Author: Vorskanian Yeghisabet

SAMVEL DANIELIAN LIKELY TO BE APPOINTED YEREVAN HEAD ARCHITECT
YEREVAN, August 5 (Noyan Tapan). According to reliable sources, Samvel
Danielian, Chief of the Department of Architecture and Urban
Development of the Yerevan Mayor’s Office, is likely to be appointed
Head Architect of Yerevan. At the same time, according to the RA
government’s press service, an official decision about it hasn’t been
made yet. To recap, by the decision of RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian, former Yerevan Head Architect Narek Sargsian was releived
of his post on July 14.

GDP OF ARMENIA INCREASES BY 9.2% IN JANUARY-JUNE 2004
YEREVAN, August 4 (Noyan Tapan). GDP of Armenia increased by 9.2% in
January-June 2004 in comparison with the same period of last year and
made 600 bln, 715.3 mln drams (about 1 bln, 155 mln dollars). During
the same period the volume of industrial output increased by 4.5% and
the volume of the gross agricultural output and retail commodity
circulation made 8.5% and 10.1%, respectively. The export and import
increased by 7.2% and 3.8%, respectively. The index-deflator of GDP
made 106.2% and the index of consumer prices made 107.6%. Stepan
Mnatsakanian, Chairman of the RA National Statistical Service (NSS),
said during the August 4 press conference that though NSS receievd
only 86.4% of the financing expected for the first half of this year
(about 218.6 mln drams), the planned work was carried out by 100%. In
particular, 35 names of statistical publications, which are included
in the open library and the internet site of the National Statistical
Service, have been prepared. Nin4e commissions of international
organizations and foreign statistical services and 12 experts visited
NSS during the indicated period.

AGBU PRESS OFFICE
55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone (212) 319-6383
Fax (212) 319-6507
Email [email protected]
Webpage
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, August 3, 2004
AGBU GEN NEXT’S 2ND ANNUAL ARTISTIC SHOWCASE A HIT
Pasadena, CA – The Second Annual Artistic Showcase was held on Sunday
June 27, 2004 in the AGBU Pasadena Center’s Boyajian Hall. The unique
program brought together an array of musical, artistic and fashion
personalities that demonstrated to the Generation Next mentees the
cultural creativity in their own community.
Along with the performances of guest artists Lucy Nargizyan, Jaime
Avila, and Zvart Zulfayan, one of the mentees displayed rare talent
when they played a moving piece by Armenian composer Chebotaryan.
Those that attended the event, were also welcome to tour a special
exhibit of the visual culture of Armenians that included art,
photography, historical Armenian maps, and select objects from the
postal history of Armenia.
In addition to the exhibit, mentee Sona, who mounted a popular fashion
show at last year’s Artistic Showcase, returned this year to explain
the extensive work involved in designing dresses and accessories.
The afternoon ended with a surprise video production entited “Let’s
Dance,” which was realized through the combined efforts of a group of
mentors and mentees. Produced under the direction of Edna Shakhmalian,
who spent many hours finalizing the tape, all those involved in the
project were exposed and educated about the process of filming and
editing footage.
The AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program is currently seeking
dedicated, qualified young adults to mentor the Armenian youth of
Southern California. Established in 1997 by AGBU Young Professionals
of Los Angeles, AGBU Generation Next’s mission is to serve the
Armenian youth of Southern California by providing them with guidance
and mentorship. Adult volunteers from the Generation Next Mentorship
Program act as positive role models and introduce young Armenians to
new experiences and alternatives, enabling them to become responsible,
self-sufficient, and independent adults.
To receive more information about the program or to request an
application to become a mentor, please call 626-794-7942 or email
[email protected].

SDA – Servizio di base in Italiano
August 1, 2004
Iraq: attacco a chiese; cristiani sono 3% popolazione
ROMA, 1 ago
I cristiani sono circa il 3% dei 23 milioni di iracheni, suddivisi in
maggioranza tra cattolici e ortodossi. Nel Paese sono presenti anche
i protestanti, in numero inferiore rispetto alle altre due
confessioni, in quanto arrivati solo da pochi anni. Nazione a
maggioranza musulmana, l’Iraq conta una forte presenza di sciiti, che
sono la confessione maggioritaria con circa il 63% della popolazione,
seguiti dai sunniti che rappresentano il 34%.
Tra le popolazioni curde, stanziate nel nordest dell’Iraq e contano
circa 4 milioni di persone, si trovano ancora pochissimi ebrei, ma la
comunita’ cristiana e’ tuttora presente. Nel Paese sono presenti
anche i cristiani assiri che hanno ripreso a sperare di poter vivere
la loro specificita’ religiosa e culturale dopo la caduta di Saddam.
Molto variegata la presenza dei cattolici: sono poco meno di 800
mila, tra caldei (700 mila), latini (2.500), siro-antiocheni (75.000)
e armeni (2.000). La popolazione caldea rappresenta il terzo gruppo
etnico in Iraq, dopo arabi e curdi.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HACHIKIAN TRAVELS TO SOUTHLAND TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE ANCA
LOS ANGELES, CA, July 30 (Noyan Tapan). The Chairman of the Armenian
National Committee of America Ken Hachikian joined the San Fernando
Valley and Burbank ANC chapters for two separate, but equally
successful, fundraising events on July 12th and 13th, the Armenian
National Committee of America Western Region reports. The two local
ANC chapters, in cooperation of the ANCA-Western Region office,
sponsored the events to raise money to expand and enhance the ANCA’s
effort to advance Armenian issues in Congress, the White House, and
among think tanks in Washington, DC. Speaking to the attendees at each
event, Ken Hachikian highlighted the recent accomplishments of the
ANCA. Notably, he highlighted the passage of H.R. 193, which marks the
15th Anniversary of the U.S. adoption of the U.N. Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. Hachikian reminded the
audience that this pivotal first step towards the passing of a
resolution that will ultimately gain recognition of the Armenian
Genocide would not have been possible without the efforts of local ANC
chapters and the dedication of thousands of ANC activists. Stressing
the many challenges that lie ahead for Armenia and the Armenian
Diaspora, Hachikian called attention to the significance of grassroots
activism and urged supporters to continue their advocacy on behalf of
the Armenian Cause. The San Fernando Valley ANC’s event, which was
held in Encino, attracted over 60 ANCA supporters and raised over
$10,000. The Burbank ANC event raised in excess of $6,000 for the
ANCA.

ArmenPress
July 30 2004
ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT, WORLD BANK SEAL CREDIT PROJECTS
YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian government and World
Bank sealed today an agreement according to which the World bank will
allocate a US$10.15 million equivalent credit for the Public Sector
Modernization Project, a US$ 5.15 million equivalent credit for the
Armenia Social Protection and Administration Project, and a US$ 19
million equivalent credit for the Armenia Health System Modernization
Project.
The US$10.15 million equivalent Public Sector Modernization
Project will assist the government in its efforts to improve the
transparency, accountability, effectiveness and efficiency of public
sector management. This is the first World Bank-supported project
focused on public sector reforms. The project will support civil
service reforms, and will make specific innovations in core public
institutions, which should become a catalyst for further
modernization efforts.
The Health System Modernization project will assist the government
in improving the organization of the health care system to provide
more accessible, efficient and sustainable health care services to
the population, in particular to the most vulnerable groups; and, to
better manage public health threats.
The Social Protection and Administration project will assist the
government in improving the performance by the public employment,
pension and social assistance agencies in providing services to the
population. The performance will be improved through the introduction
of improved business processes, administrative procedures and
techniques designed to enhance social protection to poor and
vulnerable population groups. Social Protection management
modernization remains a key priority in Armenia. Recognizing the need
to protect poor and vulnerable groups, the Government is planning to
undertake a range of actions aimed at increasing efficiency and
sustainability of social protection programs The credits will be made
to Armenia on standard IDA terms, including 40 years maturity and a
10-year grace period.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
July 28, 2004 Wednesday 12:15 PM Eastern Time
Putin, Kocharyan discuss relations
By Mikhail Petrov
MOSCOW
Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with
his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharyan on Wednesday to discuss a
wide range of issues.
During the conversation, which was held on Armenia’s initiative,
Putin and Kocharyan discussed the development of relations between
the two countries.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

USDA MAP CONTRIBUTES TO AIGEZARD WINERY
YEREVAN, July 26 (Noyan Tapan). According to Brent Trelan, USDA MAP
wine-making expert, the production of the winery of the village of
Aigezard of the Ararat region is the best among the Armenian dry and
half-dry wines. B. Trelan carried out the great work directed at the
increase of the quality of this wine.
According to the USDA MAP, which contributes to the enterprise, the
works were carried out with participation of B. Trenal, in particular,
on the line of the prolongation of terms of storing of and bottling of
wines. According to the message, the history of the winery-brandy
enterprise of Aigezard started in 1929. The winery being idle since
1998 and resuming its work in 2002 has an opportunity to annually lay
in at least 10 tons of grapes today.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian leader, coalition parties discuss constitutional reforms
Arminfo
23 Jul 04
YEREVAN
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and the leaders of the political
parties of the government coalition today discussed issues of
implementing constitutional reforms in the country, the presidential
press service told Arminfo news agency.

Free lifesaving device attracts limited interest
By Marcus Braziel, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
In April, Boca Raton’s Fire-Rescue Department began offering a free
lifesaving device — the automatic external defibrillator — to
businesses, nonprofits and city government groups.
But few groups have shown interest — only six machines have been
given away.
The defibrillator is designed to revive a person who goes into cardiac
arrest. The fire-rescue department wants every Boca organization to
have one in case of an emergency. The city bought 60 unitsat a total
cost of $100,000.
Frank Correggio, the fire-rescue department’s public information
officer, said he expected this to be a slow process. “Anything that
has to do with change, people are reluctant to look into,” he said.
Correggio, who is overseeing the program, has contacted 45
organizations, including churches, health clubs, nonprofit groups and
even the Town Center Mall. He said about two-thirds of the groups that
he’s contacted are considering the free machine.
Most organizations that have rejected Correggio’s offer are concerned
with legal liability he said. Some groups think that if they attempt
to save a life, and fail, they might be sued, he said.
Correggio said that’s not true. The state’s good Samaritan act, passed
last year, protects the lay person, he said.
The act states: “Any person, including those licensed to practice
medicine, who gratuitously and in good faith render emergency care or
treatment …
shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of such
care or treatment, or as a result of any act or failure.”
He said when a person has entered into cardiac arrest, the heart has
stopped.
“The purpose of the device is to bring the person back to life,” he
said.
“Basically, the reviver is working from the ground up.”
City Councilman Dave Freudenberg, who brought the defibrillator idea
to the city’s attention in 1999, said about 250,000 people die from
cardiac arrest every year. About half could be saved if there were an
adequate number of defibrillators, he said.
“I think the word defibrillator is frightening to people,” Correggio
said.
“But once they understand the concept of what’s going on and once
they’ve taken the training, it’s a no brainer.”
To get a defibrillator, organizations must send representatives to a
four-hour training class. Attendees will learn about the machine, how
to properly use it and other survival methods such as CPR, which go
along with using the defibrillator.
Correggio said the number of people trained per organization is solely
up to the group. But, he said, it’s to the group’s advantage to train
several people.
The organization also is responsible for keeping track of those who
have been trained. If all trained users leave the group, the
defibrillator can’t be used, Correggio said.
Once the group has received its unit, it must be mounted in a visible
area for easy access. Also, groups don’t have to worry about
maintenance.
Fire-rescue workers will handle the upkeep –changing the pads and
batteries.
Zareh Hagopian, parish council chairman at St. David’s Armenian
Church, took a defibrillator training class June 26. Hagopian said he
was intimidated at first, but after 15 minutes, he became comfortable
with the device.
“Boca made a good choice with the unit,” Hagopian said. “People who go
through the course won’t have any problems.” Hagopian plans to invite
more people at his church to the training class.
The idea could be catching on nationwide.
The federal government now is setting aside $30 million in grants for
A.E.D.
programs in communities across the country, Freudenberg said. Although
Boca’s defibrillators are for city organizations, he said he hopes
that other cities will follow Boca’s lead.
[email protected]