Author: Toneyan Mark

US envoy welcomes resumption of Azeri-Armenian peace talks
Ekspress, Baku
9 Dec 04
Text of unattributed report by Azerbaijani newspaper Ekspress on 9
December headlined “The Nagornyy Karabakh conflict is creating
problems for the whole region” and subheaded “Reno Harnish supports
the negotiations”
“The USA applauds the resumption of the peace talks between Azerbaijan
and Armenia in Sofia,” the US ambassador to Azerbaijan, Reno Harnish,
has said.
The ambassador again noted official Washington’s support for a fair
solution to the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict through talks leading to a
stable and lasting peace.
“I do not see any other solution to the problem,” Harnish said. He
added that the Nagornyy Karabakh problem has created problems not only
for Azerbaijan, but also for the whole region.
“The threat of war is still there as long as this conflict is not
resolved. Therefore, the US government is using all its power to
achieve a peaceful and fair solution to the conflict,” he said.

Associated Press
Dec 7 2004
Today in History
Dec 7
In 1988, a major earthquake in the Soviet Union devastated northern
Armenia; official estimates put the death toll at 25,000.
Today is Tuesday, Dec. 7, the 342nd day of 2004. There are 24 days
left in the year. The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, begins at
sunset.
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese forces attacked American and British
territories and possessions in the Pacific, including the home base
of the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
On this date:
In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S.
Constitution.
In 1796, electors chose John Adams to be the second president of the
United States.
In 1836, Martin Van Buren was elected the eighth president of the
United States.
In 1946, fire broke out at the Winecoff Hotel in Atlanta; the blaze
killed 119 people, including hotel founder W. Frank Winecoff.
In 1963, during the Army-Navy game, videotaped instant replay was
used for the first time in a live sports telecast as CBS re-showed a
one-yard touchdown run by Army quarterback Rollie Stichweh. (Navy
beat Army, 21-15.)
In 1972, America’s last moon mission to date was launched as Apollo
17 blasted off from Cape Canaveral.
In 1972, Imelda Marcos, wife of Philippine President Ferdinand E.
Marcos, was stabbed and seriously wounded by an assailant who was
then shot dead by her bodyguards.
In 1983, in Madrid, Spain, an Aviaco DC-9 collided on a runway with
an Iberia Air Lines Boeing 727 that was accelerating for takeoff,
killing all 42 people aboard the DC-9 and 51 aboard the Iberia jet.
In 1987, 43 people were killed in the crash of a Pacific Southwest
Airlines jetliner in California after a gunman apparently opened fire
on a fellow passenger and the two pilots.
In 1988, a major earthquake in the Soviet Union devastated northern
Armenia; official estimates put the death toll at 25,000.
Ten years ago: PLO chairman Yasser Arafat, meeting with U.S.
Secretary of State Warren Christopher in Gaza City, pledged to
protect Israelis from militant extremists.
Five years ago: NASA scientists all but gave up hope of contacting
the Mars Polar Lander, last heard from four days earlier as it began
its descent toward the Red Planet.
One year ago: Allies of President Vladimir Putin won a sweeping
victory in Russia’s parliamentary elections. Zimbabwe withdrew from
the Commonwealth of Britain and its former colonies, which had
suspended it for alleged abuses of civil liberties.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
December 3, 2004
Armenian Church Participates in Conference of European Churches Working
Group Meeting in Belgium
>From November 26 to 27, a meeting of the “Peace, Security and
Reconciliation” Working Group of the Conference of European Churches (CEC)
was convened at the Ecumenical Centre in Brussels, Belgium. In attendance
was Mrs. Paula Devejian, the representative of the Armenian Church in this
Working Group of the CEC. The Armenian Church is one of ten Churches
represented in this Working Group.
The purpose of the meeting was to identify and discuss current issues for
the Working Group, and also to establish goals and tasks for the committee
members. An overall theme for the group is the development and
understanding of Christian perceptions for peace and reconciliation. The
first undertaking is a review of the Security Strategy approved by the
Commission of the European Union. A theological and practical commentary
will be prepared and recommendations forwarded to the CEC for eventual
distribution to the member Churches. Additionally, with an overall goal of
formulating ways in which reconciliation can become a “mainstream” issue
within Churches, it was decided to start a project of open dialogue between
persons who have been directly affected by regional conflicts to study
methodologies of conflict resolution and the possible participation and
guidance by churches. Participants will be sought from the regions of
Northern Ireland and the Balkans.
The Armenian Church, as a member of the Conference of European Churches, has
representatives in various CEC structures. His Grace Bishop Yeznik
Petrossian, General Secretary for Inter-Church Relations, represents the
Armenian Church in the CEC Central Committee, as well as in the “Churches in
Dialogue” Commission. Rev. Fr. Hovakim Manukian, a member of the
Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin represents the Armenian Church in the
“Church and Society” Commission.
The next meeting of the Working Group will be held in Brussels in May 2005.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRODUCTION OF LYCOS-ARMENIA FIRM IS OF MUCH DEMAND ON EUROPEAN MARKET
YEREVAN, December 2 (Noyan Tapan). The Armenian branch of the Lycos
well-known German firm engaged in information technologies,
Lycos-Armenia, plans to increase the number of its employees from 150
to 250 people next year. Hovhannes Avoyan, Executive Director of
Lycos-Armenia, informed the journalists about this. According to him,
this extension is conditioned by growth of demand for the information
production of the firm. Its quality corresponds to world standards and
the price is considerably lower that in Europe, which is the main
market for programs of Lycos-Armenia.
H.Avoyan also said that in connection with the planned extension the
firm made a decision about renting 70% of territories in the business
center building of the American University.
At present 80 programmers work in the firm, their salary makes 0-500
and more depending on their qualification. They are admitted to work
on the basis of a tender.
Lycos-Armenia actively cooperates with the faculties of programming of
Yerevan State University and Engineering University. Starting from
2003-2005 the financing of training programs makes { YEREVAN, December
2 (Noyan Tapan). The Armenian branch of the Lycos well-known German
firm engaged in information technologies, Lycos-Armenia, plans to
increase the number of its employees from 150 to 250 people next
year. Hovhannes Avoyan, Executive Director of Lycos-Armenia, informed
the journalists about this. According to him, this extension is
conditioned by growth of demand for the information production of the
firm. Its quality corresponds to world standards and the price is
considerably lower that in Europe, which is the main market for
programs of Lycos-Armenia.
H.Avoyan also said that in connection with the planned extension the
firm made a decision about renting 70% of territories in the business
center building of the American University.
At present 80 programmers work in the firm, their salary makes 0-500
and more depending on their qualification. They are admitted to work
on the basis of a tender.
Lycos-Armenia actively cooperates with the faculties of programming of
Yerevan State University and Engineering University. Starting from
2003-2005 the financing of training programs makes $NewsText}.5m.
H.Avoyan said that at present the firm produces information products
on 5 categories: “Billing,” service of payment operations; production
connected with the communication sphere, opening of address and
sending of e-mail, besides, sending of short messages through
Internet; use of the CHAT system permitting to send short messages and
so on.
H.Avoyan also said that the sum of investments to the firm that made
2.5m euros in 2003, 3.5m euros this year will make about 5m euros in
2005.
}.5m.
H.Avoyan said that at present the firm produces information products
on 5 categories: “Billing,” service of payment operations; production
connected with the communication sphere, opening of address and
sending of e-mail, besides, sending of short messages through
Internet; use of the CHAT system permitting to send short messages and
so on.
H.Avoyan also said that the sum of investments to the firm that made
2.5m euros in 2003, 3.5m euros this year will make about 5m euros in
2005.

ArmenPress
Dec 1 2004
GEORGIA’S FIRST LADY ARRIVES IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS: Georgia’s First Lady, Sandra
Roulofs, is arriving today evening in Yerevan at the invitation of
Armenian First Lady, Bella Kocharian. She will spend here four days.
In Yerevan Sandra Roelofs will visit the national cancer care
center, the Red Cross Rehabilitation Center. She will also talk to
the faculty and students of Yerevan State University. Her itinerary
includes also a visit to Genocide Memorial, where she will lay a
wreath to the monument of the 1915 genocide victims.
She will meet also Catholicos Karekin II and visit historical and
cultural sites in Armenia.

US EMBASSY IN YEREVAN DENIES RUMORS ABOUT DECREASED VISA FEES
ArmenPress
Nov 26 2004
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: The US embassy in Yerevan denied
today rumors about plans to change application fees. The US Consul
Mary Stickles said the Consulate will continue to charge $100 for
each visa application, adding there are no plans for an increase.
The Consulate said in fact, visa fees have been lowered for some
visa types. The fee for multiple-entry visa to visit the US has been
lowered to $50 US, effective immediately, a drastic decrease from
the $300 US previously charged.
It said the US visa fees are set to correspond to what the citizens of
the United States are charged in order to visit Armenia. In addition
to maximum validity period for multiple-entry visas has been extended
to twelve months from the previous six-month limit.
Single-entry visas will continue to require no additional fees beyond
the application charge, and will remain valid for three months.
The application fee, which is separate from the cost of the visa,
is used to recover some of the administrative costs associated with
new visa security requirements and new fraud prevention efforts.
“The embassy has not made the visa process more expensive to the
applicant. In fact, for many travelers, we have reduced the cost and
lengthened the validity of their visas,” US Consul Mary Sticklers said.

Azeri-speaking radio in separatist Karabakh trying to rebuild confidence
Arminfo, Yerevan
26 Nov 04
Stepanakert , 26 November: The Golos Spravedlivosti [The Voice
of Justice] radio station, which broadcasts in Stepanakert in the
Azerbaijani language, is trying to rebuild the “bridge of confidence”
between the parties to the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict.
“The purpose of our work is to rebuild the bridges of confidence
between the parties to the conflict, Azerbaijan and Nagornyy Karabakh,
and to facilitate the establishment of peace by promoting good. We are
trying to convince the Azerbaijanis that a new war will bring both
peoples new suffering. Unfortunately, the Azerbaijani authorities
are creating artificial obstacles to negotiations and we have to
accentuate this in our programmes. I am sure, however, that the final
word belongs to the people of both countries, which is why we are
doing our best to establish an atmosphere of trust between them. In
this connection, we have repeatedly put forward cooperation proposals
with our colleagues in Azerbaijan,” the director of the radio station,
Mikael Adzhyan, has told our special Arminfo correspondent.
He said the Voice of Justice is listened to in many countries of the
world. Letters of appreciation are coming from New Zealand, Japan,
Switzerland, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Turkey, etc. There has
been no response only from Azerbaijan, though Adzhyan is certain that
the radio has a permanent audience there as well despite the obstacles
created by the Azerbaijani authorities. The programmes include news,
reports and interviews.
Adzhyan added that in one of the recent programmes by Radio Liberty’s
Azerbaijani service, an Azerbaijani boy expressed his wish to listen
to the opinion of his Armenian peers about the war. The radio station
responded immediately by organizing a series of such programmes. The
Karabakh children of different ages who have experienced the horrors
of war and lost their family members, as well as refugee children,
have expressed their opinion to this effect.
“It is not by chance that the radio station is called the Voice
of Justice. Every party to a conflict has its own justice, which
often does not correspond to reality. So we are trying to find a
common and real justice,” Mikael Adzhyan said.
The Voice of Justice has already been on the air for about 700 times
(four times a week). The radio station mainly employs refugees from
Azerbaijan who speak good Azeri. The station is sponsored by Karabakh
businessmen. The administration hopes to start broadcasting on a
daily basis.

UN resolution on Right of Peoples to Self-determination
Daily News – Lk
27 Nov 04
The United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee, dealing
with social and humanitarian issues, adopted by consensus a draft
resolution on the “Universal Realization of the Right of Peoples
to Self-determination.”
The resolution has consistently been adopted by the General Assembly
since 1981. Pakistan has always been the lead sponsor of the
resolution. Pakistan also makes a statement in the Third Committee’s
General Debate on this item, states the High Commission of Pakistan,
Colombo.
The resolution reaffirms the universal right of peoples to
self-determination as enshrined in the UN Charter and international
covenants on human rights. It welcomes the progressive exercise of
this right by peoples under colonial, foreign or alien occupation
and their emergence into sovereign statehood and independence.
In its operative part, the resolution calls upon those States
responsible to cease immediately their military intervention in
and occupation of foreign countries and territories and all acts
of repression, discrimination, exploitation and maltreatment, in
particular the brutal and inhuman methods reportedly employed for
the execution of those acts against the peoples concerned.
The resolution was co-sponsored by a large number of countries from
Asia and Africa. Besides Pakistan, the co-sponsors included: Algeria,
Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Brunei,
Darussalam, Cameroon, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya,
Malaysia, Niger, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Somalia,
Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
The resolution requests the Commission on Human Rights to continue to
give special attention to the violation of human rights, especially
the right to self-determination, resulting from foreign military
intervention, aggression or occupation. It also requests the Secretary
General to report to the 60th Session of the General Assembly on
this question.
The resolution will now go to the Plenary of the General Assembly
for adoption before end of the current session.

REDUCING POVERTY
A1 Plus | 13:43:40 | 24-11-2004 | Social |
Under UNO data, 42% of population in Armenia is poor. The extremely
poor make 17%. “We will sharply reduce the figure and then pass
on to the poor”, Ashot Esayan, Armenian Deputy Minister of Social
Welfare says.
>From November 24 to 26 the international seminar on “Consolidation
of Potential for Social Monitoring in CIS States: Strategic Programs
on Poverty Reduction and Millennium Development Goals” will be held in
“Marriott-Armenia” Hotel of Yerevan.
Representatives of both local and international organizations, UNO
various agencies, New York, Geneva, Bratislava Offices and experts from
Poland, Tanzania, Albania, Kazakhstan and other states partake in it.
The seminar organizer – UNDP aims to exchange the experience
accumulated in social monitoring sphere through participants.
Armenia has been passing the way for poverty reduction program for 1
year and established the system of social monitoring and analysis as
the “instrument of fast response”. “Since Armenia was the first to set
up the system CIS experts will study it within the 3-day-long seminar
“to apply some things in their own countries”, Ashot Esayan says.
Deputy Minister informed Government will expand the system to control
and coordinate the activity of central, district and commune state
agencies, which mainly run independently of one another.

AGGRESSIVE PETROSIAN SURPRISES BERKES
by Stan Rayan
The Hindu, India
November 22, 2004
He is named after one of the legends of the 64-square game. On Sunday,
Armenian Tigran Petrosian lived up to the name by stunning the boys’
top seed Ferenc Berkes in the World junior chess championship at the
Casino Hotel here.
The attacking 40-move victory, in Tarrasch Defence, gave the
fourth-seeded Petrosian the lead after the fourth round. With
four points, he has only India’s P. Harikrishna, the second seed,
for company.
“I was born just a month after the former world champion Tigran
Petrosian’s death. That’s how I got this name,” said the Armenian
Grandmaster. But unlike his famous namesake, he plays a very aggressive
game.
Playing black, Petrosian turned down the offer of a draw on the 23rd
move and triumphed with a powerful king-side attack. Hungarian Berkes
had lost the edge earlier with a pawn blunder on the 15th move.
Petrosian was very cautious about his chances against Harikrishna,
his next big rival. “To play Hari in India is very difficult. But
nothing is impossible,” he said.
Harikrishna, also playing black, was in fine nick today, winning
against Swede Hans Tikkanen comfortably in 40 moves of Bogo Indian.
Former Asian junior champion Deepan Chakravarthy was another impressive
Indian, surprising seventh-seeded Uzbek Grandmaster Timur Gareyev
with a lethal king-side attack.
While the boys’ section produced decisive results on all the top ten
boards, three of the top five boards in the girls section ended in
draws. Four players – Poland’s Joanna Madjan, China’s Zhang Jilin
and Woman GMs Elisabeth Paehtz (Germany) and Anna Ushenina (Ukraine)
were at the top of the pack after fourth round.
The results (fourth round, Indians unless stated):
Boys: Ferenc Berkes (Hun, 3 pts) lost to Tigran Petrosian (Arm, 4);
Hans Tikkanen (Swe, 3) lost to P. Harikrishna (4); Evgeny Alekseev
Vladimirovich (Rus, 3.5) bt Yunieski Quezada Perez (Cub, 2.5);
Radoslaw Wojtaszek (Pol, 3.5) bt Jianu Vlad-Cristian (Rom, 2.5);
Abhijeet Gupta (2.5) lost to Mark Paragua (Phi, 3.5); Zhe Quan
(Can, 2.5) lost to Erwin l’Ami (Ned, 3.5); Deepan Chakravarthy (3)
bt Timur Gareev (Uzb, 2); Artem Iljin (Rus, 3) bt Poobesh Anand (Ind,
2); Zhao Jun (Chn, 3) bt Lorin A. R. D’costa (Eng 2);
Koneru Humpy (3) bt Johannes Manyedi (RSA, 2); Stanislav Cifka (Cze,
2) lost to M. R. Venkatesh (3); David Smerdon (Aus, 3) bt C. V.
Balaji Raghuram (2); Jan Smeets (Ned) lost to Leandro Perdomo (Arg,
3); Elshan Moradiabadi (Ira, 2.5) bt G. N. Gopal (1.5); Deep Sengupta
(2.5) bt Anastasios Mihailidis (Gre, 1.5).
Girls: Joanna Majdan (Pol, 3.5) drew with Anna Ushenina (Ukr, 3.5);
Zhang Jilin (Chn, 3.5) bt N. Vinuthna (2.5); Alina Motoc (Rom, 2)
lost to Elisabeth Paehtz (Ger, 3.5); Ekaterina Korbut (Rus, 2.5)
drew with Siti Zulaikha (Mas, 2.5); J. E. Kavitha (2.5) drew with
Eesha Karavade (2.5); Aleksandra Mijovic (SCG, 2) lost to Anastasiya
Gutsko (Ukr, 3); Dana Aketayeva (Kaz, 3) bt Meenu Rajendran (2);
Tania Sachdev (2.5) bt Shaesteh Pour Ghader (Ira, 2); Marties Bensdorp
(Ned, 1.5) lost to Kruttika Nadig (2.5); Arlette Van Weersel (Ned,
2.5) bt I. Ramyakrishna (1.5); Koneru Chandra Hawsa (2.5) bt Nimmy
George (1.5); Paloma Gutierrez (Esp, 1.5) drew with C. Delphin (2);
N. Raghavi (2) bt Alexandra Stiri (Gre, 1); P. Sivasankari (1) lost
to Saheli Nath (2); N. Sandhya (.5) lost to Shobana L. Iswarya (2).