Author: Virabian Jhanna

TO BE OR NOT TO BE SONIA GANDHI IS A TOUGH CHOICE
Noyon Jyoti Parasara

Daily News & Analysis, India
Tuesday, September 11, 2007 05:50 IST

When Monica Belucci failed, can a little-known Susanne finally make it?

Seems impossible. But debutant director Sajid Ali is keeping his
fingers crossed. We are talking about a film on the life and times
of Sonia Gandhi. Again.

"I have been an admirer of the Gandhi family and particularly of
Sonia Gandhi. She has gone through lots in her life," says Sajid,
who will also produce the movie.

There were several announcements made in the past about films being
made on the first family of Indian politics. But our Congress netas
got so touchy about them that not a single one of them were permitted
to be canned. On top of that there’s the Indian Constitution, which
says that nobody can make a film on somebody else’s life without a
written permission.

The list of failed attempts to can a film on Sonia Gandhi include TD
Kumar who finished canning the movie on Madam Gandhi but was never
allowed to screen it.

Even critically acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Jagmohan Mundra had once
announced a movie on Sonia Gandhi, but that too never materialised.

"All that happened because nobody took prior permission to make such
a film," says KA Jauhar, the spokesperson and publicist for the film.

But that has not deterred Sajid Ali from trying his luck. May be that
is why Sajid’s debut effort carries a very "safe" title, ‘Sonia the
Great Lady’.

"We are in talks with people from Soniaji’s office for the
permission. We are positive about it as we have nothing against her
in the film," says Sajid.

Sajid’s film is expected to focus Sonia Gandhi’s life right from her
days as a waitress at Cambridge. The film is expected to go on floors
by October, this year.

"The role of Soniaji will be played by an Armenian girl named
Susanne. Vishal Pande, a theatre actor will play Rajiv Gandhi as
he looks similar to him," adds Sajid. The majority of the cast is
expected to be filled in by debutante actors.

"A girl from Delhi called Neha Taneja will play Priyanka Gandhi,"
said Jauhar. Music composers Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen have already been
roped in and are busy scoring the tracks.

REFLECTION ON THE 1992-1994 GENOCIDE IN ABKHAZIA
Written by Ramaz Mitaishvili

Abkhazia, CA
Saturday, 08 September 2007

Genocide of GeorgiansSpecial Events will be taking place of
Reflection on the 1992-1994 Genocide in Abkhazia. On September 27,
2007, commemorative events will be taking place in Washington DC
(USA), London (UK), and Riga (Latvia), as well as many cities around
the globe.

In Washington DC, Under-Georgian Embassy in United States, and in
London Under-Embassy of Georgia in United Kingdom will represent the
many foreign diplomats and some of senators at the ceremonies. In
all those places, there will be a meeting, and high-level panel
discussions will be held in Washington DC and London.

In Washington DC, Vasili Rukhadze (AISER) will address a special
one-hour commemorative meeting being held within the framework of
the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The Andrew Andersen
will make an important speech which will address the prevention
of genocide. His speech will be made following two minutes of
silence which will be observed at 12:00 noon. The speeches will be
webcast. It is possibility, that photo exhibition will be held in
Yerevan (Armenia), Kiev (Ukraine), Warszawa (Poland). Among invited
are almost all countries representatives,including senators high rank
diplomats and celebrities.

A number of events to observe the Day of Reflection on the 1992-
1994 Genocide of Georgians in Abkhazia are planned at RM Global Health
Headquarters in Glendale, CA. The prezident of RMGH Ramaz Mitaishvili,
MD has announced that on September 27 at 12:00 noon local time, the
RM Global Health (employees and contractors not involved in medical
services), Abkhazia Institute of Social and Economic Reaserch, Gagua
Pro, GH USC, GHCSC will observe one minute of silence in memory of
the victims of the genocide.

VARDAN OSKANIAN HIGHLY EVALUATES COOPERATION OF ARMENIA AND EUROPEAN STRUCTURES

Noyan Tapan
Sep 6, 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, NOYAN TAPAN. The document signed within the
framework of the European Neigborhood policy differs from other
documents signed between Armenia and the European Union in the respect
of quality. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian stated at the September
6 press conference dedicated to his latest visit to Brussels.

According to him, the above mentioned document gives Armenia much
possibilities to develop economic relations with the EU, gives wide
opportunities for integrating into the European structures. The
Minister also mentioned that it is envisaged to provide funds to the
member-countries of the European Neigborhood policy. These funds will
be spent on the educational sphere. Highly evaluating the program’s
importance for Armenia, the Minister meanwhile said that political
will is needed for fulfilling the signed document, in particular,
some amendments should be made in the Armenian legislation.

V. Oskanian also highly evaluated the results of his meetings
with the NATO Secretary General. He said that NATO positively
estimates the reforms implemented by Armenia within the framework
of the Individual Partnership Actions Plan. The Minister said that
within the framework of the program Armenia should also implement a
number of reforms, which will be aimed at civilization of the defence
system. According to V. Oskanian, during the meeting, they also touched
upon the peacekeeping mission implemented by RA in Kosovo. The Minister
reported that the number of the Armenian peacekeepers in Kosovo will
increase two-fold by the end of the year reaching 100.

MEETING OF NATO’S SECRETARY GENERAL AND RA MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TAKES PLACE IN BRUSSELS

Noyan Tapan
Sep 5, 2007

BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The meeting of Vardan Oskanian,
the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Jaap de Hoop Scheffer,
NATO’s Secretary General, took place in Brussels on the evening of
September 4. This information was provided to Noyan Tapan by the
Press and Information Department of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Vardan Oskanian highly appreciated the assistance, consultative
assistance, in particular, provided for the implementation of the
Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) by NATO and
its member countries.

He welcomed NATO’s decision on the appointment of a new responsible
for NATO’s cooperation in Armenia.

During the conversation the two sides referred to the organization
of Armenia – NATO political consultations with 26+1 format. Vardan
Oskanian attached importance to the holding of political consultations
with the Alliance on the foreign policy and security issues of Armenia
in that context.

NATO’s Secretary General introduced his marks on the cooperation with
the states of the South Caucasus and the Alliance. They exchanged
ideas on the problem of Kosovo, the current situation in Afghanistan,
as well as regional develpments. At the request of NATO’s Secretary
General, the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs introduced the negotiation
process on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

FRENCH SOCIALIST PARTY DELEGATION TO VISIT ARMENIA

armradio.am
04.09.2007 14:53

At the invitation of ARF Dashnaktsutyun, the first Secretary of
the French Socialist Party will be in Yerevan tomorrow with in
the framework of an official visit up to September 7. He will be
accompanied by French MPs Rene Rouquet and Bruno Leroux, senator
Bernard Piras and several representatives of the Armenian press of
France, independent journalist Jean Eckian informs from France.

In addition to discussions with the leaders of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun,
Francois Hollande will meet the Foreign Minister of the Republic of
Armenia, the Ministers of Agriculture, Education and Science and the
Minister of Health.

In the Armenian National Assembly members of the French delegation
will meet with representatives of the parliamentary groups. Finally,
Francois Hollande and the delegation of the Socialist Party will
visit Tsitsernakaberd, the memorial to the Armenian Genocide victims.

TERM FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATION TO FRENCH INSURANCE COMPANIES BY SUCCESSORS OF VICTIMS OF GENOCIDE PROLONGED

Noyan Tapan
Sep 3, 2007

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. The successors of the victims of
the Armenian Genocide can submit applications to the French "L’UNION
VIE", "CAISSE PATERNELLE", and "LA CONFIENCE" insurance companies
for receiving the insurance fees of their ancestors until January 7,
2008. Earlier the deadline for submitting applications was October
1, 2007.

According to the information provided by Arman Baghdoyan, the
director-manager of the "Vardges Yeghiayan" law office, at the press
conference held on August 31, the number of applications received
so far "is not satisfactory at all" in comparison with what was
expected. That is why, according to him, it was considered necessary
to "apply to court and prolong the term for submitting applications
by the priviledge of court.

Arman Baghdoyan mentioned that the successors can submit any document,
be that a photo, birth, marriage or death certificate, lisence of
estate paper, to name but a few, in order to prove their family ties
and ties of relationship with their ancestors, who have assets in
French companies. It was mentioned that a name list including about
7 thousand Armenians insured in the French companies is introduced
on the following site: In
the opinion of Arman Baghdoyan, measures are currently being taken
in the direction of replenishing the list with information about the
place of residence of the insured.

The "Vardges Yeghiayan" law office has brought an action against
the French "AXA" insurance company, which is the legal successor of
the above-mentioned three companies. The "AXA" insurance company is
expected to pay approximately 11.5 million dollars to the successors
of the victims of the genocide.

Arman Baghdoyan declared that the previous similar case, which was
filed against the "NEW YORK LIFE" insurance company, has finished. In
his words, "2515 people, who have received ratification of being
paid, have been given 7 million 953 thousand dollars." It was also
mentioned that, in general, applications have been received from 26
countries. The greatest number of applications have been received from
Armenia (1254 people have been paid 3 million 675 thousand dollars),
the United States of America (896 people have been paid 2 million
693 thousand dollars), and France (141 people have been paid 656
thousand dollars).

AZERBAIJAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH CO-CHAIRS OF OSCE MINSK GROUP
S. Aghayeva

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 3 2007

The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov, met with the
French and Russian co-chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group on the settlement
of the Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of his visit to Brussels
on 3 September, according to Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The details of the talks are not available. According to the
ministry, Yuri Merzlakov, (Russian co-chairman), Bernard Facie (French
co-chairman) and the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister discussed the details
of the co-chairmens’ visit to the region to take place in September.

On 3 September, Mammadyarov also participated in the conference
dedicated to the European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union
(EU).

Within the framework of the visit, Mammadyarov met with the EU
Commissar on Foreign Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy,
Benita Ferrero-Valdner. The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister also met
with his counterparts from the Czech Republic, Estonia and Cyprus.

Cultural Heritage News, Iran
Sept 1 2007

When Art Creates a Bridge between Culture and Policy

Osnabruck Philharmonic Orchestra Brilliant performance of Osnabruck
Philharmonic Orchestra in Tehran was a significant milestone in
Iran’s cultural interactions after 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran.
Tehran, 1 September 2007 (CHN Foreign Desk) – For the first time
after 28 years, Tehran was host of a Western European orchestra on 29
and 30th of August in Vahdat and Aseman concert halls. The
magnificent performance of Osnabruck Philharmonic Orchestra from
Germany, which was consisted of 60 German musicians accompanied by 6
Iranian artists, opened a new horizon for being hopeful for
repetition of such cultural events in Iran.

Last year’s performance of Tehran’s Symphony Orchestra Concert in
Osnabruck was greatly welcomed by artistic figures of Osnabruck and
attracted the attention of cultural and artistic associations of all
western countries and was broadcast live on German TV and radio. It
seems as though, this performance paved the ground for further
cultural interactions between Iran and western European countries.

The Osnabruck Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied its 60-member
troupe, Michael Dreyer, founder and executive director of Morgenland
Festival Osnabruck, Herman Broimer, conductor of Osnabruck Orchestra
came to Iran by the invitation of the Music and Poetry Department of
Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

According to Michael Dreyer, the 37-year-old German founder and
executive director of Morgenland Festival Osnabruck, this cultural
exchange could contribute to an easing of the political tension
between Iran and the West. `It is a very small step in improving
relations between the people in the two countries,’ he said.
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German’s Foreign Minister who is the patron
of the event, and star conductor Daniel Barenboim are among those who
are trying to promote the cultural interactions between the two
countries.

Although based on earlier programs, Shahram Nazeri, Iranian famous
traditional vocalist, was supposed to cooperate with Osnabruck
Orchestra by singing verses of Rumi, Persian mystic poet, due to
recent changes in leadership of Tehran’s Symphonic Orchestra, this
joint performance was canceled and Osnabruck Philharmonic Orchestra
performed the concert by itself. However, Osnabruck Orchestra has
expressed hope for continuation of cooperation between artists of the
two countries in future.

`I hope that such cultural exchange projects will soon become
normality, even between the West and the Islamic world,’ said Dreyer.
He told reporters in Tehran that: `the exchange hoped to show to both
countries that there are lots of similarities between us and no
reason to fear each other.’

Dreyer visited Tehran several times over the past year in order to
prepare the ground for holding the concert. The trips were fully
coordinated with Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic guidance. Due
to Islamic regulations in Iran, the process for getting the
permission for holding such a concert in Tehran was not that easy.
There is a Persian proverb: you should overcome seven obstacles to
success, however, the Osnabruck Orchestra did it. The orchestra’s
director also said that the visit was mainly aimed at cultural
understanding, and not politics. `I am very glad that the women tried
to cover their heirs and it was fine. What is most important is the
music,’ said Broimer.

The news of holding this concert in Iran was widely spread around the
world and all artistic associations looked to this cultural event in
a very positive way. `Wednesday night’s performance, with female
performers covering their hair, was well received by its Iranian
audience,’ says newstime7.

The Leonore Overture no. 3, which is one of the four overtures
written by Beethoven for his only opera, concerto for cello and
orchestra in E minor of Sir Edward Elgar, the British romantic
composer, which is one of the most widely performed pieces for the
cello, symphony no. 4 of Johannes Brahms, the 19th century German
composer, was performed during by Osnabruck Philharmonic Orchestra in
Tehran which was highly welcomed by Iranian audiences and cultural
and artistic enthusiasts.

In only two years, the Morgenland Festival Osnabruck has ascended to
the first league of international music festivals. It features the
music from the Orient, from traditional music to the avant-garde.
Last year’s Morgenland Festival has had an international echo in the
most important media like the New York Times, the Washington Post,
the Australian News, and many others. When it comes to Oriental
music, its tope, the Morgenland Festival Osnabruck is certainly one
of the most important festivals in the Western world at this time.

In 2007, the festival’s program includes the first appearance of the
Cairo National Ballet in Germany, concerts by the Osnabruck
Philharmonic Orchestra in Tehran and many other projects. Although
the festival is based on Osnabruck, cooperations are planned with
Wien Modern and the Lincoln Center, New York.

A sensation in cultural policy, as well as top-notch and dance from
the Middle East are featured in the program of the Morgenland
Festival Osnabruck.

News reports over the past several years indicate that the Armenian
Philharmonic Orchestra has performed in Tehran, along with an
orchestra from Ukraine and a chamber group from Waidhofen-Ybbs in
Austria that accompanied a trade delegation. A four-member group from
Hamburg, Germany, specializing in contemporary music, ensemble
Integrales, has been in Iran twice in recent years.

Prior to the Islamic Revolution, foreign orchestras performed
regularly in Iran, including the Berlin Philharmonic and its
legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan. However, Tehran’s orchestra
was dissolved following the revolution. In the past decade some
attempts have been made to revive classical music in Iran. Tehran’s
Symphonic Orchestra gives regular concerts, mixing western classics
with compositions by Iranian composers. However, the performance of
classical and traditional Iranian music as well as instrumental
versions of western music has been allowed by Iranian clerics.

Soudabeh Sadigh
[email protected]

;id=7 277

EDUARD AGHAJANOV EXPRESSES NEGATIVE OPINION ABOUT ARMENIA’S INVESTMENT FIELD

Noyan Tapan
Aug 30 2007

YEREVAN, AUGUST 30, NOYAN TAPAN. It is not serious to speak about an
investment field in Armenia as the country is located in a conflict,
i.e. higly risky zone, with no investment-related privileges, and
with a poor population of 2-3 million. Economist Eduard Aghajanov
expressed this opinion at the August 30 press conference.

According to him, free economic zones, in which economic entities are
granted tax or customs privileges, are created even in most developed
countries. "For some unknown reason our authorities have fallen in
market fundamentalism, explaining that it is wrong to grant privileges
because other economic entities that have no right may make use of
these privileges.

Whereas, privileged conditions may be created in border regions of
Armenia so as to cause a capital inflow with the aim of organizing
production rather than constructing elite buildings in downtown
Yerevan," he noted.

FAITH BASED GROUPS DEFEND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUNDING PLAN

CityNews, Canada
Aug 28 2007

To some it’s a stroke of brilliance, a long overdue platform they
heartily endorse. To others, it’s a political minefield, one that
could easily blow up in the face of Conservative leader John Tory
as the election gets closer. To both it’s definitely one thing –
a major dividing line in the campaign. The issue: the Tory promise
to officially fund all faith based schools in Ontario if he becomes
premier in two months.

Some pundits believe the PC chief may have skewered his chances early
on with an idea that’s sure to give his Liberal opponents plenty of
ammunition. But there are also signs that the Tory leader may have
struck a nerve with other voters – namely, those who have a vested
interest in getting that public money. Under the plan, it would no
longer be just Catholic schools that are allowed to establish their own
boards and obtain taxpayer dollars to subsidize religious instruction,
provided they also follow the curriculum set out by the province.

Both the Liberals and the NDP argue it will hurt public education,
because there will be less money for the already established system.

But those in favour came out strongly in support of the idea Tuesday
and are warning those against that – despite preached religious
tolerance – they plan to make a political fight out of it.

"We want to teach our children our values, our principles, and we
believe that we can do this through the religious schools," avers
Pandit Roopnauth Sharma of the Federation of Hindu Temples. He insists
his goal isn’t a slap at Catholic education. He just wants to share
the wealth equally and fairly.

"We want to build a system similar to the one that the Catholic
schools have and enjoy the privileges, because there we have seen an
institution that has proven time and time again our values. We want
to teach our children our values, our principles and we believe we
can do this through the religious schools."

"The overriding reality is that Ontario’s education system is not
inclusive when it comes to faith based schools," reminds Shaheen
Mirakian of the ARS Armenian Day School. Muslim and Jewish groups were
also among those adding their support. But while it’s no surprise
that those who stand to benefit the most would support the idea how
is it all playing with the audience that really matters: the voters?

"I think its a great idea," confesses Marcelle de Nu, bedfore adding,
"but I just think there’s too many religious denominations out there.

And I just don’t think it’s gonna work."

For Vils de Santo, it’s all about fairness. "I think there should
be other religious schools in the province. Everybody’s got a fair
right to their faith," he concurs.

So will it backfire or will those who like the idea keep the faith
with the Tories come election day? The answer to their prayers will
be revealed on October 10th.