Author: Tvankchian Parkev

SOLDIER TO SHARE HIS STORY OF WAR
By Emanuel Parker Staff Writer

Whittier Daily News, CA
Nov 9 2006

PASADENA – Shant Kenderian will be in Pasadena next week to discuss
the harrowing experience of being drafted into the Iraqi army and
forced to fight in the Iran-Iraq War and in Operation Desert Storm.

Kenderian has written a book about his experiences, "1001 Nights in
the Iraqi Army: The True Story of a Chicago Student held as a POW by
the Americans During Desert Storm."

He will speak at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Gregory, the Illuminator
Apostolic Church, 2215 Colorado Blvd. and sign copies of his book.

Tickets to the event will be $15 and include a noon luncheon.

Kenderian was in Iraq visiting his father in 1980 when Saddam Hussein
issued an order to all men between the ages of 18 and 55, "Register
for the army within 72 hours or be shot!"

The high school senior was born in Iraq and discovered Iraqi officials
considered him an Iraqi citizen, despite his American Green Card.

He served in the front lines of the army during the Iran-Iraq war
and was transferred to the Iraqi navy during Operation Desert Storm.

The boat he was assigned to hit an Iraqi mine, and he was captured
by U.S. Naval forces and held at various POW camps in Kuwait before
re-establishing his Green Card status.

"I served in both wars," he said, "but never had a gun. You can’t
fight when you don’t have a gun."

He also said the government supplied his boat with the wrong caliber
ammunition.

"The contrast between the American and Iraqi soldiers and the way they
were equipped was astounding," he said. "The 15 soldiers on the L-87
had – collectively – two guns, one helmet and 15 old gas masks with
ineffective chemical kits."

Kenderian earned an undergraduate degree in engineering in Baghdad.

He earned his Ph.D. from the Materials Science and Engineering
Department at Johns Hopkins University in 2002, and in September 2002
became an American citizen.

He joined a NASA team in the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia
disaster, and helped investigate the cause of the disaster and make
improvements on the shuttle.

He is currently vice president of the Armenian Engineers and Scientists
of America, based in Glendale, and is a senior member of the technical
staff at the Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo.

DONKEY OR ELEPHANT, DIFFERENCE IS NOT BIG
Hakob Badalyan

Lragir, Armenia
Nov 9 2006

The Armenian government is delighted about the defeat of the
Republicans in the election to the U.S. Congress. The pro-Hay Dat
conglomerate of this circle is encouraged by the statistics of the
Hay Dat offices suggesting that there are more pro-Armenians among the
Democrats than the "oil-smelling" Republicans. The Republican layer of
the Armenian government is also in high spirits. It may be thinking
that the American Republicans, depressed by the defeat, will seek
comfort in the idea of the victory of the Republican idea somewhere
else and will use the first opportunity. And the first opportunity
will be the Armenian parliamentary election. These approaches might
be stemming from the tendency to think that the U.S. Congress election
will influence the U.S policy on Armenia.

Therefore, the Armenian government is part by part explaining and
making the victory of the Democrats favorable for it.

However, disappointment is awaiting the Armenian government both in
terms of Hay Dat and the U.S. Policy on Armenia. And U.S. Charge
d’Affaires Anthony Godfrey hinted that the U.S. foreign policy is
the power of the executive, and the executive power has not changed.

Undoubtedly, and the charge d’affaires does not hide that the American
voters, nevertheless, expect a change in the foreign policy.

For us, however, it is important to know what is our role and
importance in the framework of the U.S. policy so that changes in
the foreign policy of this country affect the U.S. – Armenian relation.

Judging by the present U.S. – Armenian relation, Armenia has an
absolutely strategic importance for the United States. The evidence
to this is that in tactical matters the United States often yields
to Russia. The examples are the deals that the Armenian government
signs with Russia giving the country’s important infrastructures and
factories to this country. The reaction of the United States to this
process is highly reserved.

Most people might think that over the past few years the Republicans
have been conducting an obviously pro-Azerbaijani policy both regarding
Karabakh and generally the Caucasus, advising Armenia to learn from
Azerbaijan. They considered that the reason was the oil interest
of most leaders of the Republican administration. It should not be
overlooked, however, that the pro-Azerbaijani stance of the Republican
administration, such as the elimination of Resolution 907 or greater
military assistance to Azerbaijan, was permanently counterbalanced
at the Congress by the Republican majority.

However, besides this, over its rather short but effective history the
U.S. has made it clear for everyone that in terms of geopolitical
strategy it almost never undergoes changes. This country has a
clear-cut strategy, and in different stages of its implementation
the dominance of the Democrats or Republicans becomes necessary, not
more. In other words, figuratively, in the United States the policy
determines the government, not the government decides the policy.

Besides the fact that the U.S. Congress mainly deals with the internal
problems of the country there is another important thing.

The Democrats have always been known for their focus on the internal
problems of the country. In this respect, the Democratic majority will
tackle the internal problems rather to win over the American voters
in 2008. As to foreign policies, despite the obvious dissatisfaction
with the steps that are taken, the Democrats will not try to change the
situation. The Democrats will need the current failure, or in others
words, problems to use against the Republicans in the presidential
election in 2008.

And if the change of the foreign political strategy is almost excluded
because it is not expedient, the U.S. policy on Armenia will not
change and therefore its being favorable or unfavorable depends on
whether Armenia can build an effective political and economic system.

TSARUKIAN’S HOTEL OPENS IN TSAGHKADZOR WITH FANFARE
By Ruzanna Stepanian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Nov 9 2006

A luxury hotel belonging to a wealthy businessman was inaugurated
in the resort town of Tsaghkadzor on Thursday, with President Robert
Kocharian and several other government and parliament members attending
the ceremony.

Multirest House, a newly built 42-room hotel complex, is the latest
investment by Gagik Tsarukian, arguably the most influential oligarch
who leads the ambitious Prosperous Armenia party believed to enjoy
Kocharian’s backing ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections.

Kocharian personally performed the ribbon-cutting ritual in the
presence of Local Government Minister Hovik Abrahamian, Yerevan
Mayor Yervand Zakharian, as well as wealthy businessmen, MPs Samvel
Aleksanian, Hakob Hakobian, and others.

After being shown around the hotel area Kocharian shared his
impressions with the media, saying that such an investment had long
been expected in Tsaghkadzor.

"Business responded to what we expected and I am glad that today
Tsaghkadzor has the first such powerful structure both by its scales
and quality," the president emphasized.

Rooms at the hotel are available from 40,000 drams (about $105) per
night; some rooms can be as expensive as 120,000 drams (about $315)
per night. Hotel managers say it is the first hotel of this class
made available in Tsaghkadzor, a winter resort town situated about
55 kilometers to the north of Armenia’s capital Yerevan.

Tsarukian avoided answering questions about how much money he had
invested in his new business. "I don’t count how much I invest. I
spent as much as was necessary," he said.

Kocharian brushed aside media speculations that his visit was the sign
of political endorsement of Tsarukian’s party. He said he attended
the event primarily to encourage more investment in the sphere.

The president steered clear of questions about his possible support
for Prosperous Armenia in the upcoming elections. He only promised to
have a special meeting with media dealing with all sorts of political
questions before the end of this year.

Tsarukian also denied any link between the event and politics.

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGES ACCOUNT TO DECIDE ON ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA

Panorama.am
15:26 08/11/06

Anthony Godfry, temporary charge d’affaires of USA in Armenia,
said assistance to the republican will largely depend on "fair
administration of Armenia."

America pays special attention to this issue. If the management of
Millennium Challenges Account decides that Armenia complies with this
requirement, it will take a decision at tomorrow’s board meeting of
the corporation to release funds to Armenia in the coming year. The
Board must also be sure that Armenia will conduct free and fair
elections at 2007 parliamentary elections.

GEORGIAN PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS WITHDRAWAL FROM CIS NOVEMBER 10

PanARMENIAN.Net
07.11.2006 16:48 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Georgian Parliament will consider the draft
resolution on Georgia’s withdrawal from the CIS, worked out by the
Democratic Front Faction at its plenary session November 10. The
decision on that was adopted at the session of the Parliament Bureau
on Monday. Democratic Front representative Kakha Kukava believes
when discussing the draft the majority decision will differ from the
principles declared by it. One of the leaders of the former majority
Giga Bokeriya believes that withdrawal from the CIS at this stage will
do more harm than good to the country. Maya Nadiradze also believes
that by that Georgia will give another cause to Russia for irritation
at the talks. By a decree of the Georgian President May 10 a special
Governmental Commission is formed, led by PM Zurab Nogaideli. It was
to study the possible consequences of Georgia’s withdrawal from the
CIS within 2 months, reports Gruzia-Online.

KOCHARIAN STARTS KAZAKHSTAN VISIT

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Nov 6 2006

Armenia and Kazakhstan are aspiring to build deeper relations in
the trade and economic spheres, the two nations’ leaders said after
negotiations on Monday.

Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian, who is on a two-day official
visit to Kazakhstan at the invitation of the country’s President
Nursultan Nazarbayev, and his Kazakh counterpart gave a press
conference in Astana after their meeting earlier today.

Kocharian emphasized the positive dynamics in bilateral relations,
the high level of political dialogue existing between the two countries
and good cooperation within international organizations.

He regretted Armenia’s insignificant amount of trade and economic
cooperation with Kazakhstan, a country that he called ‘an undoubted
leader of the Central Asian region’.

"The economic component is the weakest in our cooperation despite
the advanced reforms we have both in Kazakhstan and Armenia and
their consonance, which is a good basis first of all for economic
cooperation," Kocharian underscored.

The Armenian leader expressed a hope that the agreements signed
in Astana will help both counties’ business elites to develop more
active cooperation.

Kocharian welcomed the closer attention of Kazakhstan’s business
circles to Armenia and their serious presence in the South Caucasus.

He hoped that in the time to come this presence will have a greater
impact on Armenia than it does today.

For his part, Nazarbayev expressed his satisfaction with the
negotiations he had with his Armenian counterpart.

"We have confirmed the aspiration of our states to further deepen our
relations through increasing trade and raising our relations to a new
level. These relations will also be promoted by increased trade and
closer economic links allowing Kazakhstani companies and capital to
work in Armenia without fear," Nazarbayev stressed.

During their meeting the sides also discussed contacts in the
humanitarian sphere and exchanged information on the ongoing reforms
in their countries.

Kocharian briefed Nazarbayev on the situation around the
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. "I want to reiterate our commitment
to a peaceful settlement of this conflict," Kocharian said at the
news conference.

He invited Nazarbayev to pay a return official visit to Armenia next
year ‘in order to summarize the results of the annual work of the
Armenian-Kazakhstani intergovernmental commission.’

ARMENIA’S MILITARY BUDGET SUFFICIENT FOR ENSURING COUNTRY’S DEFENSE

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Nov 6 2006

YEREVAN, November 6. /ARKA/. Armenia’s military budget is sufficient
for making the country’s armed forces strong, Armenian Defense
Minister Serge Sargsyan told journalists on Monday after presenting
draft state budget for 2007 to lawmakers.

He said that Azerbaijan’s $1-billion military budget can’t be compared
with Armenian $300 million, but this amount will be enough if spent
reasonably.

The minister also said that greater budget spending is planned for
military purposed, just like for other sector’s needs.

In his words, military expenditures will make 3.5% of GDP every year.

"That’s why the faster economic growth is the greater are expenses
for defense", Sargsyan said.

He said some 48% of the amount will be earmarked for salaries and
similar expenses. Armenian officers’ salaries are planned to reach
AMD 165 thousand (about $435) in 2007.

Sargsyan also said that Armenia intends to acquire new kinds of
armament and ammunition.

The 2007 state budget envisages AMD 100.4 billion (about $263 million)
for defense.

ARMENIA AND KAZAKHSTAN SIGNED SEVERAL BILATERAL DOCUMENTS

TREND, Azerbaijan
Nov 7 2006

(gazeta.kz) – A number of bilateral agreements were inked as a result
of the closed and open talks that took place Monday, November 6,
in Astana between Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, and
Robert Kocharyan, President of Armenia, Kazakhstan Today correspondent
reports.

In particular, an intergovernmental agreement was inked on mutual
travels of citizens. Kassymzhomart Tokayev, Foreign Minister of
Kazakhstan, inked the document from Kazakhstan and Gegam Garibadjanyan,
Foreign Minister of Armenia, from Armenia.

Also a Convention on avoidance of double taxation and prevention
of evasion from payments of income and property taxes was inked
as a result of the talks. Natalia Korzhova, Minister of Finance
of Kazakhstan, initialed the document from Kazakhstan and Karen
Chshmarityan, Minister of Commerce and Economic Development of Armenia,
from Armenia, reports Trend.

An intergovernmental agreement on international road communication was
signed by Serik Akhmetov, Minister of Transport and Communications
of Kazakhstan, from Kazakhstan and Karen Chshmarityan, Minister of
Commerce and Economic Development of Armenia, from Armenia.

Vladimir Shkolnik, Minister of Industry and Commerce of RK, and
Karen Chshmarityan, Minister of Commerce and Economic Development of
Armenia, initialed an intergovernmental agreement on promotion and
mutual protection of investments.

An agreement on co-operation in culture was inked by Yermukhamet
Yertysbayev, Minister of Culture and Information, and Asmik Pogosyan,
Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs of Armenia.

CHARITY WORK FROM ARMENIA’S 1ST ENTRY: ANDRE PERFORMS IN TELETHON

esctoday.com, Netherlands
Eurovision Song Contest
Nov 4 2006

Andre, the first representative of Armenia at the Eurovision Song
Contest this year, has decided to do some work for an humanitarian
cause. He will be performing at the 12 hour telethon to raise money
for the Armenian Fund.

The Armenian Fund, an humanitarian corporation, had the honour
to announce Andre’s participation at the 9th annual international
Telethon, to be aired worldwide on Thanksgiving Day, November 23,
8:00AM-8:00PM PST.

As part of the Rebirth of Artsakh project, proceeds from the live 12
hour program will benefit the regional development of Hadrut, Nagorno
Karabakh (Armenia). The funds will go towards building new drinking
water pipelines as well as reconstructing healthcare facilities and
schools that fell victim to the devastating war.

A winner of many international music contests and awards as a solo
artist, Andre has performed in the United States, Russia, China,
Europe, Lebanon, Iran, United Arab Emirates and countries of the
former Soviet Union.

Andre’s successful achievement in Athens reaching the 8th position
provided to Armenia a secure place to the final of the 2007 Eurovision
Song Contest in Helsinki.

"IT SHAMES ME"
Anna Israelian

Aravot, Armenia
Nov 3 2006

The announcement of a group of intellectuals of the "Forum of
Intellectuals" was published on September 22, and the answers to our
question about it Merujan Ter-Gulanian gave only now.

1. Were you so adroit and managed to lead a group of intellectuals
to a misunderstanding or our intellectuals didn’t know the value of
their words and could sign any document without reading it?

2. First of all nobody led anyone to a misunderstanding. But there
is another side of the document; Bravo Merujan Ter-Gulanian who are
trusted. That means I’m an authority for them. Let them read that
announcement, I didn’t forbid. I even surprised when Sos Sargsian
said that I had brought and he had had signed without reading. He
didn’t only read in his working room at the institute but also said
that it was written weakly.

3. One of the expressions of that announcement "agents who are financed
by doubtful sources" looks like the announcements made in 1937. Even
one of the intellectuals, actor Vardan Petrosian said that "We aren’t
officials of state security and we have no proof about the financial
sources of any company".

4. I should stress that Vardan Petrosian didn’t deny his
participation. The formulations could be stronger or weaker. The
point isn’t that. The goal was unique; not to declare Armenia as
the center of criminal. As regards 1937 year, nobody could publish
such an announcement. We live in a free country, everybody writes
whatever he wants. Its veracity is another problem. We got angry at
the sentence of the announcement of "Forum of Intellectuals" as if
Armenia has become a center of criminal and not at those persons. I
deeply respect Rafael Ghazarian; I couldn’t sign against him, I worked
with him in the NA for years and know him very well.

5. Why do the intellectual keep silence and don’t initiate
announcements about rigged elections or violence used against
politicians and journalists?

6. Who does say that they keep silence?

I signed a group document first in my life. I was right to sign. I
signed against that sentence. The journalists aren’t judges. There
is a type of journalists whose second name doesn’t tell me anything.

They judge innocent people who have great services in this country.

I’m one of those people whose judge is in the sky, isn’t here.

1. You got angry at that sentence but what must those people do who
become witnesses of criminal demonstrations, when common citizens
becomes the victims of criminal, when the meetings of thieves in law
are held in Armenia?

2. Three things can’t be chosen in this world; Homeland, parents and
children. What you say is right. It is very bad that journalists are
beaten, it is fired on the streets but such things happen in every
country. What we must do to reduce it. Let’s speak against criminal,
I’ll also speak. Criminal exists in Armenia, and we must fight against
it everyday. Sometimes it seems to me that our media has created a
virtual state and fights against it. But the real life remains open.

3. There are publications in the press why the intellectuals don’t
make announcements against awful incidents of the real life but they
turned to the "Forum of Intellectuals". As just this structure’s
systemizing council together with "Hayrenik u Pativ" Party has make
another announcement. "Serge Sargsian must be deprived of the position
of the Defense Minister and secretary of the security council". It
is known that Serge Sargsian assists many of the intellectuals who
signed the announcement against he forum.

4. I’d like to ask how do you print your newspapers? You call others
corrupted very easily. Everybody knows that there are 1-2 newspapers,
which can be financed themselves.

There is so many lies in our country. The lie is like a drought. I
simply surprised when Serge Sargsian’s name was pronounced. What
connection did S. Sargsian have with this? He has read about that
announcement in the article. All these badly smell.

1. Doesn’t it smell badly when the intellectuals make announcements
against each other?

2. I deeply agree with you. It shames me indeed that the intellectuals
sign documents against each other. But the whole problem is that we
haven’t signed against the intellectuals. I don’t afraid of remaining
alone; if there was an opportunity I’d sign against that sentence
once more.