Author: Tumanian Talar

Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

September 3, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian

ANC-WR Endowment Fund Ensures New Generation of Hai Tahd Leaders

Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region
(ANC-WR), in 2006, established an endowment fund in the name of the
late Haroutioun Kasparian of Los Angeles. The endowment fund has been
used to support the ANC-WR Internship and Externship Program (ANC-WR
IEP) as well as to educate Armenian American youth on issues related
to the Armenian Cause. Endowment funds such as this are instrumental
in facilitating exceptional programs such as the ANC-WR IEP which to
date has had 28 graduates.

"The ANC has long understood that the successful pursuit of the
Armenian Cause requires a commitment that transcends generations and
survives the passing of its beloved volunteers," stated ANC-WR
Chairman Vicken Sonentz-Papazian. "We are doubly blessed by friends
and patriots like Haroutioun Kasparian since we receive the enormous
benefits of his lifetime of service and dedication as well as the
resources to build on these successes through his vision and
generosity. Through the endowment, Haroutioun’s love of nation and
dedication to his people is as alive today as when he selflessly and
relentlessly worked with the ANC to achieve a just resolution to the
Armenian Cause," concluded Sonentz-Papazian.

Haroutioun Kasparian, a lifelong supporter of the ANCA, passed away on
June 23, 2006. Among his memoirs, Kasparian wrote the following of his
passion for the Armenian Church and the Armenian Cause: "I would like
to convey, after my passing, that you [the Armenian people] must love
the Armenian Church because it is the Armenian Nation. And the nation
has an obligation to work for Hai Tahd [the Armenian Cause] which is
both our national pride and obligation."

"The Kasparian Family is proud of the ANC’s achievements over the past
two years with the help of the Endowment Fund," said Arsho Aghjayan,
daughter of Haroutioun Kasparian. "We believe in the Armenian Cause
and would like to encourage others to enlarge the scope of the ANC by
establishing similar funds to keep Hai Tahd alive and active through
the efforts of our youth," she added.

Established in June 2006, the ANC-WR IEP is a selective and intensive
program that provides student leaders and activists with an
opportunity to participate in a program designed to provide an
in-depth introduction to Armenian American issues as well as advocacy
efforts at the federal, state and local levels of government. The
program hosts spring, summer and autumn sessions.

For those who wish to create an endowment like the Kasparian
Endowment, please contact ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian at
(818) 500-1918 for more information.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in
the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States
and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances
the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.

RUSSIA IS NOT GOING TO EXERT PRESSURE UPON ITS PARTNER COUNTRIES TO MAKE THEM RECOGNIZE INDEPENDENCE OF SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA, NIKOLAY PATRUSHEV SAYS

Noyan Tapan

Se p 3, 2008

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. The Secretaries of Security
Councils of CSTO member countries signed an Agreement on Retraining
of Specialists of Law-enforcement, Fire-fighting, Rescue Bodies
and Special Structures of CSTO member-countries on September 3 in
Yerevan. CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha and Secretary of
Armenia’s Security Council Artur Baghdasarian reported at a press
conference held the same day. A. Baghdasarian added that the member
countries have also signed a draft On Additional Means of Strengthening
Anti-narcotism Activity within the framework of CSTO, as well as a
program On Joint Actions on Formation of Information Security System.

An Agreement On Revision, Financing, and Implementation of Interstate
Target Programs has been also signed.

A. Baghdasarian expressed the hope that these documents will
enable representatives of CSTO participant-countries in the
current year to carry out much more efficient activity to ensure
collective security. And according to N. Bordyuzha, today the world
military-political situation dictates further activization of CSTO
work.

Nikolay Patrushev, the Secretary of the RF Security Council, said that
the latest events in South Ossetia were also discussed. According to
him, it was Georgia that first resumed the war, and Russia delivered
a counter-blow only to defend the peaceful population. And that blow,
according to N. Patrushev, was only aimed at the points that posed
immediate danger for Ossetians and Russian peacekeepers.

The Secretary of the RF Security Council added that Russia is not going
to exert pressure upon its partner countries to make them recognize
the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. He affirmed that
the partner countries gradually being informed of the real facts,
will at last take that step.

ARMENIA’S PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES KARABAKH ON INDEPENDENCE DAY

YEREVAN, September 2. /ARKA/. Armenia’s President Serge Sargsian has
congratulated the Karabakhi people on the Independence Day of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

In his letter of congratulation Sargsian said the past 17 years have
proved that the Karabakhi people made the only right choice that
time. The president called it "a historical, holy and irrefutable
choice".

Sargsian said September 2 is a holiday for Armenians and those who
fought for the independence of their motherland. He assured the
Karabakhi people that Armenia and Armenians will help them overcome
all the difficulties and meet further challenges.

On September 2, the Regional Councils of Nagorno-Karabakh and Shahumyan
adopted the Declaration on the Nagorno-Karabakh Repulbic.

The Karabakh conflict broke out in 1988 when Artsakh, mainly populated
by Armenians, declared its independence from Azerbaijan.

On December 10, 1991, a few days after the collapse of the Soviet
Union, a referendum took place in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the majority
of the population (99.89%) voted for independence from Azerbaijan.

Afterwards, large-scale military operations began, as a result of
which Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and the seven
regions adjacent to it.

On May 12, 1994 after the signing of the Bishkek cease-fire agreement,
the military operations were stopped.

Since 1992, neg otiations over the peaceful settlement of the conflict
have been carried out within the OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by the
USA, Russia and France.

LILIT MKRTCHIAN BEATS EVA MOSER AT BEGINNING OF WOMEN’S WORLD CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

Noyan Tapan

Se p 1, 2008

NALCHIK, SEPTEMBER 1, NOYAN TAPAN. A Women’s World Knockout Chess
Championship started in Nalchik on August 29. Armenian GM Lilit
Mkrtchian played against Eva Moser of Austria at the start and defeated
her (3.5-2.5).

In the 2nd round L. Mkrtchian will play against Anna Gasik (Poland).

US-based Katerina Rohunian also passed to the next round. She beat
Natalia Zhukova (2.5-1.5).

Sunday’s Zaman, Turkey
Aug 31 2008

US ships with aid for Georgia pass through Turkey, stirring
controversy

US ships carrying humanitarian aid passed through Ä°stanbul’s
Bosporus Strait on their way to Georgia last week, leading to a debate
on whether they were in compliance with terms of an international
convention that regulates passage through the straits.

On Aug. 22, a US Navy ship passed through Ä°stanbul’s Bosporus
Strait. The guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul was the first of three
US Navy ships that will carry supplies such as blankets, hygiene kits
and baby food to Georgia via the Turkish Straits to help the country
following its war with Russia over the breakaway republic of South
Ossetia. On Aug. 24, another US Coast Guard ship passed through the
Dardanelles Strait. The vessel "Dallas" entered the Dardanelles Strait
from the Aegean Sea. A maritime pilot was taken to the ship and a
Turkish Coast Guard boat escorted the ship. Countering criticism from
some media organs and the main opposition Republican People’s Party
(CHP), Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ErdoÄ?an said last Saturday
that the passage of all military ships through the Turkish Straits was
in compliance with terms of 1936 Montreux Convention. A day before the
prime minister’s remarks, the Foreign Ministry last Friday made clear
once more that foreign-flagged military ships are passing through the
Turkish Straits to the Black Sea in line with the notices conveyed to
Turkish authorities and in compliance with the 1936 Montreux
Convention.

Aug. 23

The Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), linked to the Kurdistan Workers’
Party (PKK), said in a statement posted on their Web site that their
militants carried out a suicide bombing in the southern city of Mersin
on Aug. 19 and a car bomb attack in the Aegean port city of
Ä°zmir on Aug. 21, wounding 29 people in total.

Police detained 29 foreigners and three Turks during a peaceful
protest against plans to build a nuclear power plant near the Black
Sea port city of Sinop. Police officers confirmed the detentions
during what they called an unauthorized protest.

Aug. 24

Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists kidnapped two people in the
eastern province of Bingöl, the General Staff said in a written
statement.

A US Coast Guard ship carrying humanitarian aid passed through
Ä°stanbul’s Bosporus Strait on its way to Georgia. The USS
Dallas carried blankets, hygiene kits, baby food and other supplies as
part of an ongoing US aid effort to help Georgia recover from its
brief war with Russia.

A festival aimed at displaying Turkish culture, informing and
entertaining attendees and children and serving as a scientific,
artistic and cultural resource was held in New York with the
participation of over 25,000 people. The New York Turkish Festival was
organized by the Turkish Cultural Center (TCC) New York in Central
Park, attracting Turks, Americans and tourists from various countries.

Aug. 25

Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan said he believes it is time to
restore relations between Yerevan and Ankara, Azerbaijani media
reported, citing an interview he gave to Austrian Der Standard
newspaper. Sarksyan told the Austrian newspaper that his country is
ready to restore relations with Turkey without any
conditions. "Armenia has always been loyal to its declared political
line," he was quoted as saying, while adding that "today there is a
situation in our relations which is not profitable for anyone. I think
there is no sense or need of being eternal enemies."

Turgay Avcı, the foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus (KKTC), reacted harshly to a reported unilateral move
by the Greek Cypriot administration to launch offshore oil and gas
exploration in waters surrounding the divided island of
Cyprus. Exploration of oil by the Greek Cypriot administration is a
violation of the legal rights of Turkey and the KKTC over Exclusive
Economic Zones (EEZ) in the region, Avcı said in a written
statement.

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev suggested that Turkey should be
elected as the next term president of the Conference on Interaction
and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). The Kazakh
president’s proposal came in Almaty, where the third ministerial level
meeting of the CICA was being held.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) killed one soldier during a clash
in Turkey’s Southeast. The soldier was killed in Batman province, some
1,000 kilometers (620 miles) southeast of Ankara.

A third round of talks between the government and civil servants’
unions ended with the unions failing to reach an agreement with the
government over a wage increase. The Turkish Statistics Institute
(TurkStat) declared the food poverty line, which consists of the total
minimum amount of money required to buy the necessary food for
subsistence, as YTL 255. Civil servant unions are not satisfied with
this decision and reject YTL 255 as the minimum subsistence level.

There will be no delay, cancellation or postponement in a tender for
the construction and operation of Turkey’s first nuclear power plant,
scheduled for Sept. 24, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi
Güler said. "Bidding envelopes of participating companies will
be opened on that day. We have no time to lose," he said. The minister
was speaking to the press in Ankara after briefing those in attendance
on the latest developments in the race for a nuclear energy power
plant.

Aug. 26

Foreign Trade Minister KürÅ?ad Tüzmen sent a
warning signal to Russia over customs barriers incurred on Turkish
trucks that carry exported goods to this country while crossing the
Russian border. "It really bothers us to see that our trucks are kept
at customs for three weeks now and it will make no sense if these
trucks are allowed to pass after a week. If we feel annoyed, we cause
annoyance," he said, adding that the situation is creating serious
tension in the relations between the two nations.

Three village guards and 10 terrorists from the outlawed Kurdistan
Workers’ Party (PKK) died in a clash in the eastern province of
Bitlis. The guards were inspecting the area around the Ä°kizler
village in the Mutki region when they came across a group of PKK
terrorists.

Aug. 27

Newly appointed Land Forces Commander Gen. IÅ?ık
KoÅ?aner, who handed his former post of gendarmerie commander
over to Gen. Avni Atilla in a ceremony in Ankara, lamented that
certain laws are being amended so as to harmonize with the EU in a way
that denies Turkey’s terrorism problem and hinders its fight against
terrorist organizations. KoÅ?aner, speaking at the handover
ceremony, stressed that the amendment of Turkish laws in disregard to
Turkey’s terrorism threat is a great obstacle to the country’s fight
against terror.

Turkish troops killed 16 outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)
terrorists in clashes in the Southeast, authorities said. Five
pro-government village guards were also killed. The Office of the
Governor of Bitlis province said 14 terrorists were killed in a clash
with the military, which was being aided by village guards, near the
town of Mutki. Five guards were also killed. Two other terrorists were
killed near the city of Mardin.

Outgoing Chief of General Staff Gen. YaÅ?ar
BüyükanÄ&#x B1;t clearly stated that the passage of US
and NATO military ships through the Turkish Straits is in compliance
with terms of the 1936 Montreux Convention, which regulates passages
through the straits. Büyükanıt’s remarks on the
issue came as he was speaking to reporters at a reception held at the
Land Forces Command.

Aug. 28

Gen. Ä°lker BaÅ?buÄ? took over the duty of chief of
general staff from Gen. YaÅ?ar Büyükanıt in
a handover ceremony held at the General Staff headquarters in
Ankara. President Abdullah Gül, Parliament Speaker
Köksal Toptan, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip ErdoÄ?an,
Constitutional Court President HaÅ?im Kılıç
and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) President Mehmet Ali
Talat attended the ceremony, along with ministers, deputies, chairmen
of higher judicial organs, generals, admirals and high-level
bureaucrats.

The wife of Constitutional Court Deputy Chairman Osman Paksüt
testified at the Ankara Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of an
ongoing investigation into Ergenekon, a criminal network suspected of
plotting a coup against the government.

Sabancı Holding Chairman Güler Sabancı was named
Turkey’s most powerful woman for the third time in a row on the Forbes
2008 list of the top 100 women based on career, economic impact and
media coverage. On the overall listing, Sabancı ranked 75th.

The government finally disclosed its proposal for wage increases for
civil servants, offering a total raise of 7.6 percent for 2009, which
drew negative reactions from unions. Civil servants unions asked for
time to evaluate the proposal.

Inteltek Internet Technology Investment Consultancy, a subsidiary of
the Ã?ukurova Group, offered the lowest percentage bid in a
tender for Ä°ddaa, a soccer betting company that allocates a
percentage of its revenues to form one of the main income resources of
the Turkish soccer clubs.

The Confederation of Turkish Labor Unions’
(Türk-Ä°Å?) monthly Hunger and Poverty Line Survey
for August 2008 set the necessary monthly salary for a family of four
to feed itself adequately at YTL 730. The new hunger indicator
represented an increase of about YTL 12 over the previous month.

Aug. 29

Foreign Trade Minister KürÅ?ad Tüzmen announced
that Turkey will begin implementing reciprocal measures on Monday in
response to a recent increase in security measures leveled by Russia
against Turkish exporters. Speaking to the press after he received
Iraqi Planning and Development Minister Ali Baban and a delegate of
Iraqi officials in Ankara, Tüzmen said the obstacles against
Turkish trucks attempting to pass through Russian borders were
completely against World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. "These
hindrances fall under the definition of ‘trade barriers,’ which are
strictly forbidden by international agreements," he said.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Hilmi Güler called on
the Turkish people and the international community to take a stand
against exorbitant oil prices with a wave of demonstrations and
organized activities. Güler was addressing the well-attended
9th International Energy Arena, organized under the slogan "The
Strategy of Tomorrow for Oil" by the Strategic Technical and Economic
Research Center (STEAM), in Ä°stanbul. He said the masses must
stop being indifferent to high fuel prices, adding, "As a person who
experienced those times, I would prefer that a form of effective
activism emerge in Turkish society similar to that of 1968 and later
years."

31 August 2008, Sunday

VTB (ARMENIA) BANK TO HAVE 75 BRANCHES BY LATE 2008

ARKA
Aug 29, 2008

YEREVAN, August 29. /ARKA/. The VTB (Armenia) Bank will have 75
branches by late 2008, said Valery Ovsyannikov, general director and
chairman of the directorial board of the bank. To optimise the bank’s
network, the Supervisory Board of the bank has decided to close down
temporarily the bank’s branches in Nor-Hatchn, Yeghvard, Metsamor,
Ashotsk and Stepanakert.

The customers of Karabakh will get services through the bank’s local
partners.

The Araratbank, Ardshininvestbank, Artsakhbank, Armbusinessbank,
Armeconombank and Unibank have branches in the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic.

The VTB (Armenia) Bank (former Armsavingsbank), became member of the
VTB Banking Group in April 2004. The Russian VTB is now the absolute
shareholder of the bank.

The authorized capital stock of the VTB (Armenia) Bank totals 13.78bln
drams. The bank’s own capital amounts to 21.88bln dram. It has 80
branches across Armenia. The Fitch International Ratings Agency
upgraded in July the bank’s short term and long-term issuer ratings
to B and BB+ respectively.

GUL HASN’T DECIDED YET

AZG Armenian Daily
30/08/2008

Armenia-Turkey

Turkey’s President Abdullah Gull hasn’t yet made a final decision to
accept Serge Sargsian’s invitation. The Armenian President invited
his Turkish counterpart to watch the upcoming Armenia-Turkey football
match due in Yerevan on September 6.

"I frankly support the latest attempts to establish peace in the
region. I think it is highly important to gain something from enhanced
opportunities. We are eager to solve all issues with our neighbors,"
said Abdullah Gul.

With regard to Serge Sargsian’s interview to Turkish "Radical" during
which the Armenian President pointed out the danger of solving Nagorno
Karabakh conflict in a military way Turkish president said yesterday
that the issue must be solved through negotiations.

The Armenian President’s invitation caused numerous debates in
political circles in the countries under question. Highly appreciating
Serge Sargsian’s invitation Abdullah Gul doesn’t hurry with his
decision taking into consideration several unsolved issues existing
between the two countries, among them the Armenian Genocide and
probable protest actions in Yerevan during Gull’s visit.

According to Radio Liberty the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation-Dashnatsutyun (ARFD) has already informed about their
intention of arranging peaceful acts with regard to Turkish President’s
arrival.

GOODS FROM GEORGIA ALREADY REACH ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan

Au g 26, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 26, NOYAN TAPAN. 29 wagons of wheat that left
Georgia on August 26 have already reached Gyumri. Besides, 21
wagons of various goods are now at the Sadakhlo customs point on the
Armenian-Georgian border and will soon be moved to Armenia. Goods are
now being transported into Armenia by a railway bypassing the bridge
which was exploded in the Georgian city of Gori.

2,800 tons of gasoline and 3 thousand tons of wheat are now in the
Georgian port of Poti. A total of 310 wagons of goods to be imported
into Armenia are in the Georgian railway. Out of the indicated
wagons, 177 are loaded with grain, 123 – with various goods, and 10
are loaded with gasoline. The train with 10 wagons of gasoline has
already reached Khashuri section of the Georgian railway.

SKRIN Market & Corporate News
August 22, 2008 Friday 10:50 AM GMT

Russian gas transit via Georgian territory to Armenia cut 30%

Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation has denied information that Russian
gas transit via the Georgian territory to Armenia was cut 30% due to
maintenance works on the trunk pipeline. PR Director of GORC Tamara
Shoshiashvili said Monday that "these data are at odds with reality"
and gas transit to Armenia "is being implemented on a regular
basis". According to her, maintenance works are only taking place on
the pipeline in the Kazbegsky region adjacent to Russia. "They began
back on July 8 and provide for the replacement of a 400 m section of
the pipeline damaged last spring due to a landslide" – Shoshiashvili
said. "As for the adjacent North-South trunk pipeline used to pump
Russian gas via Georgia to Armenia", this pipeline "continues to
operate on a regular basis. We can only see slight changes in the gas
pump mode which depend on an increase or reduction in the pipe’s
pressure. However, this is a common thing" – she stressed. Earlier
head of Russian-Armenian Aromrosgazprom Shushan Sardaryan said that
natural gas supplies from Russia to Armenia since August 7 were
slashed 30%, Finam Investment Company reported.

ABOUT 80% OF HIGH-RANKING OFFICIALS AND POLITICAL FIGURES IN ARMENIA ARE MEMBERS OF UNION OF HUNTERS

Noyan Tapan

Au g 22, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, NOYAN TAPAN. Favorable conditions for hunters
have been created in Armenia, the chairman of "The National Alliance
of Armenian Hunters" Grigor Grigorian stated at the August 22 press
conference. One of the future projects of their NGO is to create a
special area for hunting.

With this aim the organization purchased a 1,000-ha land plot and
envisages to breed several types of animals there.

G. Grigorian said that about 80% of high-ranking officials and
political figures are members of their organization. However,
according to him, about 30% of them regularly go hunting. Among
them are the former president and many ministers. In the past,
some statesmen were engaged in hunting the animals whose hunt is
illegal and did so in the forbidden season. As a result, according
to G. Grigorian, many animal species, for example, grey partridge,
have become extinct. In his words, today the picture is different:
officials do not take such illegal steps.