Category: News

El Pais
July 1, 2004
Comunidad Valenciana edition
Les senderes valencianes del jubileu Petjades de pedra cap a les vies
compostellanes
Juga a favor d’aquesta hipotesi un testimoni magnific i ben
suggeridor, que conservem documentat a l’inventari parroquial de
defuncions i que considere oportu d’exhumar ara que som al cor del
jubileu compostel.la del 2004. En efecte, fa prop de quatre-cents
cinquanta anys (exactament l’episodi va esdevenir-se a l’octubre del
1556), a l’hospital de Benlloc moria un home vell, natural d’Armenia,
que regressava d’haver peregrinat a Compostel.la. Com que ningu del
veinat no podia “entendre sa llengua, no rebe los sants sagraments”,
tal com te cura d’anotar el dietarista de l’epoca. Aixi doncs, les
dades identificatives d’armeni i de romeu li van ser descobertes
gracies a la credencial compostel.lana que portava damunt.
No em negareu que el cas constitueix una bella mostra d’enigma que
tot seguit desperta la curiositat. Que feia un armeni, procedent de
Galicia, per aquestes latituds? S’hi trobava perdut? Deambulava
absolutament errant? Potser es dirigia a Valencia, a la recerca
d’algun vaixell que el retornara al seu pais. De tota manera, no hem
de perdre de vista que aleshores transcorria una etapa especialment
atzarosa per totes les latituds de la Mediterrania, per tal com aixo
s’esdevenia en vespres de les preses de Nicosia i Venecia pels turcs
i a cinc anys escassos de la batalla de Lepant.
El pelegri armeni que va trobar el descans definitiu a Benlloc devia
ser originari de la Petita Armenia, l’estat cristia de la costa
sud-est de l’Asia Menor que a l’edat mitjana havia mantingut
relacions comercials amb la corona catalanoaragonesa. Potser era un
armeni de la diaspora, marcat per l’estigma d’emigrant cronic que
pesava damunt la generalitat del seu poble, segles abans de la
globalitzacio. Siga com siga, els romeus com ell devien fer
pelegrinatges incerts i penosos, al limit de les precarietats mes
estrictes. Del nostre heroi, per exemple, ens consta que la suma dels
recursos economics de que disposava quan va arribar a Benlloc es
reduia a “uns quants reals”, que no van cobrir mes enlla de les
despeses que generaven aleshores un parell de misses, dites per la
seua anima, que reposa en pau entre els avantpassats belloquins.
Abans de morir, el nostre romeu degue passar per l’ermita de
l’Adjutori. Encara mes, m’arriscaria a conjecturar que l’Adjutori
degue constituir el reclam que va fer-lo desviar-se fins a Benlloc.
En aquest sentit, disposem d’un element forca suggeridor, la vieira
esculpida en un bloc de pedra que ha anat a raure a un mur lateral de
l’ermita. Es clar que aquesta escultura preciosa, que representa el
simbol per antonomasia del pelegrinatge compostel.la, suscita tot
d’una interrogants com els segueents i molts altres: pertanyia aquest
carreu venerable a la primitiva esglesia de l’Adjutori? Hi tenia un
pes rellevant la devocio a sant Jaume? Potser l’ermita havia
esdevingut fita d’alguna ruta de pelegrinatge?
Ben mirat, Benlloc quedava a la vora de la Via Augusta i tambe del
cami ral, dos eixos viaris que estaven ben connectats amb la xarxa
principal de camins que portaven directe a la tomba de l’apostol. Be
podia haver estat, doncs, una fita -modesta i marginal, si voleu-
dins l’entramat de camins compostel.lans que solcaven la vasta
geografia europea.

Armenian minister in favour of improving ties with Turkey
Haykakan Zhamanak, Yerevan
1 Jul 04
Text of Anna Akopyan report by Armenian newspaper Haykakan Zhamanak on
1 July headlined “The attitude was normal”
An interview with [Armenian] Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan.
[Haykakan Zhamanak correspondent] Mr Oskanyan, although you assessed
the meeting with the Turkish and Azerbaijani foreign ministers
positively, you said that the meeting did not yield any tangible
results. Nevertheless, Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan said that they
view the meeting as an opportunity to get the frozen processes in the
South Caucasus out of deadlock.
[Vardan Oskanyan] Maybe they had such a purpose, but the fact is that
there was no progress as a result of the trilateral meeting. Erdogan
did not say that there was progress, but he thinks that the meeting
might lead to progress. This trilateral meeting was not only
connected with the Karabakh issue, it was much more expanded.
[Correspondent] The resolution by NATO member countries says that NATO
highly appreciates Georgia and Azerbaijan’s rapprochement with NATO
and the fact that they have individual action programmes. There is no
word about Armenia in the resolution. In this sense, how do you assess
Armenia’s further potential in developing relations with NATO?
[Oskanyan] This is the next step of cooperation with NATO, which
Azerbaijan and Georgia have already taken and want to establish. We
are discussing that issue and will inform NATO after taking a
decision.
[Correspondent] After your meeting with Turkey’s Foreign Minister
Abdullah Gul, you said that although Turkey has a great desire to
improve its relations with Armenia, the political moment is not ripe
for them yet. Is that moment ripe for Armenia?
[Oskanyan] I said it is not ripe in Turkey because they cannot show
political will. In response to the objections of some circles, I can
say that Armenia wants and is ready to regulate its relations with
Turkey without pre-conditions.
[Correspondent] Recently [Armenian President] Robert Kocharyan told
Turkey from a high rostrum that they are wrong if they think that we
cannot live and develop without them. Today from another high rostrum
you said that Turkey plays a big role in the Caucasus, including in
Armenia. Was this sector of your speech directed at softening the
impression made by Kocharyan’s speech?
[Oskanyan] No, it was not. In fact, today we do not depend on Turkey,
our economy is really developing. Even if Turkey decides to perpetuate
this situation forever, I think we shall continue to develop at quite
a quick pace. So for Armenia the improvement of relations with Turkey
is not a problem of life and death. Simply, we do not see any reason
not to have normal relations with our neighbours. As for Azerbaijan,
everything is clear here – there is the Karabakh conflict and it
should be settled, then we can start improving relations. As for
Turkey, in a bilateral sense, there is no obstacle that does not allow
us to have normal relations. That is, on the one hand, if Turkey
continues this way, this will not create a deadly situation for
Armenia, and on the other, it is always desirable to have friendly
relations with neighbours, which will certainly open wider
opportunities for economic development. But it should be stressed that
Turkey also needs to open the border and improve relations in the
economic and political sense, especially in terms of being present in
the Caucasus, because Turkey has such a desire and wants to play such
a role in the region. But it cannot do so only because it cannot
establish normal relations with Armenia, so this is a bilateral way.
[Correspondent] Mr Oskanyan, do you not think that after Robert
Kocharyan’s speech in Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
[PACE], Turkey demonstrated a pronounced attitude towards our
delegation and you as its head? You seemed to be displeased while
boarding the airplane.
[Oskanyan] It was a very normal attitude, and my meetings with the
Turkish authorities, mainly with the foreign minister, were very
warm. I also had an opportunity to have a very warm conversation with
Turkey’s prime minister. Their attitude towards Armenia was warmer
than necessary.

La Nouvelle République du Centre Ouest
30 juin 2004
Championnat d’Europe de racer au pylône ;
La base de loisirs de Payré va accueillir du samedi 3 au dimanche 11
juillet, une soixantaine de compétiteurs pour la treizième finale du
championnat d’Europe et le trophée de l’Arc Atlantique.
Le racer au pylône est une discipline très spectaculaire des modèles
réduits de bateaux. Le prototype est animé par un moteur à explosion
deux temps qui est alimenté par un carburant à base d’alcool
méthylique et d’huile de ricin.
Lors de son apparition aux Etats Unis, les courses se disputaient en
ligne droite. Les moteurs devenant de plus en plus performants, ce
genre d’exercice devenait dangereux. On a eu alors l’idée de relier
le racer par un cble à un pylône, d’où le nom de ces compétitions.
Le racer au pylône a été importé en France en 1935 et a connu le
succès parce que cette forme de modélisme est économique, puisqu’il
n’y a pas de radio commande ni d’appareillage compliqué, que l’engin
est sobre en carburant et qu’un bassin de 40 x 40 m est suffisant
pour pratiquer.
Le modèle tourne sur un circuit d’un peu plus de quinze mètres de
rayon et sa vitesse est chronométrée sur cinq cents mètres, soit cinq
tours, dès l’instant où le concurrent estime que son engin a atteint
sa vitesse maximum, les vitesses réelles peuvent atteindre les 280
km/h. Les compétiteurs sont classés par catégories selon la vitesse
et en deux spécialités : hélice marine, et hélice aérienne.
Les Iles-de-Payré sont habituées à accueillir des compétitions de
haut niveau. Le premier rendez-vous européen avait réuni en 1997
seulement trois nations : le Royaume-Uni, l’Arménie et la France.
Cette année, le club organisateur, le Modèle circulaire marin France
va accueillir une soixantaine de passionnés représentants seize
nations. Il y aura là plusieurs détenteurs de différents titres
européens et mondiaux, qu’ils soient Arméniens, Ukrainiens, Bulgares,
Russes ou encore Anglais ou Italiens. Cette semaine servira également
au club de répétition en vue de la réception en 2005 des championnats
du monde.
Parmi les favoris, on peut citer l’Arménien Hratchia Shahazizian,
ingénieur à la Cité des Etoiles de Moscou, recordman du monde, les
Russes Vadislav Subbotin et Alexander Ivanin ou le Bulgare Jivko
Tcatcankov, champion de monde 2003.
Jim Free, champion d’Angleterre, Giovanni-Baptista Frare, ancien
champion d’Italie seront présents et la France comptera sur Pierre
Barbotin, 3e des championnats du monde 2001 et recordman de France
avec 242 km/h, et les juniors Etienne Blaud, champion de France 2003
et Julien Kantardjian, recordman de France (212 km/h).
Chez les féminines on suivra avec intérêt le duel entre la Bulgare
Diana Ubinova, championne du monde 2003 et l’Arménienne Gayane
Shahazizian, trois fois championne du monde juniors.
Le programme
– Samedi 3 et dimanche 4 juillet : de 14 heures à 19 heures, accueil,
enregistrement et entraînements.
– Lundi 5, de 10 heures à 20 heures, et mardi 6 juillet, de 9 heures
à 20 heures, manches de compétition.
– Mercredi 7 juillet : repos.
– Jeudi 8 et vendredi 9 juillet, de 9 heures à 20 heures, suite des
manches.
– Samedi 10 juillet, à 10 heures, remise des prix.
GRAPHIQUE: Image: Hratchia Shahazizian, champion du monde toutes
catégories et recordman du monde.

Egoyan heads to 1970s Los Angeles in Somebody Loves You
Screendaily
by Denis Seguin in Toronto
June 17, 2004
Canadian auteur Atom Egoyan is preparing his tenth feature, entitled
Somebody Loves You, with long-time collaborator Robert Lantos of Serendipity
Point Films producing.
The Academy Award-nominated Egoyan wrote the screenplay based on the novel
Where The Truth Lies by Broadway wunderkind Rupert Holmes. Sandra
Cunningham, a co-producer on Egoyan’s Ararat, will perform a similar role.
Principal photography is slated to commence in August in Toronto.
Serendipity would not confirm casting.
Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the story follows a young celebrity journalist as
she tracks the secrets of a showbiz duo who were driven apart by a bizarre
death in which one of them may have played the part of murderer. The deeper
she digs the more she finds herself involved with both men and perhaps
risking more than she bargained for.
It’s the third adaptation of a novel for Egoyan, after 1997’s The Sweet
Hereafter and 1999’s Felicia’s Journey. Egoyan acquired the rights to Where
The Truth Lies in early 2003, well before its publication date last autumn.
It was recently released in paperback in North America.
Where The Truth Lies is the first novel by Holmes, whose Broadway musical
The Mystery of Edwin Drood won Tony Awards for Best Book, Best Music and
Best Lyrics, making him the first person to ever win all three prizes
solely.
Produced by Serendipity Point Films and Ego Film Arts, the project is backed
by Telefilm Canada. Other backers will likely include The Harold Greenberg
Fund, Super Ecran and The Movie Network.

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
June 29, 2004
Contact at HFH Armenia:
Zara Tonapetyan
Aygestan 8-th str, h 5,
Yerevan-070, Armenia
Tel: (374 1) 556-114
e-mail: [email protected]
The UK Ambassador to Armenia Ms. Thorda Abott-Watt and other Armenian
and Armenian resident female officials joined Habitat for Humanity Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia – June29, 2004 – UK Ambassador to Armenia, Ms. Thorda
Abbott-Watt, the president of the Diplomatic Spouse Association Mrs. Nani
Oskanian, The Armenian Assembly of America’s Acting Executive Director Arpi
Vartanian, the deputy minister of Culture and Youth affairs Lilit Asatryan.
Armenia Legislative Strengthening Program Director Eleanor Valentine,
representative of ministry of Urban Development Sona Matevosyan and other
Armenian and Armenian resident women-officials have joined Habitat for
Humanity Armenia local and International volunteers to build a home in
partnership with a disadvantaged family in the village of Voskehat,
Aragatsotn region on June 29, 2004 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This time Habitat for Humanity Armenia was hosting a Global Village team,
consisting only of women. These teams are called Women Build teams. The
mission of the Women Build department of Habitat for Humanity International
is to work through affiliates to nurture, recruit and train women to build
simple, decent, healthy and affordable houses. Women Build brings together
women from all walks of life to actively address the problem of children in
poverty by building Habitat for Humanity houses. Safe, decent housing is
critical to a child’s health and development, yet children are the single
largest age group living in poverty. The Women Build program is expanding
internationally with women crews building houses all over the world.
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Armenia, Ms. Thorda Abbott-Watt and
other female high ranking officials joined the Women Build team to help
build for the family of Tonoyan’s. With this volunteer effort they hope to
demonstrate their good will and commitment to the development of Armenia,
and serve as an example to others in the community encouraging them to join
HFH Armenia in its work eliminating sub-standard housing in Armenia and
throughout the world.

The event is aimed to encourage the involvement of woman in the construction
of Habitat homes. The need for the adequate shelter is great in Armenia,
but it can be met. Women can be a part of the solution – one house, one
family at a time. Women Build challenges and empowers women to build safe,
healthy housing where children can flourish and grow to be all that they can
be.
Habitat for Humanity Armenia is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity
International and supports community development in the Republic of Armenia
by assisting in the construction and renovation of simple, decent and
affordable homes. The purpose of the organization is to help families in
need improve their living conditions, to raise funds to support the vital
work, and to give hope to thousands of people across the country. The
organization was formed in March of 2000 and, to date, has dedicated 82
homes and given shelter to 473 people.
Sub-standard housing is all too common in Armenia. Many families live in
deteriorated housing, in cramped quarters with inadequate water and heat.
HFH Armenia’s selected target group is families living in substandard,
over-crowded and unacceptable living quarters. This group comprises more
than 50-60% of the country’s current population. These families are unable
to purchase their own homes, as they do not have sufficient income to save
to pay for the entire house cost up front, nor can they risk, or would they
be eligible for, a high-interest loan from a commercial lender.
Habitat for Humanity Armenia has found a way to solve the problem. Families,
with two or three wage earners, pay back a no-interest loan for a simple,
decent, affordable, and healthy home, and are still able to feed their
families. Habitat for Humanity Armenia is using a combination of two
approaches to help Habitat families solve their housing problems:
1) Completing half-built homes, which are numerous
in Armenia. This approach enables families to fulfill their dream of
completing their own home. Utilizing existing core structure reduces costs
and prevents the disruption of relocating.
2) Purchasing apartments to make use of Armenia’s
existing under-utilized housing stock. Purchased homes are resold at
no-profit, interest-free, to Habitat families who renovate their apartments
and help in the construction of other families’ homes.
For more information please email Zara Tonapetyan, Communication Coordinator
for Habitat for Humanity Armenia [email protected]. See also
.
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is a non-denominational
Christian, non-governmental, non-profit housing organization that has helped
more than 700,000 people of all races, religions and backgrounds to have a
simple, decent and affordable place to live. Habitat for Humanity has built
or renovated more than 150,000 homes throughout the world, becoming a global
leader in addressing poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity is active in 100
countries worldwide, including 19 in Europe and Central Asia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Cihan News, Turkey
June 30 2004
Turkey: NATO Gain New Vision In Istanbul Summit

ISTANBUL (CIHAN) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said
on Tuesday NATO has gained new perspective and acceleration with the
Istanbul summit.
Erdogan recalled that Turkey first time successively hosted an NATO
summit in its 52-year old NATO membership.
The leaders of 26 member countries of NATO, its 20 partner countries
and two observer countries came togeter in Istanbul summit during
2-day summit.
Turkish Prime Minister asked forbiddance from the Turkish people who
faced hard time during the summit due to the massive security
measures. “Sure, there were certain difficulties but Turkey has
gained great prestige.” He said that he is not talking about the
organizational success but the hosting important NATO summit that is
on the verge of turning point in function of the NATO.
Stating that Islam culture and democracy culture, the tradition and
modernity, the history and future had met in Istanbul, Erdogan said
that Istanbul Summit witnessed the transformation process of NATO.
Erdogan said that the Istanbul Cooperation initiative which aims to
harmonized cooperation and consultation with the region countries, as
it was foreseen by the G-8 meeting and US-EU summit, has been put
into affect with Istanbul summit.
“NATO has gained new acceleration and perspective with the decision
taken in the Istanbul summit. The transformation of the NATO based on
the new capabilities, new partnerships and new operations areas.”
Turkish Prime Minister said that NATO first time issued an new vision
declaration since the London Summit in 1990.
Meeting in Istanbul on 28 and 29 June, NATO Heads of State and
Government expanded the Alliance`s presence in Afghanistan, agreed to
assist Iraq with training, launched a new partnership initiative and
adopted measures to improve NATO`s operational capabilities.
Erdogan said that the meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai was
historic. “The decision taken was sign of new era beginning. The
allies reached an consensus on Iraq. ”
Referring to the relations between Turkey and Armenia, Erdogan hoped
that the three party meeting between Armenia-Azerbaijan -Turkey would
bring beneficial outcomes in future.
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gül met with the Azerbaijan Foreign
Minister, Elmar Mamadyarov and the Armenian Foreign Minister, Vardan
Oskaryan within the framework of NATO Summit in Istanbul yesterday.
Gül made a statement after 45-minute talk and he said that the peace
and stability issue in Caucasians drawed attention of the
international community. “EU and NATO is creating a new strategy for
the Southern Caucasian and also a new strategic vision must be
developed.”
The Turkish Prime Minister said that the meeting showed the tolerance
between countries. Erdoðan said that win-win policy should be adopted
to reach a successful results.
Regarding the Turkish hostages in Iraq, Erdogan added that the main
reason of the terrorism is poverty. He said that he could not
understand why militants take the civilian people as hostages in
Iraq. “It is incomprehensible why they kidnap people.”
Three Turkish hostages, who were abducted last week in Iraq, were
released on Tuesday, Qatar based Al Jazeere satellite channel
reported on Tuesday.
Turkish workers who were working at a Turkish air-conditioner
company, were abducted by the militants of the Jama`at al-Tawhid and
Jihad which is linked with Abu Musab Al Zarkavi.
The captors had threatened to behead the Turkish hostages unless
Turkish construction firms operating in Iraq leave the country within
72 hours. The deadline for the hostages had expired today.

Zenit News Agency, Italy
June 30 2004
Why Water With Wine
And More on “And Also With You”
ROME, JUNE 29, 2004 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Father Edward McNamara,
professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University.
Q: I would want to know the reason why the priest pours water into
wine during the preparation of the gifts. — J.B., Bo, Sierra Leone
A: The brief rite of pouring water into the wine used for
consecration is very ancient. Indeed, it is believed that Our Lord
himself used wine tempered with water at the Last Supper as this was
the common practice among the Jews and in Mediterranean culture in
general.
Some form of this is found in practically every rite of the Church
both Western and Eastern, except for a group of Armenian
Monophysites.
Although the water is not essential for the validity of the
sacrament, the Church holds it in great importance and it must never
be omitted. The Council of Trent even went so far as to excommunicate
whoever denied the need for this mixture (see Canon 9, Session XXII).
Historically, St. Justin Martyr already mentions this practice in his
Apology around the year 150. About a century later St. Cyprian wrote
on this theme in an epistle against a splinter group that used only
water in their celebrations, and this has become the accepted
interpretation:
“For because Christ bore us all, in that He also bore our sins, we
see that in the water is understood the people, but in the wine is
showed the blood of Christ. But when the water is mingled in the cup
with wine, the people [are] made one with Christ, and the assembly of
believers is associated and conjoined with Him on whom it believes;
which association and conjunction of water and wine is so mingled in
the Lord’s cup, that that mixture cannot any more be separated.
“Whence, moreover, nothing can separate the Church — that is, the
people established in the Church, faithfully and firmly persevering
in that which they have believed — from Christ, in such a way as to
prevent their undivided love from always abiding and adhering. Thus,
therefore, in consecrating the cup of the Lord, water alone cannot be
offered, even as wine alone cannot be offered. For if any one offer
wine only, the blood of Christ is dissociated from us; but if the
water be alone, the people are dissociated from Christ; but when both
are mingled, and are joined with one another by a close union, there
is completed a spiritual and heavenly sacrament.
“Thus the cup of the Lord is not indeed water alone, nor wine alone,
unless each be mingled with the other; just as, on the other hand,
the body of the Lord cannot be flour alone or water alone, unless
both should be united and joined together and compacted in the mass
of one bread; in which very sacrament our people are shown to be made
one, so that in like manner as many grains, collected, and ground,
and mixed together into one mass, make one bread; so in Christ, who
is the heavenly bread, we may know that there is one body, with which
our number is joined and united” (“On the Sacrament of the Cup of the
Lord,” No 13).
Another important symbolic explanation for this rite is given in St.
Thomas Aquinas, in his Summa Theologiae, III pars q 74, 6-8:
“Water ought to be mingled with the wine which is offered in this
sacrament.
“First of all, on account of its institution: for it is believed with
probability that our Lord instituted this sacrament in wine tempered
with water according to the custom of that country: hence it is
written (Proverbs 9:5): ‘Drink the wine which I have mixed for you.’
“Secondly, because it harmonizes with the representation of our
Lord’s Passion: hence Pope Alexander I says (Ep. 1 ad omnes orth.):
‘In the Lord’s chalice neither wine only nor water only ought to be
offered, but both mixed because we read that both flowed from His
side in the Passion.’
“Thirdly, because this is adapted for signifying the effect of this
sacrament, since as Pope Julius says (Concil. Bracarens iii, Can. 1):
‘We see that the people are signified by the water, but Christ’s
blood by the wine. Therefore when water is mixed with the wine in the
chalice, the people [are] made one with Christ.’
“Fourthly, because this is appropriate to the fourth effect of this
sacrament, which is the entering into everlasting life: hence Ambrose
says (De Sacram. v): ‘The water flows into the chalice, and springs
forth unto everlasting life.'”
These different explanations form the basis for the Church’s
understanding of the importance of this rite. This understanding is
at the root of the sentiment expressed by the prayer which the priest
recites in a low voice as he pours the water into the chalice:
“By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the
divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”

Mathaba.Net, Africa
June 30 2004
Sudanese Supplementary School: Strengthening Diversity, Promoting
Bilingualism
What is the former governor of Darfur, Eltigani Seisi Ateem, doing at
the Sudanese Supplementary School (SSS) off Edgware Road in
Paddington Green? Taking his little daughter to Arabic lessons,
socialising with other parents and discussing the work of the Darfur
Civil Organisations Campaign.
The school is the epicentre of London’s Sudanese community. The first
to arrive on Saturday mornings is the Chairman, Dr Ahmed El Dawi,
carrying an impressive bill board with SSS in Arabic and English. The
large black letters compliment the red lettering above of Westminster
College. The building is quickly transformed into little Sudan: in
the cafeteria Sudanese women sell traditional cloth, families meet,
letters are translated into English and Arabic, students are praised
and admonished.
>From 10am the children, aged from five to 16 start arriving – some on
foot, others in the car with their proud parents. The bright pinks
and reds of traditional clothes and veils contrast with plainer,
conventional Western dress. The hive of activity intensifies
throughout the day. People arrive asking about friends who may have
just come to London, friends are re-united, new friendships are made,
old friends exchange news. A sign in Arabic above the pay phone in
the cafeteria says children must be supervised when making calls. The
school had problems with youngsters dialing 999. Now they don’t use
the phone without an adult present.
A thriving, multiethnic institution (Iraqis, Algerians, Egyptians,
Moroccans, Eritreans and mixed race children attend), established ten
years ago, the school has over 300 pupils and more than 30 voluntary
teachers, managers and assistants. Politics are left outside the gate
and most of the pupils get on well with one another. The GCSE Arabic
pass rate is 100 percent and many candidates score high grades.
Classes are held from 10am to 2pm, 35 Saturdays throughout the year
and include English, Maths, Arabic and Cultural Studies. Music is now
part of the curriculum: cultural events and sports are organised each
term: there is a series of lectures for parents on Sudanese history
and aspects of art, music and culture.
More than 70 students are on the waiting list. The fee is £100 but
sixty percent of the parents can’t afford it. “The SSS feels it is
immoral and unacceptable to reject non-paying pupils as they are most
in need of the school’s assistance and support”, emphasised Dr El
Dawi who spends a lot of time trying to raise funds and digging deep
into his own pocket. There is a shortage of books and local charities
have been contacted for assistance. “Everybody does their bit”, Dr El
Dawi emphasised. The list of funders is impressive and includes the
Paddington Development Fund, the Paddington Association for
Supplementary Schools, the Edward Harvest Trust, the Bridge House
Trust and the City of Westminster.
“We have opted for total transparency. We will be crystal clear –
there is no hidden agenda or any ulterior motives. The goal is to
enhance our children’s education and promote their social
integration. This is becoming a daunting task as many refugees and
asylum seekers decide to remain in the UK indefinitely”, Dr El Dawi
said.
“Identity recognition is essential”, emphasised the former
co-ordinator who teaches Quran recitation. Overflowing with
enthusiasm she is a modest, eloquent woman who came to Britain in
1994 to join her husband who left Sudan ‘ for political reasons’ and
does not want her name in print. “It is vital for the children to be
valued and recognised as human beings. The school gives their social
identity a boost. It is not just about learning Arabic. Most of the
parents are refugees on income support or asylum seekers and need a
lot of support and assistance in making the transition to life in
Britain while at the same time maintaining their cultural identity.
Amira Faisal, the activities co-ordinator responsible for sports and
social affairs, who has lived in Britain for the past 20 years does
not begin teaching until 2pm. Badmington, football, basketball,
football, table tennis, rugby and games for the younger children are
on the programme and the annual sports day is a major event in the
school’s calander. But Ms Faisal arrives early to assist and advise
parents many of whom speak little or no English. She has three
children in the school herself – the sports instructor was once a
pupil.
“Learning about Sudanese traditions is very important. The children
have to know about their background and cultural heritage. We don’t
want them to forget these things because they are not in Sudan. At
home the parents may be keen to learn English and will not speak to
the children in Arabic. They start forgetting their langauge and feel
left out when guests come and they cannot follow the conversation”.
The children, from the youngest to the oldest, feel learning Arabic
is important. “We learn Arabic here and speak like we do in my
country”, said Aziza (7). “We have fun, everyone speaks Arabic and
English. It is fun to speak both languages. We play a lot of games
and have fun.”, said Nadia (11) She has visited Sudan four times and
was feeling sad because one of her cousins died. “He was younger then
me”. The older children are ambitious: one wants to be child
psychologist, another a doctor, another an engineer. Some are
focusing on music but for everyone learning Arabic is a top priority.
“I am doing GCSE in Arabic”, said Hana (15). It is a good subject for
me as I have experience in it. At school I get together with lots of
Sudanese people. Its good to be with people from your own country and
speak your language”.
The 15 classes are small, often with no more than ten children and
two teachers who love every minute they spend sharing their knowledge
with the students. The younger children come forward eagerly with
their exercise books and explain they are learning the Arabic
alphabet. The older students are serious and determined to succeed.
Many would like to visit Sudan. The schools activities, described in
detail on a professionally designed website ,
include sending volunteers to teach in rural schools in Sudan for up
to six months through the Sudan Volunteer Programme. The school also
co-operates with the Abdel Karim Mirghani Culture Centre in Omdruman
in the production of a bi lingual magazine, Nafaj which is sold as a
fund-raising venture.
The origins of supplementary and mother-tongue schools in Great
Britain can be associated with the presence of immigrant and refugee
children in British schools which goes back hundreds of years. The
Armenian refugees, for example, settled in Britain 700 years ago: the
French Hugonots came in the 17th century and the Jews from Eastern
Europe entered Britain between 1880 and 1914. But more recent
developments in this area of supplementary education can be largely
attributed to the efforts of black and Asian communities in this
country. The 1997 EEC directive of which the UK is a signatory,
obliges member states to promote the teaching of mother-tongue. In
the London area alone 275 minotiry languages are spoken by school age
children.
The SSS offers a focal point within London for the Sudanese people,
many of whom are bewildered by being there and need regular help and
support, especially to ensure their children take best advantage from
their day schools all over the city.
In the late afternoon when the last parents have collected their
children, Dr El Dawi takes down the SSS sign. He is tired but happy.
Reflecting on the past ten years as the school has grown from
strength to strength with a non arrogant pride Dr El Dawi emphasises
that he is not looking for publicity. “It is an honour to serve the
community. We are liasing with many local and national organisations
to promote a sense of belonging for the children and the community at
large”.

Anadolu Agency:
6/29/2004
Erdogan: Turkey Accomplished A Very Difficult Mission Hosting Nato
Summit
ISTANBUL – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on
Tuesday that Turkey accomplished a very difficult mission by hosting
NATO Summit in Istanbul.
Erdogan who held a news conference following the NATO Summit stated
that Turkey accomplished a very important mission by hosting NATO
Summit. He said that heads of state and government who attended the
summit shared a similar view as well.
Erdogan said that Turkey represented a synthesis between Islam
culture and democracy, between traditionality and modernism and
between the past and the future, and stressed that this summit showed
once again that Turkey was a powerful light of hope for dialogue
between civilizations and cultures.
Underlining that Istanbul Summit pointed to a critical aspect in
NATO`s transformation process, he said that decisions taken in the
summit would be a historical turning point for the future, world
peace and stability.
Erdogan said that decisions on extension of NATO mandate in
Afghanistan to areas beyond Kabul, upon the demand of central
government to support elections that would be held in this country,
were confirmed in the NATO Summit.
He said: “It has been decided to end NATO operation in Bosnia
Herzegovina at the end of the year and assist the EU that is going to
undertake a new operation there in light of achievements in this
country. A new package of measures like enhancement of capabilities
for prevention of possible chemical, biological and nuclear attacks
and exchange of intelligence including several measures in fight
against terrorism.
It has been decided to initiate work on removal of logistic and
financial difficulties which restrict participation of member nations
in NATO operations and to provide capabilities which are determined
to be necessary to fight new threats.
It has been stressed that accession of seven new countries would not
be the last expansion and that the Alliance`s open-door policy would
be preserved.
It has been decided to give priority to Caucasian and Central Asian
countries within the NATO`s partnership relations.
The `Istanbul Cooperation Initiative` which the leaders decided to
carry out in full partnership and consultation with the regional
countries in line with the approaches at the G-8 meeting and U.S.-EU
summits has been put into practice. It has been decided to improve
the existing Mediterranean Dialogue by preserving its peculiar
identity in parallel to the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative.
In accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1546 and in line
with the Iraqi interim government`s demand, it has been decided that
NATO will undertake a role in the training of Iraqi security forces
and a domestic study will be initiated regarding supplementary
steps.“
Erdogan added, “in line with all these decisions, we clearly see
that the NATO`s transformation process that is built on new
capabilities, new partnerships and operations has gained a new
horizon and been accelerated at Istanbul summit. This visionary
quality of the Istanbul summit was actually mentioned also in the
Istanbul Declaration that was adopted at the summit. Releasing of
such a statement in addition of its content for the first time since
the London summit in 1990 that was held shortly after end of the Cold
War, affirms the importance of the Istanbul summit.“
ERDOGAN: “WE HAVE INITIATED A PROCESS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN“
Erdogan said that they had initiated a negotiation process between
Armenia and Azerbaijan during the 17th NATO Summit in Istanbul.
Erdogan said, “I held talks with Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan of
Armenia during the summit. I also had the chance of bringing Oskanyan
and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan together. Meanwhile, Foreign
Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul has initiated a
process by bringing together foreign ministers of Armenia and
Azerbaijan.“
“We want a solution to be found to Azerbaijan-Armenia dispute on the
basis of the understanding of win-win. However, wishes are not enough
at all. The most important thing is to come to a conclusion,“ he
said.
Upon a question, Prime Minister Erdogan said that Turkey would
undertake command of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
in Afghanistan in the February-August period of 2005, adding that
details would be clarified in the coming days.
JOINT STATEMENT ON IRAQ IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR TURKEY
Erdogan said this statement was also very important as allies who
went through a difficult period during Iraq crisis put forth a
consensus on Iraq issue.
“The statement on Iraq includes noteworthy observations on general
situation in Iraq and principles that should be complied with,“
Erdogan noted.
Erdogan said that the statement`s underlining clearly that terrorist
activities stemming from Iraq threatened neighbor countries, and
security of the region was of great importance for Turkey.
Recalling that Afghan President Hamid Karzai also attended
Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) meeting, Erdogan said,
“especially the meeting with Karzai is a historical one. This
meeting was very beneficial and constructive, as it showed
Euro-Atlantic group`s commitment toward the future of Afghanistan.
This issue appeared clearly both in NATO meetings and also in
bilateral meetings.“
Erdogan noted that this summit also contributed to European Union
(EU) countries` approach toward Turkey`s EU membership.
In regard to Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Abdullah Gul`s holding a trilateral meeting on Monday with Foreign
Minister Elmar Memmedyarov of Azerbaijan and Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanyan of Armenia, Erdogan said that he hoped that foreign
ministers` decision to continue to hold such meetings would
contribute to regional stability and solution of regional issues.
Noting that he had had the opportunity of holding a series of
bilateral meetings during the summit, Erdogan said that he had
reviewed bilateral and Turkey-EU relations with the Italian, Spanish
and Slovenian prime ministers.
Recalling that he had held a detailed meeting separately with
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev and
Afghan Head of State Hamid Karzai, Erdogan said that he had met with
French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard
Schroeder prior to last night`s banquet and held a brief exchange of
opinions. Erdogan said that he had held several meetings with all
heads of state and government during NATO meetings.
Erdogan added that the Istanbul summit was a well-timed, beneficial
and successful meeting in terms of steering the NATO`s future,
Turkey`s promotion and bringing importance of Turkey to the
forefront.
ERDOGAN: “SEMINARY ISSUE WAS DISCUSSED DURING MY MEETINGS AT
SUMMIT“
Erdogan said that reopening of the seminary on Heybeliada island in
Istanbul had been discussed at some of his meetings he held within
framework of the NATO Istanbul summit.
Erdogan held a press conference after end of the summit and answered
questions of reporters.
Asked whether the seminary issue had been brought onto the agenda,
Erdogan said, “yes, the seminary was brought onto the agenda and I
said that our study on the issue had been under way. As you know that
the real source of the problem was its closure in 1971 under a
constitutional court decision. Our relevant institutions have been
conducting necessary study on the issue. We will act according to the
result of the study, but we seek if there are any other ways out.“
Erdogan said that he had also met with Greek Prime Minister Costas
Caramanlis during the summit and it was a very positive and sincere
meeting.
Asked of his opinions about use of tear gas by police against
demonstrators who protested NATO summit, Erdogan said, “policemen
fulfilled their duty while civil organizations used their democratic
rights.“
Erdogan said that policemen fulfilled their tasks successfully at the
point of deterrence.
Replying to a question on Turkey`s European Union (EU) membership
process, Erdogan noted that they approached the EU from the point
that there was not any problem regarding negotiation process.
Erdogan said that Turkey took very important steps on its membership
process, stressing that they expected the report on Turkey that would
be announced by the EU Commission in October would be positive.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Republican, MA
6/29/2004
Turmoil in homeland prompts move to U.S.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
The end of the Cold War was not peaceful for Stella Gabriyelyan. It
brought her the loss of her home, the threat of mortal danger to her
family and years of uncertainty and bitterness.
The Gabriyelyans arrived in America on May 15, 2003, after living for
13 years as Armenian refugees in Moscow.
The date means a lot for them. It was exactly 14 years earlier that
the family arrived in Moscow fleeing ethnic violence in Azerbaijan,
then one of the 15 Soviet republics.
Before 1988, Gabriyelyan recalls, Azerbaijan had just one nationality
– bakinets – residents of Baku, its vibrant capital, located on the
western shore of the Caspian Sea. It was home to about 2 million
people, mostly Azeris, but also Armenians, Russians, Ukrainians and
Jews. “It really didn’t matter what culture a person came from. We
all were just bakintsy. It was such a friendly city. Everyone loved
each other. And then suddenly everything changed.”
Scholars and politicians would likely explain that the ethnic
conflict broke out in the Caucasus as part of a horrible legacy left
by Stalin in his re- drawing of the country’s ethnic map that exiled
entire nations from their ancestral homelands and fomented
disagreements that had been smoldering for decades.
Still, it’s hard to believe that people who used to live and work
side-by-side their entire lives would suddenly find themselves bitter
enemies.
It was the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region of Azerbaijan that
became a bone of contention for Armenia and Azerbaijan. After the
Armenian majority there broke off relations with Azerbaijan and
joined Armenia in 1988, the conflict between the two neighbors
flared, leaving many dead.
In January 1990 Baku was hit by days of anti-Armenian violence that
claimed dozens of lives. There were certainly stories on both sides
and each side would offer their own explanation. But for sure, it was
not safe for any Armenian to stay in the city.
“I narrowly avoided being killed,” says Stella, who now calls West
Springfield home. “I don’t miss the city. I feel only fear and pain
thinking about those days.”
Vadim, her husband, is a Russian. But as long as Stella’s
“non-Russian” appearance was the obvious sign of an “unfriendly
nationality,” they told their son, Misha, who was 8, that his mom was
a Jew.
Their last days in Baku were spent hiding in their Russian neighbors’
apartment. “We left very early in the morning and we left everything
there.”
Stella doesn’t miss Moscow either.
Many Russian-speaking Baku Armenians sought refuge with friends and
relatives in Moscow and other Russian cities rather than in Armenia,
mainly because of their lack of Armenian language skills.
Unfortunately, they were not welcomed, particularly in Moscow with
its growing “Caucasus phobia” and registration regulations for
non-Muscovites which give police the right to expel non-residents who
had failed to register with the authorities.
Due to the arbitrary refusal of Moscow authorities, the Gabriyelyans,
like thousands of other forced migrants, did not receive local
propiskas – residence permits – and were not recognized by the
authorities as citizens of the Russian Federation after the collapse
of the Soviet Union.
So they became refugees in their own country.
“My grandfathers fought for this country in the second world war. My
father was a border guard. I did nothing wrong. I was a teacher all
my life. Why did I have to have problems acquiring Russian
citizenship?”
There is still much bitterness in her voice.
The first group of Baku Armenians who applied for U.S. resettlement
came to America in 1990. Stella, a Russian and English language
teacher, helped many of them to fill out the forms.
The Gabriyelyans themselves had to wait for a while until they were
granted refugee status. When it was granted, Stella remembers
thinking, “Now we have to start all over again.” Again.
Alex Peshkov, a staff writer for The Republican, emigrated to Western
Massachusetts from Arkhangelsk in 2002. His column focuses on the
Russian-American community. He can be reached at [email protected]