Author: Toneyan Mark

BBC News
5 April 2007

‘Genocide’ row threatens pipeline

Turkey has suspended talks with Gaz de France over a key gas pipeline,
in protest at a French bill about the killing of Armenians in World
War I. The planned pipeline would carry natural gas from the Middle
East and Central Asia to Austria through Turkey. The French
Parliament is considering a law that would make it an offence to deny
that Ottoman Turks committed genocide against Armenians. The draft
law was approved by the National Assembly in October. It will be
considered by the Senate next and then return to the lower house
before it becomes law. Turkish denials The 4.6bn euro ($6.1bn;
£3.1bn) Nabucco pipeline project is supposed to reduce the European
Union’s reliance on Russian gas. It also passes through Bulgaria,
Romania and Hungary, which have already reached agreement with Gaz de
France. The Turkish government denies that as many as 1.5 million
Armenians were killed in systematic killings between 1915 and 1917
under the Ottoman Empire. It says that thousands of Turks and
Armenians were killed when Armenians sided with Russian troops
invading the empire, but many countries have since recognised the
killings as genocide. The Nabucco pipeline also passes through
Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, which have already reached agreement
with Gaz de France.

Story from BBC NEWS:

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HONOURARY TITLES GIVEN TO A NUMBER OF THEATER FIGURES ON OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THEATER

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. By RA President Robert Kocharian’s
decree, a number of theater figures were given honourary titles
for considerable contribution in the sphere of theater art, on the
occasion of the international day of theater. Hasmik Poghosian, the
RA Minister of Culture and Youth Issues handed them the certificates
on honourary titles on April 3.

Appreciating the theater figures’ devoted work, the Minister attached
importance to the issue that Armenia today officially marks the
International Day of Theater, attempting to glorify devoted people of
that sphere. In H. Poghosian’s words, overcoming numerous difficulties,
almost all theaters of Armenia were able to keep their existence,
stage wonderful performances, keep "image of the Armenian theater."

Actress of the H. Paronian Music Comedy State Theater Galya Novents
was given the title of the RA People’s Artist. Actress of the
Vanadzor H. Abelian State Sramatic Theater Eline Aghamian, actress
of the Gyumri V. Achemian State Dramatic Theater, director Susanna
Baghdasarian, actor of the Yerevan Puppet State Theater, director
Anna Elbakian. actor of the K. Stanislavski State Russian Dramatic
Theater Robert Hakobian, actor of the Yerevan Hr. Ghaplanian Dramatic
Theater Robert Haroutiunian, solo dancer of the Al. Spendiarian Opera
and Ballet National Academic Theater Tigran Mikayelian and actor,
director Mikayel Poghosian were given the RA Honourary Artist’s title.

Painter of the Yerevan Hr. Ghaplanian Dramatic Theater Karen Grigorian
was given the RA Honourary Painter’s title, and director of the
G. Sundukian National Academic Theater Hrachia Ghazarian and actor
of the H. Tumanian State Puppet Theater Gagik Rostomian were given
the RA Honourary Art Figure’s title.

V. OSKANIAN: ARMENIA GIVES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO RUSSIAN FM’S VISIT TO ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
03.04.2007 13:25 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia gives great importance to Russian FM Sergey
Lavrov’s visit, RA Acting Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated
at the interview to RIA "Novosti". He said, meetings on such a high
level are necessary to keep the rates of bilateral relations.

"The importance of the visit for Armenia is conditioned with our wish
to know Russia’s stance on regional and global problems. I am sure
that the exchange of views concerning the situation around Iran,
Kosovo problem, Russian-Georgian relations, as well as reforms on
the way in international organizations and other important issues
will be productive," the RA Acting FM stressed.

The head of Armenian MFA also noticed that Sergey Lavrov’s visit
coincides with the 15th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties
between the RF and RA.

"The visit will allow us to appreciate the way we’ve passed and fix
programs for future," Vartan Oskanian underlined.

"Indeed, currently Armenian-Russian relations are actively developing
in all spheres, the agenda of the meeting is rather extensive. During
the visit all questions will be discussed, but we will accentuate the
cooperation in security issues, transport communications and energy
sphere. Also the issue of peaceful settlement to Nagorno Karabakh
conflict will be discussed," Vartan Oskanian said, the RA MFA Press
Office reports.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Azerbaijan won’t offer its territory for war against neighbors
02.04.2007 12:52 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Azerbaijan will never allow third states to use its
territory against neighbor countries, says a statement issued by the
Azeri Ministry of Defense. Being a member of the international
coalition Baku has offered its air space as support for anti-terror
operations. However, Azerbaijan will not offer to use its territory
for activities against its neighbors, reports Day.az.

When in Tbilisi, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European
and Eurasian Affairs Matthew J. Bryza said the United States would
like to use Azeri airdromes if necessary.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Bryan Ardouny calls to allocate not less than $75
million for Armenia in fiscal 2008
02.04.2007 14:04 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Testifying before the House Appropriations
Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations Appropriations and Related
Programs, which decides assistance levels to Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh, Bryan Ardouny, Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly
of America, urged the Subcommittee to continue funding for Armenia at
`not less than’ $75 million and to allocate $10 million for Nagorno
Karabakh.

`It is essential that significant assistance to Armenia be maintained
in the face of the fourteen-year blockades by its neighbors, Turkey
and Azerbaijan,’ said Ardouny, and also noted the `compelling
humanitarian and development needs’ in Karabakh. `We also urge the
Subcommittee to institute new report language requiring a full
accounting of the steps the U.S. has taken and the responses therein
to eliminate these blockades,’ he continued.

With respect to regional cooperation, Ardouny stressed that `ongoing
attempts to isolate Armenia, such as the Azeri-proposed rail bypass of
Armenia, run counter to U.S. policy goals,’ and urged the Subcommittee
to build upon legislation (H.R. 3361) introduced last Congress by
Subcommittee Member and Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI) to combat such attempts and look for opportunities to promote
regional cooperation. `For example, funding should be made available
to provide for minor repairs needed to open the existing Kars-Gyumri
rail link between Turkey and Armenia.’

Ardouny also expressed the Armenian Assembly’s extreme concern with
the `inclusion of counterproductive language’ in State Department
reports and noted that language `labeling Armenia as an occupier is
not only patently false, but also directly contradicts the U.S. role
as a mediator and undermines’ U.S. credibility. Ardouny’s testimony
urged that it be `corrected post haste.’

While noting that the Armenian Assembly supports the purpose of the
Millennium Challenge Act (MCA) to improve democracy and good
governance in Armenia, Ardouny shared the concerns raised by many
Members of the Subcommittee, including Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY),
that MCA funds `should not be used as a substitute’ for other funding
priorities. Specifically, it should not be used as a justification to
cut the Freedom Support Act (FSA), which provides critically important
assistance programs to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

Ardouny drew attention to Azerbaijan’s ongoing war rhetoric, `despite
U.S. demands to cease such provocative actions,’ and called on the
Subcommittee to carefully monitor U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan `to
ensure that the principle of military and security parity’ envisioned
with the conditional waiver of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act
`is maintained throughout all funding areas.’ Further, should Baku
continue its anti-Armenian rhetoric, Ardouny urged the Subcommittee
`to suspend the waiver authority it granted and reinstate Section 907′
of the Freedom Support Act.

Ardouny also underscored the importance of Armenia’s energy security
and `urged the Subcommittee to utilize the tools at its disposal to
pave the way for Armenia’s full inclusion in, and contribution to,
existing and future energy and development projects.’

PRESS RELEASE
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Buiding 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Lusine Mnatsakanyan
Tel: 3741 56 0106
Fax: 3741 52 15 05
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.himnadram. org

02 April, 2007

A Modern School is more than a Building

Since 2002, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has furnished schools and nursery
schools in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. These projects, though small at
scale, are widespread and very keenly appreciated in many corners of our
country.
The Fund’s furnishing activities have been firmly established since 2004 and
are part of a project called `Let’s give them a classroom’ (`Donons-leur un
classe’), which was initiated by the Fund’s French affiliate. Christiane
Goharik Kulhandjian, based in France, is directly responsible for
implementing this initiative and has been carrying out this truly wonderful
work on a voluntary basis for three years. Now, Jean Der Mekdian has brought
his devoted participation to the initiative too.
>From 2004-2007, the Fund has implemented furnishing works in Armenia and
Artsakh worth about 288.000 USD, financed by contributions from the Funds’
friends in France. Between August and October 2006, complete furnishings and
fittings were provided at the Haterk and No 1 schools in Martakert and the
Karmir Shuka village nursery school in Martuni.
Often, after the school furnishing has been completed, the Fund’s
benefactors go ahead with more basic work in the same institution, such as
roof reconstruction, the installation of a boiler or sanitary system, or the
replacement of doors and windows. In this way, the No 1 School in Dasht
village in Armavir region has completely changed its appearance and is what
it is today. One more month and the school will look even more attractive
with a newly planted park dedicated to Armenian-French friendship.
The municipality of Vaulx en Velin in France is currently funding the
furnishing of two classrooms in six secondary schools in Artic. After their
completion it is planned that the municipality will go ahead with the full
furnishing of these schools.
Such work by the Funds’ French affiliate is expanding more and more. Thus,
the Fund has to thank the municipalities of Lion and Valence for sponsoring
similar furnishing projects. The Fund was pleased to learn that its French
affiliate is planning to establish contacts with relevant state structures
in Paris with the aim of funding similar projects here.
It is also very gratifying that following the French example, the Fund’s
affiliate in Montreal and local committee in UK have contributed to similar
projects, particularly in the Hrashk nursery school in Yerevan and Togh
School in Nagorno Karabakh.
A modern school is not a mere building. It’s a whole system depending on
reliable water, heating, sanitation, and furnishings, which help make
learning at school truly enjoyable and worthwhile. It’s good school
conditions, teachers’ satisfaction and the schoolchildren’s contented smiles
that help shape the kind of personality we want to see in our families and
in society at large.
`By construction and reconstruction, we strive to instill in a child the
mentality, behavior and overall qualities our society deserves’. This is how
we would describe the Fund’s working ethic and its approach towards its
activities.

Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
PR Department

KARABAKH DENIES AZERI CEASE-FIRE VIOLATION REPORTS

Arminfo
29 Mar 07

Yerevan, 29 March: The defence ministry of Nagornyy Karabakh has
denied an Azerbaijani media report about a cease-fire violation in
Agdam District.

The press secretary of the defence ministry, Lt-Col Senor Asratyan,
said that the report is wide of the mark. He described the report as
another piece of misinformation from the Azerbaijani media. "Karabakh
abides by the cease-fire agreement," Asratyan said.

Asked to comment on reports about military hardware concentrated
in Agdam, he said that these reports were not based on facts. The
defence army of Karabakh is busy doing its routine job to improve
its fighting efficiency and any movement of hardware is for training
purposes, Asratyan said.

ARMENIANS OF FRANCE REFUSED FROM PARTICIPATING IN INAUGURATION OF HOLY CROSS

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.03.2007 17:32 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations
of France (CCAF) refused to take part in inauguration of the Holy
Church on Akhtamar island.

French independent journalist Jean Eckian told the PanARMENIAN.Net
corespondent that in his letter addressed to Van governor Alexis
Govciyan stated that the Holy Cross Church, which is an Armenian
cultural heritage, must remain property of the Armenian Patriarchate
of Turkey and function as a temple. Also, A. Govciyan pointed out
the inadmissibility of transforing the church into a museum without
any reference of his belonging to the cultural Armenian heritage.

TRABZON HEAD OF BBP PARTY QUESTIONED IN DINK MURDER CASE

Hurriyet, Turkey
March 28 2007

Reverberations from the investigation into the murder of journalist
Hrant Dink in Istanbul continue, as the Trabzon head of the BBP Party,
Yasar Cihan, was taken in for questioning over information he may
have had about Dink’s murder.

In testimony to police, Cihan did say that he had known both Erhan
Tuncel and Yasin Hayal, two of the men police have confirmed were
behind the planning and execution of Dink’s murder. Cihan told police
that both Tuncel and Hayal had come to party headquarters in Trabzon,
but that neither of them had told him anything about plans to murder
the ethnically Armenian journalist Dink. Cihan did say that after
Hayal had emerged from prison, after serving time for bombing a Trabzon
McDonald’s, that he had counceled the young man on what direction to
give to his life, but that he had quickly realized that his advice
would do no good, and thus proceeded to "cut his friendship ties"
with Hayal.

ARMENIA ON THE 96-TH PLACE BY WEB DEVELOPMENT
By Ara Martirosian

AZG Armenian Daily
28/03/2007

According to the World Economy Forum’s "2006-2007 Information
Technology World Competitiveness Report", provided by the Armenian
"Economy and Values" research center, Armenia is the 96-th of 122
countries under review by web development. This rating indicates a
country’s ability to take part in world information and communication
technologies process and preparedness for their exploitation.

Armenia has advantage in ability of application of new technologies on
the level of commercial companies, in ‘per head’ ratio of innovations
and inventions patented in US and in large number of scientists
and engineers.

Armenia’s disadvantage is high prices for high-speed Internet
communications, low number of Internet subscribers, low level of
online services and of Internet accessibility in schools and other
educational institutions.