Category: News

The New Zealand Herald
Thursday November 18, 2004
Soccer: Ukraine stun Turkey in World Cup qualifiers
18.11.2004 2.00 pm
LONDON – Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine won 3-0 in Turkey on
Wednesday to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the soccer
World Cup for the first time.
Their impressive victory over the 2002 semifinalists was the highlight of
the evening’s 13 European qualifiers, which also included good wins for
Portugal, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro and the Czech Republic.
Ukraine have yet to qualify for a major tournament since gaining
independence in 1991 but can count themselves unlucky, having lost in the
playoffs for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and Euro 2000.
Now they are well placed to advance directly from Group Two after moving to
11 points, five clear of the Turks, Albania and Denmark.
Midfielder Oleg Gusev put Ukraine ahead after nine minutes, Shevchenko
doubled the lead and the AC Milan forward sealed an emphatic victory with an
acrobatic finish a minute from the end.
Shevchenko’s Milan team mate Jon Dahl Tomasson also found the net twice to
put Denmark ahead in Tbilisi but Georgia hit back for a 2-2 draw to stay in
contention on five points.
European champions Greece are also on five after collecting their first win
of the campaign, 3-1 at home to Kazakhstan.
Striker Angelos Haristeas, scorer of the Euro 2004 final winner, grabbed the
first two and Costas Katsouranis completed the win.
It was also a night to remember for captain Theodoros Zagorakis, who became
the first Greek to reach 100 international caps.
Portugal made it 20 goals in five games as a 5-0 away rout of Luxembourg
took them clear at the top of Group Three.
Pauleta scored two and there were also goals for Luis Boa Morte, Cristiano
Ronaldo and Maniche as Portugal, who thumped Russia 7-1 in their previous
game, moved to 13 points, three ahead of Slovakia.
Russia rebounded well with a 4-0 home victory over Estonia that left both
countries on seven points.
Russia took command with three goals in nine minutes midway through the
first half from Andrei Karayka, Marat Izmailov and Dmitry Sychev, and Dmitry
Loskov added a 67th-minute penalty.
Latvia are also on seven points after a 3-1 win in Liechtenstein.
Romania’s flying start in group one was halted in Yerevan where they were
held to a 1-1 draw by Armenia, the home side’s first point of the campaign.
Romania, hit hard by injuries and suspensions, led with a 29th-minute
Ciprian Marica goal but Armenia upped their game and were rewarded when
Karen Dokhoyan equalised midway through the second half.
The result enabled the Netherlands to join Romania at the top on 10 points
after goals by Philip Cocu, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder beat Andorra
3-0 in Barcelona.
The Czech Republic are a point back on nine, alongside Finland, after two
goals in the last three minutes secured a 2-0 win in Macedonia.
Substitute Vratislav Lokvenc and Jan Koller both netted headers to make it
three wins in a row for the Euro 2004 semifinalists.
Israel joined Ireland and France at the top of Group Four on eight points
after a 2-1 victory in Cyprus.
An 86th-minute Avi Nimni goal sealed Israel’s win 11 minutes after their
goalkeeper Nir Davidovich had brilliantly saved a Michael Constantinou
penalty.
Belgium have qualified for the last six World Cup tournaments but that run
is in jeopardy after losing 2-0 at home to Serbia and Montenegro to remain
on one point after three games in group seven.
Goals by Zvonimir Vukic (7) and Mateja Kezman (60) took the Serbians clear
at the top on 10 points.
Lithuania are second on eight after scraping a 1-0 win at San Marino.
– REUTERS

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SHOOTING PRACTICE AT AKHTAMAR CHURCH BY TURKISH HUNTERS
Brussels, 11/11/2004 Armenian Assembly of Europe: The correspondent of the
Milliyet newspaper alerts from Van that the marvellous carvings of the 10th
century church of Akhtamar on Lake Van are regularly being used as targets
for shooting practice by visitors. The newspaper published also a photo
where one can see the state of carvings after such visits. The correspondent
reports that the church is protected by a guard in the summer time only
during the working hours. During the rest o f the day the visitors entertain
themselves by shooting on the carvings of the Akhtamar Church, and some of
them even try to find some treasure. Pr. Veli Seckin, professor at the
archaeology department of the University of Van says that there are rumours
among the population that there is treasure cached in the island of
Akhtamar. Even the guard of the Church was arrested while he was `hunting
for treasure’.
Already in May 2004 the newspaper Zaman alerted that the famous church of
the Holy Cross of the Akhtamar Island in Lake Van was almost in ruins. The
church, which is visited by many foreign tourists, is badly neglected and
close to ruins. The church has been neglected and harmed by treasure hunters
and is at risk of collapsing. Both its foundation and ceiling have cracks
and holes.
ARMENIANS INTEND CLAIM AGAINST AZERBAIJAN AT EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
12.11.2004 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Association Shahumian-Getashen in
statement, says that “Residents of Shahumian and Getashen regions, who were
deported by force, intend to claim against Azerbaijan at the European Court
of Human Rights.” The matter concerns territories, which are today
controlled by the Azerbaijani troops. The suit will specifically claim
against violation of the right of the deported residents for property
protection and respect of habitation. The Union has expressed readiness to
defend in authoritative international instances the interests of thousands
of Armenian families, who suffered from Azerbaijan’s aggression in 1991.
November 11, 2004
* Human rights in Turkey
* Haunted by the past
* A human-rights commission embarrasses the government
….. In a footnote, the law deems “anti-national” anyone who advocates
withdrawing Turkish troops from Cyprus, or terming “genocide” the killing of
hundreds of thousands of Armenians in 1915. If the aim was to stifle
discussion of this second issue, it failed: at a conference in Venice last
month, historians from all countries involved took a broader, more
cool-headed look at the 1915 tragedy than would be possible in Turkey-now
or, it seems, any time soon. And what about the 100,000 Tur kish-Cypriots
who voted (vainly) in April for a UN plan that would have removed most
Turkish troops from Cyprus: was that a crime?
The Economist is asking for a fee to read the article, but you can read the
complete article for free on
Due to unfortunate circumstances which were completely out of our control,
we were very sorry to announce that the HYE party on Friday, 12th November
has been cancelled.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Due to this inconvenience, we are throwing a free party on Friday, 7th
January 2005.
HYE Events U.K. [email protected]
This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage awareness
and interest toward our community’s everyday happenings.
QUALIFIER MARCOS BAGHDATIS WINS BRATISLAVA
Nicosia 17 November, 2004 – Gibrahayer: Limassol-born former Boy’s world
number one has won his second tournament on the men’s world tour in the less
than a month.
After winning the Open in England at Bolton, he conquered the $100,000 Tatra
Bank Tournament in Bratislava as a qualifier, topping seed number one
Dominik Hrbaty 7-6(4) 7-6(3) in front of his home crowd.
En route to the final Marcos also beat the fastest server in the world Marc
Rosset 6-2, 7-6. Armenian top seed Sargis Sargissian lost in the second
round against Fransesco Aldi of Italy.
With this win Baghdatis – who spent most of 2004 injured – leaped 53
positions and will be making the main draw of all major tournaments of 2005.
Turkish businessmen are expected to visit Georgia’s Armenian-dominated
region Samtskhe-Javakhk on Nov 25 to discuss the related to cooperation with
local businessmen.
Armenia drew with Romania 1-1 in Yerevan and Cyprus lost to Israel 1-2 in
Nicosia for the qualifying rounds of The World Cup 2006 which will be held
in Germany.
President Robert Kocharian and Estonian counterpart President Arnold Ruutel
decided to bolster commercial contacts during an official meeting in Yerevan
on Monday.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry immediately dismissed allegations that
members of a Kurdish rebel group arrested in southern Netherlands, were
planning to be sent to Armenia to fight for the PKK following their training
session.
Thanks to Hay Tad Committee’s long years of work, the government of
Argentina presented a 44-page book on the Armenian Genocide which has been
jointly prepared by the Buenos Aires Department of Human Rights. The book
was published in 5,000 copies and was delivered to libraries and teachers of
600 public schools.
The ARF Dashnaktsoutiun conveyed its condolences to the Palestinian Fatah
Movement on the death of Yasser Arafat. In its letter, the Dashnaktsoutiun
Bureau expresses profound sympathy to the Palestinian people and leadership,
and hopes that they achieve victory by building an independent Palestinian
state.
PRESENTING SINGER / SONGWRITER ADRINA THORPE
Armenian Singer/songwriter and pianist, Adrina Thorpe, is a refreshing sound
in adult alternative pop, a genre dominated by the guitar. Her style,
although reflective of other female singer/songwriters such as Sarah
McLachlan, Tori Amos and Dido, is altogether unique. Adrina’s delicate piano
melodies and lush vocals weave in and out of each other, drifting amid the
punchy bass and drum lines. Like paper-thin china, like sunrise on the grey
ocean waves…Adrina’s melodies captivate listeners with their distinct
beauty. Listen to her songs on, rinathorpe
Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.
g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r
* Traditional Preparation of Madagh on Saturday 20 November, 2004 starting
from 4:00 p.m. at Nareg School’s Canteen. Hyourasiroutiun to follow. Open
for all. On the occasion of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church Day, you can make your
donations by calling the Armenian Prelature on 22 493560 or emailing
[email protected]
* Aghorhnek at 4:00 p.m. and Hsgoum at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday 20 November
2004.
* Holy Mass and Madaghornhnoutiun on Sunday 21 November 2004 on the
celebration day of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church in Nicosia. Karoz will be
delivered by His Grace Archbishop Nourhan Manoukian of the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem.
* Annual General Meeting of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) on Sunday 21
November 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at AYMA
* 8th Exhibition of Armenian Books, unde r the auspices of Archbishop
Varoujan Hergelian, organised by the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus, with the
participation of Moufflon Bookstore. Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 17
November 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at Vahram Utudjian Hall of the Armenian Prelature
in Nicosia. You can visit the Exhibition every day from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
& 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. except weekends. The exhibition will also travel to
Larnaca and Limassol.
* Shnorahantes of the book “The Armenian Church in Cyprus”, during the
opening ceremony of the Armenian Book Exhibition. The book will be presented
by Vartan Tashdjian.
Armeni an Relief Society “Sosse” Chapter Fund Raising Tea for the ARS
Armenia Projects on Sunday 28 November, 2004 at The Holiday Inn Hotel at
4:00 p.m. Our children will participate in a Fashion Show by GRANT. There
will be Handicraft, Lebanese cookies and home-made delicacies on sale.
Proceeds to the “Sosse” Kindergarten of Stepanakert – Republic of Karabagh.
* AYF Badanegan Miaoutian get-togethers Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at AYMA.
Contact Vartoog Karageulian on 24-659245.
* AYMA Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from 7:00 – 8:30
p.m children starting from the age of 7. Contact Krikor Mahdessian on
99650897.
* AYMA Table Tennis practices continue every Saturday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m
under the expert guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion Sirvart Costanian. Classes
and practice session for all ages.
* AYMA Football team practices are taking place every Thursday at 9:00 p.m.
A.Y.M.A. will be participating in the Second Division Amateur Football
League and will be bidding for the Championship Title and subsequent
promotion to Division One. The Champi onship begins on Saturday November 27,
2004.
* Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian sings @ Champs every Friday at at 9:30 p.m. For
reservations call 22873888.
Bible Study Group organised by The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus. The Group
meets at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church on Armenia street, Nicosia. To
receive further details please call Father Momik Habeshian on 99 307966 or
at the Prelature office on 22 493560 email [email protected]
* AYMA Annual Ball at Hilton Park on January 8, 2005 featuring ANDRE.
Reservations a MUST! Book early.
* 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) New s 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).
* The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 28 November,2004
Pentataktylos – Halevka – Buffavento Castle Cycle Ride by MICROMANIA. Sunday
November 28, 2004. Meeting point: Ledra Palace, Turkish checkpoint Meeting
Time: 9.00 am – Bus leaves : 9.30 am – Arrival at Besparmak Restaurant:
10.30 am – Riding time: 2.5 hours – Riding distance: 16 or 28 km (two
routes) Bring with you: passport, water, helmet. Cost of bus and food:
approx £8:00 per person. Bus leaves Besparmak: 2.30 pm. Bus arrives back:
approx 3.30 pm. Level of competence: average Age limit: 12 + Contact Baret
(Duke) Bedelian on 22-661517
* Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues”. You can also hear it on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on A repeat program
can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.
* Listen to Hairenik Association’s online Armenian Radio Station. A variety
of Armenian music online, 24 hours a day, combined with news and other
interesting information about the Armenian community in the US, Armenia,
Artsakh, Javakh k and the Armenian Diaspora.24 Hours of non-stop armenian
music and programs on the internet
. . . . . News . . . . . ANC hour . . . . . Song dedications . . . . . Youth
discussions . . . . . Game Shows . . . . . Interviews . . . . . Religious
programs . . . . . Cultural programs . . . . . History . . . . .

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 12-18, 2004
HIGHLIGHTS:
PERSPECTIVE
LEVON GRIGORIAN: “THEY TRIED TO KILL ME FOR BEING A JOURNALIST”
FOURTH “PRESS CLUB” SHOW
JOURNALISTS AND POLICEMEN GATHERED AT A ROUND TABLE
CHANGES AT “YERKIR-MEDIA”
PERSPECTIVE
LEVON GRIGORIAN: “THEY TRIED TO KILL ME FOR BEING A JOURNALIST”
On April 12, 2004 the demonstration and rally by the National Assembly
organized by the opposition political forces in Yerevan ended with a
dispersal of the participants. At about 00:30 the street illumination was
switched off in Baghramian avenue, and at 2 o’clock in the morning the
sit-in of the demonstration participants was dispersed by the power
structures using special devices – water jets, explosive bags, rubber
bludgeons, electroshockers. Among those injured were four journalists who
were covering the events. Criminal proceedings were instituted on a number
of incidents that happened to the media representatives. Seven months have
elapsed, but to this day no one has been punished for beating journalists.
Moreover, attempts are made to throw the events of that notorious night into
oblivion or to present them from a lighter perspective. This is the reason
why we decided to give a detailed narrative of what happened to cameraman,
currently acting head of the bureau of the First Channel (ORT) in Yerevan
Levon Grigorian, as he tells it himself.
– The First Channel TV company assigned me to prepare a report about the
night rally. 15-20 minutes before the start of the well-known events I
arrived closer to the place of the sit-in and started to shoot. The
situation was so calm that I thought it was about to be over. Then I felt
the silence come down – a very strange kind of absolute silence. And I saw
that the one layer of barbed wire is being removed. I thought, thanks
Heaven, if they are removing it, it means it is truly over. Then a water jet
came up to the first line of enclosure with no sound and threw a mighty
water stream on people. People certainly got mad; they stood up and started
throwing stick and plastic bottles at the car behind the barbed wire. The
car went on with its job, undisturbed. I thought again that this should be
the end: being soaking wet, the people would disperse. And then soldiers
started to appear from two sides. Again, no one expected any provocation,
since they remained behind the wire. Suddenly they started throwing
explosive bags, and from the side of the pass desk of the National Assembly,
that is, the side that the rally participants were on, within an instant
special troops jumped out, electroshock devices in their hands, blocking the
whole street. People became actually trapped, there was only a narrow
passage left on the opposite part of the sidewalk. And the massacre started.
I was standing with my camera by the first line of the enclosure and was
shooting what was happening, then I crossed the street and started to
retreat towards the Opera House with the crowd. Then all of a sudden four
civilians attacked me out of the crowd and tried to snatch my camera away.
– Had they addressed you before that in some way, like saying “stop the
shootings, do not shoot”?
– No, they simply attacked me from behind, and it was unclear who these
people were. The special troops were wearing either helmets, or red caps. As
a war cameraman I went through practically the whole war in Karabagh, and so
among the red-capped troopers I saw a couple of guys I knew: they advised me
to get away as soon as possible. But these four civilians were simply trying
to take my camera away from me, a scuffle started. I was holing the camera
with one hand, and was trying with my leg and my other arm to fight them
back. But it is very difficult to fight back four people when you are alone
and are carrying a heavy professional camera on your shoulder. One of these
four, a short one, came from behind and gave me as strong a punch on my nose
as he could. It started bleeding, I lost my sense of direction but still did
not let the camera go. Then these four dragged me out to the roadway, where
the special troops were operating. People in helmets ran up to me, I think,
there were six or seven of them, and they started to punch me with
electroshockers all over.
– You did not faint?
– No, but you know, when you are stricken with electroshock on your arms,
sides, legs, these parts of your bodies get paralyzed for some time. These
special troop guys did see some civilians attack me – a person with a
professional camera bearing a label of the First Channel, dressed in a
cameraman’s jacket, and they exerted no violence against these civilians but
started to beat me instead. I fell down, the civilians took the camera and
left, while the special troopers continued to beat me. They were in helmets
with visors and I could not see faces. They continued beating me on the
asphalt by bludgeons and legs, paralyzed as I was. When the effect of the
electroshock started to weaken, I was trying to rise, they again used the
shockers, preventing me from doing so, and went on beating me again with
bludgeons and legs.
– Were they telling you anything?
– I only heard one voice, who was shouting all the time: “Do not look at
me!”, then they threw my jacket on my face. And the kept swearing because
my blood was spilling on their clothes. Besides someone was constantly
spraying gas into my eyes for me not to see anything. I do not know how long
it all lasted, but then I heard someone say: “OK, that’s enough, he is about
to kick off, leave him alone.” And they took me by my shoulders, dragged me
on the sidewalk like a piece of rug and left under a tree. When the pain
became somewhat duller, I thought – I don’t have my camera, I don’t have my
mobile phone, I do not have my things. And I started to look for my things
crawling on my knees.
What makes me all the more insulted is that having gone through all of
Karabagh war as a war cameraman, when the country is at peace, I was simply
doing my job, I was not making public disorder or anything else, yet, I was
beaten, and not simply beaten – they were trying to kill me. They were not
really choosing some spots that would be less painful or less vital, they
were striking wherever they could, without giving much thought to it. I have
stripes left by the bludgeons. What for?
– Could they be trying to kill you simply because you were a journalist?
– I have no other explanation to this now.
– What happened next?
– Then the ambulance arrived. You know, I am a Caucasian, and I took all
that happened as an insult. I could have properly resisted, if attacked by
one person, face-to-face, but when you are assaulted like this… I was so
mad that when the ambulance stopped – apparently someone said there was a
dead body lying under the tree – and the doctor came up to me, I remember
starting swearing at him. He said: “Say whatever you feel like saying, but
let me examine you.” I looked like a jumble of flesh and blood. They
provided the first aid to me, then looked for my things with me and put me
into the car. There were several people sitting in the ambulance, I remember
a woman who was stricken on the leg with a bludgeon so hard that she could
not walk. I refused to go to the hospital and asked to be taken to our
office to be able to contact Moscow. My clothes were shred into pieces, I
had blood and water all over me, and my clothes, as if to spite me, were
brand new on that day. And here I probably made a huge mistake. When I was
visited by my colleagues from “A1+” TV company in my office, I did not allow
them to shoot me looking like that. I was embarrassed. But the life came to
prove again that it is purely a show, and one must act by its rules. If I
had allowed the shootings, no questions would arise later. I only allowed
shooting my jacket. I made a call to Moscow, told them what happened, that I
was deprived of the camera, the tape, everything and I have no story to send
them in the morning. Then I went home, had a shower, came back to the office
and in an hour or so I felt bad. I was taken home. I could never imagine
that one can swell because of beatings, and here I started to swell myself.
In the morning I could not move at all. I called the Arabkir Police
Department and reported the incident. I introduced myself immediately,
saying I am a staff member of the First Channel. In some 15 minutes three
policemen came to my place and filed a charge-sheet. They said I had to
undergo forensic examination. And, as far as I remember, I managed to go for
an examination with the help of my friends. I was X-rayed, and so on. It
appeared my nose had been broken, my right arm, with which I was holding the
camera during my fight with the civilians, was seriously injured. I had some
other numerous injuries, too.
– Were you given the official results of the forensic examination?
– No, I was told that no such document can be given to the injured party, it
is included into the case, and only an extract from it can be obtained from
the Prosecutor’s Office. Luckily, I have the copies of the papers I got when
I was being examined. I knew who I was dealing with and I made copies for
myself just in case.
On April 14 I was telephoned from the Arabkir Police Department and was
told: “Your camera has been found, it is at the press-center of the RA
Police.” The camera was broken, it certainly had no tape. The whole problem
started because of the tape. I had the camera on all the time when attacked
by civilians.
– Were you given explanations as to how the camera had been found?
– What I was told sounds like a joke. I was told that several unknown people
had found the camera in the bushes and handed it over to the police. A
professional camera that costs several thousands of dollars… Anyway… I
am grateful that my camera was found so fast, my mobile and other things
were found and returned, too. I was probably luckier than my other
colleagues who were injured, as far as I know some of them had been returned
nothing to this day. I was lucky in terms of being a Russian correspondent,
because of which special attention was given to my case. The Interior
Minister of Russian Federation sent a paper to the Russian Foreign Office
for my case to be undertaken urgently. A representative of the Russian
Embassy in Armenia had a meeting with me.
>From the very start, when I addressed the Arabkir Police Department, the
charge-sheet on what had happened was made on three pages, but then, when
the case was transferred to the General Prosecutor’s Office and was taken
under the personal control of the General Prosecutor, a detailed report was
produced. The investigation was conducted in a very polite manner, with no
pressure. I was repeatedly summoned for testimony. This is understandable, I
told them everything just like I am telling you now.
– Have you been asked, say, to identify those four civilians?
– Certainly. But I cannot identify them. They were very sudden in attacking
me, they came from behind, I can only remember vaguely that the one who
punched me on the nose was short, and one of them was fat, wearing a black
jacket and a black cap. I remember nothing more. But look what happens here.
If they were civilians, it means they possibly were the rally participants.
But why would they hand me over to the special troops?! I cannot identify
the guys from the special troops, either: their faces were hidden. I was
called afterwards from the President’s Office and from the Parliament, I was
asked whether I could identify anyone. The investigators say, if only you
could identify anyone, because there is actually no one specific to be
charged. So it looks like my case is a dead-end? I am telling them – guys,
who is going to compensate the material damage, the camera is expensive. I
am not even speaking about the moral damage, one can hardly consider it in
our state. The answer is – our task is to find those guilty, and if we do
find them, the court is to decide who is going to compensate the damages.
– What do you know about the progress of the investigation today?
– Almost nothing. I made an official enquiry with the General Prosecutor’s
Office. They told me that the investigation is underway.
– So the case has not been dismissed, the investigation continues.
– It looks like that. But who is responsible for all this? I do not know.
But I am very insulted to be treated like that in my country, at peace,
when doing my work. I am often told – you are lucky not to be killed.
– How probable do you think the disclosure of the case is?
– The probability is equal to zero, there are no chances whatsoever. Because
I am asked: “Can you recognize their faces?” No. So if I cannot identify
anyone that is how it should be?!
– Is it possible that if no specific people responsible are found, the guilt
will be placed on the structure they are affiliated with?
– Of course no. What happened is outrageous, it is outrageous that
journalists can be treated like that. There are many ways to prohibit the
work of a journalist. Just come up, say, you cannot shoot here, take the
tape away, but not killing me simply for making shootings…
– During the days that followed the events in April one high-ranked official
said it was necessary for journalists to wear special uniform to be
distinguished from the crowd, so that in similar situation the law
enforcement bodies were able to differentiate journalists from other people.
Let us assume, even though it sounds like science fiction, that those who
were beating you, both the civilians and the special troopers, did not
realize you were having a professional camera, did not see the label of the
First Channel on it. If you had a uniform on, that would not leave any
doubts that you are a journalist even at night, you would not be treated the
same?
– I am more than sure that I would. Those who were beating me, I heard them
say – so you are shooting for Moscow, we’ll show you how to shoot. And the
paradox of the situation is that my TV company, the First Channel, is
extremely sympathizing with the Armenian authorities, and they were trying
to kill me, the representative of this channel.
– What can be done to protect the journalists from violence?
– Look, on April 5 cameras were broken, the next time they started a
massacre. What comes next? We have had broken cameras, we have had beaten
journalists. Do killed journalists come next? I was very moved by the
attention of my colleagues on those days. There were phone calls from
everywhere… But if all the journalists, regardless of what media they work
for, simply as people united by this profession would stand up and say for
even one day: we are stopping our work protesting against being killed,
maybe something would change.
– Do you believe such solidarity is possible in Armenia?
– Unfortunately not. Although I would very much like to believe in it. But
similar incidents can happen to anyone else tomorrow. And to prevent it, we
probably need to be united. You know, I do not want to say some loud words,
I am not a public person. I am not used to giving interviews, I am used to
being on the other side of the camera. But dismissing one case, then the
other, we will come to the third case. It will surely be more terrible that
the previous two, ending, thanks God, without deaths. If we leave all this
unpunished, this third case, when the hands are completely untied, will be
awful.
– Aren’t you scared to go on working?
– Not at all. The words “facing the death” may sound too pompous, but I went
through all the Karabagh war from the very start and I really did face
death. I covered events in Georgia, the whole rose revolution, all the
events in Ajaria. That is, I have huge experience in working at “hot spots”.
But to be caught like that, to be abused like that in your own country… It
is not a matter of being hurt, I feel very insulted.
PS. Cameraman Levon Grigorian or Leva the Big, as his friends and colleagues
call him for his height and powerful stature, was born in 1957 in Yerevan.
He has been working for television since 1980. Throughout his almost 25-year
career Levon Grigorian worked for the only state television during the
Soviet times, then – for the first private TV company “A1+”, collaborated
with “Vesti” newscast of the Russian RTR channel, with BBC, SkyNews, CNN. He
has been employed by the First Channel since 1993.
The fist “hot spot” in his life and profession was Karabagh. “In 1988, when
the conflict was just starting, I registered as a member of volunteer
troops. But I soon understood that it was not for me, I cannot kill people.
I came back to Yerevan, took the camera and since the earliest days of the
war I worked in Karabagh. I started with the coverage of situation in
Shahumian district. It was sieged at that time, and it was there that
Azerbaijanis started to use “Grad” bombing emplacements at night for the
first time. We thought it very important to shoot what was happening as a
prove that a full-scale war had started. And you now, none of us then
thought of making money, we simply wanted the world to know the truth.”
Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
FOURTH “PRESS CLUB” SHOW
On November 15 on the evening air of the Second Armenian TV Channel the
fourth “Press Club” show was issued. The cycle is organized by Yerevan Press
Club under “Strengthening Democracy in South Caucasus by Free Expression”,
implemented jointly with “Article 19” international organization with the
support of Open Society Institute.
The show participants, the heads of the leading media and journalistic
associations of Armenia, discussed the issue of journalists’ accountability
for libel and insult. The second topic was the inner political situation in
the country and the inter-party relations – the problems most actively
raised in the Armenian press recently.
JOURNALISTS AND POLICEMEN GATHERED AT A ROUND TABLE
On November 17 “Femida” NGO held a round table, in which representatives of
Armenian media and the police took part. The event was organized under “Role
of Press in Establishing Rule of Law in Republic of Armenia” project,
implemented by “Femida” with the financial assistance of European
Commission. At the round table the participants discussed the issue of
overcoming the mutual lack of trust between the journalists and law
enforcement bodies that will allow to provide more up-to-date and reliable
information to the public about the criminal situation in the country.
“Femida” plans to hold such meetings regularly.
CHANGES AT “YERKIR-MEDIA”
The administration of “Yerkir-Media” TV channel has recently been changed.
Due to the resignation of Rubina Ghazarian, since November 12 the
responsibilities of “Yerkir-Media” Director were assumed by the head of news
programs Gegham Manukian. The new Chairman of the Board of the TV company is
businessman Norayr Melkonian, who replaced Harutiun Harutiunian in this
position.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]
Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
375007, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 1) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 1) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

November 18, 2004
Armenian Genocide Resource Center
5400 McBryde Ave
Richmond, CA 94805
(510) 965-0152
Contact: Richard Kloian
Armenian Genocide Educational posters now on the Internet
After four years of research and two years in production by a
dedicated artist in Portland, Oregon, a set of five instructional
posters on the Armenian Genocide has just been released and is now
available for viewing and free download on the web.
The posters were recently unveiled at an educator workhop in Oakland
California where the largest professional teacher training
organization in the U.S, Facing History and Ourselves, announced to
San Francisco Bay Area teachers and members of the community attending
their availability and endorsed the use of the posters in its national
teaching program on the Armenian Genocide.
The set of five theme oriented instructional posters teach about the
Armenian Genocide and provide a visual overview of key events related
to the genocide, its prelude, methodology, and aftermath.
Each illustrated poster measures 19″x25″ and includes photographs,
text, graphics and a chronology, allowing teachers and students to
easily conceptualize and grasp essential facts related to each theme,
and provides teachers with a template for further instruction,
exploration and study.
The posters have been teacher-tested and endorsed by Facing History
and Ourselves,which will be using them in its six regional offices. A
teacher study guide prepared by FHAO will be forthcoming soon.
Please see the following website for a detailed description of the
posters and information on how to obtain hard copies. A description of
the posters is below:
—————————————————————-
PANEL 1: Prelude to Genocide
A brief chronology of Ottoman history from 1502 to 1913 revealing the
myths and realities of Ottoman History and a list of major historical
events that led up to the Armenian massacres of 1894-96, 1909 and the
genocide of 1915. Includes an overview of the corrupt Ottoman
taxation system and the failed treaties that sought to protect the
Armenian minority in the Ottoman Empire against increasing abuses and
usurpations.
PANEL 2: Decapitation of a Nation
Includes a chronology of monthly events from Feb 1914 to May 1915
leading up to the genocide, the decision by Turkish leaders for the
genocide and their justification for it, the Turkish methodology to
first destroy Armenian leaders and intellectuals, the reaction to the
genocide by the Allies who for the first time warned Turkish leaders
for their “Crimes against Humanity” setting a legal precedent for a
concept used in future war crimes tribunals.
PANEL 3: Deportation
A chronology of monthly events from May 1915 to Feb 1916 showing the
deportation as a ruse for destruction of the Armenians. The full
U.S. State Dept translation of the Official Proclamation of
Deportation by the Young Turks showing the demonization of the
Armenians and the authorization for the genocide. Observations and
statements by Swiss, German and American eyewitnesses attesting to the
intent of the Turkish government to destroy the Armenians. Includes
photographs of the deportations, deportees, and survivors.
PANEL 4: Extermination
A chronology of monthly events from Oct 1916 to March 1918 with quotes
by major figures from the period describing in detail the deliberate
destruction of the Armenians and listing the growing reaction by
public figures in the U.S. and elsewhere to the genocide. Includes a
map showing the deportations and massacres, photographs of the victims
and refugees, many taken under threat of death.
PANEL 5: Aftermath
A chronology of related monthly events from May 1918 to July 1923
describing the fate of the survivors, Armenian women sold in slave
markets or taken in Moslem harems, the forced Islamization of
children, scenes of starvation and destitution with hundreds of
thousands of refugees seeking food, shelter and relief, the continued
destruction of Armenians in 1920 by Turkish Nationalist forces, a
discussion of treaties that first sought to atone for the injustices
upon the Armenians and then relegated their plight to the backwaters
of history thus giving impunity to the Turkish state and paving the
way for the denial that continues to today. Includes a map and
photographs of the refugees.

A1 Plus | 14:48:08 | 18-11-2004 | Social |
HEALTH CONDITION OF CHILDREN AT SPECIAL SCHOOLS IS ALARMING
Children with special needs placed at special/boarding schools in
Yerevan face myriad health and development problems, according to the
Assessment of Health Condition of Children with Special Education Needs
conducted upon the request from the Ministry of Education and Science of
the Republic of Armenia by the Children’s Health Care Association with
UNICEF’s support.
The study which provides an in depth analysis of health and development
problems of children was carried out at Nubarashen No. 1 and 11 schools
for children with mental retardation, school No. 9 for children with
hearing impairments and Nubarashen No. 18 special school for children
with behavioral problems.
The objective of the study was to assess health condition of children,
identify whether children are placed in a proper special school and meet
new admission criteria recently adopted by the Ministry of Education and
Science.
Out of 514 children registered in the surveyed schools, only 391 (76%)
were available for screening. Over 60% of children were from Yerevan,
while the rest were from neighboring regions.
The screening revealed that along with children with special educational
needs, schools also accepted their siblings without such needs solely on
the basis that they belonged to the same socially vulnerable families.
On the average for 16% (62 children) of the surveyed children the
schools that they were placed in were not appropriate. However, the
reintegration of those children into mainstream education is already
impossible.
According to the study findings, poverty (50% of children) and family
problems (62 % in Nubarashen No. 18 special school) are major causes for
placement of children in a special school.
Many of the children suffer from chronic diseases, including cases which
require immediate medical intervention. In particular, up to 17% of the
surveyed children have hearing problems caused by chronic tonsillitis
and otitis. In many cases, however, school administrations were not able
to provide relevant medical assistance to the children due to the lack
of qualified medical personnel and absence of legal power to authorize
specialized medical intervention.
In addition, the study indicates that out of 391 children 28 (7%) were
subjected to physical violence within their families, whereas 9 children
(2%) were subjected to violence at the schools.
The assessment once again brings up the importance of regular medical
checkups of all children in special schools as well as the need to
revise curriculum in those institutions. Moreover, the development of
the state policy on early identification of childhood disability and
early intervention will lead to timely integration of children with
disabilities into the society, thus preventing many children from being
placed in special schools.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

November 18, 2004
Armenian Genocide Resource Center
5400 McBryde Ave
Richmond, CA 94805
(510) 965-0152
Contact: Richard Kloian

ONLINE FORUM – LESSONS FROM THE PAST: THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE,HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS
December 1-3, 2004
Facing History and Ourselves will host a global online conversation
for educators, scholars, and university and graduate students focusing
on the difficult choices individuals, groups, and nations have
confronted – and continue to struggle with – in the face of genocide.
The forum will build upon the issues explored in Facing History and
Ourselves’ newest resource book, Crimes Against Humanity and
Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians, as well as examine the
work of contemporary human rights activists and scholars who challenge
indifference and believe that prevention of genocide is possible.
Facing History and Ourselves staff will facilitate this three-day
online forum with the participation of leading human rights and
Armenian Genocide scholars, including Chair of Modern Armenian History
at the University of California, Los Angeles, Richard Hovannisian.
Smith College Professor and human rights activist Eric Reeves, a
frequent writer and commentator on the genocide in Sudan will also
join us along with Helen Fein, the executive director of the Institute
for the Study of Genocide and the International Association of
Genocide Scholars. The online forum is free of charge, Interested
individuals can RSVP online.
For more information, please go to

Calls for Iordanescu’s resignation after draw in Armenia
.c The Associated Press
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – Amid calls for the resignation of Romania’s
soccer coach after a humiliating draw against Armenia, soccer
federation boss Mircea Sandu said Thursday he also was considering
alternatives to replace Anghel Iordanescu.
Romania, one of the favorites in World Cup qualifying Group 1, drew
1-1 Wednesday in Yerevan, losing critical points in a tight battle for
supremacy with the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Finland.
Romania is currently second in the group, behind the Netherlands.
In Armenia, Romania missed 10 of its top players and several regular
substitutes due to injuries or suspensions.
Fans met the team at the airport Wednesday night, calling for the
coach’s resignation. The calls were echoed in the media and by sports
celebrities, who criticized Iordanescu’s selection of players.
Daily newspaper Ziua wrote that a “sorry coach and a team of losers
shamed us in Yerevan”.
A front page headline in sports newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor said
“Dead,” while another sports newspaper, Pro Sport, wrote “God
punished you!” referring to Iordanescu’s well-known mysticism. The
coach is known for being extremely superstitious and bringing crosses
to games.
Iordanescu told the media Wednesday night that he will stay on as
national team coach.
But on Thursday, the two sports newspapers reported on their Web sites
that Iordanescu is stepping down. The reports cited sources in the
Romanian federation.
The soccer federation has not confirmed the resignation, but issued a
statement saying its executive committee has scheduled a meeting with
the coach for Sunday, when “Iordanescu will present the activity of
the technical staff”.
“Until Sunday, there will be no comment on the situation,” the
statement added.
11/18/04 11:43 EST
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pope Condemns Use of Religion for Violence
.c The Associated Press
VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope John Paul II received Muslim, Orthodox
Christian and Jewish religious leaders from Azerbaijan, calling their
visit Thursday a symbol of tolerance and declaring that religion must
never be used for violent aims.
“No one has the right to present or use religion as an instrument of
intolerance, as a means of aggression, of violence, of death,” the
pope told the group.
Christians, Muslims and Jews must appeal together for an end to
violence in the world “with justice for all,” he said.
“This is the way of religions,” he said.
The audience was scheduled to repay the pope’s 2002 trip to
Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic and mainly Muslim nation with a
Roman Catholic population of only 300 people.
The Vatican said the pope wanted to hold up Azerbaijan as an example
of coexistence and cooperation among religions and express hope that
“a full peace in the spirit of reconciliation” may be achieved in
the region – a reference to the country’s conflict with Armenia over
Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave.
A cease-fire ended fighting in 1994 after some 30,000 people were
killed and more than 1 million people fled their homes.
11/18/04 09:16 EST

Margaret Thatcher’s Son Charged in Plot
By RODRIGO ANGUE NGEUMA MBA
.c The Associated Press
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea (AP) – Equatorial Guinea prosecutors
confirmed Thursday they have charged Mark Thatcher, son of former
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in an alleged coup plot in
the oil-rich west African nation.
Thatcher is accused of having helped finance the coup attempt,
Attorney General Jose Olo Obono said.
Thatcher was added to the existing list of 19 other defendants, all
accused mercenaries, on Tuesday, Obono said.
Equatorial Guinea intends to seek Thatcher’s extradition, a legal
official close to the government’s case told The Associated Press
earlier this week.
Equatorial Guinea alleges Thatcher and other, mainly British
financiers, worked with Equatorial Guinea opposition figures, scores
of South African mercenaries, and six Armenian pilots in a takeover
plot here.
The coup plotters intended to force out the 25-year regime of
President Teodoro Obiang, installing an exiled opposition figure in
his stead as a figurehead leader for Africa’s No. 3 oil producer,
Equatorial Guinea claims.
The alleged plot was exposed in March by South African intelligence
services, and scores of accused mercenaries arrested here and in
Zimbabwe.
Thatcher was arrested in August at his home in South Africa.
Trial resumed Thursday, with prosecutors’ lead witness formally facing
the death penalty after repudiating his alleged confessions in the
case in court on Tuesday.
11/18/04 06:45 EST

AGBU Montreal
has the pleasure of inviting you to an
exhibit of recent works by world-renowned artist
ROUDOLF KHARATIAN
November 26 to 28, 2004
VERNISSAGE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26 at 8:00 p.m.
The exhibit continues
Saturday, November 27
and Sunday, November 27
from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
at the
AGBU Alex Manoogian Center
Dervishian Hall
805 Manoogian Street
St-Laurent, QC
514.748.2428
See attached flyer, and feel free to invite
friends and family. All are welcome.
Biographical Information:
Roudolf Kharatian is a native of Yerevan, Armenia where he studied at
the Yerevan School of Fine Arts. In America, Kharatian’s works have
been included in individual, group and juried exhibitions in
Washington, DC at the Foundry Gallery, the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), the Fannie Mae Foundation Gallery of the Washington Ballet, the
Embassy of Armenia, Art-O-Matic 2000, HNTB Architecture, Hamazkayin
Cultural and Educational Association, Touchstone Gallery, Art-O-Matic
2002, Roulette Gallery, the Embassy of Russia’s Russian Cultural
Center and the Maryland College of Art and Design; in Frederick,
Maryland at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center; in Montreal, Canada at
the Tekeyan Cultural Center; and in St. Petersburg, Russia at the
Gorohovaya Gallery. Kharatian’s works are in private collections in
the United States, Canada, France, Great Britain, South Africa and
Armenia.
Mr. Kharatian has also had an illustrious career in dance. His ballets
have been performed on many stages worldwide including the Kennedy
Center, Lincoln Center, the Salle Pleyel in Paris, the Place des Arts
in Montreal, and many others. Artist Emeritus Kharatian holds a
Master’s Degree in Choreography and Stage Production and is the
recipient of three Maryland State Arts Council Awards for Choreography
(1997, 1999 and 2001). He is currently on the faculty of the
Washington Ballet and is the founder and Artistic Director of ARKA
Ballet.
Dance biography:
Choreographer and Master Teacher Roudolf Kharatian was principal
dancer with the National Ballet of Armenia from 1967 to 1990,
performing all the great leading roles of the classical repertoire. A
star of five films, he also toured extensively with the Bolshoi Ballet
and Stars of Russian Ballet. From 1979 to 1991, he was Artistic
Director of the Chamber Ballet of Armenia.
A graduate of the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg,
Mr. Kharatian also holds a Master’s Degree in Choreography and Stage
Production from the Moscow University of Theater Arts. Artist Emeritus
Kharatian has received numerous medals and awards as dancer,
choreographer and teacher including consecutive Maryland State Arts
Council Individual Artist Awards for Choreography (1997, 1999,
2001). Under his coaching, many of his students have won gold at the
most prestigious international ballet competitions.
A frequent guest teacher, Mr. Kharatian has taught the Kirov Ballet,
the Boston Ballet, the Washington Ballet, the Debra Colker Dance
Company, among others. His ballets have been performed on many stages
worldwide including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Salle
Pleyel in Paris, the Place des Arts in Montreal. His choreographic
credits include full-length story ballets and countless one-act
ballets and concert pieces. Mr. Kharatian served on the faculty of
Washington’s Kirov Academy before joining the Washington School of
Ballet faculty in 1994. He is also the founder and Artistic Director
of ARKA Ballet in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his work in ballet, Roudolf Kharatian is also an
accomplished visual artist. His works are in private collections in
the United States, Canada, France, Great Britain, South Africa and
Armenia.
Web sites to check out: and
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress