARD VICE CHAIRMAN: CJSC ARMRUSGASPROM IS AN EXEMPLARY COMPANY IN THE WHOLE POST- SOVIET AREA

ArmInfo
2007-09-12 19:45:00

Armenian-Russian CJSC ArmRusgasprom is an exemplary company in the
whole post-Soviet area and for Gasprom partners in CIS. Vice Chairman
of OJSC Gasprom Board, Chairman of the CJSC ArmRusgasprom Board of
Director Valery Golubev made this statement at a press conference in
Yerevan on occasion of the 10th anniversary of CJSC ArmRusgasprom.

He said it is a conclusion the company’s shareholders arrived at when
meeting with President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, Wednesday. The
shareholders were satisfied with the growth of all the indicators
for the ten years. Gas supply in Armenia is one of the highest in
the world and exceeds even the indicators of Russia. Armenia consumes
gas also for gas-vehicles. Gas consumption grew also due to the gas
supply to the population and small enterprises. V. Golubev stressed
that the company have success also owing to the Armenian leadership,
particularly, President Robert Kocharyan.

To recall, CJSC ArmRusgasprom was founded in December 1997. It is an
exclusive importer of natural gas to Armenia. An additional issue
at the end of 2006 raised OJSC Gasprom’s share in the authorized
capital of CJSC ArmRusgasprom from the previous 45% to 57.59%. The
share of the Armenian Government in the authorized capital of the
company respectively decreased from 45% to 34.70%, the one of ITERA
fell from 10% to 7.71%.

AZERBAIJAN NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETING OF CIS PROSECUTOR-GENERALS IN YEREVAN

TREND
13.09.2007 15:06:37

Azerbaijan, Baku / Òrend corr S. Aghayeva / Azerbaijan will not attend
the forthcoming meeting of the CIS Prosecutor-Generals Co-ordinating
Council to take place in Yerevan, Armenia on 9 October.

Up to now the Azerbaijan Prosecutor General’s Office has not
participated in any meeting held in Armenia and has no intention to
do that in future, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The conflict between the two countries of South Caucasus began in 1988
due to territorial claims by Armenia against Azerbaijan. Armenia has
occupied 20% of the Azerbaijani land including the Nagorno-Karabakh
region and its seven surrounding Districts. Since 1992, these
territories have been under the occupation of the Armenian Forces. In
1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which time
the active hostilities ended. The Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group
(Russia, France and USA) are currently holding peaceful negotiations.

–Boundary_(ID_dtZvL5Upg/oyaQufstn1 1g)–

LOCAL DOCTOR PERFORMS EYE SURGERIES IN UGANDA
By Julian Suhr

Palisadian-Post, CA
September 12, 2007

In July 2006, Dr. Troy Elander, a Palisades ophthalmologist, performed
the first corneal transplant in Uganda’s history when he traveled
with Orbis, a nonprofit organization that works to combat blindness
worldwide.

Utilizing a DC-10 aircraft that has been converted into an eye
hospital, Orbis brings together volunteer nurses, doctors and
technicians, who not only perform operations, but also teach eye-care
techniques to local ophthalmologists.

When the Orbis DC-10 lands in a country, local doctors are invited
inside, where a modified teaching auditorium has replaced the first and
business class seats. The area is equipped with three large screens
that broadcast operations such as like corneal transplants that are
being performed in the middle third of the plane.

The surgeon talks into a microphone as he operates and explains the
procedure. A microphone in the front of the plane allows local doctors
to ask questions of the surgeon during the operation. ?It is like a
family when you get there,? says Elander, a Palisades resident. ?You
get the sense the whole world is coming together to work on blindness.?

In Uganda, it is illegal to perform organ transplants, so one of
the objectives of Elander’s 2006 trip was to try to change those
laws. During the eye operations, minister of health Dr. Richard
Nibuhura observed the local doctors participating in the transplants,
and pledged in a subsequent news conference to install new laws to
make organ transplants legal.

"One of the big points for me is going to a place like this where they
don’t do this kind of surgery because they have laws against organ
transplants, and then convincing the leaders that we can help them,"
Elander says. While in Uganda, Elander operated on six patients,
doing corneal transplants exclusively (the Orbis team has a doctor
for each type of surgery performed; Elander has performed cataract
surgery on earlier trips).

A corneal transplant corrects a condition known as keratoconus, where
the cornea thins out and projects like a cone. In the United States,
keratoconus is treated with contact lenses, but in Uganda contact
lenses are not readily available. To replace a cornea, the doctor has
to remove the front part of the cornea and sew the donor cornea into
position. The operation is extremely delicate and requires follow-up
operations, which is why the Orbis team also instructs local doctors.

As it is, the country’s ophthalmologists are overwhelmed, with only
about 40 doctors to treat a population of 25 to 30 million.

?There are about 60,000 to 70,000 people who are blind that could
see again with corneal transplants,?

Elander says. ?We examined 15- and 16- year-olds who were already
completely blind.? One patient he operated on had gone blind when he
was 12. Now 16, the patient had taught himself Braille and left his
family to attend a school for the blind. After Elander’s operation,
the boy was able to move back into his family and continue his
education at home. He now wishes to enter a profession where he can
spend his life helping others. Traveling with Orbis, doctors do not
have much time for sightseeing. ?It took 35 hours of travel to get to
Uganda,? Elander recalls. ?You don?t have much time before you start
to operate, you haven?t slept, and then you have to perform. It is
labor intensive.? "Every time I go on trips like this it really shows
me how people are so much alike and how we have so much in common,"
says Elander, who has also traveled on medical missions to India,
China, Armenia, Bangladesh and Jamaica, "We just start out in different
places." When asked where he might be going next he replies, ?I?ve
been with them for 10 years and they call me periodically, depending
on where they?re going and the needs of the country.?

He plans to continue working with Orbis as long as he can because he
helps individuals, teaches the doctors, and raises media awareness
by bringing it to the attention of public officials so that laws can
be changed.

Elander, who grew up in the Palisades and graduated from Palisades
High, has operated a private practice here for 17 years. His wife
Diane, in addition to working as a food stylist, is also active with
the local schools, including serving as a PRIDE co-chair at Paul
Revere for two years.

The couple has three children: Samantha, a freshman at Palisades
Charter High School; Annie, a seventh grader at Paul Revere; and
William, a first grader at Palisades Charter Elementary.

BYKHOVSKIY PROCESSING-VEGETABLE DRYING PLANT STARTED RECONSTRUCTING PRODUCTION CAPACITIES WORTH TO $ 20 MLN

Agricultural Marketing Project
11.09.2007 11:06
Ukraine

Opened Joint-Stock company "Bykhovskiy processing-vegetable drying
plant" (Mogilevskaya region) started the reconstruction of its
production capacities, Sergey Perekhod, the Director of the enterprise,
informed Interxaf.

"We conduct tenders to choose the supplier of equipment for the plant
modernization. The foundations of a new workshop are under construction
", the Director told. There is a plan to launch the workshop in 2008
closer to fruit and vegetable processing season.

In the framework of the plant modernization the enterprise managers
plan to install packing line for glass "twist-off" jars and cans. The
line of canned green pea production, continuous sterilizer, equipment
for squash peeling and slicing, washing machines, vibro-filling
machines, and homogenizers are to be installed too. "Due to this
equipment we will be able to significantly improve the quality
of the ready products, extend the assortment, master new types of
jars", Mr. Perekhod pointed out. For instance, there will be the
possibility to pack juices into glass bottles of "twist-off" type of
0.3-3 l capacity.

As a result of reconstruction the fruit&vegetable canning capacity
of Bykhovskiy processing-vegetable drying plant will increase 1.8
times up to 22 mln. of conditional jars.

In total the reconstruction will cost around $20 mln.

The expenses will be reimbursed by means of the loans provided by
"BelarusBank", the funds of innovation and investment foundations of
Mogilev Region Executive Committee and own assets of the enterprise.

At the present moment the plant produces more than 80 types of
canned fruit&vegetable products – juice, confiture, jam, compote,
snack and lunch cans, marinades. Since spring 2007 the enterprise
has been selling its products under trademark "Khozyain-Barin".

During January-August 2007 the enterprise produced marketable products
worth to $2 mln.; this figure is 21.1% as much than at the same period
of time past year. There are 6.4 mln. of conditional jars (15.2% more
than the level recorded in January-August 2006), including canned
vegetables – 5 mln. of conditional jars (+13.8%), canned fruits –
1.32 mln. of conditional jars (+ 54.4%).

The enterprise exports up to 70% of the produced items to Russia
and Armenia.

Bykhovskiy processing-vegetable drying plant has been operating
since 1954.

Topic materials:

RÎ may invest ~H22 mln. to Ivanovskaya region

First shipments of Turkish citrus fruits will start entering markets
in a week

X5 Retail Group looks closer to cash & carry segment

Polish largest juice producer enters Ukrainian market

"Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" subscribers now can access daily
prices for potato, vegetables, melons&watermelons in Moscow

–Boundary_(ID_XrX8gldDfMv2JxtXuKOM+Q)–

TURKEY "ONE HALF-STEP" FROM VICTORY

Panorama.am
19:44 08/09/2007

At the sixth international chess tournament now being held in Turkey,
grandmaster Mikhael Gurevich is representing the host country. Armenian
grandmasters Arman Pashikyan and Davit Harutyunyan have earned 7.5
points out of a possible 9 and are in 12th place.

As informed by the Armenian Chess Federation, Pashikyan and Harutyunyan
fell short of victory by only a half point.

Levon Babujyan and Davit Kalashyan earned 7 points, Gevorg Arzumanyan
had 6.5, and Aghasi Aynants followed with 6.

Karen Movsisyan the third at the 6th International Open Chess
Tournament

armradio.am
08.09.2007 14:30

Armenian Grand Master Karen Movsisyan gained 7 points out of 9
possible, thus occupying the third place at the 6th International Open
Chess Tournament in Albacete. Grand Master Vladimir Burmakin of Russia
became the winner of the tournament with 8 points.

============================
WESTERN DIOCESE E-NEWSLETTER
============================
Bible Readings
—————–
Is 13.1-11
9#Is%2013.1-11
9#2%20Cor 7.4-16
07-09-09#Mk%207.31-37
Diocesan News
—————–

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE MANOOGIAN DEMIRJIAN DAY SCHOOL

On Wednesday, August 29th, 2007, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian
attended the official opening of the Manoogian Demirjian Day School
for the 2007-2008 Academic year.
( php?id=577)

ARMENIAN SOCIETY OF LOS ANGELES

On Wednesday, August 29th, 2007, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian
attended the groundbreaking of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles
Headquarters.
(http://www.armenianchurchwd .com/news/story.php?id=578)

FR. NORAYR KAZAZIAN VISITS THE WESTERN DIOCESE

We are happy to inform our faithful that the Very Rev. Fr. Norayr
Kazazian, a member of the St. James brotherhood of the Armenian
Patriarchate of Jerusalem, is currently visiting the Western Diocese.
( ry.php?id=579)

OPENING OF THE DICKRANIAN DAY SCHOOL

On Wednesday, September 5th, 2007, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian
attended the opening of the Dickranian Day School.
( y.php?id=580)

PRIMATE AND CLERGY ATTEND MEETING WITH WORLD VISION LEADERS

On Wednesday, September 5th, 2007, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese, attended a meeting hosted by World
Vision International, Christian relief, development and advocacy
organization, to discuss joint service-oriented missions.
( ory.php?id=581)

PRIMATE ATTENDS OPENING OF HOVSEPIAN DAY SCHOOL

On Thursday, September 6th, 2007, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian
attended the opening of the Hovsepian Day School at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena.
( ory.php?id=582)

PRIMATE ATTENDS DEDICATION OF ARDEMIS NAZARIAN PRE-KINDERGARTEN

On Thursday, September 6th, 2007, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian
attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pre-Kindergarten at
the Manoogian Demirjian School.
( y.php?id=583)

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE HOSTS DINNER FOR PARISH PRIESTS AND COUNCILS

Diocese hosted a dinner for the Parish Priests and members of the
Parish Councils and auxiliaries of the Greater Los Angeles Area.
( php?id=584)

ST. GREGORY TO CONSECRATE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED CHURCH

It is with great joy that the Western Diocese announces to the
faithful that this weekend September 8th through September 9th, the
newly constructed church building at St. Gregory the Illuminator
Armenian Church of Pasadena will be consecrated.
( /story.php?id=585)

PRIMATE TO ATTEND TESTIMONIAL BANQUET FOR GEORGE MANDOSSIAN

( /story.php?id=586)

Upcoming Events
—————–

9/15: Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles Celebrates the 80th Anniversary
of the Western Diocese
( detail.php?id=62) 9/16:
Verelk, A Cultural Eveing at the Alex Theater
( detail.php?id=63)

============================
Th e Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, providing
spiritual guidance and leadership to the Armenian Apostolic community,
is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization comprised of 47
churches in 16 western states. It was established in 1898 as the
Diocese of the Armenian Church encompassing the entire United States
and Canada. In 1927 the Western Diocese was formed to exclusivly serve
the western United States.

3325 North Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474 Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

"ARF DASHNAKTSUTIUN FACTION HAS SERIOUSLY PREPARED FOR AUTUMN SESSION OF PARLIAMENT," HEAD OF FACTION MAKES ASSERTIONS

Noyan Tapan
Sep 7, 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 7, NOYAN TAPAN. The MPs, who are members of the
ARF Dashnaktsutiun faction, have seriously prepared for the autumn
session of the RA National Assembly by working out more than twenty
draft laws. This statement was made by Hrayr Karapetian, the head
of the ARF Dashnaktsutiun faction, at the press conference held on
September 7. He mentioned at the same time that the circumstance that
the ARF Dashnaktsutiun does not make part of the power coalition
but is an independent political force, has had an influence on the
legislative activities of the faction.

With the above-mentioned draft laws, according to Hrayr Karapetian,
the ARF Dashnaktsutiun suggests, in particular, making amendments in
the law on "Basket of Minimum Living Standards". as well as bringing
the shady economy into the tax field, which will allow to increase
salaries. In addition to this, the ARF Dashnaktsutiun offers to
eliminate the "air tax" notion and stop collecting a duty of 10
thousand drams from each of the passengers in the airport.

Referring to the legislative initiative of the Zharangutiun (Heritage)
faction about the recognition of the independence of the Republic
of Nagorno Karabakh by Armenia, Hrayr Karapetian mentioned that the
ARF Dashnaktsutiun rejects it. In his conviction, it is useless
to recognize the independence of Karabakh if, finally, it should
rejoin Armenia.

DASHNAKTSUTYUN WILL NOT SUPPORT BILL ON NKR RECOGNITION

NewsArmenia.ru
KarabakhOpen
07-09-200 7 14:37:31

The ARF Dashnaktsutyun will not support the bill on the recognition
of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic by Armenia, introduced by the opposition
Heritage faction, the secretary of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun’s faction
Artashes Shahbazyan stated to News Armenia.

"The bill was unexpected at the National Assembly, and the faction
will not support it," Shahbazyan said.

The member of parliament thinks the issues of pan-Armenian importance
should be agreed on and discussed beforehand. "If the bill is not
passed, it might be misinterpreted," Shahbazyan said.

He says Armenia recognizes de facto the independence of
Nagorno-Karabakh, and this bill might turn out to be a "backward move".

"Nagorno-Karabakh must be recognized at the right moment to have this
process become a political factor," the member of parliament said.

The head of the opposition Heritage faction, the ex-foreign minister
of Armenia Raffi Hovannisian introduced the bill on the recognition
of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to the National
Assembly of Armenia on August 28.

The party think after adoption and enactment Armenia would de jure
recognize the de facto sovereign state set up in 1991 in Stepanakert
in accordance with the international and Soviet law. The justification
of this bill holds that NKR complies with the international law on
sovereign states.

The Karabakh conflict occurred in 1988 when Nagorno-Karabakh with a
sheer Armenian population stated to secede from Azerbaijan.

On December 10, 1991 with only a few days to go before the collapse
of the Soviet Union a referendum was held in Nagorno-Karabakh observed
by international observers, and 99.89 percent of the population voted
for independence from Azerbaijan.

For its part, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale war against
Nagorno-Karabakh. The military actions were stopped on May 12, 1994
after the signing of a cease-fire agreement which is observed till now.

In 1992 talks for a peace settlement were launched, mediated by the
OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by the United States, Russia and France.

ARMENIAN PUBLIC TELEVISION AND RADIO COMPANY TO SHOOT A NEW FEATURE FILM

armradio.am
05.09.2007 17:55

The Public Television and Radio Company of Armenia intends to shoot
a new full-length feature named Sardarapat, the Chairman of Council
of Public Television and Radio Company Alexan Harutyunyan said at
today’s parliamentary hearings.

In response to ArmInfo correspondent’s question, the film will be
shot jointly with one of the well known Russian producing companies,
the name of which he didn’t specify, since the contract has not been
officially signed.

He noted that the Armenian side will cover only 20% of the cost,
the rest will be provided by the Russian side. Well known Armenian
and Russian actors will star the film.