Category: News

armenianow.com
July 30, 2004
Vacation Armenian Style: Hankavan, the other “water world”
By Vahan Ishkhanyan
ArmeniaNow reporter
”When you plunge into hot water you find yourself right in a dream,” says
Russian language teacher Karineh Nersesova.
Nersesova is among those who have found the springs of the Hankavan Health
Resort, where pools and baths are naturally filled by mineral waters at
temperatures of 37-42C (about 100-110F).
Water is special in Hankavan
Hankavan village is located 80 kilometers north of Yerevan. It is the last
settlement of the gorge of Marmarik River. The gorge straggles out 40
kilometers long, all of it a recreation zone.
Bald on one side the other side is surrounded with mountains covered with
forests through which Marmarik River flows. Hankavan, about 1,900 meters
above sea level, is a king of the gorge surrounded with pine-trees where hot
waters spring from under the ground and where the head of Marmarik River is
located a little bit upwards towards the mountains.
Karmrakhayt (river trout) inhabit the part of Marmarik River flowing next to
Hankavan (this subspecies of trout can be found in high-mountain cold
rivers). However, it disappears in the waters of the river flowing two
kilometers downwards. The average temperature in summer is 18 0C (64F).
During Soviet times the health resort belonged to a medical institution for
high-ranking officials. The upper class of Armenia rested and received
treatment there, beginning in 1963.
Chief doctor Artashes Gevorgyan, who has held his post for 30 years, recalls
many high-ranking guests. Today, anyone can rest and receive treatment in
Hankavan for a cost of 6600 drams (about $13) per day, which includes
accommodation, meals and medical advice.
Hankavan mineral waters have healing properties and are believed to cure
diseases of liver, gall-bladder, pancreas and ailments of the nervous
system.
The alkaline waters contain potassium, calcium, iodine and other minerals.
”Our water differs from Jermuk despite Jermuk is also mineral,” says the
doctor. “For instance, people suffering from hypoxemia, or the lack of
acidity in the organism undergo treatment here while on the contrary in
Jermuk people suffering from hyperoxemia receive treatment.” People both
can drink the water as well as bathe in it.
Nersesova receives internal as well as external treatment.
”I heard people have a nice rest here but all my expectations were
surpassed,” she says. “The resort is clean, food is good, the environment,
forests, air and river are just wonderful,.
“My mother was an honored doctor and she worked at the polyclinic of KGB.
Every year she used to spend her vacations in resorts of Russia and Black
Sea. When she came here she never left for somewhere else after that. Every
year she began spending her vacations here. She used to say that Hankavan
was equal to all other places in everything. Treatment and rest just
wonderfully coexist here.”
Soak, but don’t linger
However, only carpeted stairs remind of the health resort’s former
luxuriance. The resort used to function all year, but now is open only two
months a year (July and August).
Baths are not filled with water in basement floors and a gallery where
patients once drank hot water has run dry, leaving only bright yellow
mineral traces.
The water springs have been privatized. A plant has been constructed on one
part. At the plant CO2 (carbon dioxide) is separated from mineral water and
sold to a company that produces ice and one to factories to use with milk
products.
The resort pays the plant for use of the waters.
”They use all the water, pour it into the river and don’t provide us with
it,” says Gevorgyan. “Last year I paid 100,000 drams (about $200) so that
they fill baths with water. During Soviet times mineral water belonged to
the health resort and only we had the right to administer it. They had to
come and ask us for water. But now everything has changed, now we ask for
water.”
Today, a half-hour in a pool costs 1000 drams (about $2) and a 30-minute
bath is 500 drams.
Visitors are cautioned that it is unhealthy to spend too much time in the
water.
“If you want you can stay here for an hour but it is dangerous to be in
water for more than ten minutes,” says attendant Serozh. “My friend, my duty
is to warn you and for the rest then it is your business.”
Serozh says he used to be confined to bed because of a spinal problem.
Mineral baths cured him he says and then he started working at the resort.
”There is no sanatorium now. It was a sanatorium 20 years ago,” says
regular visitor of the health resort, former head of collective farm Arshak
Harutyunyan.
He recalls how he was spending vacations with the former First Secretary of
the Armenian Communist Party Anton Kochinyan. ”Hankavan was his favorite
place. Every day he used to climb the peak of that mountain. He would say,
‘Arshak, let’s climb together,’ but I would answer, ‘no, Anton Yervandich, I
can not,’ then in the evening he would say, ‘Arshak, let’s drink,’ but I
would answer, ‘no, Anton Yervandich, I’m receiving treatment, I cannot
drink.’ Eh! What days we had and what is left now . . .”
Armenian-American businessman Vrezh Saryan purchased the health resort four
years ago. He was born in Armenia and 30 years ago he left for USA. He was
involved in honey business and achieved great successes. During Soviet times
when he was a child he was having rest in Hankavan’s pioneer camp. However,
he was attracted first to with Hankavan by the mineral waters.
Saryan wants to bring western -style attractions
”I saw mineral water health resorts in Turkish city Ponakyal and in Israel.
Americans made 99% of people receiving treatment there,” he says, ”and the
idea was born. We have such mineral waters in Armenia, so, we should do
something to make Americans come here for having rest and receiving
treatment.”
Saryan is planning big investments and dreams to turn Hankavan into a center
of international tourism. He says he will build cottages and a 2,000-seat
amphitheater like the Hollywood Bowl, which he’ll call “Hankavank Bowl”.
”It will be ready in 2006,” the owner says. “Placido Domingo promised me to
come and perform here. I hope James Brown will also come here. There will be
rock concerts too.” He is planning to construct the entire health resort in
American style. Vacationers will be moving around the territory in the golf
carts, one of which stands next to his house.
However, it is yet not decided how mineral water will be sent back to the
health resort again as all springs are privatized. ”There are problems
connected with water but authorities must help. I wrote a letter to the
president and he replied, ‘Saryan, you have no problems’,” he says showing
letter of the president’s advisor where it is promised to render assistance
to the program.
Hankavan village has also been turned into a recreation zone. Greeks were
former residents of the village. Now only about 20 are left, as most sold
their houses to Yerevantsis. In winters there are about 40 residents in the
village while in summers when holiday season begins the population increases
three to four times.
The Ghushoghlyan family from Yerevan has been spending its vacations in
Hankavan for 20 years. During Soviet times they were renting a room in the
village and later they purchased a house and added a second floor to it.
”We fell in love with Hankavan,” says Arevik Ghushoghlyan. ”Before, when
we were going somewhere for having rest, either to sea or somewhere else, in
August we were necessarily visiting Hankavan.” Her daughter, 12-year-old
Arpineh, has been having rest in Hankavan since childhood, ”I had always
been waiting for the day when we must have visited Hankavan. I always miss
the waterfall (of Marmarik River located upwards the village), hot water and
forests,” she says.
However, Hankavan is a neglected place anyway. After the Greeks had left the
village telephone wires were stolen and there is no telephone communication
there now. When the Ghushoghlyans want to call somewhere they either have to
walk 15 kilometers to get to Artavazd village (former Takiarlu) or to climb
the mountain peak to be able to talk with cell phone.
The last part of Marmarik gorge’s road is also wrecked. ”You know why road
leading to Tsakhkadzor is perfectly constructed (Tsakhkadzor is on the way
to Hankavan)” says Arevik’s mother Piruza. “Because representatives of
authorities are having rest there. And they don’t need Hankavan.”
A businessman, shareholder of ”Samsung” company, consul of Uruguay in
Armenia Armen Hayrapetyan constructed a villa in Hankavan. His house sticks
out among the more ordinary village houses. A tuff (stone) road leading from
the center of the village to Hayrapetyan’s house is now being constructed as
well as a wide playground in front of his house.
”During Soviet times we came to Hankavan and liked it very much,” says the
businessman’s father, professor Vladimir Hayrapetyan. “We bought a house,
reconstructed it and in summers we always spend two months here. Sometimes
we come here in winters. But there are problems. We don’t have them, we have
a car and can get to the city whenever we want but it is difficult for other
people.”

armenianow.com
July 30, 2004
Vacation Armenian Style: Falling in love with Dilijan at the Casanova
By Zhanna Alexanyan
ArmeniaNow reporter
The snake-like road that passes through Dilijan sometimes offers
glimpses of buildings. Most, though, are unseen behind the thick green
cover of nature that has made the town a favored holiday retreat.
Here, in the Tavush region, land slides leave trees askew, jutting out
toward the road at unexpected and amusing angles, as if the forest were
drunk. Passing four kilometers of that road, and 95 kilometers north of
Yerevan, you reach the Casanova Guest House.
Veranda with a view . . .
The three-story stone building offers one of Dilijan’s best views of the
Aghstev river valley and of the Pat-sar Mountain. There is little to do in
Dilijan except enjoy such views. And that is exactly the point.
But in a region of restaurants and guest houses named for historic Armenian
figures, why Casanova?
It is actually the name of one of the verandas, given years ago by a guest
who, after an evening in the guest house bragged to its owner: “Doctor, last
night I think Casanova’s spirit, his passion, penetrated into my body . . .”
Well, claims of romantic enhancement aside, nature lovers may indeed feel
inspired by the rest offered here.
While natural beauty maintains itself outside, inside guests are treated to
artwork, such as the upcoming 40-piece exhibit of Japanese paintings
expected to open in September.
What is now “Casanova”, started out as a rest house for scientist Gerasim
Aghajanyan. Soviet authorities gave the doctor the property as reward for
his contribution to balneology (the study of mineral bathing for therapy),
which helped to enhance the region’s reputation for mineral baths, etc.
”My father would come here to read lectures and examine patients. This
tradition was also passed to me,” says Ivan Aghajanyan, chief urologist of
the Garo Tertzakian Urology Center in Yerevan. “Sometimes I come to Dilijan
to perform free treatment. Dilijan needs charity. People don’t have money
for receiving medical treatment. We must develop this city. It is not enough
just to say that Dilijan is the Armenian Davos.”
. . . on both sides
Still, it is the “Armenian Davos” that for decades has attracted guests.
And many have found the Casanova guest house to be the perfect choice for
rest. It is designed for six guests and includes a gym and sauna. It also
has a well-stocked bar that includes the best Armenian cognacs, plus aged
Scotch.
“It is a health hotel, tired people must come here and regain their strength
very quickly,” says Aghajanyan, enjoying a 12-year old Scotch. “If a visitor
pays, then he must leave this place recovered and fresh.”
Health food is a part of good rest.
”I am a doctor and I want my business to be proper. Food should be given to
visitors in accordance with caloric content so that it couldn’t damage
people’s heart and liver. Here people will be given food with low caloric
content and rich of vitamins,” says Aghajanyan.
The climate is soft in Dilijan. Evenings are calm with gentle wind.
An anti-tuberculosis dispensary was built in the town in 1921. And in 1968
Soviet authorities made a decision to turn Dilijan into a mountain health
resort. And, unlike in other cities and towns, the Soviets spared Dilijan
from industrialization so that its air might stay clean. Aghajanyan hopes to
maintain the health-conscious attitude by putting a urology center in
Dilijan and says he would allow members of charity organizations to stay
free at the Casanova.

Associated Press Worldstream
July 30, 2004 Friday 5:53 AM Eastern Time
Armenia’s only nuclear plant to begin capital repairs, refueling
YEREVAN, Armenia
Authorities said Friday they would begin capital repairs to and
refueling of Armenia’s only nuclear power station, the source of
nearly 40 percent of the country’s power and repeated international
concerns over safety.
Gagik Markosian, general director of the Medzamor plant, 30
kilometers (20 miles) west of the capital Yerevan, said the plant
will shut down early Saturday morning for at least two months for
repairs on the reactor core.
“We also plan to remove all nuclear fuel from the reactor and conduct
full inspection of the condition of the reactor’s metal container
shell,” Markosian said.
Last week, the plant took delivery of a new supply of nuclear fuel at
a cost of US$12 million, he said.
The former Soviet republic has been under pressure to shut the plant
down due to safety concerns; it was taken out of operation after a
devastating 1988 earthquake.
In 1995, it returned to service amid a severe energy shortage.
Armenia has since resisted shutting down the plant, which has one
working Soviet-made reactor supplying 40 percent of the country’s
electricity, fearing that alternative sources may be hard to come by.
Armenian officials say the European Union is ready to provide up to
100 million euro (US$120 million) for Yerevan to close the plant.
However, developing other sources of electricity could cost up to
US$1 billion (1.2 billion euro), Armenian officials say.
Russia’s electricity monopoly assumed financial control of the
nuclear plant last year in a deal that Armenia sought to get out from
under massive energy debts to Russian fuel suppliers.
The plant, however, remains the property of the Armenian government.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

armenianow.com
July 30, 2004
Vacation Armenian Style: The healing value of Dendropark
By Gayane Abrahamyan
ArmeniaNow reporter
>From the road leading to Stepanavan, travelers get a first glimpse of
the pride of that city, the Dendropark. The tops of big pine trees
sway humbly as if to wave at approaching guests.
The 35 hectares park is in unfortunate decay, yet from a distance it becomes
an emerald lake, rippling after rain in the colors of every imaginable
green.
Natural health for the soul
Dendropark was created in 1933 by Polish forester Edmond Leonovich. Over the
years Leonovich collected trees, bushes and flowers from across the world.
>From about 2,500 species, he identified 600 that would thrive in the
Northern Armenia climate and they became the park. The work was later
continued by Leonovich’s son, Vitali, a doctor of biology.
Given the travel restrictions of Soviet times, it was a massive chore for
Leonovich to collect samples from throughout the world. And today, because
of quite different problems, it is equally difficult to maintain the park,
the son says.
Still, during summer months Dendropark is filled with guests. Leaving the
wearisome heat, people hurry here to enjoy the dizzying fragrance of fir
trees, calm rustling of tree branches and crystal clear air.
Vanadzor resident Narine Kirakosyan, 27, is a big fan of this garden and at
least one day a week she spends close to this wonderful nature.
Green peace
“When I’m angry or very tired I get into the car and come to Dendropark
without hesitating and as if by some miracle I relax,” says Narine. She says
the experience allows her soul to merge with nature.
“No one knows what the paradise in heaven is like, but the earthly one is
definitely like our Dendropark, at least my friends and I have that
feeling,” says Narine.
This heavenly park that spreads behind the small gates attracts not only due
to its beauty but also due to its medicinal qualities. In early summer
people come even from different countries to breathe the pollen of fir
trees. According to specialist Grigor Nerkararyan the fir tree pollen has a
natural makeup that is good for treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma,
pneumonia and allergies. Taking into account nature’s own remedy, in 1937
the Sotchut Health Center for Mothers and Children was constructed next to
the park.
Despite various problems and poor financing visitors are accepted at
Dendropark free of charge. Director Vitali Leonovich says nature belongs to
everyone and it’s in a way immoral to ask money from people who want to
enjoy it.
“These days complaining is a sin. We ???? sprouts from several famous brands
such as sitka spruce ? r fir and sell them and spend the money that we make
of it on the works on improving the park’s conditions,” says Leonovich.
Surrounded by beauty
The 71-year old park starts each day like the one before. Rays of sun, like
naughty children trying to break in, try to penetrate the thick foliage of
so many old trees and are laughed at by twittering birds. Rains do not keep
one waiting here, often the clouds start roaring and heavy rain slakes the
thirst of the plants.
Here people and nature are as a single whole, even on cold winter days
Vitali Leonovich and his family do not leave the park, he caresses it like
his own child and speaks with every tree and bush.
“This nature is a part of me,” Leonovich says. “In general, a person is a
part of nature, so the closer and more harmonious you are to nature, the
more valuable a person you are both spiritually and physically.”

ARKA News Agency
July 30 2004
The Head of WB Yerevan Office Highly estimates four-year cooperation
with RA Government
In August E-Armenia Foundation to start educational campaign on
electronic system of territorial management in communities
President of Republic of Komi Vladimir Torlopov arrives in Armenia
State Labor Inspection to be established in Armenia
President of Iran to come to Armenia with official visit on September
8-9
*********************************************************************
THE HEAD OF WB YEREVAN OFFICE HIGHLY ESTIMATES FOUR-YEAR COOPERATION
WITH RA GOVERNMENT
YEREVAN, July 30. /ARKA/. The Head of WB Yerevan Office Roger
Robinson highly estimates four-year cooperation with RA Government,
RA Government told ARKA. During the meeting with RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian Robinson stated that it is one of the best
examples of cooperation of WB with the government of foreign country.
It was also noted that credit on assistance to poverty reduction will
be represented to WB Directors Board on November 18, 2004 and till
then the parties will continue estimation works and negotiations. The
parties also discussed process of realization of strategic program on
poverty reduction, reforms in different spheres and joint works in
given direction. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
IN AUGUST E-ARMENIA FOUNDATION TO START EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN ON
ELECTRONIC SYSTEM OF TERRITORIAL MANAGEMENT IN COMMUNITIES
YEREVAN, July 30. /ARKA/. In August E-Armenia Foundation together
with UNDP will start educational campaign on electronic system of
territorial management in communities, E-Armenia Foundation told
ARKA. The program will include courses for teachers of schools,
involved in Project Harmony program, also conduct meetings and
discussions with representatives of communities. By means of local
television, radio and printed media and Internet the parties will
conduct special campaign on increase of familiarization of citizens
on e-government.
The program will end in December 2004. In the frames of the program
the organizer opened an Internet site
Project Harmony Office operates in Armenia since 2000.
E-Armenia Foundation realized program Armenian Development Gateway in
Armenia. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF KOMI VLADIMIR TORLOPOV ARRIVES IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, July 30. /ARKA/. President of Republic of Komi Vladimir
Torlopov arrived today in Armenia on the invitation of RA PM Andranik
Margarian, RA Government press office told ARKA. Torlopov will meet
with the President of Armenia Robert Kocharian, Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian, Catholicos of All Armenia Garegin II, Security
Council Secretary, Minister of Defense Serge Sargsian, RA NA Vice
Speaker Tigran Torosian. Torlopov will also visit memorial of
Armenian Genocide victims, culture objects and other sites. L.D.
–0–
*********************************************************************
STATE LABOR INSPECTION TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, July 30. /ARKA/. According to RA Government decision, RA
State Labor Inspection will be established at the RA Ministry of
Labor and Social Issues. According to the RA Government Press Service
and Public Relations Department, the Inspection will carry out state
control of retaining the Labor code and other legislative normative
acts in labor sphere. L.V. –0–
*********************************************************************
PRESIDENT OF IRAN TO COME TO ARMENIA WITH OFFICIAL VISIT ON SEPTEMBER
8-9
YEREVAN, July 30. /ARKA/. The President of Iran Mohammad Khatami will
come to Armenia with official visit on September 8-9, 2004, according
to RA Government Press Service and Public Relations Department
The details of the forthcoming visit were discussed in course of the
visit of Artashes Tumanyan, Head of RA President’s administration and
Co-chairman of Armenian-Iran intergovernmental commission on economic
relations to Iran on June 21-23. L.V.–0–

PanArmenian News
July 30 2004
ARMENIAN MFA AGAINST EXCESSIVE POLITICIZATION OF ISSUE OF CRITIC
ADDRESSED TO OSCE
WORLD BANK TO ASSIST ARMENIA IN PERFECTION OF STATE SECTOR AND HEALTH
PROTECTION SYSTEM
KOMI REPUBLIC LEADER ARRIVING IN YEREVAN
IRANIAN PRESIDENT OT ARRIVE IN ARMENIA SEPTEMBER 8
CHAIRMAN OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF AUSTRIA AND EUROPE
ARRIVED IN ARMENIA
MAJORITY OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN POPULATION FOR PEACEFUL
COEXISTENCE
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PARTICIPATION OF ARMENIAN MILITARY IN
REHABILITATION OF IRAQ BEING FORMED
SPECIAL TROOPS SENT TO ARMENIAN-POPULATED VILLAGE IN GEORGIA
*********************************************************************
ARMENIAN MFA AGAINST EXCESSIVE POLITICIZATION OF ISSUE OF CRITIC
ADDRESSED TO OSCE
30.07.2004 19:11
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Independently of the critical statements addressed
to the OSCE during the informal CIS summit, the Armenian delegation
has many times raised the question of the necessity of reforming the
organization, Armenian MFA press secretary Hamlet Gasparian stated
when commenting to Liberty on the attitude of a number of local
public organization towards the inadvisability of Armenia’s joining
to the statement of nine countries regarding the situation in the
OSCE. In the spokesman’s opinion, Yerevan highlights the role of the
OSCE in providing security, settlement of conflicts, development of
economy as well as the protection of Human Rights. “That is why we
are interested in normal functioning of the organization, where the
member-states will have equal rights and full participation in
decision making”, he said. At the same time H. Gasparian spoke
against excessive politicization of this issue.
*********************************************************************
WORLD BANK TO ASSIST ARMENIA IN PERFECTION OF STATE SECTOR AND HEALTH
PROTECTION SYSTEM
30.07.2004 18:35
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian government and the World Bank (WB)
concluded three credit agreements today. As Armenian Minister of
Finance and Economy Vardan Khachatrian, who has signed the
agreements, told journalists, the WB is to allocate $10,15 million
for the perfection of the state sector, $19 million for the
development of the public health service and 5,15 million for the
project of social regulation. Besides, the Ministry of Health
Protection will receive a $1 250 000 grant. In Vardan Khachatrian’s
words, one more agreement connected with the security of dams was to
be signed today, however, due to some technical reasons the signing
of the agreement has been postponed. The credits will be provided for
a three-year term.
*********************************************************************
KOMI REPUBLIC LEADER ARRIVING IN YEREVAN
30.07.2004 17:59
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On the invitation of Armenian Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian, President of Komi Republic, Russia, Vladimir
Torlopov is arriving in Yerevan today. As reported by the press
service of the Armenian government, during the visit Torlopov is
expected to meet with the top leadership of Armenia. The Russian
delegation includes the Minister of Property Relations Vladimir
Belyayev, Minister of Industry Nikolay Gerasimov, Minister of Culture
and National Policy Maria Kuzbozheva and President of Chamber of
Commerce and Industry of Komi Republic Sargis Manasariants. To
remind, Armenian President Robert Kocharian paid a visit to Komi in
early July.
*********************************************************************
IRANIAN PRESIDENT OT ARRIVE IN ARMENIA SEPTEMBER 8
30.07.2004 17:52
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Iranian President Mohammad Khatami will pay a
formal visit to Armenia on September 8-9. As reported by press
service of the Armenian government, Armenian Prime Minister and
Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia Ali Riza Haghighian discussed the
details of the forthcoming visit today. A. Margarian noted that
Armenia highlights the consolidation of Armenian-Iranian contacts in
all the areas. In his turn the Ambassador stated that Tehran is as
for preservation of internal political stability and development of
economy Armenia as for regional stability. The parties also spoke of
the significance of the construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline
and Kajaran tunnel as well as of the implementation of joint projects
for hydroplant construction on Arax River.
*********************************************************************
CHAIRMAN OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF AUSTRIA AND EUROPE
ARRIVED IN ARMENIA
30.07.2004 14:15
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of
Austria and Europe Christoph Leitel arrived in Armenia. During the
visit he is to meet with chairman of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry Martin Sargsian and some Armenian businessmen. Mr.
Leitel noted of the activation of ties between the Armenian and
Austrian business circles mentioning of the exhibition of production
of Austrian companies as a proof to it. He stated as important the
engagement of Armenia in the European integration adding that he will
within the limit of the possible support the relations between the
Armenian businessmen and European economic structures.
*********************************************************************
MAJORITY OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN POPULATION FOR PEACEFUL
COEXISTENCE
30.07.2004 13:49
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The majority of the population of Armenia and
Azerbaijan is for peaceful coexistence. The results of a sociological
survey, held in Armenia and Azerbaijan by Millenium Educational
Research Association and Azerbaijani Sociological Association with
the support of Texas University, evidence it. 1000 people were
questioned in each of the two countries and 200 Armenians and the
same number of Azeris from Nagorno Karabakh, Azg Yerevan newspaper
reported. 74.2% of respondents from Armenia and 45.8% of those from
Azerbaijan come for restoration of relations between the two
countries. 97% of Armenians and 93% of Azeris interviewed said they
wished to coexist peacefully. As a precondition for restoration of
previous ties 60% of Armenian respondents mentioned the independence
of Nagorno Karabakh. 38% of those questioned in Azerbaijan said
liberation of “occupied territories” was such a precondition. The
return of refugees to Nagorno Karabakh was also noted. Both parties
point to the governments of their own countries as the authors of the
conflict.
*********************************************************************
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PARTICIPATION OF ARMENIAN MILITARY IN
REHABILITATION OF IRAQ BEING FORMED
30.07.2004 13:31
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ At its sitting the Armenian Government approved the
decision of the Defense Ministry to join the Memorandum on command
and settlement of questions of activities of the multinational
division as part of the coalition forces of Iraq. It should be
reminded that earlier the Armenian Parliament ratified the
Armenian-Kuwaiti agreement, determining the order of presence of
Armenian military in Kuwait, from where they will be sent to Iraq to
participate in the post-war rehabilitation of the country. As
reported by Defense Ministry senior representatives, the sending of
tens of Armenian military specialists to Iraq is planned before this
autumn. These will be medical officers, sappers and drivers with
lorries to organize transportation.
*********************************************************************
SPECIAL TROOPS SENT TO ARMENIAN-POPULATED VILLAGE IN GEORGIA
30.07.2004 13:28
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The other day special troops were sent to
Tapatskhuri village of Borjomi region of Georgia. The Ministry of
Internal Affairs of Georgia explains the step by the intention of the
residents of the mostly Armenian-populated village to impede the
construction works of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. As
reported by A-Info news agency, the villagers are displeased that
they have not been paid the compensation, assigned by the Borjomi
regional court due to the building of the pipeline. According to the
source, no incidents were registered between the military and the
residents.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Bakutoday.net
July 31, 2004
How we lose our summits?
By Ulvi Ismayil, Muskie Fellow/MPP candidate
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs,
University of Minnesota. USA
Azerbaijan indeed has beautiful landscape. I have realized it more since I
came to study in the US, the country that, along with Turkey, I used to
consider “as other two countries having beautiful landscapes after
Azerbaijan” mostly from the TV programs that I watched. My thoughts about
impeccable landscapes of “other countries” have changed since then. After
being in the US for one year I realized that the affection between you and
landscape is not because latter’s beauty but how close you are to that
landscape morally and spiritually. Now even the parts of Azerbaijan that I
labeled for myself, as the ugliest seem to me the “most beautiful sections
of the world not to be compared to anywhere else”. In short this is how you
feel when you truly love your country. You even miss the small rock from
your backyard.
Indeed, what God has withheld when creating Azerbaijan? At the high school
and even now we Azerbaijanis love remind ourselves and inform strangers that
Azerbaijan has 9 out 11 climatic zones totally existing in the globe. We
love to travel our forests, seas, and mountains especially in the recent
years. Apart from enjoying the great sightseeing of these places, we as
other nations in the world show the highest peaks and deepest points of our
country in the general data related to our country. Thus after conquering
our hearts with their beauties these landscapes now become the symbols of
our pride in annual publications, journals, travel guides related to our
country. Therefore, this landscape and data related to them is saint for
each nation and to lose them might be the biggest sin in the history of each
nation.
Nations and countries however do lose their prides. People fight and die for
them as we have seen in the world history. Some of these wars begin and end
fairly, some do not. However in both cases the peace get reached and both
sides agree with their fates. However the most painful is when you lose
object of your pride – mountain peak, lake without war or conflict, just as
you lose your wallet, set of the keys from your car, can of coke at the
party. Unfortunately, people of Azerbaijan had to face this shame too. “We”
suddenly lost the third highest peak in Azerbaijan – Mount Gapydzhik, the
highest summit of the Caucasus Minor, Zangezur Mountain Range, at the height
of 3,904 meters.
I know most of you will not believe me. Why should you? Isn’t it insane and
abnormal? I did not believe it myself at the first too while writing my
Diploma Project for Master’s degree at Baku State University in spring of
2000. I was looking at the data provided at the brochure of the EU’s TACIS
program for the three South Caucasus Republics – Armenia, Azerbaijan and
Georgia. There in the introduction part of this economy-related brochure
printed in 1996 I saw indication of highest peaks in each Republic. Well,
nothing would have surprised me in the section related to Armenia prepared
by the EC’s most prestigious program that respects the sovereignty of these
republics if I did not see Mount Gapydzhik transliterated as Kapudjuk as
second highest summit in Armenia (!) after Mount Aragats, (4090 m)
“Oh, our Armenian neighbors! Double standards of the West! You again!” I
said to myself, something that I would typically say being upraised in
Azerbaijan for the entire period of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno Karabakh. Well, I said, another misprinting or abuse I said. I do
not care. I know from my childhood, from excellent Geography teacher that I
had at high school of Soviet times that Mount Gapydzhik is in Azerbaijan.
These were the years when almost each house had the World map in the wall. I
just need to go to the next bookstore and buy the map of Azerbaijan Republic
and see my pride – Mount Gapydzhik that stands on the north of Ordubad
region, in the Zangezur range of mountains, Nakchichevan Autonous Republic,
Azerbaijan.
Well, when I reached the bookstore, I did not want to buy that map, because
there was no Mount Gapydzhik with the height of 3904 there, in the
geographic map of Azerbaijan Republic printed in 1996. It was not even on
Armenian side – Zangezur region that “enters” into Azerbaijan, the region
that first Communist boss of Azerbaijan SSR, N. Narimanov granted to Armenia
on the day of establishment of Armenia SSR – on November 29, 1920. As if the
entire massive piece of rock has melted in the extremely hot summer of
Nakhichevan, walked away or blown with the wind. If it happened in the “Day
of Judgment”, I would believe it, but not now. However, that was what map
showed to me. Instead, in the map, somewhere around the “former place” of
Gapydzhik, it suddenly showed smaller in height Mount Gazangeldag at 3,814
m.
First I thought, well maybe we have renamed Gapydzhik into Gazangeldag and
also discovered that it is not 3904 meters high but is actually 3814 meters.
They also found out recently with the satellite technology that actually
Mount Everest is 8 meters lower than thought earlier. But mistake of 90
meters? Then I though that maybe since it is in the border of Azerbaijan
(Nakhichevan AR) and Armenia (Zangezur), it is “commonly” shared peak. But
so is “Bazarduzu”, the highest peak in Azerbaijan (4466 meters). “Bazarduzu”
is also in the border but this time between Azerbaijan and Russian
Federation (Dagestan AR). Thus, it seemed to me that in 1996, five years
after independence and centuries of living in its foothills we suddenly
discovered that actually Gapydzhik was in the Armenian “side” of the border
and therefore we should not show it even in the maps, because this mount
leans towards the land granted to Armenia.
Angry and with these ideas in my mind, I searched the materials from the
former Soviet Union. Almost each map of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist
Republic had “Kapudjuk” in the maps referring to Az.SSR. Even the road maps
of Azerbaijan SSR from 1966, printed in Moscow, had that peak in Azerbaijan
SSR. It could not be peak of “internal borders”, because this road map was
only about Azerbaijani SSR. There was separate one about each republic for
its roads, which then would have the highest and lowest places in that
Soviet republic. I looked for it in Azerbaijan Soviet Encyclopedia (ASE) and
it was there too. Why, I asked to myself, suddenly, in 1996, in independent
Azerbaijan we did not want to mention this honor of us in our literature and
maps? Even the “set of maps of the Republic of Armenia”, collected and put
online by the US Embassy in Armenia and especially by its former team member
Diplomat Brady Kiesling (famous for his public resignation from US
Diplomatic services in summer of 2003 as a protest of the US operations in
Iraq) shows Mount Gapydzhik clearly in the border between Azerbaijani SSR
(Nakhichevan) and Armenian SSR
(Zangezur( )
Mount Gapydzhik was not only mentioned in issues related to Azerbaijan when
it came to maps and cartography. In the foothills of this summit, in
Nasirvaz village of Ordubad Region, Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic there
lays the famous Gemiqaya (“Rock of vessel” in Turkish) carvings
(petroglyphs) with paintings of ancient goats and ensemble dances exactly
similar to those in Gobustan near Baku
(), Kalbadjar region in
Azerbaijan and many other on the globe. Some of these paintings by ancient
men date back to 5000 years BC. Nasir Rzayev, famous paleontologist and
archaeologist have studied these carvings and has written several
monographic books on them. Later Prof. Vali Aliyev joined these studies
() and described them to be
of 4th-2nd millennium BC. One would think that Azerbaijanis should preserve
them as they preserve Gobustan. We lost, even temporarily, those painting in
Kalbadjar during Karabakh war of 1992-1994, but in which fight did we lose
“Gemigaya”?
Moreover, both “Gapydzhik” and “Gemigaya” mounts have placed themselves deep
in the mythologies of Azerbaijanis. One ancient myth of the region says that
Noah with his ark was looking for a place to land after the deluge.
According to the myth, first his ark hit the rock and Noah said, “Maybe it
is a mountain” and thus gave the name for Mount “Belke” (“Maybe” in
Azerbaijani) that stands uptown Ordubad. Then his ark hit another mountain,
and Noah said, “Be sure it is mountain (“Inan” ki dagdir”” in Azerbaijani)
and thus gave the name to Inan Dag that also is in Nackichevan (changed into
Ilan Dag i.e. “Snake” mountain in later centuries,). The myth finally “ends”
by heating the big piece of rock that caused Him to say “Finally it is a
mountain” (in Azerbaijani “Akhir” ki, dagdir””). Today the Turkish name of
Mount Ararat is “Agri” meaning “pain” that is also believed to be “changed”
throughout the centuries from “Akhir” (Kamil Veliyev, “Elin Yaddashi, Dilin
Yaddashi” (“Nation’s memory, Tongue’s memory”), Baku, Azerbaijan, 1988))
Another version of this myth said that actually Noah’s ark landed not in
Mount “Akhir” (Agri/Ararat), but on Mount Gapydzhik which means “Little
Door” probably to the new world and that is why its foothills are called
Gemiqaya (i.e. rock of vessel – ark). People living by this summit even
today insist on this version of “deluge” myth considering the ship-like form
of this mount – Gemigaya.
Famous philologist and researcher of Kitabi-Dede-Gorgut, Safarali Babayev
says that some topographic references in that most ancient and biggest epic
book of Azerbaijani Turks, refer also to the foothills of this giant. He
insists that lake “Goycha” (“Blue lake” in Turkish) that is mentioned in
Kitabi-Dede-Gorgut is not the former name of Lake Sevan in modern Armenia
(Lake Goy-cha) as some other Azerbaijani researchers of the book insist, but
this one-hectare lake in the foothills of Mount Gapydzhik, which is called
“Goy-gel”. He argues that 1 day trip from one settlement to “Goycha” as
described in Kitabi-Dede-Gorgut is not feasible if you think it is Lake
Goy-cha (i.e. modern lake Sevan) because then this trip with the travel
methods of those days would be 7 days instead of one. He thinks that
“Goycha” in Kitabi-Dede-Gorgut, is actually Lake “Goy-gel” in the foothills
of this Mountain. As another argument he brings the name of Mount
GAzan-gel-dAg (mentioned above), that has “Gazan” and “gel” (lake) in its
root (“Gazan” was one of the most famous heroes in this epic that some say
is 14 centuries old and “gol” i.e. lake next to it would mean “Mount of
Gazan’s lake”).
With all these in my mind, I had a chance to ask the question to the
professionals of this job – who draw maps for us. While doing research on a
different topic during my employment with UN, I visited then newly
re-organized by former President Heydar Aliyev the Department of Land and
Cartography in the summer of 2002. There, after completing my official
business, I asked to the senior person at this department why now we do not
have Gapydzhik in our maps anymore. He first did not even understand what I
am talking about. Later when I explained to him, he replied quietly that he
did not know why we suddenly do not show it in the geographic and other maps
of Azerbaijan anymore. For me it was very sad to see such a poor situation
of Cartography department.
Ironically, the only map outside of Azerbaijani “official information” that
still shows the correct location of the Mount Gapydzhik is the one used by
the UN and its office in Azerbaijan – at UNDP’s annual Human Development
Reports (links provided below). Thanks to its professional and highly
intellectual staff (both international and national) we have now at least
one credible information to show the location of Mount Gapydzhik in world
geography and still be proud of it. Both UN and UNDP annual Human
Development Reports on Azerbaijan have been under harsh criticism of
Azerbaijani Government. At each meeting of our Government with any UN
official, the latter always is criticized by the former first for UN’s
non-forcing the application of four UN SC resolutions to liberate Nagorno
Karabakh and surrounding Azerbaijani territories and secondly for its
liberal criticism of Azerbaijani Government in the above-mentioned Reports
for several years now. However, in the term of territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan Republic, UN seems to be doing enough to be thanked for:

ARKADY GHOUKASSIAN EXPRESSES HIS GRATITUDE TO BARONESS CAROLINE COX
FOR HER INCESSANT CONCERN TO ARTSAKH
STEPANAKERT, July 30 (Noyan Tapan). The “HART” benevolent organization
with offices in Great Britain and the US is established under the
leadership of Baroness Caroline Cox, Vice Chairman of the House of
Lords of the British parliament. The organization will be engaged in
the implementation of programs on rendering humanitarian support to
the population of different countries of the world, including Nagorno
Karabakh. The Baroness reported about it during the July 27 meeting
with NKR President Arkady Ghoukassian. According to the Head
Information Department attached to the NKR President, the Baroness
noticed that since her latest visit to the Republic of Nagorno
Karabakh positive changes took place in the sphere of the building of
the true democratic and civil society, as well as in the
reconstruction of the housing and economic complex demolished during
the war. According to her, she entertains the feeling of high respect
to the Karabakh people and their achievements on the way to
independence. Arkady Ghoukassian expressed gratitude to Baroness Cox
for her incessant concern to Nagorno Karabakh, active participation in
the aspiration of the Karabakh people to construct a modern democratic
state here. At the same time, the NKR head expressed confidence that
the understanding of the fair position of the people and leadership of
the Nagorno Karabakh on the main principles of the settlement of the
conflict by the Baroness contributes a lot to the formation of an
adequate attitude of the world community towards the heart of the
problem and the ways of its settlement.

Le Télégramme
30 juillet 2004
Intuition de génie Tigran Hamasyan, le jeune pianiste arménien, a
fait l’unanimité pour lui.
Intuition de génie Tigran Hamasyan, le jeune pianiste arménien, a
fait l’unanimité pour lui.
Intuition de génie
Tigran Hamasyan, le jeune pianiste arménien, a fait l’unanimité pour
lui. Sans le vouloir, le coup de coeur du directeur du festival a
aussi montré son génie à quelques privilégiés pendant l’hommage à
Nougaro. Avant même que les mains de Maurice Vander ne poursuivent
leur course sur le clavier, Tigran, écoutant passionnément au pied de
la scène, avançait les siennes dans le vide, sur son piano virtuel.
Une intuition comme ça n’est pas branché sur l’oreille, mais plutôt
sur le coeur.
Les copains d’abord…
S’ils avaient chanté, les quatre copains de Claude auraient peut-être
choisi Brassens. L’ambiance sur scène faisait très « les copains
d’abord ». En dehors aussi d’ailleurs. Le point de ralliement des
compères à Vannes a été… le Roof ! Pères peinards, ils ont ensuite
donné des sueurs froides aux organisateurs du festival. A un quart
d’heure de monter sur scène, les amis franco de port étaient toujours
à l’hôtel ! Par contre, une fois trouvé le chemin des loges après
leur concert, il a été difficile de les en faire sortir. «’Y pas une
p’tite bouteille de rouge qui traîne ? » a demandé Eddy Louiss vers 2
h du matin. Il fallait bien ça pour oublier que Nougaro leur avait
posé un lapin.
Arrêtez… arrêté pour la musique !
Piaf ne faisait pas de jazz, d’accord. Mais la môme, qui a commencé
en poussant la chansonnette dans les rues, se battait par
anticipation pour le « off ». « Arrêté, arrêté pour la musique »
criait-elle dans l’accordéoniste. Eh bien Pierre Le Bodo l’a entendue
après un petit couac mardi soir. « Comme pour la Fête de la musique,
il faut officialiser la chose par un arrêté municipal ». En clair :
les cafés ne pourraient plus être taxés de tapage nocturne dès 22 h.
Le off pourrait alors faire « ouf »…
1.500 p’tits blancs pour le blues
Autre retour sur la soirée de mardi. Alors que Buddy sirotait du
Cognac sur scène, à l’entrée du festival les producteurs du
Bordelais, partenaires du festival, distribuaient petits blancs et
autres couleurs de « breuvage des dieux » aux fans du roi du Blues.
Un geste visiblement très apprécié.
1.650 personnes étaient à Limur ce soir-là. Les producteurs, eux, ont
distribué 1.500 verres de dégustation… Les organisateurs avaient
bien dit qu’ils avaient fait le plein !
From: Baghdasarian

Le Télégramme
30 juillet 2004
Hommage à Nougaro : Vannes voit le jazz en rose
« Chaque jour un peu plus, y’a le jazz qui s’installe. Jazz et java
copains, ça doit pouvoir se faire… Je donne au jazz mes pieds, pour
marquer son tempo, et je donne à la java mes mains, pour le bas de
son dos ».
Des paroles signées Nougaro et qui illustrent à merveille la soirée
qui lui était dédiée. Vibrant moment, chargé d’émotion mercredi soir
sous le tilleul de Limur. Un hommage à Nougaro, où Claude, par sa
musique et l’héritage qu’il a laissé au jazz, était totalement
présent. Ils étaient plus de 1.150 à être venus applaudir ceux qui
ont fait revivre l’homme de la ville rose. Dès la première partie,
l’émotion avait envahi le public avec « le coup de coeur » du
directeur du festival, un jeune prodige arménien : Tigran Hamasyan,
et son style très pur.