Author: Vasilian Manouk

Gun, Azerbaijan
Feb. 21, 2008

Armenia facing fresh risks

Qabil Huseynli report

The [presidential] election in Armenia is over. [Prime Minister]
Serzh Sargsyan, who is another member [referring to incumbent
President Robert Kocharyan] of the Karabakh clan, whose hands are
soaked in the innocent blood of our peacefulcitizens, became
president of aggressive Armenia for four, and may be eight, years by
rigging the results of theelection.

If the truth needs to be told, everything happened according to
Russia’s scenario, and the authoritarian regime in this country has
been preserved once again.

[Passage omitted: CIS election monitors rushed to declare that the
Armenian election was democratic]

"Radical and non-constructive" policy to be continued

Thus, one epoch ends and another starts in Armenia. In fact, it is
difficult to call this a new epoch, too, becauseSargsyan stated that
he would continue Robert Kocharyan’s political line. All this means
that the rule of the clan originating from Nagornyy Karabakh will
continue in all areas and the country will maintain the radical
andnon-constructive line that it has demonstrated in its foreign
policy so far. This means that it will be almostimpossible to find
compromise options in the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh problem
and to achieve peace throughtalks. As a result, one can say that the
tension in the region will remain and even increase a little further.

Russia prevented pro-Western forces from coming to power

The election showed that Russia did not allow democratic changes to
take place in Armenia which it calls itsstronghold. Russian spin
doctors understood well that [presidential candidate] Levon
Ter-Petrosyan’s victory might result in a sharp policy change in
Armenia and its pro-Western orientation. All of this might put a
serious questionboth over Russia’s strategic interests and the fate
of its [military] bases in this country. On the other hand,
thevictory of new pro-Western forces in Armenia could launch the
process of the ousting of Russia from the South Caucasus. Precisely
for this reason was a fair election not allowed to be held and the
results of the election were rigged in avery serious manner. Russia
once again proved that it is a supporter of authoritarian regimes in
this region and anenemy of peace, sustainable development and
economic prosperity. It proved once again that it is trying to
maintain the existing status quo in the South Caucasus and at the
same time to safeguard its strategic interests through the
riggedelection in Armenia.

West’s "inaction"

The inaction of the West which wants to get Armenia out of Russia’s
arms and likes to repeat this on everyoccasion cannot but cause
surprise. It is obvious that Western circles do not show enough care
for the development ofdemocratic values and civil organizations. It
should be admitted openly that the West has retreated from
competitionwith Russia in the region which means a great loss. This
loss will allow Russia to challenge the region on a largerscale and
retain its control over some processes, for example the resolution of
conflicts. In this way, the West’s plans related to search for
alternative energy routes and their implementation will be seriously
endangered. This means that Russia’s dictate over energy resources
will continue for some time to come.

As for Armenia, things will not calm down for some time there.
Tension and serious standoffs will increase further inparliament and
squares. Most importantly, the process of this country, which is
still known as Russia’s servitor,joining the new world order will be
delayed a lot.

ANOTHER THOUSANDS STRONG PROCESSION OF LEVON TER-PETROSYAN’S SUPPORTERS UNDERWAY IN YEREVAN

arminfo
2008-02-25 15:49:00

ArmInfo. Another thousands strong procession of the presidential
candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s supporters is underway in Yerevan.

The demotrators cry out anti-governmental slogans. Their route has
already become traditional and embraces the central streets around the
Liberty Square. The police do not create obstacles to the procession.

Most Valuable Network, MA
Feb. 24, 2008

Tortoise 2.0

By Nate Cunningham | February 23rd, 2008

The tortoise and the hare metaphor is often applied to David
Nalbandian, and for good reason, especially in the light of his
victory lap last year after everyone had long counted him out. But if
he wants to catch the Grandest, most elusive hare of all, he may need
to stop pacing himself and just pounce.

Yesterday I was busy on the computer with a few different things, but
I had the score-tracker from the ATP website fixed on the
Nalbandian-Starace match. First set progresses without incident to
4-4. Then, suddenly, Starace up a break, and serving for the first
set. I look again: Starace wins the first set. And, seemingly thirty
seconds later: Starace up a break in the second. The thought `What
the hell is wrong with Nalbandian?’ goes through my head for (a
conservative estimate) the nine-hundred twenty-seventh time since I
became a fan back in 2003. I glance at the scoreboard again and
there’s a rain delay. The thought comes: `Maybe D-Nal can use this,
make a fresh start on the match…’ But I don’t really believe it.
Career-long, his M.O. has always been `Show up for the Majors, phone
in most everything else’.

I doubt there’s another player in tennis history who’s been to the
semis or better of every Slam (and to the quarters routinely), won a
Masters Cup Title, and finished in the Top Ten for five straight
years, but has only four titles at small events. He hadn’t even won a
regular season Masters Series tournament, until last fall when he
rattled off those two in a row out of nowhere, against the best
competition in the game. If you look closely at his career highlights
outside the Slams, you realize that two of his titles were at the
same event, Estoril, another was at Basel-where he would go on to
make the finals two more times-and that the Madrid Masters title was
presaged by a run to the finals three years earlier. So most of his
best lower level results have occured at tournaments he’s played well
at in the past (maybe he gets up for Basel because it’s Federer’s
hometown, and he has happy memories of taking him out there in the
`02 semis).

Even the solid Slam results aren’t quite as simple as that. Nalby
will go five with Danai Udomchoke in the first round of the
Australian Open, and then make it all the way to the semis-that’s
routine for him, just his way of finding a rhythm. It’s also a good
explanation for his disproportate success at the Slams vs. all other
tournaments, because it takes him longer to find that rhythm than any
other player with such a complete game. But why does it take him
longer? He’s a gorgeously clean ball-striker on both wings, much like
Andre Agassi, with whom he also shares Armenian blood and a penchant
for grinding his opponents into dust. Agassi, though, was ready to go
>From the first point in a match-he was nothing like the whimsical
competitor Nalbandian is. But I would assume that, during his best
years, Agassi’s practice ethic was on a par with his fitness ethic
(to say nothing of the estimated 3,000-5,000 balls he hit per day as
a kid), while it’s well-documented that Nalbandian isn’t too fond of
practicing. Neither was Agassi at first, but, as with so many things,
he grew out of it, while D-Nal-even at the age of 26-still claims he
doesn’t need much practice. But isn’t that the simplest, most
sensible explanation for why he so often has to gradually work his
way into matches and tournaments-because he doesn’t hit enough balls
outside of competition?

I’m not going to bother attacking his fitness; it probably doesn’t do
him any favors with the injuries, but I can’t remember Nalbandian
ever looking tired on the court. His powers of endurance would appear
to be a genetic gift-just something he was born with, like the
ball-striking and the court instinct. It was amazing to see all of
that working for him last fall, mostly because the way he was winning
all those matches just made sense. When Fed’s at the top of his game
it doesn’t seem real, or fair. When Nadal’s at the top of his, it
feels like one of the god-favored warriors from The Iliad has just
stepped onto a tennis court and doesn’t understand there’s no blood
at stake. But watching Nalbandian check-mate both of them twice in a
row-along with a bunch of other top players-was eerie because it felt
like a rational, natural force was taming the supernatural,. It made
you think, `Wow, can beating Federer really be so simple?’ The
virtuoso behind whose progress all the history books are being daily
re-written was schooled by the dusty old text-book whom we all
assumed he’d rendered obsolete years earlier.

I hope Nalbandian can build on that run, which really was far more
impressive in almost every way than his Masters Cup Triumph in `05.
With the rise of Djokovic and the threat of guys like Tsonga, as well
as the simple fact of Nalbandian’s advancing age, the time for him to
finally realize his potential may be short; it may be just these next
two seasons. He didn’t look right at the Aussie, and there is an
injury to possibly blame it on. But there he was just a couple days
ago, getting worked by a journeyman on home soil. Only, this time he
was able to turn the match around. Then he blitzed Chela in the next
round, and finds himself facing yet another fellow Argentine (and, so
far, another under-achiever), Jose Acasuso, in the final. I’m
choosing to view that match symbolically: if he wins he’s in the
running this year, if not he’s…Ok, that’s silly, but it’s the kind of
mind-game we long-suffering Nalbandian fans have to play with
ourselves in order to go on watching…

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

PONTIFICAL CONGRATULATORY NOTE

His Holiness Aram I congratulated the newly elected President of Cyprus,
Dimitris Christofias. Hereunder the text of the letter of His Holiness Aram
I to His Excellency.

His Excellency
Mr. Dimitris Christofias
President-elect of the
Republic of Cyprus
Nicosia

Your Excellency,

It was with profound joy that we heard your election as President of the
Republic of Cyprus. On this joyful occasion we warmly congratulate you.

Cyprus has a special place not only in the history of Armenian people and
church but also in the heart of Armenians. In fact, the common experiences
of our two peoples and churches, our common values and traditions, as well
as our common struggle for justice and human rights have deepened our
friendship developing in the course of time affinities in many spheres of
our life. The world of today, with its multitude of problems, challenges our
two nations to work together on issues of common concern.

We want to assure you that the Armenian community of Cyprus, as integral
part of the Cypriot society, will continue under your wise leadership to
bring its active participation in all efforts aimed at the progress and
prosperity of Cyprus.

We are confident that you will put your rich experience at the service of
the people of Cyprus. May God bless you and lead you in your new
responsibility.

Prayerfully

ARAM I
CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

5 JUDOISTS OF ARMENIA TO TAKE PART IN NEXT TOUR OF WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT

Noyan Tapan
Feb 22, 2008

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, NOYAN TAPAN. On February 23-24, the tournament of
the next tour of the Judo World Cup Tournament will be held in Hamburg.

Hovhannes Davtian, Artur Srapian (both of 60 kilogram category,
Gyumri), Armen Nazarian (66 kilograms, Hrazdan), Hambartsum Tonoyan
(66 kilograms, Gyumri), and Robert Vardanian (73 kilograms, Yerevan)
will perform from Armenia. After the tournament, until February 28,
the judoists of Armenia will be included in a 4-day teaching and
training gathering.

"ALL THE FALSIFIERS OF THE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE PUNISHMENT", SPOKESMAN OF THE WINNING CANDIDATE STATED

Mediamax
February 21, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. The pre-election staff of the Prime Minister
of Armenia Serzh Sarkisian "condemns the intended distortion of the
results of voting by electoral commissions, irrespective of in favor
of which candidate those falsifications were made".

Mediamax reports that the Spokesman of the pre-election staff of Serzh
Sarkisian Eduard Sharmazanov said this in Yerevan today, commenting
on the fact of revelation of inaccuracies in the process of vote
re-count in certain polling stations.

Eduard Sharmazanov described as legal the claims of certain candidates
on the vote re-count in the polling stations, where there are doubts
in the accuracy of the counting process.

"Our candidate repeatedly stated that we will be consistent in the
issue of organization of legal presidential elections, that is why we
believe that all the falsifications of the elections should undergo
the punishment established by the law", Eduard Sharmazanov stated.

"HERITAGE" BELIEVES THAT "THE SCALES OF VIOLATIONS WILL NOT ALLOW RECOGNIZING THE ELECTIONS AS A FACT"

Mediamax
February 22, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Secretary of "Heritage" parliamentary faction
Stepan Safarian stated in Yerevan today that "the scales of the
registered violations will not allow recognizing the presidential
elections of February 19 as a fact".

According to him, "the authorities did not have sufficient electorate
for victory in the first round of elections, and if the elections
were fairly conducted, the second round would be inevitable". The
MP stated that "on February 19, elections with the participation of
phantom-electors were held".

Stepan Safarian stated that he is "amazed at the discrepancy and
the ambiguity of the assessment of the presidential elections by the
European observers".

REPRESENTATIVE OF TER-PETROSIAN’S STAFF PRESENTED THE CLAIMS TO THE ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES

Mediamax
February 21, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Representative of the pre-election staff of
presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosian Nikol Pashinian presented
today the claims to the Armenian authorities.

Mediamax reports that, speaking at a rally today, Nikol Pashinian
stated that the authorities should hold new elections, the General
Prosecutor’s Office should condemn the people, who hindered the
realization of legal voting and the Public TV of Armenia should
provide broadcasting time to the opposition.

"If those claims are not fulfilled in time, we will do what we are
going to do", representative of Ter-Petrosian’s staff stated.

CATHOLICOS MAKES AN ADDRESS

Panorama.am
20:56 20/02/2008

"Dear people of Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora,

We send our greetings from the Holy See St. Echmiadzin and bring our
blessing on the 20th anniversary of Artsakh movement," Catholicos of
All Armenians Garegin B made this address today.

In his words, our nation won the victory with divine mercy during the
liberation movement that outset these days in 1988 by protecting the
right for free life of Artsakh Armenians and without surrendering to
needs and sacrifices.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

PONTIFICAL CONGRATULATORY NOTE

His Holiness Aram I congratulated the newly elected President of Armenia,
Serj Sarksian during a phone conversation with him on February 20. The
Pontiff also sent the following Pontifical congratulatory note to His
Excellency the same day.

His Excellency Mr. Serj Sarksian
Newly elected President
Republic of Armenia
Yerevan

Dear Mr. President,

>From the Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia we welcome
your election as President of the Republic of Armenia.

Through the various responsible posts you have held during the nearly 20
years following the re-independence of Armenia, you have brought your active
contribution to the strengthening of statehood in Armenia, the establishment
of its institutions, the fortifying of its security and the improvement of
its economy. The trust expressed by our beloved compatriots in Armenia
towards yourself is- in addition to being a tangible expression of praise-
also an expectation for you to give more and do more for the strengthening
of the homeland.

We warmly greet your election. Knowing you well, we are sure that you will
continue to serve our homeland’s and nation’s collective and supreme
interests with renewed faith and a high level of responsibility.

We pray to God so he may strengthen you both physically and spiritually and
keep our homeland and nation in Armenia and the Diaspora strong and secure.

With Pontifical Blessings,

Aram I
Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia

20 February 2008
Antelias

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.