Author: Virabian Jhanna

DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
May 28, 2008 Wednesday

OUR COMMUNICATION OFFICERS ARE LEADERS OF THE GROUP

REPRESENTATIVES OF UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES PARTICIPATE IN MULTINATIONAL
EXERCISES OF COMMUNICATION TROOPS COMBINED ENDEAVOR-208; Multinational
communication of communication troops Combined Endeavor-2008 continue
on military base Aulenbach of Bundeswehr. Representatives of 38
countries participate in the current exercises that are traditionally
organized in the spirit of NATO Partnership for Peace
program. Representatives of the armed forces of Ukraine take part in
exercises of Combined Endeavor series for the tenth time.

Multinational communication of communication troops Combined
Endeavor-2008 continue on military base Aulenbach of
Bundeswehr. Representatives of 38 countries participate in the current
exercises that are traditionally organized in the spirit of NATO
Partnership for Peace program. Representatives of the armed forces of
Ukraine take part in exercises of Combined Endeavor series for the
tenth time.

The combined Ukrainian unit headed by Colonel German Kachan, deputy
director of the department for development of communication and
automation of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, for the second time
included 25 officers from communication troops and leading research
and educational institutions.

The main task set for Ukrainian servicemen during the exercises is the
improvement of interaction of the command bodies, communication and
information systems of the armed forces of Ukraine with similar
systems of the united armed forces of NATO for the purpose of
provision of fulfillment of common tasks in the course of military
exercises, peacekeeping operations and crisis situations.

All countries participating in the exercises are divided into five
regional groups. The Ukrainian delegation was included into regional
group B. It fulfills functions of leader among the national units of
communication troops from Albania, Afghanistan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as communication unit of multinational
brigade SEA BREESE from countries of Southeastern Europe, reports the
press service of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine.

In the course of the first days of the exercises, the troops worked
out the deployment of equipment and its instillation, arrangement of
cables inside of nodes and network cables and establishment of
communication. Already at this stage, Ukraine manifested itself not as
a formal but as a real leader of the group. Ukrainian Lieutenant
Colonel Andrei Bilovitsky and Senior Lieutenant Vadim Kartavikh
provided efficient assistance to their colleagues from Armenia and SEA
BREESE brigade in tuning of equipment.

After the official ceremony of beginning Combined Endeavor-2008 on May
1, participants of the exercises started the implementation of
preplanned schemes for the organization of communication and passing
of tests. During passing of tests Ukrainian lieutenant colonels Victor
Bozhko and Valery Pravilo and Captain Andrei Khodakivsky demonstrated
a high professional level, which enabled them to receive the highest
marks for nine tests – communication seances.

Ukrainian communication officers work in the sections of data
transmission, switchboard systems, DNS and networks of test, video
conference communication, information systems and safety of
information. The overwhelming majority of the telecommunication
equipment used by representatives of the Ukrainian armed forces during
the exercises is made by Odessa-based Telecard-Pribor. Part of these
systems have already been adopted and are being supplied to the
communication troops of Ukraine. The other systems are at the stage of
development and improvement. That is why operational tests during such
exercises as Combined Endeavor-2008 provide an opportunity of
comprehensive check of the newest equipment for compliance with
declared characteristics.

Combined Endeavor-2008 exercises will last until May 17.

Source: Narodnaya Armiya (Defense Ministry of Ukraine), May 07, 2007,
p. EV (translation from Ukrainian)

Translated by InterContact

LEVON TER-PETROSSIAN VISITS ARAM KARAPETIAN

A1+
[12:42 pm] 29 May, 2008

Chairman of the "New Times" Party Aram Karapetian is still in medical
center "Erebuni".

According to the informational service of the "New Times" Party,
Karapetian expresses his gratitude and appreciation towards his party
companions, National Movement participants, political figures and
those sympathizing him, who were by his side in his hour of need.

The "New Times" Party also thanks the law-enforcements bodies that
showed commonsense reasoning and good will towards Karapetian.

By the way, yesterday RA First President Levon Ter-Petrossian and
Chairman of the "Hanrapetutiun" Party Aram Sargssian visited Aram
Karapetian in the medical center "Erebuni", National Movement Center
informs.

"RAPHAEL LEMKIN’S DOSSIER ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE" PUBLISHED

PanARMENIAN.Net
28.05.2008 16:32 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Raphael Lemkin’s Dossier on the Armenian Genocide,"
a stunningly graphic book published by CAR., the Center for Armenian
Remembrance, constitutes an important contribution for scholars,
human rights activists and others seeking to know what the originator
of the term genocide and the "father" of the Genocide Convention had
to say about the Armenian Genocide, the CAR told PanARMENIAN.Net.

This timely book, which was published through the efforts of Attorney
Vartkes Yeghiayan, is the perfect antidote to the denialist campaign
that has lately intensified by the banning of a book in Toronto and
its replacement by books by denialist historians Bernard Lewis and
Guenther Levy.

It is impossible not to be touched by the eyewitness reports that
Lemkin has meticulously compiled in this dossier. The reader will
quickly be convinced that the brutal campaign against the Armenians
is the very definition of Genocide. This book has the power to inflame
the reader with indignation, sorrow and righteous anger.

"Raphael Lemkin’s Dossier on the Armenian Genocide" also contains
a lucid foreword by eminent professor Michael J. Bazyler, and a
meticulous, complete bibliography on Lemkin by Eddie Yeghiayan.

"Raphael Lemkin’s Dossier on the Armenian Genocide" is the fifth book
in the "The Armenian Genocide and the Armenian Case" series put out
by CAR Publishing.

Raphael Lemkin was one of the greatest and most influential lawyers
and human rights activists in the last century. Not only did he coin
the word "genocide," but was also the prime mover for the enactment
of the United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of
Genocide (the "Genocide Convention"), the international law document
that in 1948 made genocide an international "crime of crimes."

Distressed by the cyclical slaughter of Armenians by Turks in 1894,
1909, and 1915, Lemkin compiled a dossier and searched for legal
remedies to punish perpetrators of mass murder and to deter and
prevent future genocides.

Panorama.am

21:00 27/05/2008

TEGHUT EXPLOITATION RESULTS IN HEALTH DISEASES

Mining in Armenia is not accurately implemented as it
negatively influences on the environment and human
health, said Lilik Simonyan expert of -Armenian Women
for health and Protection of Environment-
organization.

-There is no doubt that Teghut mining will result in
creating working places but the problem worries not
only the environmentalists but the public also,- she
said. According to the expert every time a mining is
exploited large amount of hazardous and toxic elements
are wasted and they do harm to the human health and
environment.

The expert said that a question is rose in the
parliament to organize the mining activities in closed
atmosphere which will cost less harm to the
environment.

Source: Panorama.am

PRESS RELEASE
Date: May 28, 2008
Armenian National Committee of America
Eastern Region
122 W. 27th St., New York, NY 10001
Contact: Karine Birazian
Tel: 917-428-1918

ACTIVISTS DEMAND DECISIVE ACTION ON
STOPPING GENOCIDE IN DARFUR
–ANCA Takes part in Africa Action rally in New York City

New York, NY— On May 22, 2008, hundreds of activists gathered in
front of the U.S. Mission at the United Nations in New York City
with Darfur advocacy leaders to deliver thousands of handprints and
messages from all over the country demanding decisive U.S. action
to end genocide in Darfur and promote peace for Sudan, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America, Eastern Region (ANCA ER).

"The Armenian National Committee of America will continue to work
to make sure that action is taken in Darfur. Whether making sure
that peacekeepers are sent, divestment is taking place amongst the
various states, or overall awareness is brought about, we must do
all we can to stop this genocide," commented Karine Birazian,
Eastern Region Executive Director for the ANCA.

Speakers included: Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director, Africa
Action; Eric Gioia, New York City Council Member; Yahya Mohammad
Osman, Vice President, Darfur Rehabilitation Project; Motasim Adam,
President, Darfur People’s Association of New York; Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Lakissian, Pastor, St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Church;
Mohamed Yahya, Executive Director, Damanga Coalition for Freedom
and Democracy; Rev. Herbert Daughtry, Pastor, House of the Lord
Church in Brooklyn and head of the National Religious Leaders of
African Ancestry Concerned about Darfur, and Michael Perlman and
Jodie Manross who provided an inspirational performance.

Eric Gioia, New York City councilman, commented "our children will
say to us in 10 years, in 20 years, when you found out, what did
you do? And how can any of us look them in the eye and say I did
nothing. Good people, when good people say they stand for
something, the question you have to ask them is what are we willing
to do about it, and if the answer is I am not willing to do
anything that the sad truth is you don’t stand firm."

Father Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Armenian
Apostolic Church, stated: "we the children and grandchildren of the
survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 remember that it was the
kindness of strangers and aid that came from all over the world
especially from the United States that saved our ancestors. Today,
we thank God for his deliverance and pledge to make our voices
heard in the face of evil and injustice¦"

Cosponsoring the event along with Africa Action were, African
Services Committee, American Jewish World Service, Armenian
National Committee of America, Chadian Association of North
America, Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy, DarfurMetro,
Darfur Rehabilitation Project, Darfur People’s Association of New
York, Darfur Vigilers, the ENOUGH Project, Genocide Intervention
Network, Making a Difference (MAD), NY City Coalition for Darfur,
Rock to Save Darfur, Shine a Ray of Hope, STAND and TransAfrica
Forum.

The U.N. Security Council has primary responsibility to maintain
international peace and security. The Presidency of the Council
rotates monthly, according to the English alphabetical listing of
its member States, and on June 1, 2008, the United States will take
over the presidency. Over 450,000 people have lost their lives and
millions have been displaced in the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
Although the U.S. government has acknowledged this genocide, it has
failed to take the necessary action to protect the people of
Darfur. Africa Action, the ANCA, and rally supporters are calling
on President Bush to assert U.S. leadership in support of a
multinational intervention to stop the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
####

Photo Captions: Left to Right ANCA ER Director Karine Birazian,
Father Mesrob Lakissian, and Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of
Africa Action

90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SARDARAPAT BATTLE

armradio.am
27.05.2008 12:44

According to the decision of the government commission formed to
organize the arrangements dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the
Sardarapat battle, most of 100 events planned to be held in marzes
and all over the republic have already been conducted. The main events
are planned for May 25-28.

The festive events will start in Sardarapat tonight and will continue
tomorrow. Military parades, concerts and performances are scheduled
for May 28.

The 90th anniversary of the Sardarapat battle was celebrated in Aparan
on 25 and Vanadzor – on May 26. The idea of unity of Armenian spirit
and strength lied in the basis of all the arrangements.

CULTURE MINISTER OUTLINES PRIORITIES

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosian told
a news conference today that the ministry has developed a plan of major
events to be held both in Armenia and outside it in 2008-2012. She
said the list was made to group all existing priorities and outline
programs for their implementation.

She said the proportional development of the cultural field – its
decentralization – will be the main priority. To this end there is a
variety of different programs designed to revive cultural life outside
Yerevan. In three years the ministry will conduct a monitoring to
find out the extent of these programs’ efficiency.

Another priority is making art and art education accessible to as many
people as possible. She said the main focus in this respect will be
on musical schools which need urgently new equipment and new teachers.

She said 1,993 students of musical schools were assisted financially
for purchase of musical instruments.

She said other programs are underway aimed at reviving and preservation
of traditional arts and crafts. As an example she said a workshop
operates in Kashatagh for production of souvenirs, carpets and
needlework.

The third priority, according to the minister, is preservation and use
of cultural heritage. She said the focus here will be on rehabilitation
and restoration of cultural and historical monuments. She said in
recent years monuments of Armenian culture located outside it sustained
heavy damages. Now, the super task is to develop joint programs with
these countries to preserve what has remained.

Enhancing modern art development is the next priority. According
to the minister in this sense the country faces lack of skilled
professionals and equipment.

Today.Az, Azerbaijan
May 24 2008

Dennis Summut: "It is not late for Armenia to make use of economic
achievements of Azerbaijan"

24 May 2008 [11:54] – Today.Az

Day.Az interview with Dennis Summut, chief executive of British NGO
LINKS.

-What do you think about the opinion that economic achievements of
Azerbaijan are not a heavy argument for Armenia in the resolution of
the Karabakh problem?

-It is true that Azerbaijan’s economy is strengthening owing to oil
revenues. Further success of the Azerbaijani economy will depend on
the rational use of oil funds and development of oil sector. I think,
the non-oil economic sector should base on knowledge with the use of
human potential. In Azerbaijan the population is among the youngest
in the region. In other words, the young population has conditions to
study to contribute to the further development of the national
economy.

Moreover, Azerbaijan may influence the Karabakh conflict settlement by
means of its economic strengthening only in case of a regional
cooperation. The decision, which the Azerbaijani government will have
to make in the near future, is the economic interaction with Armenia,
which is a great dilemma. I understand that this is a difficult
decision, but this is a decision, which the government should take.

Thus, the simple answer to your question is: "Yes, Azerbaijan can use
its potential to support its position in the Karabakh issue". Yet,
currently the answer is no, because this is an issue of time.

-Some experts state that it is too late. This means that the largest
economic projects with Azerbaijan’s participation are being
implemented or are close to their implementation and Armenia’s
participation in these projects is not envisioned.

-This is not true. In this sense, it is not too late. The
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project is something different. It is not an
economic, it is an infrastructural projects, intended for oil
transportation by the safest, fastest and most available route.

Great efforts are needed for restoration of regional cooperation. This
is what should be and what is on the agenda. There are different ways
of achievement of purpose and the topic we are discussing is one of
them. I consider it necessary to hold serious discussions on this
issue.

-The first meeting of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and newly
elected President of Armenia Serzh Saskissyan is to be held
soon. What is expected from this meeting?

-I think this will allow two people get acquainted with each other and
learn positions of the opposite side. I do not think this will take
too long. There is a need to make the negotiation process more
flexible to get a chance for success. This does not mean that the
sides should give up their principle positions.

-Don’t you think that the succession of the political course in
Armenia makes a breakthrough in the resolution process impossible?

-I am not the one who does not believe in the resolution of this
conflict. I believe that the problem has a solution. In order to find
this solution we should look at the problem from several directions,
but still it exists and I consider that the two countries should
start realizing the positive sides of this decision.

-Some people consider that the problem lies in the origin of the
working and former Presidents of Armenia. They said that a politician
born in Karabakh and coming to power on the high tide of the Karabakh
counteraction can not make any concessions in the Karabakh
issue. What do you think about this statement?

-I do not think that this is a problem. It is enough to recall the
experience of Northern Ireland.

I do not consider that Karabakh origin of Serzh Sarkissyan proves his
inability to see what is good for Armenia and Karabakh, which is a
peaceful resolution of the conflict, promoting restoration of the
development of the whole region. If the Armenian President sees it, it
means his origin, no matter whether he is from Karabakh or Yerevan, is
not important. The thing is that Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia
see ways out of the situation.

/Day.Az/

URL:

PanARMENIAN.Net

RA Defense Minister: negotiations on return of Armenian citizens kept
in Azeri custody will be continued
23.05.2008 18:19 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The talks on transfer of four Armenian citizens, who
accidentally cross the Azeri border on April 28, will be continued, RA
Defense Minister said.

-The planned transfer was frustrated through the fault of the Azeri
side, which alleged necessity to conduct some procedures,- Seyran
Ohanyan said.

-Transfer of the Armenian captives also depends on their wish to
return to homeland,- he added, Novosti Armenia reports.

ARMENIA’S SIRUSHO EUROVISION 2008 FINALIST

PanARMENIAN.Net
21.05.2008 12:18 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s Sirusho broke through Eurovision 2008
semi-final in Belgrade last night.

Music for "Qele Qele" was composed by Harut Ter-Hovakimyan; the author
of the lyrics is the singer herself.

Sirusho will perform the fifth in the final. She can finish 2nd or 3rd,
according to bookmakers.

Other winners of the first semi-final are Greece, Romania, Bosnia &
Herzegovina, Finland, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Poland and Norway.

Participants from San Marino, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland,
Moldova, Andorra, Slovenia, Estonia and Montenegro lost their chance
to move on.

The second semi-final is due on May 22. The final on May 24 will bring
together participants from 25 states, including participants from UK,
France, Spain, Germany and Eurovision 2007 winner – Serbia