Panorama.am
13:40 28/05/2007
ARMENIAN BOXER KNOCKS DOWN SEBASTIAN DEMERS
World Box Champion in IBM in middle weight rank, Arthur Abraham,
knocked down Sebastian Demers, a Canadian boxer. Before this fights,
Demers underwent no defeats. Abraham knocked him down in a 3 round
game.
Source: Panorama.am
Representatives of Abkhazian NGOs are visiting Karabakh
27-05-2007 13:23:22 – KarabakhOpen
The leaders of the NGOs of Karabakh met with the representatives of
the Center for Humanitarian Programs Batal Kobakhia and Liana
Kvarchelia from Abkhazia at the Resource Center of Stepanakert. The
meeting was organized within the framework of the program of
Stepanakert Resource Center funded by International Alert.
The renowned Abkhazian civil society activists will stay in Karabakh
until May 30 and will hold meetings and seminars with the civil
society activists of Karabakh.
During the meeting on Saturday Batal Kobakhia and Liana Kvarchelia
told about the role of the civil society and NGOs in the political
life of the country. Recently Mr. Kobakhia has been elected to
parliament and he is now the only independent member of the Abkhazian
parliament. `Our goal is not to support one party or another but
protect human rights and freedoms, watch honoring of laws, no matter
what these laws are. And if we dislike the laws, we go to the
parliament and lobby new laws,’ Batal Kobakhia said.
Collaboration of Abkhazian and Karabakh NGOs has long history but is
not as active as it should be. Although collaboration would be useful
to mutual support and exchange of experience. `This is my first visit
to Karabakh and I was amazed that the post-war reconstruction is
almost over. In our country it is not so. There has been some progress
recently, but the situation is different, ‘ Liana Kvarchelia said. At
the same time, it was emphasized that in terms of civil control and
influence on the government’s actions the NGOs of Karabakh have more
advantages over the Karabakh NGOs. Although in Karabakh too efforts
were made to express a civil stance and convey it to the society.
PYUNIK AND MIKA TO COMPETE FOR HAKOB TONOYAN SUPERCUP
Noyan Tapan
May 25 2007
YEREVAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN. 10th Tournament of Football Supercup
will take place on May 27, at 19:00 at Yerevan’s Republican sports
ground. 2006 champion Pyunik and cup-holder Mika will compete for
the prize.
Pyunik takes part in this tournament for the 8th time. It succeeded
in 4 out of these 8 tournaments. Mika will perform for the 4th time
and it has always competed with Pyunik. Pyunik won three previous
Tournaments of Supercup with participation of two teams. Mika was
recognized the winner in 2006 beating Pyunik with a score of 3 to 2.
To recap, the first Supercup Tournament was held in 1996. It is named
after devotee of Armenian football Hakob Tonoyan.
=============================
WESTERN DIOCESE E-NEWSLETTER
=============================
Dioce san News
—————–
PRIMATE PREPARES TO RECEIVE NEW CLERGYMEN
( ory.php?id=463)
PRIMATE MEETS WITH YOUNG ARMENIAN AMERICANS FROM DA’S OFFICE
( .php?id=450)
JEWISH WORLD WATCH HONORS PROF. RICHARD HOVANNISIAN AND MICHAEL HAGOPIAN
( ry.php?id=451)
LOS ANGELES RELIGIOUS LEADERS COUNCIL MEETING
( y.php?id=452)
ASCENSION DAY CELEBRATIONS
On Wednesday, May 17th, the Diocese celebrated the Feast Day of the
Ascension of Christ or “Hampartzoom” at the Diocesan
Headquarters.
(http://www.armenianchurchw d.com/news/story.php?id=453)
PRIMATE MEETS WITH GLENDALE MAYOR NAJARIAN
( ry.php?id=454)
DIOCESE ATTENDS 2ND ANNUAL BANQUET OF THE BURBANK CHAPTER OF THE ANC
( p?id=455)
PRIMATE MEETS WITH BURBANK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
( .php?id=456)
PRIMATE ATTENDS DIOCESAN SUMMER CAMP COMMITTEE MEETING
( y.php?id=457)
PRIMATE ATTENDS 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF NOR OR WEEKLY
On the evening of Saturday, May 19, His Eminence attended the 85th
anniversary of the Nor Or Weekly Newspaper.
( tory.php?id=458)
PRIMATE PRESIDES OF ST. VARTAN OAKLAND 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
On Sunday, May 20th, the Primate presided of the celebration of
St. Vartan Oakland’s 50th Anniversary of consecration.
( s/story.php?id=459)
DIOCESE ATTEND THE 3RD ANNUAL GALA DINNER OF THE ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL FUND
On Sunday, May 20th, Fr. Zaven Markosyan representing the Primate
attended the 3rd Annual Gala Dinner of the Armenian International
Medical Fund.
( php?id=460)
PRIMATE ATTENDS INTERNATIONAL DANCE ACADEMY PERFORMANCE
( story.php?id=461)
UPCOMING EVENTS IN MAY
( p?id=462)
Upcoming Events
—————–
6/15: Armenia Tomorrow with Harout Pamboukjian
( dar/detail.php?id=60)
=========================== ==
The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, providing
spiritual guidance and leadership to the Armenian Apostolic community,
is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization comprised of 47
churches in 16 western states. It was established in 1898 as the
Diocese of the Armenian Church encompassing the entire United States
and Canada. In 1927 the Western Diocese was formed to exclusivly serve
the western United States.
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474 Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
TBILISI INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON GLOBALIZATION AND DIALOGUE AMONG CIVILIZATIONS STARTS
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 24 2007
Tbilisi hosts International Forum on Globalization and Dialogue among
civilizations. The Forum is held under the auspices President of
Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili and Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro
Matsuura and with support of the Catolicos-Patriarch of all Georgia
Ilia II.
Georgian Ministries for Education, Foreign Affairs , Culture and
Sports, Georgian President’s mother, chairman of Georgia-Azerbaijan
Friendship House Giuli Alasaniya-chaired Georgia National Committee of
Dialogue Eurasia Platform Organization are participating in the forum.
The representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Italy, Russia, France,
Germany, Poland, UAE, US, Romania, Austria, Kazakhstan and other states
attended the forum. Armenia is not represented at the international
forum.
Mikhail Saakashvili addressing the meeting said three or four
years ago Georgia’s economic situation was very bad. "80 percent of
population was not provided with electricity. This problem has already
been settled. Georgia was poor country in 2002 now it is one of the
quickly developing countries. Georgia is invested much more now,
the roads have been repaired and energy security is provided".
Touching upon the dialogue among civilizations Mikhail Saakashvili said
Georgia is multinational country where Azerbaijanis and Georgians live
in peace. "Previous Georgian government and my opposition called me
and Zurab Jvaniya Armenian. But I am pure Georgian. I answered them
if you hate Armenians I am Armenian, if you hate Azerbaijanis I am
Azerbaijani, if you hate Jewish I am Jewish".
Georgian President said there is no ethnic discrimination in his
country. "Marneuli International University gives Georgian language
lessons." I am proud of that every day Azerbaijanis and Armenians
raise Georgian flag and sings Georgian march before starting
lessons". Mikhail Saakashvili stressed the existence of religious
tolerance in Georgia. Georgian Orthodox Church play huge role in
the development of his country and tolerance. I extend my gratitude
to Ilia II. Tbilisi is the place of connection of church, synagogue
and mosque".
Catolicos-Patriarch of all Georgia Ilia II speaking on the importance
of dialogue between religions said dialogue among cultures mean
dialogue among religions too. The world can not exist without
globalization today. But the globalization should not violate national
spirit of nations and states".
Azerbaijan MP Ganira Pashayeva, Director General of Azeri Press Agency
(APA) Vusale Mahirgizi and editor of "Azad Azerbaijan "TV Etibar
Mammadov are expected to address the meeting.
–Boundary_(ID_jWP4SyomlXwO0I7Cpb7oOA)–
HUSEYN BAGIROV: AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTRY NEGOTIATE WITH UN AND OSCE TO PREVENT FIRES IN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 23 2007
"Our joint activity with Foreign Ministry will not aim only to attract
attention to Armenians’ committing arsons in Karabakh, but also to
prevent it," Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry Huseyn Bagirov
said, APA reports.
The Minister said he can not report about future measures in advance
and added that UN and OSCE representatives will negotiate with the
Foreign Ministry regarding this issue.
"Not only causes should be investigated, but preventive measures
should be taken. Azerbaijan can allocate resources for this," he said.
Huseyn Bagirov also said that Ecology and Natural Resources Ministry
has a working group analyzing ecological consequences on the occupied
territories.
The representatives of the working group are at present observing
the area.
YEREVAN MAYOR OFF TO SAINT PETERSBURG
armradio.am
23.05.2007 11:43
May 23-25 the delegation headed by the Mayor of Yerevan Yervand
Zakharyan will visit Saint Petersburg at the invitation of Governor
Valentina Matvienko.
ArmInfo was told from the Information and Public Relations Department
of the Yerevan City Hall that in the framework of the official visit
it is envisaged to sign the cooperation plan between the two cities
for 2007-2009.
Other issues of cooperation between Yerevan and Saint Petersburg will
be discussed during the bilateral meeting.
FINES IMPOSED ON ARMENIAN COMPANIES USING "MOSKOVSKAYA" AND "KHLEBNAYA DOROGA" VODKA TRADE MARKS
Noyan Tapan
May 23 2007
YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The studies conducted by the RA
State Commission on Protection of Economic Competition on the
vodka commodity market revealed cases of copying some vodka trade
marks. Particularly, Merdzavan Alcoholic Drink Factory company
produces and sells "Moskovskaya" vodka. This trade mark is registered
by the RA Intellectual Property Agency as the trade mark of Spirits
International N.V. company (the Netherlands).
Studies also revealed that Byuk Concern, Salex Group and Sis Alco
companies produce vodka using the "Khlebnaya Doroga" trade mark,
which is registered by the RA Intellectual Property Agency as the
trade mark of Veda Finance company (Russia).
It was announced at the May 23 sitting of the commission that by
using the trade marks of other companies, the above mentioned Armenian
comapnies mislead consumers and thus violate the Armenian legislation
on economic competition.
The commission decided to impose a fine of 100 thousand drams on
each of these four companies and to stop production of vodkas with
imitated trade marks.
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE GRAND MUFTI OF THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
VISITS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
Continuing his pontifical visit to Syria, His Holiness Aram I received the
Grand Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic, Sheikh Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun,
in the Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo on May 19. A delegation of sheikhs and lay
members of the Islamic Council accompanied the Mufti. The delegation also
included the Ambassador of Indonesia to Damascus.
The two sides discussed issues related to Lebanon, Iraq and the Middle
East in general during that lasted about an hour. The positive role of the
Syrian-Armenian community in the country was stressed and the important role
of the Armenian communities in the Middle East as exemplars of religious
co-existence was highlighted. The importance of the Armenian Genocide, its
recognition by the West and compensation for the Armenian nation’s violated
rights were also discussed.
On the Armenian side, participants in the meeting also included Primate
Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, V. Rev. Fr. Vahan
Berberian, members of the Political Assembly, Member of Parliament Sempoul
Sempoulian and the chairman of the committee on the Pontifical visit, Daron
Avedissian.
Mufti Hassoun was also His Holiness’ lunch guest in the Prelacy.
On the same morning, the Catholicos received the primates of all the
Christian communities of Aleppo. Greeting their joint visit, His Holiness
emphasized the importance of cooperation between Christian churches. He
talked about the Armenian community and its characteristics, highlighting
the possibilities for cooperation provided by the Syrian fatherland to all
its communities.
The Primates welcomed the Armenian Spiritual Leader’s visit, considering
him not only the Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, but also a prominent
international and religious figure. The Primates expressed deep desire for
theological dialogue and cooperation between churches and confidence that
through such cooperation the mission of churches will be further developed.
##
View the photos here:
#3
MY KIND OF TOWN ALEPPO
by Greg Malouf
The Sunday Telegraph (LONDON)
May 20, 2007 Sunday
Why Aleppo? I’ve done a lot of travelling around the Middle
East exploring the cuisine for my books, and the ancient trading
centre of Aleppo in the northern part of Syria is unquestionably my
favourite city. It’s retained a magical unspoilt feel, has a massive
citadel (above left), sprawling medieval souk and exquisite Ottoman
buildings. More to the point, it has a unique food culture that’s
been greatly influenced by its Armenian population.
What do you miss most when you are away? Sour cherry kebabs,
mulberry ice cream, spicy sujuk sausage … and also the legendary
Syrian hospitality, which makes it one of the friendliest and least
hard-work Arab countries to visit. The phrase you’ll hear most often
while visiting Aleppo is: "My friend! You are welcome in my country!"
What’s the first thing you do when you return? Eat. I dive into the
souks to re-familiarise myself with the food scene, stopping on the
way to grab a bowl of foul medames (bean stew) from one of the many
hole-in-the-wall cafes, and a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate
juice.
Where’s the best place to stay? I like El Mandaloun in Jdeideh,
the city’s charming Armenian quarter (Al Telal-Hazazeh Street; 00963
21 228 3008; ; doubles from pounds 40). It’s a
boutique hotel in a converted 17th-century merchant house, with enough
pretty touches (antique tiles, wooden shutters, fragrant courtyard
with tortoise) to satisfy the most ardent Orientalist.
Where would you meet friends for a drink? The shabby and eccentric old
Baron Hotel is a perennial favourite for nostalgia buffs (8 Sharia
al-Baron; 221 0880). I also quite like the cosy underground bar in
Sissi House (Sharai as-Sissi; 221 9411).
Where are your favourite places for lunch? I’d go for street food. At
any number of small cafes or food stalls in and around the souks you
can feast on spicy red lentil soup, garlic-scented charcoal chicken,
toshka (toasted cheese sandwiches), savoury pastries or crisp golden
falafel in pita – all for next to nothing.
And for dinner? In Jdeideh there are several excellent restaurants
in converted old Arab houses. My favourites are Sissi House (Sharia
as-Sissi; 221 9411), Beit Wakil (Sharia as-Sissi; 221 7169) and
Yasmeen (Sharia al-Kayyali; 222 4462). All have charming courtyard
settings with tinkling fountains, intricate lace stonework and Arab
knick-knacks, and all offer more or less the same local specialties.
Mezze dishes include muhammara (spicy red pepper and walnut dip), tangy
fresh za-atar (wild thyme) salad topped with shredded white cheese,
chilli-flecked lamb tartare and creamy yoghurt cheese sprinkled with
mint and olive oil. If you’ve still got room, try the famous lamb
kebabs in a tangy sweet-sour cherry sauce. Wash it all down with
local beer.
Where would you send a first-time visitor? The souks, obviously – go
early in the morning, just as the place is coming to life. Climb to
the top of the massive citadel for some respite from the chaos and an
amazing bird’s-eye view of the city. For brave souls, I’d recommend a
few hours at the Hammam Yalbougha al-Nasry near the citadel (362 3154)
– check to see whether it’s a men’s or women’s day. You’ll emerge raw
and red-faced, and sometime it’s hard to know whether the experience
leaves you energised or exhausted.
What would you tell them to avoid? Unless you’re going for a drink
at the Baron Hotel, I’d steer clear of the New City, which is noisy,
dirty and charmless.
Public transport or taxi? Keep to Jdeideh and the Old City and
everything is pretty much in walking distance, but taxis are cheap
and plentiful.
Handbag or moneybelt? Handbag. Aleppo is safe and virtually crime-free
– it certainly doesn’t have the same drink or drug culture as many
large Western cities. Nor does it have the same hassle as, say,
Morocco or Egypt.
What should I take home? Local textiles, ornate metal trays or coffee
pots, inlaid backgammon sets, handmade soaps and hammam products,
Berber jewellery – you’ll find them all in the souks. Orient House
on Hatab Square in Jdeideh also has a good, if more expensive, range
of antiques and bric-a-brac.
And if I’ve only time for one shop? There’s a handicraft market on
the south-west side of the citadel (Souq ash-Shouna) where prices
are regulated and you don’t have the stress of haggling.
Greg Malouf is a chef and food writer, specialising in Middle-Eastern
cuisine. His latest book, co-written with Lucy Malouf, is Arabesque:
A chef’s journey through Lebanon and Syria (Quadrille, pounds 30)