Category: News

PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
COMMUNIQUÉ
Organized by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, a
Three-Day Clergy Conference will be held on October 20, 21, 22, at the
Diocesan complex, as part of the `Tarkmanchats Lsaran’. During the
three days of the conference, which is solely for clergy, a series of
twelve religiously themed lectures will take place.
Below we have outlined the topics that will be presented, along
with their lecturers.
1. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese, will present three topics: A) `The mission of the pastor
within
the life of the community and the realm of globalization’, B) `The
significance of Diocesan structures within intercommunity
collaboration’, and C) `The role of solitude, silence and prayer,
for
the formation of Christian spirituality’.
2. Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian will discuss the following three
topics: A) `The church of the third millennium; threats,
possibilities,
visions’, B) The Christian thought to escape from the world and the
sense of faith during the first centuries of Christianity, C) The
relationship between man-God in the view of David the Prophet.
3. Archpriest Dr. Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian’s topic is: `The influence
of the Heavenly Kingdom upon earth, according to the Parables’.
4. Dr. Fr. Stepanos Dingilian’s topics are: A) `Christian and
secular interpretations of human aspirations’, B) Christian spiritual
fulfillment within the career, C) `Preserving and nurturing the
sanctity
of the Armenian family’.
5. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian’s topic will be: `The Armenian
Church – nationalism, golden age, hardships it has faced and future
concerns’.
6. Rev. Fr. Shnork Demirdjian’s topic will be: `The gradual
experience of spiritual growth with the faithful (beginner, acolyte,
apostle, leader)’.
The Three-Day Clergy Conference will take place every year in October,
in order to further expound on topics relating to ecclesiastical,
clerical, religious and spiritual life. The main goal is to continually
cultivate and renew the filed of knowledge of our clergy, and in doing
so, revitalize the spirit of service.
Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian is responsible for organizing the
aforementioned functions.
DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE
June 30, 2004
Burbank, CA
From: Baghdasarian

Book Signing and Presentation of Three New Works by
Author Nahabed Melkonian
Jerusalem St. Tarkmanchatz
Alumni Association of North America
1335 N. Detroit, #114
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tel: (323) 851-9119
Tel/Fax: (818) 247-6809
Email Contact: Mihran Toumajan
([email protected])
June 30, 2004
The Tekeyan Cultural Association, the Armenian Society of Los Angeles,
and the Jerusalem St. Tarkmanchatz Alumni Association of North America
cordially invite the public to attend a book signing and presentation
of three new works by the eminent author and intellectual, Nahabed
Melkonian. The featured books include “The Lament of the Church”
(“Voghp Yegeghetsvo”, in Armenian), “In the Shadow of Meditation”
(“Khogumneru Shukin Dag”, in Armenian), and “In Contemplation”
(recently translated into English).
The books will be presented by the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, Pastor
of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale; Dr. Sarkis
Mesrobian; and, Aris Sevag, Managing Editor of The Armenian Reporter
International weekly newspaper and translator of “In
Contemplation”. Parsegh Kartalian will serve as Master of
Ceremonies. The evening will also feature a modest artistic
program. The presentation will culminate with the traditional dousing
of wine on the books (kinetson).
This literary event will take place on Wednesday evening, July 21,
2004 at 8:00 pm at the Armenian Society of Los Angeles’ Center in
Glendale (221 South Brand Boulevard).
Refreshments will be available after the book signing and
presentation. Admission is free.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
June 10, 2004
EASTERN PRELACY’S NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
CONVENES IN PHILADELPHIA
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN EMPHASIZES ROLE OF THE FAMILY
IN HIS MESSAGE TO THE ASSEMBLY
KEYNOTE SPEAKER, VIGEN GUROIAN, FOCUSES ON
“MARRIAGE AND FAMILY IN BRAVE NEW AMERICA”
NEW YORK, NY-The National Representative Assembly (NRA) of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America (Eastern United States), met in Philadelphia
from May 19 to 21, at which time clergy and lay delegates deliberated on
future programs of the Armenian Church in America. The host parish was St.
Gregory the Illuminator Church.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Prelate, welcomed the delegates to the
NRA with special words of praise and thanks to the host church and its
priest, Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian.
“I have special words of thanks on behalf of the Religious and Executive
Councils and all of our parishes and faithful, to Philadelphia’s St. Gregory
Church, the pastor, board of trustees, and sister auxiliary organizations
for the hospitality they have extended us making our environment both
comfortable and enjoyable. We have heartfelt and sincere appreciation for
the St. Gregory Church community, which is one of our Prelacy’s most solid
and active communities-a community that has always been helpful and
supportive of all of our programs and efforts.”
AWARDS
Several important awards were conferred during the closing banquet on
Friday, May 21, including the “Prince of Cilicia” medal to K. Yervant
Terzian; “Person of the Year” to Mrs. Alice Sachaklian; “Spirit of Armenia”
award to Aram Hamparian; Youth Leadership awards to six local young adults;
and Certificates of Merit to eight local members in recognition of their
outstanding community service.
PRELATE’S MESSAGE
Before beginning the main part of his message, the Prelate expressed
greetings and congratulations to Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian who was
recently re-elected to a third term as Prelate of the Western Prelacy. He
expressed his thanks to Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of Canada. He
expressed his thanks and appreciation to Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and asked the
Diocese’s representative at the NRA, Mrs. Berjouhi Haigazian, “to extend to
Khajag Srpazan my heartfelt best wishes and love.”
In his address to the Assembly, His Eminence focused on the family which
with “its narrow and wide meaning comprises all of us individually and
collectively with a national and universal understanding.”
“Above all else,” the Prelate said, “the family is the environment that
provides identity to those living in the family, being taught and being
prepared for life. As much as that identity is the index of the genes
inherited through the centuries, it is as much the expression of that
environment, education, example, likeness, and imitation. The family gives
identity to the individual. It carves his or her personality and character.
Besides being inherited, character is also received and applied.”
The Prelate described the Armenian family as a church, and the Armenian
family as a nation. He asked the delegates to be “filled with hope and
strength to perform our obligations with love, dedication and sacrifice. If
we perform all of this with love and devotion, I am confident that the
Armenian identity will remain brilliant from generation to generation,
faithful to our Church, faithful to our Homeland and cause. We will survive
as we did for centuries through all difficulties, troubles, persecution,
massacres, and genocide.”
Before concluding his remarks, Archbishop Oshagan recalled the great
losses sustained by the Catholicate of the Great House of Cilicia during the
past five months. He recalled the achievements of Archbishop Sahag Aivazian,
Prelate of Greece; Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, the former Prelate of the
Eastern Prelacy, and Archbishop Zareh Aznavourian, noted Christian scholar,
translator and musician.
The Prelate also noted that next year, 2005, is the 90th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide and how contact has been made with His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America, to commemorate the 90th anniversary jointly.
Finally, he had words of respect and gratitude for His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
As the delegates began their deliberations the Prelate prayed for God’s
wisdom and grace. “May God’s all-powerful eye watch over us, and give you
and your families good health, long life, success and happiness.”
The full text of the Prelate’s speech is on the Prelacy’s web page.
RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE
A report from the Religious Conference, which took place prior to the
full Assembly was offered by Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian. The report focused
on such topics as ecumenical relations, religious education, publications,
seminars, ordinations, clergy candidates.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORT
The Executive Council report was presented by the chairman, Richard
Sarajian, Esq. He described the various achievements during the past year,
as well as pointing out the areas that need special attention.
“This year the Prelacy has strived to continue and improve the programs
of the past, add new programs as well as try to be a fiscally responsible
body. Our aim is to provide the very best services that are needed to serve
our parishes and the Armenian nation. This year we have tried to be a more
visible and vocal institution committed to religious and Armenian education.
We have hosted programs nationally and have become more accessible in our
communities. We have reached out during seminars to utilize our parishes’
talents in order to help each other. We continue to move forward with the
technology needed in this day and time.”
The Executive Council report concluded: “Finally, we emphasize that
success depends on all of us. Executive council members, or the clergy, or
the laity cannot achieve success alone. Ours is a partnership that requires
that we interact and work together. Our collective strength makes us capable
of great accomplishments in our mission to spread the word and the work of
our Lord.”
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY
PROFESSOR VIGEN GUROIAN
The Keynote Address was delivered by the well-known theologian and
ethicist, Vigen Guroian, Professor at Loyola College in Baltimore. Professor
Guroian’s address on “Marriage and Family in Brave New America; On Gay and
Same Sex Marriage,” was very timely as just days earlier there was much
media attention on the granting of same-sex marriage licenses in some areas
of the country.
Professor Guroian provided a brief history of the institution of
marriage from pagan days to the beginning of the Christian era.
“For reasons that on this occasion I can only sketch, it may no longer
be possible or permissible for the Armenian Church in the state of
Massachusetts, and no doubt soon in many other states, to cooperate or
collaborate with government in marrying persons, as has been carried on in
one form or another within Christendom since the fifth and sixth centuries.”
Professor Guroian went on to say, “In this serious challenge to our
faith there is, however, a wonderful hidden, maybe providential, silver
lining. It presents an opportunity for us as a church to recapture the full
significance of the sacrament and institution of marriage and to remind
ourselves of the difficult witness to truth that being the Body of Christ in
the world requires.” (The full text of the address in on the Prelacy’s web
page).
CONGENIAL SESSIONS
The efficient and congenial meetings were due in part to the expertise
of the co-chairmen, Jack Papazian of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, and
Artin Dermenjian, All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois. Rev. Fr. Sarkis
Aktavoukian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, was the Armenian
secretary and Ms. Barbara Baljian, of the Worcester parish, was the English
secretary.
Without doubt the extraordinary efforts of the host parish, the local
committee, and the ladies guild, were primarily responsible for the
efficient and pleasant Assembly.
The Workshops were divided into geographical regions and the discussions
focused on how educational programs can be strengthened on a parish and
regional level. The Executive directors of the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC), Deacon Shant Kazanjian; and of the Armenian National
Education Committee (ANEC), Ms. Gilda Kupelian, were available to discuss
the programs.
Alan Goshgarian, delegate from St. Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, presented the results of a parish survey. The purpose of the
survey was to identify problems and limitations; explore religious
attitudes, practices and beliefs among parishioners; and to help prepare a
future course of action. The model for the survey was a survey conducted by
AREC many years ago. The presentation prompted a number of observations and
suggestions that will be useful to all parishes.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
LADIES GUILDS
Concurrent with the NRA the 21st Annual Conference of the National
Association of Ladies’ Guilds (NALG) took place. The Ladies had two days of
activities which included their annual meeting, a traditional celebration of
Ascension Day, and a dynamite presentation by sisters Sue Aramian and Margo
Aramian Ragan, and Margo’s daughter, Jocelyn. The trio talked about their
philanthropy and projects in Armenia.
ELECTIONS
As a final duty the delegates elected council members. Re-elected to
serve on the Religious Council was V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar
and Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, NY. Re-elected to serve on the
Executive Council were Michael Hagopian, St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, MI;
Stephen Hagopian, St. Gregory Church, Granite City, IL; and Dr. Dertad
Manguikian, Sourp Khatch Church, Bethesda, MD. Elected to a first term was
Mr. Hagop Khatchadourian, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, RI.
ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES
Delegates whose terms of office are up and are not eligible for
re-election were invited to address the Assembly, as did Ms Karen Jehanian,
outgoing member of the Executive Council, whose poignant message and
Armenian recitation elicited a standing ovation.
In his closing remarks, the Prelate again spoke about families. “We have
25 of our families here,” he said, alluding to the parishes represented. He
spoke lovingly of the dedication of people who serve their term of office
and who, like Karen, leave with such sadness.
His Eminence thanked the representative of the Diocese for her presence
and participation. “Our love for Etchmiadzin is genuine and sincere,” he
told her. He also thanked the representative of the Armenian Relief Society,
Mrs. N. Balanian; representative of the Hairenik Association, Mr. Zohrab
Tazian; to the Tivan of the Assembly and the entire Philadelphia community
for their exceptional love and care and especially the ladies who cooked and
served all of the delicious meals during the week.
CLOSING BANQUET
The 2004 NRA officially came to an end with the closing banquet attended
by delegates and community members. Richard Sarajian, Esq., served as the
Master of Ceremonies.
Jack Papazian, chairman of the host parish and co-chair of the Assembly,
once again welcomed everyone to Philadelphia. “We are proud to be part of
the Prelacy family,” he said. He acknowledged that it takes effort to host
an NRA and thanked the committees for their dedication. “I hope we have been
a worthy host,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of the host church, offered his thanks
“for giving us the privilege of serving you.” He expressed profound thanks
to our “super ladies guild members.”
Eight Certificates of Merit were presented to local parishioners. Glenn
Papazian introduced five of the winners: Philip D. Pilibosian, Martin
Shelengian, Ralph Jehanian, Albert Soltanian, and Jack Papazian. Rev. Fr.
Manoogian introduced, Asdghig Kazanjian, Jeanette Nazarian, and St. Gregory
Church Choir.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The Youth Leadership Awards were presented by Deacon Shant Kazanjian to:
Garen Nigon, Paul Sookiasian, Ani Jilozian, Peter Yeremian, Katrina
Selverian and Niki Arakelian, Jr.
Deacon Shant explained that the Youth Leadership Awards have now become
a Prelacy tradition. It is presented to young people who show outstanding
leadership qualities and love for the church which they receive first from
their parents and later from the Christian education they receive in their
Church. They serve as Sunday school teachers, sing in the choir, or serve on
the altar. They also serve outside of the Armenian community as volunteers
for charitable and service organizations. Many are graduates of the St.
Gregory of Datev program.
SPIRIT OF ARMENIA AWARD
The 2004 Spirit of Armenia award was presented to Aram Hamparian, the
Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America. Archbishop
Oshagan characterized the ANCA as a “very important organization,” and
described Aram as a “very humble person. I call him fedayee, because the way
he works, the time he gives, his devotion is like a fedayee. When I first
spoke with Aram he said, no I am not worthy of this award. But I tell you,
he is more than worthy and it is an honor for the Prelacy to present this
award to him.”
PERSON OF THE YEAR
Col. George Rustigian introduced the Person of the Year-Mrs. Alice
Sachaklian. “This is an easy task,” he said, “because I am going to talk
about my aunt. My late uncle, Harry Sachaklian and my aunt, Alice
Sachaklian, are wonderful benefactors who believe in the preservation of the
Armenian heritage through the Armenian Church. They were early financial
supporters of the Prelacy. They supported programs in Armenia, publications,
and clergy recruitment and training.”
Col. Rustigian spoke about one of the most significant contributions
made by the couple with the assistance of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of
blessed memory, and that was the construction and on-going maintenance of
the Moughni Cultural Center, which has been dedicated in memory and honor of
her mother, Sophia Aghajanian Kesoyan. “Last year she established the Harry
and Alice Sachaklian Seminary Fund for clergy education. It is with pride
and honor that I introduce to you the Prelacy’s Person of the Year, my aunt,
Mrs. Alice Sachaklian.”
Mrs. Sachaklian received a standing ovation as Archbishop Oshagan read
the message of the award. Mrs. Sachaklian in her quiet unassuming way said,
“Thank you so much. May God bless all of you.”
PRINCE OF CILICIA
Richard Sarajian introduced the final honoree-the recipient of the
highest award given by the Holy See of Cilicia, Prince of Cilicia. He
described how he first met K. Yervant Terzian, a talented engineer and
tireless member of the Armenian community who used his skills to help his
nation. “The name K. Yervant Terzian is everywhere,” he said. “The support
he gives is far-reaching and he does it all without any fanfare.”
Mr. Sarajian invited Mrs. Helen Terzian to come to the podium to accept
the medal. Archbishop Oshagan first read the encyclical issued by His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I and then presented the medal to Mrs. Terzian,
telling her that he would visit Yervant tomorrow morning to congratulate him
personally. “I remember him as far back as my student days. Our church and
nation were his life.” Mr. Terzian is recuperating and was unable to attend
the banquet.
In his closing remarks Archbishop Oshagan reflected on the honorees
noting that all are dedicated to their church and nation. “We did not give
them awards; they earned them,” he said.
The 2004 NRA officially ended with the benediction and the singing of
Giligia.
VISIT THE PRELACY WEB SITE
Visit the Prelacy’s web page, , for a
photo gallery of the NRA by Bedo Der Bedrossian, full text of speeches, and
additional coverage.

Associated Press
June 30 2004
Armenian Minister: Turks Want Closer Ties
By AVET DEMOURIAN
Associated Press Writer
Armenia’s foreign minister said Wednesday that a brief meeting with
the Turkish leader at this week’s NATO summit convinced him that
relations could improve between the uneasy neighbors with a dark
history.
Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian spoke for 10 minutes with Turkish
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the two-day
summit that ended Tuesday in Istanbul.
“During that meeting I was again convinced that the current Turkish
government sincerely wants to achieve a change for the better in
resolving relations with Armenia,” Oskanian said, without
elaborating.
The summit was attended by numerous leaders from non-NATO member
states like Armenia. President Robert Kocharian had refused to
attend, saying that he was dissatisfied with his country’s relations
with Turkey. He sent his foreign minister instead.
Armenia and Turkey do not have diplomatic relations, although the
Turks recently have expressed a willingness to improve the situation
between the two countries.
Armenians accuse Turks of a genocide of up to 1.5 million Armenians
between 1915 and 1923. Turks claim the number of deaths is inflated
and say the victims were killed in civil unrest.
The two countries also are at odds over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region
within Azerbaijan that has been under ethnic Armenian control since a
war that ended in 1994 without a political settlement.
Turkey, which shares close ethnic ties with Azerbaijan and supported
that nation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has maintained an
economic blockade of Armenia, hobbling development in this landlocked
former Soviet republic.
Oskanian said that he also discussed the possibility of resuming
railroad service between the two nations during a separate meeting
his with his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul.
Oskanian noted, however, that despite gradually developing ties with
Turkey, Armenia would object to Turkey “pretending to be an impartial
mediator” in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Oskanian also said he held discussions Wednesday with the U.S.
administration about Armenia’s intention to veto a proposal that
would give Turkey the acting chairmanship of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2007.
Armenia thinks the role can only be filled by a nation that has
diplomatic relations with all the OSCE’s member states, Oskanian
said, but he added that talks were still being held on the issue.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
June 30 2004
NATO SUMMIT IN SPOTLIGHT OF TURKISH PRESS
[June 30, 2004, 22:24:46]
The NATO Summit held in Istanbul June 28-29 was widely covered in the
Turkish press. Turkish journalists were mainly focused on the
statements by Presidents George Bush of USA, Jacques Chirac of
France, Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia,
as well as Federal Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schroeder and Prime
Minster of the Great Britain Toni Blair.
Besides, the trilateral meeting of Foreign Minister of Turkey
Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov and
Armenian Minister Vardan Oskanian also in the aroused great interest
of local and foreign media. In the course of the meeting, Abdullah
Gul stated to his Armenian counterpart that Azerbaijan and Turkey
expect positive steps from Armenia, reputable Turkish newspapers
Sabah, Radical and Milliyet said. Newspapers say that Armenia keeps
Azerbaijani lands under occupation and has claims as to `genocide’
and that is why, it should not expect any compromise from Turkey and
Azerbaijan. Opening of borders is impossible.
Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled the same
position. During the meeting between President of Turkey Ahmat Necdet
Sezer and President of France Jacques Chirac, the Turkish President
showed discontent of Turkish society on French parliament’s decision
related to the `genocide’ and lambasted radical position of Armenia
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

United Press International
June 30 2004
UPI Energy Watch
By John C.K. Daly
International Correspondent
WASHINGTON, June 30 (UPI) — According to Chinese Standing Committee
of the Communist Party of China member Li Changchun, trade turnover
between Kazakhstan and China will soon reach $5 billion.
Chinese-Kazakh trade totaled $3.3 billion in 2003. Li met with Kazakh
President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Almaty to discuss bilateral
relations, stressing, “The two states are true friends and good
partners. Friendship between our peoples has deep, old-time roots. It
was the Great Silk Road that once tightly linked our countries by
bonds of trade.” On Nazarbayev’s recent visit to China, nine
agreements were signed. One agreement stipulated that China and
Kazakhstan will construct a Kazakhstan-Western China oil pipeline
with an annual capacity of 20 million tons. China is one of
Kazakhstan’s major trade and economic partners; Kazakhstan is China’s
second-largest trading partner after Russia.
-0-
Iran’s Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Hassan Rowhani
stated that Iran is seeking to improve its relations with Armenia.
Iran regards development of relations with Armenia as being in line
with helping regional cooperation to restore peace and security to
the entire region. “Yerevan has special status in Iranian history and
Iran is willing to boost the historical relations between the two
countries,” Rowhani said. Iran and Armenia signed an accord to
construct a new gas pipeline scheduled for completion by 2006.
Rowhani noted, “The Aras River is valuable pivot for strengthening of
economic cooperation through construction of a dam and a power
plant.” The construction of the Gajeran Tunnel will link Armenia to
the north-south corridor and Iran to the Black Sea. Rowhani requested
the start of province-to-province cooperation from both sides to
boost trade and called on the Armenian government to support Iranian
nationals living in the republic. The chief of the Armenian
Presidential Office, Artash Tumanyan, added, “Tehran-Yerevan
relations are essential for regional security and that Iran has
special status in the foreign policy of Armenia.”
-0-
According to Russia’s Gazprom subsidiary Gazeksport’s general
director, Aleksandr Medvedev, the market price of liquefied natural
gas will be used to calculate the price of Russian gas supplies to
China. Medvedev added that China and Russia will construct a
1,207-mile gas pipeline to transport natural gas from Irkutsk to
markets in northeast China and South Korea which Gazprom will
operate. Gazexport will shortly begin negotiations with Korea Gas
Corp., known as Kogas, and China National Petroleum Corp. over the
supply of natural gas through the new pipeline. Russia Petroleum and
Russian-British TNK-BP are developing the Kovykta project for
constructing the Kovykta gas-condensate field in the Irkutsk region.
Under the agreements, China would purchase 33 billion cubic yards of
gas annually and South Korea 44 billion cubic yards annually from the
Kovykta field. To transport the gas to Chinese and South Korean
markets, China needs to build a 887-mile pipeline from the Russian
border to the port city of Dalian to connect with a 333-mile subsea
pipeline to Pyongtaek in South Korea.
-0-
According to the British Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
Patricia Hewitt, British companies plan to participate in building a
North European gas pipeline. Hewitt said, “I am aware of Gazprom’s
plans to establish a North European gas pipeline, which is to provide
a more direct route for the pumping of Russian gas to the EU,
including Great Britain.” Hewitt emphasized, “as far as Britain is
concerned, it is definitely up to the commercial sector to decide
whether the project is an economic proposition. But I am certain that
British companies specializing in the funding, design and management
of projects, as well as construction and delivery of equipment and
services, would be very interested in taking part in this project.”
Asked whether Great Britain was interested in purchasing more Russian
gas and Hewitt replied, “I would be glad if Britain imported more
Russian oil and gas,” said Hewitt. The European Commission is
preparing studies of restricting or banning oil shipments through the
Baltic Sea, particularly ones carried by Russian single-hulled
tankers.
-0-
GE Energy has received a $35 million contract to upgrade control
systems and instrumentation on nearly 100 pipeline-booster compressor
trains in Algeria. The project involves gas turbines and compressors
at compression stations along Sonatrach’s natural-gas pipelines. The
project will upgrade Sonatrach’s pipeline network for transporting
natural gas to its liquefied natural gas facilities on the
Mediterranean coast, and is slated to begin in the third quarter of
2004. The upgrades will take approximately 30 months.
Sonatrach is an Algerian-owned petroleum company and the leading
business on the African continent. Sonatrach is the 11th-largest
petroleum company in the world and second-largest exporter of LNG.
-0-
In June, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline opened over 108 miles of
the Right of Way, welded 105 miles of pipe joints, and backfilled 86
miles of the pipeline. Only 15 percent of the 1,098-mile Right of Way
remains to be opened. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev visited pump
station PSA2 near Yevlakh, which is now over 75 percent complete. BTC
has made good progress at river crossings in Azerbaijan and finishing
auger boring under the Kura River. In Turkey, a third welding crew
was mobilized for work in Lot B. At Lot A, the rate of trenching and
backfill work was intensified after new excavation equipment was
received.
Closing oil prices, June 30, 3 p.m. London
Brent crude oil: $32.90
West Texas intermediate crude oil: $38.89

ArmenPress
June 30 2004
KARABAGH FOREIGN MINISTRY SWEEPS ASIDE AZERBAIJAN’S ASSERTIONS
STEPANAKERT, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS: Nagorno Karabagh foreign affairs
ministry swept aside today Azerbaijani authorities’ allegations that
the August 8 elections to local self-management bodies are illegal as
they run counter to international laws and Azerbaijan’s legislation
and without the participation of the Azeri population of Nagorno
Karabagh.
A statement issued by Karabagh foreign ministry today said the
slated elections is another step towards building a civic society.
“We proceed from the fact that only legally elected representatives
of authority are empowered with necessary power and bear
responsibility for the fate of people of Nagorno Karabagh,” the
statement says.
The statement described Azerbaijan’s assertions “as cut off from
current realities.” “Nagorno Karabagh has been living independently
for 16 years already and has noting to do with Azerbaijan’s laws and
therefore citing them is absolutely groundless,” the statement said.
The statement scoffs also at Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry’s
assertions that the elections cannot be regarded valid as the
Azerbaijani population of Karabagh cannot participate in them. “If we
follow this kind of logic then all national elections in Azerbaijan
are invalid, as almost half a million of ethnic Armenians had to flee
it as a result of ethnic cleansing,” the statement says.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ArmenPress
June 30 2004
GOVERNMENT RESOLUTE TO OPEN MOBILE PHONE COMMUNICATION MARKET TO
COMPETITION, MINISTER SAYS
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS: Armenian justice minister David
Harutunian said June 29 that the government’s decision to suspend
changes to ArmenTel’s operating license until September 29 “in order
to facilitate the negotiation process with ArmenTel and its Greek
owner OTE in a bid to resolve their long-running disputes,” does not
mean that the government has backpedaled from its plans to open
Armenia’s market of cell-phone and Internet services to competition.
The announcement came after Harutunian’s return from London where
he negotiated last week with senior executives from ArmenTel and its
parent company, the Hellenic Telecommunication Organization (OTE) to
seek an out of court settlement of their dispute. “Government’s plan
to open the market for a second operator of mobile phone
communication and Internet connection is not questioned and will not
be questioned during the talks,” Harutunian told reporters, adding
that that will be the key condition of the talks..
ArmenTel and OTE Greeks filed a lawsuit earlier this year against
the Armenian government at the London International Court of
Arbitration seeking hundreds of millions of US Dollars in
compensation for damages they claim ArmenTel has sustained as a
result of the government’s failure to respect its commitments
contained in 1998 purchase deal. The suit was filed following the
government decision to revoke ArmenTel’s 15-year exclusive rights to
mobile phone communication and Armenia’s Internet connection with the
outside world that was to take effect on June 30.
Harutunian said the government will not suspend its decision after
September 29. “We have three months ahead to negotiate and try to
settle our dispute, a span of time which I think is quite enough and
if we fail to achieve an amicable settlement, the final decision will
be made by the Arbitration Court,” Harutunian said.
Harutunian said the government and ArmenTel’s new management
managed to engage in “constructive” dialogue. “If we succeed in
achieving a mutually acceptable decision the suits will be called
back,” he said. According to the minister, the government will do
everything possible to prevent clashes between ArmenTel and a new
operator of mobile phone communication.
The minister said also that the government will demand that
ArmenTel respect one of its commitments to provide rural communities
with phone communication, lower prices for Internet connection and
stop the practice of telephone conversations eavesdropping.

ArmenPress
June 30 2004
ARMENIA, CANADA SIGN AGREEMENT ON AVOIDING OF DOUBLE TAXATION OF
INCOMES AND PROPERTY
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS: The governments of Armenia and
Canada signed in Yerevan June 29 an agreement that will allow both
countries to avoid double taxation of incomes and property. The
agreement was signed by deputy finance minister Pavel Safarian and an
advisor with Canada’s embassy in Yerevan Howard Isaac.
Armenian finance and economy ministry said that agreement
regulates the frames of authorities of both sides with respect to tax
revenues and other trade and economic issues that may arise in
bilateral economic relationship. It will also allow to increase the
volume of bilateral trade, the movement of capital, technologies and
people.
The goal of the agreement is also to decrease the negative impact
of income and property tax-related obstacles on international trade
and investments. Besides, the agreement is expected to encourage
entrepreneurship by creating competitive opportunities for both
sides’ companies.
As of today the government of Armenia ahs signed similar
agreements with 25 nations, of which 17 are effective. Another six
are ratified but not enforced yet.

ArmenPress
June 30 2004
GOLDEN APRICOT FILM FESTIVAL STARTS IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS: The first “Golden Apricot” Yerevan
International Film Festival opened today at Yerevan’s Moscow Cinema
with premiere of Roman Balayan’s film, “The Night is Bright.” The
Award Ceremony will be held on July 4, 2004 at the same place.
Sixty-seven participants and guests from 19 countries have arrived in
Yerevan to participate in the festival, among them filmmakers,
producers, film critics, actors.
The festival received about 200 films from 20 countries and 121
films are selected for the festival screenings. Eighty-four films are
selected in the festival’s 6 categories of competition (7 feature, 16
documentary, 15 animation and experimental, 7 short, 14 student and
25 video art films).
Sixty-three films are included in non-competition program (28 in
informative, 13 in international and 22 in retrospectives). Most of
them are Yerevan Premieres. Best recent Swedish, Italian, German, and
Bulgarian films, as well as awarded films from Rotterdam Film
Festival will be screened in informative program of the festival.
Film trilogy of Gunnar Berdgahl about famous Swedish filmmaker Ingmar
Bergman is included in the Swedish program.
The films will be screened at Moscow and Nairi Cinemas, Armenian
Center of Contemporary Experimental Art and National Gallery of
Armenia.
The festival has rich program of special events. The 80th
anniversary of founding of Armenian cinema should be celebrated: on
this occasion an exhibition of Armenian film artists’ works will be
opened at the Union of Artists. The world premier of the most recent
Armenian film – “Jeano” by Suren Babayan, will be screened. Together
with Parajanov Museum and the National Cinematheque of Armenia,
filmmaker Sergei Parajanov’s 80th birthday will be celebrated during
the festival, with a showing of his works and site visits to the
places where Parajanov shot his films. His wife and son will be
present. A French artist will present an open-air installation
devoted to Parajanov at the National Cinematheque.
In addition, there will also be other jubilee celebrations: the
80th anniversary of the founding of Armenian cinema, and the 80th
birthday of French singer Charles Aznavour. For the first time, there
will be a Blessing of the Apricot Feast.
Armenia’s Public Television will cover all festival related events
and they will be broadcasted for the Armenian audience as well as by
satellite to Europe, the CIS and the Middle East, as well as some
parts of the US.