Author: Vanyan Gary

ARMENIAN CONSULATE’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY MARKED IN MUMBAI, INDIA
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Oct 24 2006
YEREVAN, October 24. /ARKA/. Armenian consulate’s first anniversary
was marked Monday in Mumbai, India.
Armenian Foreign Ministry’s press office says Deputy Foreign Minister
Armen Bayburdyan and Armenian Ambassador to India Ashot Kocharyan
attended the party.
They stressed the importance of efforts to develop Armenian-Indian
cooperation.
Heads of diplomatic missions, diplomats, local officials and
businessmen attended the party as well. Armenian-Indian joint programs
were discussed at the meeting.

ARMENIAN NA SPEAKER MEETS WITH FRENCH AMBASSADOR
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 23 2006
YEREVAN, October 23. /ARKA/. Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Tigran
Torosyan held a meeting with the outgoing French Ambassador to Armenia
Henry Cuny.
During the meeting Ambassador Cuny thanked Speaker Torosyan for
efficient cooperation.
“Leaving Armenia, I do not to bid it adieu,” Cuny said. He added that
working in Slovakia he will continue contributing to the implementation
of education programs.
The French Ambassador called his 5-year diplomatic activities
interesting and important. During this period he has made many
friends. Ambassador Cuny pointed out the importance of developing
Francophony in Armenia, because it is based on European values.
Therefore, it makes the way on European integration shorter.
In his turn, Speaker Torosyan stressed that the Ambassador Cuny’s
diplomatic activities are marked by the irreversibility of Armenia’s
return to the European family.
Torosyan pointed out Cuny’s contribution to the dissemination of the
French language and culture in Armenia. “Henry Cuny is leaving good,
but complex, heritage for his successor. The new Ambassador will have
to maintain and develop the current achievements,” Torosyan said.

KOFI ANNAN: AT THIS TIME OF ALL TIMES, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE DIVIDED
Noyan Tapan
Oct 23 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
sent a message on October 24, on the occasion of the United Nations
Day. It is, particularly, said in the message submitted to Noyan
Tapan by the UN Armenian Office: “For the tenth and last time as
Secretary-General, I offer friends and colleagues around the world
my best wishes on United Nations Day. I have spent almost my whole
professional life working for the United Nations – so this day, and
the values that it stands for, will always be special for me. Over
the past ten years, we have made some big steps forward in our common
struggle for development, security and human rights. Aid and debt
relief have increased, making the world economy somewhat fairer. At
last, the world is scaling up its response to HIV/AIDS. There are
fewer wars between States than there used to be; and many civil wars
have ended. More Governments are elected by, and accountable to,
the people whom they govern. And all States have acknowledged, at
least in words, their responsibility to protect people from genocide,
war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. But there
is so much that still needs doing: – The gap between rich and poor
continues to grow. – Very few countries are on track to reach all
eight of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. – Many people still
face atrocities, repression, and brutal conflicts. – The nuclear
non-proliferation regime requires urgent attention. – Terrorism,
and the reaction to it, are spreading fear and suspicion. It seems we
don’t even agree which threats are most important. Those who live in
small islands may see global warming as the biggest danger. Those who
live in a city that has suffered terrorist attacks (like New York,
or Mumbai, or Istanbul) may feel that confronting terrorism is more
urgent. Others again may cite poverty, disease, or genocide. The
truth is, these are all global threats.
All of us should be concerned about all of them. Otherwise, we
may not succeed in dealing with any of them. At this time of all
times, we cannot afford to be divided. I know that you, the peoples
of the world, understand this. Thank you for all the support and
encouragement you have given me, throughout these ten difficult but
exciting years. Please urge your leaders to work with my successor,
and make the United Nations ever stronger and more effective. Long
live our planet, and its peoples. Long live the United Nations!

V.OSKANIAN TOUCHES UPON ROLE AND PROBLEMS OF ARMENIAN DIASPORA AT
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
TORONTO, OCTOBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On October 19,
RA Vartan Oskanian who is in Canada on a working visit, made a speech
at the international conference “Building of Possibilities Aimed at
Peace and Development: the Role of the Diaspora” organized by UN
jointly with the University for Peace in Toronto. NT was informed
about it from RA FM Press Service. Chairman of UN General Assembly
61st session, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa made a greeting speech at
the conference. Minister Oskanian presented the Armenian Diaspora’s
experience, spoke about Diasporan structures’ activity in various
countries and problms of its development. Presenting the history of
emergence and formation of the Armenian Diaspora, he touched upon
the problems of Diaspora’s identity. Armenia-Diaspora relations
were also touched upon. In particular, it was mentioned that the
latter’s assistance to Armenia is provided in economic and political
directions: economic assistance through investments, philanthropy and
monetary transfers, political assistance through support in Nagorno
Karabakh settlement, recognition of the Armenian Genocide and in
issues relating to Armenian-Turkish relations. After the conference
Minister Oskanian continued to communicate with the representatives of
Canadian Armenian community. Issues of Armenian villages’ development,
as well as of Armenian community’s and individuals’ participation in
various business projects were discussed at the meetings.

SITUATION IN SOUTH CAUCASUS IS BECOMING EXPLOSIVE: LEADER OF
NON-PARLIAMENTARY OPPOSITION PARTY
ARMINFO News Agency
October 19, 2006 Thursday
“The situation in the region is becoming explosive due to changes of
geopolitical trends,” said Hovhanness Hovhannissyan, Leader of the
non-parliamentary Liberal-Progressive Party, at the Discussion Club
“Pastark,” Thursday.
Maintenance of status-quo in the region is impossible. The geopolitical
situation requires specific decisions by all the players. The tension
of the Russian-Georgian relations is connected with the attempt of
Tbilisi authorities to wage independent domestic and foreign policy,
which aroused an inadequate response of Russia, he thinks. Azerbaijan
displays serious progress in the state building. As regards Russia,
the political elite in that country is encouraged with the inflow of
oil dollars. However, they use these funds quite irrationally. Another
characteristic feature of Russia as a country is intolerance to
representatives of other ethnic groups.
At the same time, our co- called strategic partner has faced such
big problems as demographic crisis, drug addiction and alcoholism, H.
Hovhannissyan said.
The oppositionist thinks that the present situation requires Armenia
to refuse from its complementary policy and to declare exact foreign
political guide- lines. He is sure that reason of such an unfavorable
geopolitical situation for Armenia is its full dependence on Russia
“due to the support of the illegitimate authorities of Armenia by
Vladimir Putin.”

AZERBAIJAN MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM UNESCO FOR DEMOLISHING ARMENIAN KHACHKARS
PanARMENIAN.Net
19.10.2006 18:09 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ An international delegation comprised of
representatives of different National Parliaments and a Scottish
history-of-art specialist, were received by Mr. Kotchiro Matsuura,
Director-General of UNESCO, from whom they requested an international
investigation and open denunciation of the crime perpetrated on the
Armenian cemetery of Old Julfa by the army of Azerbaijan, independent
French journalist Jean Ackikian told PanARMENIAN.Net.
The delegation was formed at the behest of the Parliamentary Group
Switzerland-Armenia – mainly the Co-Chairmen – the National Councilors
Dominique de Buman (Vice-Chairman of the Christian Democratic-Party)
and Ueli Leuenberger (Vice-Chairman of the Green Party) – with the
support of Mr. Charles Aznavour, Ambassador of Armenia to UNESCO. The
Parliamentarians submitted to the UNESCO Director-General comprehensive
documentation on the subject, as well as a signed Memorandum in which
five recommendations are presented to the state of Azerbaijan, among
which, the construction of a Christian memorial on the site of the
old cemetery. If Azerbaijan does not answer these recommendations,
the delegation of the members of Parliament will seek for exclusion
of Azerbaijan from the UNESCO through the mediation of the European
governments, Switzerland, Russia and Canada.

NEARLY 80 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS URGE US PRESIDENT TO EXPAND RELATIONS
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Oct 17 2006
Washington, DC – To mark the 15th Anniversary of Artsakh’s
Independence, Members of Congress joined the Co-Chairs of the
Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), in sending a letter to President Bush
urging him “to recognize the 15th anniversary of the independence of
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic [Artsakh]” and calling the President’s
attention to Artsakh’s “efforts in furthering their democracy and
creating an independent state.” Nagorno Karabakh’s decision to
establish a sovereign state came as a continuation of the national
liberation movement that began immediately after Joseph Stalin
awarded administrative control over Karabakh to Soviet Azerbaijan
in 1921. After suffering from over 70 years of discrimination and
oppression by Azerbaijan and the Soviet regime, the people of Artsakh
stepped up their struggle for freedom and democracy by establishing
the independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh. The congressional
letter, signed by 77 members and sent to the White House on September
29, highlights a long history of U.S support to Nagorno Karabakh
and the will of the people of Artsakh to build a democratic and
economically viable country. The letter also notes the continuation of
Azerbaijan’s destructive policy, which threatens peace and stability
in the region and “goes against U.S. interests.” Most importantly,
the congressional letter advocates for expansion of U.S. political and
economic engagement with Nagorno Karabakh. The letter said in part:
“As we work towards peace, the United States can and must expand
its engagement with the lawfully and democratically established
Nagorno Karabakh Republic. These ties should not be dictated by
outside forces but rather should be guided by the shared values
of our two nations. […] We should build on this success by
investing in developmental and good governance programs that will
strengthen Nagorno-Karabakh’s economy, democratic institutions,
and promote even greater cooperation on a range of regional and
security issues.” Despite the overwhelming challenges of the past 15
years, Artsakh has registered impressive achievements: successful
defense of its freedom against Azerbaijani military aggression,
nearly complete restoration of its war-devastated economy, continued
strengthening of its democracy, unprecedented economic growth and
constructive partnership with the international community to bring
about lasting peace and stability to the South Caucasus. “Everyday, we
are advancing in building a country of our dreams – a free, democratic
and prosperous Artsakh. Fifteen years of independent statehood have
proved the righteousness of the historic path chosen on September 2,
1991. Throughout these years, the people of Artsakh have been truly
blessed to enjoy the political and economic support of the U.S.
Congress. We are deeply thankful to the American people for their
generous economic assistance that helped restore dozens of war-torn
villages, drinking water supplies and medical facilities,” said NKR
Representative in the United States Vardan Barseghian. Rep. Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI), who co-chairs the Armenian Caucus, said:
“The United States stands for freedom and democracy, values that
have vividly triumphed in Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, without any
international support. I am proud to support this nation as it works
to achieve formal international recognition of its well-deserved
independence. The U.S. economic assistance to Nagorno Karabakh should
be continued.” “Time and again, the people of Nagorno Karabakh have
demonstrated their firm commitment to values of liberty and peace.
They have also worked hard to establish a developing democracy and
growing market economy. The United States should expand its political
and economic engagement with the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,” echoed
fellow Armenian Caucus Co-chair Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).
Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone also thanked their colleagues,
the co-signers of this congressional letter to President Bush, for
supporting this critical initiative. “In its quest for freedom and its
efforts to strengthen its democracy and develop its economy, Nagorno
Karabakh enjoys a broad-based congressional support. Our collective
aim was to convey this message to President Bush as the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic celebrates the 15th Anniversary of Independence,”
the congressmen said. This congressional effort enjoyed strong
support of the two Armenian-American advocacy groups in Washington,
DC. “The Armenian Assembly commends Congressmen Knollenberg and
Pallone for their initiative and leadership in urging the U.S. to
strengthen relations with Karabakh as it celebrates 15 years of
independence,” said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “As we
mark this special occasion, we are reminded of the accomplishments
the people of Karabakh have already achieved. The Assembly will
continue to work with its friends in Congress and the Administration
to advocate for Karabakh’s right to self-determination.” “We want
to thank Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone and all those who
joined with the Armenian Caucus in marking this milestone of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s continued contribution to the growth of
democracy, economic development, and the prospects for an equitable
and lasting peace in the Caucasus,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. On behalf of the NKR Government, Barseghian thanked the
Armenian Assembly of America and the Armenian National Committee of
America for their effective work on Capitol Hill. “We are also grateful
to our congressional friends for their continued support of Nagorno
Karabakh on our path towards freedom, democracy and prosperity —
universal values that have been guiding Artsakh since independence,”
said Representative Barseghian.
The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is
based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia
and the public representing the official policies and interests
of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. September 29, 2006 The Honorable
George W. Bush President of the United States The White House 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President:
We write to recognize the 15th anniversary of the independence
of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and to call your attention to
their ongoing efforts in furthering their democracy and creating an
independent state. The United States has a long history of supporting
Nagorno-Karabakh’s democracy and its right to live in freedom and
peace. Since 1992, our government has taken part in international
efforts to reach a sustainable resolution to the conflict between
Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. A durable cease-fire has been in
place since 1994, bringing relative stability to the region. However,
a comprehensive peace agreement has not been reached and the
continued standoff could lead to yet another cycle of violence. The
democratically elected leaders of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic have
repeatedly offered to implement mutual confidence-building measures,
for which the U.S. government has continued to allocate funding.
These leaders have consistently demonstrated a willingness to make
difficult compromises in the interest of a lasting peace. However,
in contrast, Azerbaijan has rejected confidence-building measures and
demonstrated a consistent pattern of inflexibility in the negotiating
process. To further destabilize the region, Azerbaijan continues to
maintain a blockade of both Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia and regularly
threatens a new wave of violence against Nagorno-Karabakh.
We have every reason to believe this threat is realistic given their
rapidly increasing military budget. An arms race or new violence in
the South Caucasus region goes specifically against U.S. interests
in the region. The key to preventing this outcome is for the United
States to send a clear message to Azerbaijan that we will not tolerate
renewed aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh. Earlier this year, we were
pleased with Assistant Secretary of State Dan Fried’s statement that,
“the will of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh has to be respected.” We
wholeheartedly share this view and hope that you will build upon
this constructive approach to a long-term settlement. Our interest
is in working, in a manner consistent with fundamental democratic
principle, to bring a durable resolution, acceptable to all parties,
to the region. As the world’s greatest force for freedom, we should
always champion values of liberty, democracy, and peace. As we work
towards peace, the United States can and must expand its engagement
with the lawfully and democratically established Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic. These ties should not be dictated by outside forces but
rather should be guided by the shared values of our two nations. Our
decision in 1988 to aid Nagorno-Karabakh has become one of the
most effective assistance efforts anywhere in the world, providing
thousands of people with housing, water, and healthcare needs. We
should build on this success by investing in developmental and good
governance programs that will strengthen Nagorno-Karabakh’s economy,
democratic institutions, and promote even greater cooperation on a
range of regional and security issues. Mr. President, as we mark the
15th anniversary of independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, we urge you
to join with us in celebrating this nation’s courageous choice for
freedom, its strong commitment to democratic values, and its sincere
desire to work toward lasting peace. We appreciate your consideration
of our concerns. Sincerely, [signed] Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Joseph
Baca (D-CA), Charles Bass (R-NH), Melissa Bean (D-IL), Xavier Becerra
(D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Loi Capps
(D-CA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA),
Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA),
Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ),
Charles Gonzalez (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY),
Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Steve Israel (D-NY), Jesse
Jackson (D-IL), Sue Kelly (R-NY), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Dale Kildee
(D-MI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), James Langevin
(D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sander Levin (D-MI), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA),
Nita Lowey (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY),
Edward Markey (D-MA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI),
James McGovern (D-MA), Howard McKeon (R-CA), Michael McNulty (D-NY),
Martin Meehan (D-MA), Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA), Candice Miller
(R-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Norton (D-DC), Devin Nunes
(R-CA), John Olver (D-MA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ),
Collin Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Michael Rogers
(R-MI), Steven Rothman (D-NJ), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Bobby
Rush (D-IL), Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff
(D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), E. Clay Shaw (R-FL), Chris Shays (R-CT),
Brad Sherman (D-CA), Robert Simmons (R-CT), Hilda Solis (D-CA),
Mark Souder (R-IN), Fortney Stark (D-CA), Ted Strickland (D-OH),
John Sweeney (R-NY), John Tierney (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD),
Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Frank Wolf (R-VA),
Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Albert Wynn (D-MD)

ARMENIAN RESCUERS TAUGHT TO COUNTERACT WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.10.2006 17:33 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A team of emergency response experts and hazardous
materials specialists from the U.S. Department of Defense and Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in Yerevan to conduct a realistic
two-day training scenario October 17-18, 2006. This training scenario,
which takes place at the Emergency Management Academy and involves
a simulated Weapons of Mass Destruction incident, is the culminating
event in a series of courses taught by this team in Armenia over the
past few years under the U.S. Department of Defense International
Counter-proliferation Program. During this visit, the team also
is providing training for representatives from the Armenian Rescue
Service, the Ministry of Defense and the Republic of Armenia Police
on the use of detection and monitoring equipment, as well as evidence
collection equipment. This equipment was part of a U.S. Government
equipment donation to the Government of Armenia in July that totaled
more than $300,000.

EESHA FINISHES FIFTH IN WORLD JUNIOR CHESS
Indiatimes, India
Oct 16 2006
YEREVAN (ARMENIA), Oct 16: Woman Grandmaster Eesha Karavade finished
fifth after drawing her final game with Mongontuul Bathuyag of
Mongolia in the 13th and final round of the World Junior Girls’
chess championship that concluded.
WGM Shen Yang of China won the gold after coming out with a brilliant
performance against WGM D Harika in the final game. It turned out
to be a four-way tie at the top between Shen Yang, her compatriot
Hou Yifan, Bathuyag and Melia Salome of Georgia who all scored an
identical 9 points from 13 games played here.
The tiebreaker confirmed Shen Yang’s victory as she had played the
best opposition here. The silver went to Yifan while Salome won the
bronze medal for her efforts. Despite leading in the first half and
the only one here to beat Shen Yang and hou Yifan, Bathuyag had to
be content with the fourth place.
Eesha ended on 8.5 points for the fifth spot where she had company
of compatriot Mary Ann Gomes, Atousa Pourkashiyan of Iran Anna Rudolf
of Hungary. Amongst the 8.5 pointers Mary was most impressive in the
final round cruising past Diana Arutyunova of Ukraine.
Out of seven in the fray, four Indian girls found themselves in the
top ten bracket with Harika and WGM Tania Sachdev finishing 9th and
10th respectively. Soumya Swaminathan and Kruttika Nadig ended their
stint on 7 points while P Priya finsihed on 6 points.
In the open section that concluded simultaneously, International
Master Zaven Andriasian of Armenia annexed the title after taking a
draw with Grandmaster levan Pantsulaia of Georgia.
The Armenian scored 9.5 points in all and remained half a point adrift
of nearest contenders Pantsulaia, Nikita Vitiugov of Russia and Yuriy
Kryvoruchko of Ukriane.
After the ties were resolved, Vitiugov got the silver while Kryvoruchko
won the bronze. It turned out to be another mediocre performance for
the Indian boys as Grandmaster Deepan Chakravarthy was held to a draw
by Sergei Matsenko of Russia, birthday boy Abhijeet Gupta signed
peace with Le Quang Liem of Vietnam and Rahul Sangma achieved the
same result in quick time against Daan Brandenburg of Holland.
GM norm holder Deep Sengupta ended on the losing side against Li
Chao of China. Amongst four Indians in the fray here both Abhijeet
and Deepan ended on 7 points while the remaining two were a half
point behind.
Despite trying hard, Eesha could not squeeze out the defensive
resources of Bathuyag who played white. Opting for the Sicilian
Nazdorf Eesha was up against the English attack and it was a tense
battle right from the word go.
When the middle game surfaced Bathuyag declared her peaceful intentions
by going for the repetition but Eesha relentlessly tried even at the
cost of getting a worse position.
However, in the endgame the pawns got traded at regular intervals and
the draw was agreed to after 49 moves. Harika was the other Indian in
with a chance to win the medal but she could not match the guile of
Shen Yang who played a finely crafted game in the Slav Chelyabinsk
variation. “I just played badly today and it was a one sided game”,
said Harika who was unbeaten till the final day.

National Post (Canada)
October 13, 2006 Friday
Toronto Edition
Official Armenian genocide recognition results in visit from Foreign
Minister
CanWest News Service
Armenia’s Foreign Minister will pay a politically charged visit to
Ottawa next week, less than six months after the Harper government
formally recognized the Armenian genocide and angered its NATO ally
Turkey in the process. Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian will meet his
Canadian counterpart, Peter MacKay, on Wednesday and will also be
feted in a luncheon by some three dozen parliamentarians in what is
the first official visit by an Armenian politician since Prime
Minister Stephen Harper’s April statement acknowledged the Armenian
genocide of 1915 in which 1.5 million people were killed — a first
by the Canadian government and a decision that placed the country in
the company of 24 other countries.