Author: Yeghisabet Arthur

Main Gate, Magazine of the American University of Beirut
Spring Vol I, No. 3
In Memoriam
Haroutune Kalayan (BSE ’46), who was born in 1908 in Aintab, Turkey,
died on December 21, 2003, at the age of 95. In 1915, after his older
brother and father were massacred in the Armenian genocide, he moved
with his mother and brother to Aleppo, where he attended Aleppo
College. He then came to the American University of Beirut, where he
graduated with a BS in engineering.
In 1937, he married Berjouhie Shirajian and moved with her to Cyprus,
where he taught at the Melkonian College for a few years. After
Lebanon gained its independence, he returned to Beirut and worked at
the Lebanese Department of Antiquities and also taught part-time at
AUB’s Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. He is known for his
restoration of the ancient ruins in Lebanon and received the Said Akl
Award for his work.
In 1978, he went to Jordan and worked with its Department of
Antiquities until he retired in 1989. Shortly after his retirement,
he moved to the United States to live with his children. He is well
known in the archaeology community, and during his lifetime gave many
lectures in the Middle East and Europe on the ancient sites he loved
so much, among them Palmyra, Baalbeck, Anjar, Sidon, Byblos, Jerash,
and Petra.
His two daughters, Alice Ispentchian and Shoushan Samman; five
grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren survive him.
Garo S. Matossian (MD ’49) passed away surrounded by family on March
11, 2004, at his son’s home in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was 83. Born
Garabed Setrak Matossian in 1921 in Aintab, Cilician Armenia, he was
the son of Professor Setrak Matossian of Central Turkey College and
educator Eliza Ayvazian Matossian. The Matossians and their children
were forced into permanent exile in 1922 during the aftermath of the
Armenian genocide. They eventually settled in Aleppo, Syria.
Matossian graduated first in his class from the medical school of the
American University of Beirut, where he met his future wife,
historian Mary Allerton Kilbourne. He immigrated to the US in 1952 to
continue his studies at Harvard University’s School of Public Health.
He was married in 1954 and became an American citizen in 1958. After
holding medical positions in Boston and in Buffalo, New York,
Matossian joined the Yater Clinic in Washington, DC, where he
remained for 28 years and served as chairman of its board. While
professor of hematology at the Georgetown University School of
Medicine, he received the Vicennial Award for teaching. He also was
attending physician at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington
Hospital Center, and Sibley Memorial Hospital. Matossian was a fellow
of the American College of Physicians and resided for 40 years in
Bethesda, MD.
Long active in Armenian affairs, Matossian was a steadfast supporter
of the Armenian Assembly of America (Fellow Trustee), the Armenian
General Benevolent Union, the National Association for Armenian
Studies and Research, the Armenian Library and Museum of America, and
the Armenian Numismatic Society.
He is survived by his wife Mary, daughters Lou Ann, Kristine, and
Michele Irene, and sons Viken Raffi and Mark Garo.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
July 23, 2004
American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576
Contact: Gohar Momjian
E-mail: [email protected]
State Department Supports AUA Initiatives
Oakland, CA – American University of Armenia (AUA) President, Dr. Haroutune
Armenian, announced that on July 19, 2004, the United States Ambassador to
Armenia, the Honorable John Ordway, provided a grant of $284,000 to AUA to
continue the final phases of the accreditation process, and $51,300 to plan
and develop a regional student recruitment program. The amount of funding
will be used over a two-year period.
AUA is seeking accreditation from the Western Association of Colleges and
Schools (WASC), one of the six regional accrediting associations covering
the United States. AUA began the process several years ago and reached an
historic milestone when it received Candidacy status in the fall of 2002.
This was the first time that WASC had ever considered a university outside
territorial United States. Candidacy status indicates that the institution
has achieved initial recognition and is progressing towards accreditation.
The final phases of the process will culminate in site visits in October
2005 and 2006. The grant provides resources in several critical areas
required for accreditation and which demonstrate institutional capacity.
Research and evaluation of academic programs and various studies on AUA
alumni will be expanded, in addition to updating information systems.
President Armenian noted that the University has been working with the U.S.
Embassy on a number of initiatives critical to Armenia’s and the region’s
development. He stated that, `collaboration and cooperation among Armenia’s
institutions remains the key to overall success and that the confidence the
Embassy and Ambassador have in the University speaks to the pivotal role AUA
has in transforming a country where everyone enjoys the benefits of
democratic institutions and free markets.’ Armenian also expressed his
appreciation to the Congress of the United States for its continued support
of University efforts. `The Armenian Caucus co-chairmen, Congressman
Knollenberg and Congressman Pallone are especially supportive and recognize
the link between education and economic progress. Senator Sarbanes, member
of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator McConnell, Chairman
of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations,
particularly continue to encourage AUA to achieve new heights,’ Armenian
stated.
AUA Vice-President for Government Relations and Special Projects, Dr. Steve
Maradian, will take the lead in the international recruitment effort.
`Historically, the University enrolls 5-10 students from the region,’ stated
Maradian. `This program will allow for expansion of enrollment while
strengthening the academic programs. Most agree that the region is served
best when people work together, understand each other’s cultures and values,
and share common goals. Higher education is the ideal setting to accomplish
these activities.’ The program is part of a companion effort to increase
diversity in the classroom. The University is seeking student housing to
support this project with the goal of creating learning communities in which
students study, work, and live together.
`AUA has an important role in Armenia and the entire Middle East,’ Armenian
noted, `including regional stability and cooperation. Accreditation will
encourage students’ interest from the region and the Diaspora to come to
Armenia, earn a graduate degree, and form lifelong linkages to Armenians and
Armenia’s institutions. Nothing is more important for the University at
this stage of its development.’
——–
The American University of Armenia is registered as a non-profit educational
organization in both Armenia and the United States and is affiliated with
the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from
the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the Masters Degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA, visit or
Picture: L to R: Kimberly Hargan, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy; Dr.
Haroutune Armenian, AUA President; Ambassador John Ordway; Dr. Michael
Thompson, AUA Acting Vice-President; Dr. Steve Maradian, AUA Vice-President
for Government Relations and Special Projects.

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ARMENIANS AND CYPRIOTS “GREET” ERDOGAN IN PARIS
* Thousands participate in demonstration organised by Dashnaktsoutiun and
Ramkavar parties
* Cypriots demand withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus
* Armenians demand Armenian Genocide recognition
PARIS (AYFFM1/Aztagdaily.com)–Thousands of demonstrators on Tuesday
converged on the spot where Prime Minister Erdogan was expected to
give hispress conference.
Ramkavar and Dashnaktsoutiun party representatives as well as
representatives of the Cypriot and Kurdish communities of France
addressed the demonstrators. Also participating was the Dashnak
representative of Holland. That country will assume the Presidency of
the European Union in the coming months.
ARF Dashnaktsoutiun’s Papazian stated that representative of Armenian
communities would be visiting the European leaders with whom Prime
MinisterErdogan met during his tour.
Papazian also reported that on Monday Erdogan had addressed a
gathering of 3,000 Turks in France in an attempt to reorganize the
Turkish community there.
Angered Erdogan blackmails Armenians, tying the Genocide issue with
border opening
According to the Turkish Sabah newspaper, while in France Erdogan also
addressed the Armenian Genocide issue and said: “This is an issue for
the historians. The Armenian Diaspora makes a mistake by keeping this
issue high in its agenda. It is not beneficial for Armenia. As long as
this propaganda keeps going there will be no perspective for the
Armenian-Turkish relations. If they put an end to this then Turkey may
be willing to open the border with Armenia.”.
US HOUSE ADOPTS SCHIFF AMENDMENT ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
“None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the
Government of Turkey to engage in contravention of section 1913 of
title 18, United States Code, relating to lobbying with appropriated
moneys, with respect to HRes 193, Reaffirming support of the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishmentof the Crime of Genocide
and anticipating the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Genocide
Convention Implementation Act of 1987 (the Proxmire Act) on November
4, 2003.”
— Amendment to Foreign Operations Bill prohibiting Turkey from
usingUS foreign aid to lobby against Genocide Resolution
— Rep. Knollenberg’s Leadership key to maintaining military aid
parity for Armenia and Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON, DC – In a powerful rebuke to the Turkish government’s
campaign of genocide denial, the House of Representatives this evening
adopted the Schiff Amendment, prohibiting the Turkish government from
using U.S. foreign assistance in its multi-million dollar campaign to
defeat legislation (H.Res.193) recognizing the Armenian Genocide,
reported the Armenian National Committeeof America (ANCA).
The amendment, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), was passed by a
voice vote and added to the fiscal year 2005 foreign aid bill
(H.R.4818). The foreign aid bill was later passed by a vote of 365 to
41.
In his remarks on the House floor introducing the measure, Rep. Schiff
told his colleagues that, “today I offer a simple amendment that will
honor the one and a half million Armenians who perished in the
Armenian Genocide of the 1915 and 1923. I consider this a sacred
obligation to ensure that the men, women, and children who perished in
the Armenian Genocide are not lost to history and that this Congress
not fund shameful efforts to deny that the Genocide occurred.”
Commenting after the vote, Rep. Schiff said, “We are another step
closer to silencing those who would deny the murder of 1.5 million
Armenians,” adding that, “This amendment stands true to the memory of
the victims.”
“The passage of this amendment is a major victory,” said Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. “It clearly sends a message
that the United States House of Representatives will not tolerate
Turkey’s lobbying against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”
In his remarks during consideration of the measure, the New Jersey
legislator stressed that “it is time for this body to stop defending
and funding a government that continues to deny its own history, and
refuses to break with the pattern of intolerance established by past
Turkish governments which dealt with minority issues by committing
genocide against Armenians, massacring and driving Greeks from its
shores, restricting the rights of Christians to worship, and denying
the existence of its Kurdish citizens.”
“We want, first and foremost, to thank Congressman Schiff for his
tireless leadership in advancing this amendment, to recognize the
strong support of Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone and Joe
Knollenberg, and to note the pivotal role that Chairman Kolbe played
in helping this measure reach the House floor – where, as we all saw
this evening, it enjoyed overwhelming bi-partisan support,” said ANCA
Chairman Ken Hachikian.
The Genocide Resolution, H.Res.193, reaffirms U.S. support for the
Genocide Convention and cites the importance of remembering past
crimes against humanity, including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust,
Cambodian and Rwandangenocides, in an effort to stop future
atrocities. It faces intense opposition fromthe Turkish government,
which has enlisted the backing of the White House in its efforts to
block this measure from being scheduled for a vote of the full House.
The Genocide Resolution was introduced, in the House, in April, 2003,
by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI). Its Senate companion measure was introduced, in
June, 2003, by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ).
H.Res.193 was adopted unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee
last May. Support for the measure has been widespread off of Capitol
Hill as well, with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic, religious,
civil and human rights organizations calling for its passage,
including American Values, National Organization of Women, Sons of
Italy, NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, and the National Council of La
Raza.
CYPRUS PRESIDENT ADDRESSES TURKISH ANTI-OCCUPATION EVENT
Nicosia, Jul 20 (CNA) – Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said
tonight that although the non-solution of the Cyprus problem was not a
solution, the Greek Cypriot side could in no way choose a non-viable
solution, noting that if the non-solution festers the peril of
uncertainty, then a bad solution cultivates and guarantees the
certainty of a disaster.
Speaking at an event organised by the Cypriot government under the
title ”Cyprus 1974-2004, No to the occupation, Yes to reunification”
President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side does not apologise
for rejecting asolution plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan in the April 24 referendum, noting that ”our answer was right
and so was our position.”
He added that ”we want a solution urgently and we are sincerely
working for the reunification of our homeland and its people, for a
solution on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal and functional
federation, which the Annan plan can offer with the appropriate
improvements to it.”
President Papadopoulos said that lifting the Turkish occupation of the
island’s northern third could be achieved through an agreed solution,
adding that such a solution could be found on the basis of the Annan
plan.
TWO EXPEDITIONS TO SEEK NOAH’S ARK
MOSCOW (ARMENPRESS) A Russian group began an expedition of Mount
Ararat last Saturday. The organizers hope to prove that an object
nestled amid the snow and ice is Noah’s Ark. The group will present
the Turkish authorities an icon of George the Triumphant, who is
thought to be the protector of Caucasian Mountains. The expedition
marks Andrey Polyakov’s second attempt at locating the ark.
A joint US-Turkish team of 10 explorers also plan to tackle the
mountain this summer in an attempt to uncover a mammoth structure of
some 45 feet high, 75 feet wide and about 450 feet long that was
partly exposed during last summer’s European heat wave.
Explorers have long searched for an ark on the high slopes of Mount
Ararat, where the biblical account of the Great Flood places it. In
1957, Turkish air force pilots spotted a boat-shaped formation in the
Agri province. The government did not pursue the sighting,
however. The entire area, includingMount Ararat, was placed off limits
to explorers, after the USSR accused them of serving as US spies.
PYUNIK GO THROUGH… just
FC Pyunik weathered a spirited fight-back from FK Pobeda before
booking a second-round meeting with FC Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine
courtesy of a 4-2 aggregate win.
The Armenian champions, 3-1 victors in the first leg, were given a
scare after 23 minutes when Dragan Dimitrovski gave the
F.Y.R. Macedonian visitors the lead. A 2-0 victory would have put
Pobeda through on away goals, however Galust Petrosyan finally calmed
Pyunik’s frayed nerves with an equaliser 13 minutes from time.
Pobeda’s Borce Manevski was sent off in the 89th minute as the tie
slipped away from his side.
INTRODUCING YOUR BUSINESS TO GIBRAHAYER
Gibrahayer has been receiving requests from Armenian businesses, to
promote their products and services through the pages of Gibrahayer
e-newsletter. I call upon Armenian Cypriot businesses to make
donations to Armenian organisations and Charities for the advertising
space provided by Gibrahayer and urge all of you support Armenian
businesses and our advertisers ! Simon Aynedjian Gibrahayer
e-newsletter –
PAPPAGALLO CLOTHING INDUSTRY LTD. Company Profile
Pappagallo Clothing Industry Ltd are pioneers in the clothing
manufacturing industry specialising in Sportswear, Active Outerwear
and Promotional Corporate identity clothing, using silk-screen,
embroidery and transfer technology.
Products include, Polo shirts, Sweat Shirts, Jogging Suits, T-Shirts,
Athletic Attire for Sports Teams, Bodysuits, Windproof Jackets,
Parkas, Babywear, Hunting wear, Caps & Workwear.
The Pappagallo team can also customise any design of your choice and
tailor your requirements to suit your individual needs, to include
colours, sizes, ratios and quantities of your choice.
Invitation We invite you to visit our website at
and place your orders for September 2004. Contact us by email on
[email protected] call us at 22 353860.
Donation Pappagallo Clothing Industry Ltd have decided to donate
Athletic T-shirts for the AYMA football team.
NEWS IN BRIEF
– Turkey’s showcase express train derailed yesterday (Thursday )in the
northwest, killing at least 36 people and injuring about 60, after
critics warned the old tracks along the Istanbul-Ankara line could not
handle the new high-speed cars.
– At least three Armenian chess players Vladimir Hakobian, Levon
Aronian and Karen Asrian will be eligible to compete for the World
Chess Cup which is expected to begin in 2005, in a newly designed
contest organized by the World Chess Federation.
– Armenia topped its Davis Cup Group at the Europe/Africa Zone Group
IV in Chisinau, by defeating Botswana, Malta and Mauritius.
– 900 high school graduates in Karabagh participated in Stepanakert
University’s entrance examination – the only one in the country – on
July 20.
– A five-year Italian child with leukaemia was saved after her genetic
makeup matched that of 22-year-old Armenian student, Vahe
Vardanian. The bone marrow transplant operation was performed on July
6 in Italy.
– 33 million drams in emergency assistance was allocated to the
province of Syunik, which was recently devastated by strong hailstorms
and winds that destroyed tens of homes.
– According to Sevan Observatory sources, Lake Sevan is currently
situated 1897.95 meters above the sea level. Last year, the level was
half a meter lower.
-Authorities of Mountainous Karabagh Republic said that after
consultations with the International Red Cross, they handed over a
19-year old Azeri soldier that had been detained when crossing a
cease-fire line last month.
– An Armenian magazine employee Pail Peloyan’s died after being
stabbed and beaten in Moscow.
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
* THE TEKEYAN YOUTH MOVEMENT OF CYPRUS is organizing a unique
excursion to Armenia, 7-14 August. Participants will exclusively be
Armenian youth (ages13 to 35) from all over the world. The one-week
programme is specially organized to include an optimum amount of
sightseeing, led by expert guides. Trips to Shushi, Stepanakert,
Noravank, Gladzor, Lake Sevan, Dilidjan, Barz Lidj, Khor Virab,
St. Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots, Sartarabad, Garni, Keghart,
Dzidzernagapert are included in the meticulously prepared
programme. Lodging will be at the “Lousakert” Hotel, 20 kilometres
North of Yerevan, ideally situated in an orchard. The hotel rooms are
fully equipped with all the necessary facilities. The price of the
WHOLE PACKAGE, including FULL BOARD, all the excursions, transfers
from and to the airport, return air fare from Cyprus and visa to
Armenia is only 335 Cyprus pounds. Those interested should immediately
call 99747798 or 99929343, as availability is very limited.
* The Armenian Youth Federation is organising its 17th Annual Summer
Camp at the Camp Site of Morphou Prelature at Kalopanayiotis from 9-15
August 2004.A rich educational and fun programme including Martial
Arts, Swimming, Trekking, Treasure Hunt, and Kisherayin Arshav. To
receive more information or to register please contact the following:
Nareg Tavitian 99488926, Nora Sarian 99439956 or Simon Aynedjian
99437073.
* The Armenian Youth Federation organised a youth gathering at Aktea
Beach in Ayia Napa for the weekend of 17-18 July. Enclosed some images
from the weekend at the
link: Once you
enter the site, click on view as slideshow on the right.
* The Armenian Youth Federation is organising Beach Party on Saturday
31 July, 2004 from 7:00 p.m. at The Fig Tree Bay in Protaras
Beach. Skiing, snacks, drinks, music, dancing and midnight
swim. Special package: All-inclusive participation to the Beach Party,
accommodation and breakfast at Aktea Beach in Ayia Napa for only
17.00. Contact Jirayr Sarkissian 99445018, Hagop Ipdjian 99476305,
Bedo Mouradian 99319415 and Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian 99839768 for
more details.
* CHANGE OF VENUE Khanasor and Lisbon 5 Expeditions commemoration at
Troodos Picnic site of “Loumada ton Aeton” (last year’s site and the
site of 1981-1982 AYF Camps, one mile before the American Academy Camp
site. As always follow the tricolours) Sunday July 25, 2004, organised
by AYMA, Dashnaktsoutiun Cyprus Committee, The Armenian National
Committee of Cyprus, AYF, Larnaca and Limassol Armenian Clubs,
Hamazkayin and ARS (HOM) Cyprus Chapters. Hayer hishek nviragan ayn
ore, Houlis amsoun ksanhinkin gadaretsek mer done. Commemorative
Programme begins at 12:00 noon. Speaker of the Day, President of
A.Y.M.A, Adour Karaguelian.
* A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to
Karabagh are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the
trip please contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members
immediately.
* POSTPONED The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter has been postponed
for Tuesday September 14, 2004.
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled
for Sunday 25 July, 2004.
* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can be
heard via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00
local Cyprus time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News bulletins at 17:15 local time
on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on
the following radio frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia
listeners) 94.2 FM (Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca)
96.5 FM (Paphos).
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TOP STORIES
07/21/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1. Thousands Participate in ARF/ADL-Organized Demonstration 2. ARF-ADL Joint Press Conference 3. Turkish PM in Paris, Peppered With Probes on Genocide 4. Political Representatives Meet with Journalists on Karabagh Issue 5. Regional Stability Focus of Georgia FM Visit to Armenia 6. NEWS BRIEFS 1. Thousands Participate in ARF/ADL-Organized Demonstration PARIS (AYFFM1/Aztagdaily.com)--Thousands of demonstrators on Tuesday converged on the spot where Prime Minister Erdogan was expected to give his press conference. ARF and ADL representatives as well as representatives of the Cypriot and Kurdish communities of France addressed the demonstrators. Also participating was the ARF representative of Holland. That country will assume the Presidency of the European Union in the coming months. ARF's Papazian stated that representative of Armenian communities would be visiting the European leaders with whom Prime Minister Erdogan met during his tour. Papazian also reported that on Monday Erdogan had addressed a gathering of 3,000 Turks in France in an attempt to reorganize the Turkish community there. 2. ARF-ADL Joint Press Conference At the very moment that French President Jacques Chirac and the Turkish Prime Minister were meeting in France on Tuesday, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Armenian Democratic League (the Ramgavar party) held a joint press conference. Also participating in the conference was Michel Tubiana, President of the French League for Human Rights and Vice-President of FIDHthe International Federation of Human Rights (La Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l'Homme). First to address reporters was Mourad Papazian, Representative of the Western Europe ARF Central Committee. Referencing reports by FIDH and other human rights organizations, he pointed out the dismal state of the human rights situation in Turkey. Papazian referred to Turkey's policy of genocide denial and the conditions set forth by the 18 June 1987 decision of the European Parliament. He also discussed the Copenhagen Criteria, saying that the reforms being carried out in Turkey are entirely insufficient and superficial, and the newly adopted laws have simply remained dead letters. The ARF representative concluded that Turkey is not ready for entry into the European Union. He explained that the decision to open accession talks are given only for those countries that have met the conditions set by Europe, whereas Turkey ignores European courts, which every year issue numerous condemnations of and verdicts against Turkey. Varoujan Sirabian spoke on behalf of the ADL, presenting the numerous reasons why Turkey is ineligible for entry into the European Union. He spoke of the threats to human rights and democracy in Turkeyand the dangers of the Turkish regime, in particular the Islamist ideology of Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) and his ideological orientation and statements. Michel Tubiana spoke about the current situation in Turkey. He criticized Turkey's delays in implementing its recently adopted laws and considered its continual denial of the Armenian Genocide unacceptable. 3. Turkish PM in Paris, Peppered With Probes on Genocide PARIS (AYFFM1 )--Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during his official visit to France, held a press conference in Paris on Monday, July 19, in the course of which he attempted to alleviate widespread concerns in French public opinion regarding Turkey's candidacy for accession to the European Union. Erdogan said there is no need for concern in France, because December 17, 2004 is not the date by which Turkey would be joining the European Union. Rather, that is when a date would be set for starting negotiations, he stressed. Erdogan was in France July 19-20, after having visited Germany and Holland, in an attempt to secure support. Turkey has recently undertaken a massive public relations campaign in an attempt to show that it is making significant progress toward meeting the European Council's Copenhagen Criteria for Turkey's accession to the Union and should therefore receive a date for beginning accession talks. Five of the approximately 15 questions put to Erdogan during the press conference were on Armenian topics, including the Armenian Genocide. In his responses, Erdogan did not attempt to term the Genocide "alleged" or "so called" or otherwise refute the fact of its occurrence. He did say, however, that the Armenian Genocide is a matter of the past and should be left up to historians. He stressed that it is necessary to focus on the part of the glass that is full and to look toward the future. Erdogan was asked about what assurance he could give that Turkey would adhere to the decisions of the European Parliament if Turkey were to become a member of it, when in fact it has not complied with the 18 June 1987 decision of the Parliament, which set forth the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the resolution of the Cyprus and Kurdish problems as preconditions for Turkey's entry into the European Union. Erdogan replied, "We respect and implement [only] those decisions that are binding." An Azerbaijani television reporter asked the Prime Minister, "Previously you used to say that to normalize relations with Armenia it is necessary to resolve the Karabagh question, but now you talk about the Genocide issue and final recognition by Armenia of Turkey's borders. Which is the more fundamental issue?" Erdogan replied that regarding both sets of issues all sides must work hand-in-hand to reach just resolutions and live in a peaceful environment. He added that in any event the populations of the Armenia-Turkey border area wish to see the Armenia-Turkey border opened. The reporter of the Turkish Zaman paper asked what Turkey would do if the French Parliament passes a law criminalizing denial of the Genocide, and whether that issue had been a subject of discussions with the French President and Premier. Erdogan replied that no such discussions have taken placeand, in any event, he does not wish to interfere in the internal affairs of another country. The Turkish Prime Minister also referred to France-Turkey relation, economic matters, the Middle East crisis, and Iraq... always attempting to present himself as a peace-loving and democratic leader. 4. Political Representatives Meet with Journalists on Karabagh Issue YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--Representatives of various political forces and several journalists met in Yerevan on July 21 to discuss the official position along with public perception about the Mountainous Karabagh conflict resolution process. Organized by the Armenian Press Club, the event attracted Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and Republican party representatives, and members of the Constitutional Rights Union. The most outspoken critic of returning liberated territories under some sort of mutual agreement was ARF's Giro Manoyan who categorically ruled out the option, saying those territories serve as a protective zone around the Mountainous Karabagh Republic. He instead proposed that the liberated territories be defined, and MKR declare sovereignty over the liberated territories. "We shouldn't forget that blood was shed there," he declared Manoyan explained that if the status of liberated territories remains unclear, not only will speculation about its surrender to Azerbaijan persist, but its population will also face constant threat. "We should do our best to establish a situation, in which those living within the liberated territories cannot be exiled," he emphasized, saying negotiations need to become more active. 5. Regional Stability Focus of Georgia FM Visit to Armenia YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--Georgia's Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili, arrived in Armenia on Wednesday to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues with Armenia's leadership. Zurabishvili and Armenian counterpart Vartan Oskanian spoke about the advantages of forging and strengthening existing partnerships with European and Euroatlantic structures, namely, the European Union and NATO. The two bodies have recently shifted their focus to the stability of the South Caucuses, and have stepped up activity there. Addressing regional economic development, Oskanian targeted the development of road and transport corridors extending east-west, and north-south in order to make the South Caucasus a lively trade route. In this context, the full reopening of regional railroads--specifically the Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi, and the Abkhazian section of the Russia-Georgia-Armenia railroads--were emphasized. Regional energy safety was reviewed, along with possible approaches to resolving issues in Mountainous Karabagh, Ossetia, and Abkhazia. Later in the day, Zurabishvili met with Armenian National Assembly Speaker Artur Baghdassarian and Prime Minister Andranik Margarian who stressed that healthy bilateral relations between their two countries is key to regional stability. Margarian, who co-chairs the Armenian-Georgian Inter-Governmental Commission on Economic Cooperation with his Georgian counterpart Zurab Zhvania, is due to visit Georgia for a regular meeting of the commission to review cooperation in the economic, energy, and transportation sectors. Margarian offered Armenia's assistance in implementing socio-economic development programs in Georgia's impoverished region of Javakhk, and expressed confidence that Georgia would pay due attention to the economic, cultural, and education problems that Javakh's majority Armenian population faces. Zurabishvili also met with representatives of the Georgian community in Armenia at the Georgian Embassy, and visited the Parajanov house-museum, and the Armenian Genocide memorial. She will also be meeting with President Robert Kocharian. 6. NEWS BRIEFS 7,000 Urban Residents in Lori to Receive Food Aid VANADZOR (ARMENPRESS)Some 7,000 urban residents in the province of Lori will be the recipients of food aid from the UN World Food Program. The aid distribution is set to begin later on this month. Each individual will receive 29 kg of flour, vegetable oil and lentil. Under an agreement with the Armenian government, the World Food Program will continue its assistance into 2006. Ambassador to Italy Gives Talk on Karabagh Conflict YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)Armenian Ambassador to Italy Gagik Baghdasarian, made an hour long presentation about the Mountainous Karabagh conflict during the `Identity and Memory: Europe and the Management of Conflicts' seminar, organized by the Italian San Marino Summer University. The seminar, which was held between July 16 and 18, was attended by students, young researchers and professors from across Italy. Armenian Youth Particpate in Italian Soccer Competition YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)The Italian embassy in Yerevan said on Tuesday that it has issued visas to a group of young Futbol Federation of Armenia players. The Armenian soccer players, who are between the ages of 9-14, have invited to participate in a competition in Italy organized by the Federazione Italiana Gioco Calcio (FIGC). The competition is scheduled to take place in the Summer Center of the FIGC in Norcia, Italy from July 25 to 31. The FIGC has also invited a delegation from Azerbaijan. It is likely that the two teams may face each other in a friendly match. All trip-related expenses will be covered by the FIGC. Javakhk Artists Display their Work In Yerevan YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)An exhibition featuring the work of artists from Javakhk opened in Yerevan on July 20. Approximately 100 paintings are on display. A similar event was last held about ten years ago. Armenian Wrestler Wins Silver Medal YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)Greco-Roman wrestler Khosrov Melikian snatched the silver medal at a Europe youth championship in Slovenia. Melikian, who is a resident of Gyumri, defeated all four of his rivals in the 50 kg weight class. Writers Union Condemns Review Court Decision YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)In a move that is likely to further exacerbate relations between Armenian writers and judicial authorities, the Union of Armenia's Writers issued a statement on July 20 `to express the deep indignation about the rude violation of the Union's rights by a court of review.' The statement followed a court of review verdict that cancelled a lower court decision in favor of the Union concerning a hospital that was run by the Union for decades. The hospital was sold by the Arabkir community to a businessmen through an agreement, which the writers say is non-existent and that the community had no right to regulate the fate of the hospital. In a letter addressed to the president, the Union asked Robert Kocharian to interfere. On Monday, the chairman of the Union stated that they were not going to surrender and will take the case to the Court of Appeals. Reporters Demands Investigation into Azeri Case BAKU (ARMENPRESS)On Tuesday, the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders called upon Azerbaijan's law enforcement bodies to find out and punish the perpetrators of last Saturday's assault of Aydin Guliyev, who serves as the chief editor of opposition daily Baki-Khabar (Baku-News). Guliyev was abducted and beaten by four unidentified assailants in Baku on July 17. Guliyev said on Monday that the four masked men accused him of dispersing anti-Islamic propaganda through his publication and being disrespectful to Azerbaijan's `statehood.' He emphasized that his newspaper never published articles against Islam and that the accusations were intended to cover the real reason for the attack, which he believes could have been ordered by the government. Guliyev added that he had been receiving phone threats for around ten days prior to his abduction. The editor has since appealed to the various embassies in Baku in search of asylum. Baki-Khabar serves as the publication of the opposition Azerbaijan Democrat Party, which is currently chaired by Rasul Guliyevan ex-parliamentary speaker who now lives in exile in the United States. A former ally of the late President Heydar Aliyev, Aydin Guliyev split with the leader in 1996 and founded the opposition party. He is accused of appropriating large amounts of state funds while working as the head of an oil refinery plant in Baku during the early 1990s. PM Meets with Outgoing American Ambassador YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)On Tuesday, Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian received the outgoing United States Ambassador to Armenia, John Ordway. `During our first meeting three years ago I was sure that we were going to cooperate successfully. Today it is a reality,' the ambassador stated during his farewell meeting with the prime minister. He thanked the Armenian government, and the prime minister personally, for the work the two sides were able to accomplish during his tenure. In turn, Margarian commended the ambassador's efforts in deepening the ties between the two countries and noted that visible political and economic relations and cooperation within international organizations has emerged. Margarian specifically referred to Armenia's eligibility in the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) program, and assured the ambassador that Armenia will comply with the deadline and submit its suggestions and approved program to the US government. Agency to Ask Court To Dissolve 58 Political Parties YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)According to State Registration Agency of the Justice Ministry, only 63 of the 121 formerly registered political parties, have submitted the proper paperwork required for formal registration. Agency head Gurgen Sarkisian stated that they will ask the courts to dissolve the 58 parties that have not fulfilled the required criteria under the country's legal code. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

ArmenPress
July 20 2004
ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES OUTGOING GERMAN AMBASSADOR
YEREVAN, JULY 20, ARMENPRESS: Armenian prime minister Andranik
Margarian commended today the outgoing German ambassador Hans Wulf
Bartels for his heavy contributions to further development of
bilateral political and economic relations and underscored closer
ties with one of the most influential member of the European Union.
Margarian also noted that despite the evident progress, the available
potential is not used at full extent, particulalry, in trade,
establishment of joint ventures and other areas.
Ambassador Bartels expressed hope that the prime minister’s recent
visit to Germany for participating in a German-Armenian business
conference would serve as an additional impetus to deepening ties.

El Pais (Uruguay)
July 20, 2004
Puerta del Sur construira nueva terminal de pasajeros por US$ 30
millones;
Manana presentan diseno del nuevo edificio del aeropuerto
El consorcio Puerta del Sur, concesionario del Aeropuerto de
Carrasco, presentara manana su proyecto de construccion de la nueva
terminal de pasajeros, la que estara a cargo de Rafael Vinoly,
arquitecto uruguayo radicado en Nueva York responsable del diseno de
la obra que insumira una inversion de unos U$S 30 millones.
Si bien el propio pliego de la licitacion, celebrada en noviembre de
2003, por la que se concedio la operacion del aeropuerto establecia
la construccion de la nueva terminal, los detalles de la misma se
conoceran recien manana.
Fuentes cercanas al emprendimiento dijeron a El Pais que el
empresario armenio-argentino Eduardo Eurnekian, principal accionista
de Puerta del Sur y tambien del grupo que opera todos los aeropuertos
argentinos, dio luz verde a la presentacion de la obra despues de
reunirse con Tabare Vazquez en Buenos Aires, y que este le asegurase
que en caso que el Frente Amplio sea gobierno respetara las
privatizaciones aprobadas por sus predecesores.
Eurnekian y Vazquez se encontraron en la capital argentina a
principios de junio cuando el lider de la izquierda se presento ante
la clase empresarial local.
Hoy Vazquez se adelantara a la presentacion oficial y la anunciara a
un grupo de empresarios locales con los que se reunira.
El presidenciable ya hablo del asunto durante su gira por Estados
Unidos, oportunidad en la que se reunio con Vinoly quien le mostro la
maqueta de la obra que en Uruguay se conocera manana.
El pliego de condiciones de la concesion del Aeropuerto de Carrasco
establece que Puerta del Sur debera encargarse de la “puesta a punto”
de la termi- nal aerea y el tema se presenta como la primera
controversia que surja entre el Estado y los pri- vados.
La concesion del aeropuerto a Puerta del Sur indica que la empresa
debera construir una nueva terminal aerea antes del 2008, la que
estara ubicada a unos mil metros de la actual en la zona en la que
hoy se unica el radar del aeropuerto.
Fuentes consultadas de la empresa y tecnicos del aeropuerto indicaron
a El Pais que el edificio actual tiene un deterioro edilicio
importante y destacaron que su refaccion costara entre U$S 4 y U$S 5
millones.

AGBU Southern California
Central Sports Committee
2495 E. Mountain St.
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 794-7942 (Office)
(626) 794-2662 (Fax)
Second Annual AGBU-AYA Basketball Clinic
The Second Annual AGBU-AYA Youth Basketball Clinic was held at the
AGBU Center in Pasadena, CA on July 17, 2004. The AGBU Southern
California Central Sports Committee organized the event. AGBU-AYA
boys, 10-12 years of age, participated from both the Valley and
Pasadena AGBU chapters. Each clinic participant received team and
individual instruction in the fundamentals of basketball, and competed
in games and contests.
6’11”, 290-pound center Rafael Araujo, who was selected eighth in the
2004 NBA Draft on June 24 by the Toronto Raptors, spoke to the
participants and signed autographs for them. Araujo instructed the
youth in various basketball drills and took photos with them. Araujo
also encouraged the AGBU-AYA athletes to focus on their academics and
on the fundamentals of basketball.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the AGBU-AYA basketball
program, please contact the AGBU Pasadena Center at 626-794-7942 or
AGBU Valley Chapter at 818-313-9449.

RIA Novosti, Russia
July 13 2004
RUSSIA-ARMENIA: ECONOMIC TIES TO RISE TO POLITICAL CONTACTS’ LEVEL,
SAYS FRADKOV
MOSCOW, July 13 (RIA Novosti) – Bilateral problems related to Russian
capital investment in Armenia will soon be settled, reassured Mikhail
Fradkov, Russia’s Prime Minister. He was addressing the media to sum
up Moscow negotiations with Andranik Margaryan, his Armenian
counterpart.
A recent arrangement envisages Armenia paying its foreign debt in
kind, with government companies privatized in Russia’s favor. Russia
is to respond with capital investment in the Armenian economy-but is
marking time. A reporter asked Mr. Fradkov why. “The matter needs
in-depth studies, promotion and coordination between involved
companies-but it will be settled quite soon. We [Russians] are
interested in buying up more projects. The issue is certainly not
exhausted by far,” he replied.
As for today’s agenda, it involved a wide range of commercial,
investment and other aspects of bilateral economic contacts.
“The intergovernmental commission will gather for its nearest session
within the year to discuss economic, humanitarian and
military-technological partnership, and Armenia’s prospects to pay
its debt by ceding property to Russia, its creditor.
“We have reserves which we have not used up, and are in duty bound to
raise bilateral economic contacts to the level of what we have in
politics.”
Russia is interested in updating military technologies it has
exported to Armenia. “Our military-technological partnership is
gaining momentum. Russian higher educational establishments are
training the Armenian military, and either Party is eager, and able
to make the links ever closer as Russia updates its previous
military-oriented exports to Armenia, and supplies spare parts.
“Gas-industrial contacts are also making dynamic progress. A related
cooperation agreement will be ready within a few days.”
Both countries’ interests lie not merely in fuel and power supplies
but spreading them to third countries’ markets, Mr. Fradkov went on.
Russia is enthusiastic about the Russian language use increasing in
Armenia. Its tuition spectacularly improves. Russia is eagerly
helping-in particular, with study book donations. A total of 55,000
copies came in within the preceding two years alone. Armenia
presently has 65 secondary schools with extended Russian language
curricula, plus fifty Russian language classes: Armenians need a
working command of Russian as bilateral relations are ever improving,
said Mikhail Fradkov.
Andranik Margaryan, too, highlighted his country’s great public
respect for the Russian language. “Armenian-Russian economic ties
help to improve language tuition, which life itself has made a must,”
he stressed.
An intergovernmental agreement on educational partnership was signed
today, following the prime-ministerial negotiations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Interfax
July 12 2004
Islamabad for Azerbaijan as integral state – Musharraf
Baku. (Interfax-Azerbaijan) – The Pakistani authorities have always
stood for preserving Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, visiting
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said in the Azerbaijani
parliament on Friday.
“Pakistan’s official authorities have always wanted Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity to remain intact. This is our unwavering
position. The Pakistani government and every Pakistani citizen will
always support
Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,” Musharraf said.
“We think that the Azerbaijani government needs to restore the
country’s territorial integrity. We would like to give our assurance
that the Pakistani people will spare no efforts in this issue,” he
said.
Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven neighboring
districts as a result of a conflict with Armenia in the 1990s.
The UN Security Council has issued a number of resolutions denouncing
Armenia’s occupation of the Azerbaijani district and urging Armenia
to withdraw its troops.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk
Group, comprising the United States, Russia, and France, has been
involved in helping to settle the dispute between Azerbaijan and
Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Daily Times, Pakistan from Agence France Presse
July 9 2004
Azerbaijan will support Pakistan on Kashmir, says Musharraf
* Says Pakistan will support Azerbaijan on Karabakh
* Both countries sign four agreements
BAKU: President Pervez Musharraf, on the first day of his state visit
to the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan, said on Thursday that
the two countries had agreed to work together on issues including the
Kashmir dispute, Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
`The unique character of our political relations is that we always
understand each other and support each other,’ President Musharraf
told a press conference after talks with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham
Aliyev. `That finds expression in the Kashmir…problem,’ he added.
`In international questions our positions are also close and on
issues of the Islamic world, like the Palestine question, questions
of Iraq and Afghanistan, we have agreed to coordinate our actions in
future.’
President Musharraf reciprocated Azerbaijan’s backing for Pakistan
over Kashmir by saying that his country backed Baku’s efforts to
regain control over Karabakh, which is under Armenian control. `The
occupation of Azerbaijan’s regions worries Pakistan and in this
question we will constantly support Azerbaijan,’ he said.
After talks between the Pakistani and Azeri heads of state, the two
men and their officials signed a series of agreements covering the
tourism trade, customs and combating the drugs trade and
international terrorism. Musharraf said his country was also
interested in tapping into Azerbaijan’s oil industry expertise (the
country is rich in crude and has been extracting oil for nearly a
century) to help Pakistan exploit its own energy resources.
`Azerbaijan has great experience,’ Musharraf told reporters. `We want
to use that experience, create joint ventures and work together with
Azerbaijan.’ President Musharraf is due to address the Azeri
parliament today (Friday) and fly home the following day. President
Musharraf’s schedule for Friday includes a walkabout in the capital
and attending a concert in his honour at the State Philharmonic Hall.