Category: News

ArmenPress
Aug 18 2004
HAIK STUDENT CROSSROAD HOSTS 200 ARMENIAN YOUTH THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

YEREVAN, AUGUST 18, ARMENPRESS: Student council of Yerevan
Architectural Institute (YAI) holds Haik Student Crossroad, a big
event in Sevan, Hankavan and Meghrazor on August 19-28 with the
participation of more than 200 young Armenians from Armenia and
Diaspora as well as Youth Movement of Armenian Apostolic Church. Some
two dozens of teams will be named after different historic regions of
Armenia.
YAI student council Hayk Akarmazian said that this a
de-politicized action. During the event, discussions will be held on
statehood, religion, student self-government bodies. Pro-government,
opposition and spiritual actors will visit the students. Also sports
and intellectual competitions will be held.
The budget of the project totals 4 mln 600,000 dram, 2 mln 400,000
of which is provided by All Armenain Youth Fund and the rest by YAI
and Arartian Diocese of Armenian Apostolic Church.

Russian minister pledges help in Karabakh settlement
ITAR-TASS news agency
18 Aug 04
Moscow, 18 August, ITAR-TASS correspondents Natalya Lenskaya and Irina
Chumakova: Russia supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, Russian
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said today following talks with his
Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov. The Russian minister said
that Moscow “is ready to do its utmost to help settle the Nagornyy
Karabakh conflict both as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and also
as a nation”.
“Moscow is interested in finding a settlement to the conflict on the
basis of all the existing agreements. But only the sides themselves
can resolve the conflict and they can do so only through
negotiations,” the Russian minister said. “We cannot make a decision
for the sides, if they cannot come to an agreement themselves,” Lavrov
noted.
He expressed satisfaction with the resumption of talks late last year.
“We believe that the negotiations will be continued because what the
Minsk Group has done so far does not cover all the accumulated
problems,” the minister noted.

Armenia visit a learning experience for Kansas visitors and hosts
By Stephen D. Larson
Plains Guardian (July)
When Maj. Gen. (KS) Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general, visited Armenia in
May 2004 with members of the Kansas National Guard, one of the first things
that impressed him was an unusual mixture of ancient and recent history.
“The thing that comes to mind when I think of Armenia is that they’ve been a
country for over 3,000 years,” said Bunting, “but they’ve only been free for
13 of the last 100 some years.”
Armenia has been a nation since the Kingdom of Urartu in the 9th century
B.C., but after enduring centuries of conquerors – Persians, Romans, Arabs,
Mongols, Turks, Communists – it did not regain its independence until the
collapse of the Soviet Union.
“We’re actually a fledgling country by world standards,” said Bunting, “but
in terms of total years living free, we’re senior in that department.”
It is that heritage of freedom that the Kansas National Guard hopes to share
with Armenia through the State Partnership Program. Through this program,
developing nations are paired with one of the States to foster military-to
military, military-to-civilian and civilian-to-civilian relationships.
Kansas became partners with Armenia in 2003. Accompanying Bunting on the
trip were Col. Joe Wheeler, Kansas Army National Guard Plans, Operations and
Training (DPOT) officer; Lt. Col. Charles Brown, training administrator,
DPOT, Lt. Col. Joe Knowles, Kansas coordinator of the State Partnership
Program; and Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Putman, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas
– Land Component sergeant major.
“This was a military to military exchange,” said Knowles. “This was a chance
for us to go meet their senior military officers, develop a relationship and
determine what we can do for each other, what their needs were.”
“We had individual meetings with their minister of defense, their military
officers, emergency management and their medical personnel,” Knowles said.
“We discussed a variety of possibilities,” said Wheeler. “They wanted to do
exchanges on emergency management. We talked about leadership development,
visits by Armenian military leaders, civic leader exchanges, small unit
exchanges, social support exchanges, such as military medicine and hospital
administration.”
The Kansas Guardsmen wanted to dispel any ideas that the Kansas National
Guard was going to be the “teacher” in this partnership.
“We fully expect to learn a lot from them,” said Bunting. “Their soldiers
are well-trained. They’re not a very big country, they’re surrounded by
countries that they don’t get along with so military training and readiness
is important to them.”
While Wheeler said that the Kansas National Guard will be learning from the
Armenians, he added that the Armenians expressed a great deal of interest in
the way the U.S. military works, too, particularly the National Guard system
and non-commissioned officers (NCO).
Because the Armenians do not have a national guard, the concepts of
“Citizen-Soldier” and civilian control of the military were particularly
fascinating to the Armenians.
“They really wanted to know about two things,” said Wheeler, “how the
National Guard operates and about the NCO corps. The whole concept of
National Guard and ready reserves is strange to them.”
“Like most of the former Soviet nations, they never have worked around an
NCO corps. It’s basically conscripts and officers,” said Bunting. “They
don’t have a national guard, so they don’t gain the benefit of keeping those
(experienced) soldiers around for a contingency in any kind of capacity.”
As a noncommissioned officer and a traditional Guardsman who works as a
utility lineman for Westar Energy during the week, Putnam found himself the
object of particular interest.
“They don’t have NCOs like we know them,” said Putman. The Armenians asked
him about his responsibilities and Putman explained to them how officers do
the planning and NCOs see that the work gets done.
“What we use NCOs for, they use their young lieutenants and officers,” said
Putman.
“We got to visit their training academy,” Putman continued. “I got a chance
to go talk with some of their soldiers and they were impressed that an NCO
would come over to talk to them.”
“Even more than their military, the Armenian public was just fascinated by
this notion,” said Bunting. “We had a press conference in Armenia and made a
particular effort to introduce him (Putman) with a longer introduction
because they could not conceive how he could be a Soldier and a utility
worker for the power company.”
“The kept asking me ‘When did you have to choose between being a Soldier and
a utility worker’,” Putnam said. “It took them a while to understand that I
didn’t have to choose, that I could be both.”
“They asked me how I got paid,” he continued. “I explained that the military
paid me and Westar also paid me. When they found out I got a retirement from
the military, that really astounded them.”
In Armenia, every man must serve in the military for a minimum of three
years, after which they can become an officer, the only way to make a career
of the military in Armenia. Putman’s long service record of nearly 40 years
– he entered the Kansas Army National Guard in August 1964 – amazed and
puzzled them.
“Another question they kept asking him was ‘You’ve been in 39 years. How
come you haven’t been made an officer?'” said Bunting. “They couldn’t
understand that he didn’t want to be an officer nor did he have to be an
officer to have major responsibilities.”
The trip, which took place during the Memorial Day week, brought home
another interesting concept for the Armenians.
“They were very intrigued with Memorial Day,” Bunting said. “They believe
very strongly in their armed forces and yet they do not have a day when they
celebrate their armed forces and especially those who made the ultimate
sacrifice.”
Although this initial trip was a military-to-military meeting, the
delegation still had time to meet some of the Armenian public and see a
little of the country. They unanimously found the Armenians to be a very
gracious, hospitable and proud people.
“Armenians are very proud that they were the first country to adopt
Christianity,” said Bunting. “That’s going to come up in the first four
sentences you have with an Armenian.”
“They took us to a church way back in a remote region carved out of a
mountain,” he continued. “It was centuries old.”
“They liked to point out that they were older than the Vatican,” said
Wheeler.
Coupled with that sense of historic pride is a sense of standing alone,
Bunting noted.
“They’re surrounded by Muslim nations,” said Bunting, adding that throughout
its history, the Armenians have viewed themselves as the frontier outpost of
Christendom.
Another somewhat unusual point of pride for the Armenians is a former Kansas
Senator and presidential candidate.
“Another person they are proud of is Bob Dole,” said Putman. “When Bob Dole
was injured during World War II, it was an Armenian doctor that treated
him.”
The land itself was also a delight for the visitors.
“I thought it was a beautiful country,” said Wheeler. “It has a lot of
mountains, waterfalls, canyons, a very volcanic area with lots of rocks.”
The group had the good fortune to be in the country during a national
holiday, which gave them the opportunity to sample a lot of the local
cuisine.
“All the people from each local farming community had a table with whatever
they grew,” said Putman. “There must have been 30 or 40 tables from
different farm communities passing out free samples. There was lamb and
sheep, fish, geese and duck. Not much beef. The fruits and vegetables were
really outstanding. They’re also very proud of their wines and beverages.”
“They even had a bread that they rolled out from wheat or rye,” said Putman.
“It was sort of like a soft shell taco and you put meat or whatever inside.
There was one table that had a honeycomb. They’d just cut out a hunk of
honey, comb and all, and give it to you that way.”
Although this was Bunting’s first trip to Armenia, he said it certainly
wouldn’t be the last for himself or the Kansas National Guard.
“People need to understand that this is a long-term relationship,” said
Bunting. “We hope that everyone in the Kansas Guard will have the occasion
to at least meet them as they visit and work along side them.”
As one step toward that goal, a small contingent of Armenian military
officers were at Fort Riley in July, observing the Kansas Army National
Guard’s 137th Transportation Company.
“They’re learning about our transportation techniques and tactics,”
explained Wheeler. “They don’t have anything like the PLS (Palletized
Loading System).”
Another group of Armenians will make a trip to Kansas in August, visiting
U.S. Army and Kansas Guard facilities and sampling some Kansas hospitality.
As movie legend Humphrey Bogart said at the end of the classic film
“Casablanca”: “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful
friendship.”
Caption: Maj. Gen. (KS) Tod Bunting, the adjutant general (right), displays
the Kansas flag with Maj. Artak Tonoyan, commander of the Armenian
Peacekeeping Battalion. Bunting presented the flag to Tonoyan during a visit
to Armenia in May. (Photo by Col. Joe Wheeler)
Caption: The Kansas delegation had the opportunity to visit an Armenian
troop training facility, where Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Putman’s status as a
traditional Citizen-Soldier made him an instant celebrity among the Armenian
troops, who have no NCO corps. (Photo by Col. Joe Wheeler)
Caption: Maj. Gen. (KS) Tod Bunting listens as an Armenian monk relates the
long history of Christianity in Armenia. Armenia is credited with becoming
the first country to become a Christian nation, converting in 303 A.D.
(Photo by Lt. Col. Joe Wheeler)

FINE TO BE IMPOSED FOR DAMAGE CAUSED TO GREEN ZONES OF CAPITAL FROM
NOW ON
YEREVAN, August 16 (Noyan Tapan). From now on the Mayor’s Office or
the communal administrations will turn to the judicial instances on
each case of illegal tree felling or damage caused to the green zones
of the capital with a demand on compensation. Grigor Melkumian, senior
adviser of the Yerevan Mayor’s Office, said during the August 16 press
conference that the Licensing Expert Commission will determine the
amount of the damage. It was mentioned that 5-6 similar cases are
being examined now.

SOME YEREVAN RESIDENTS CONTINUE PROTEST
YEREVAN, AUGUST 17. ARMINFO. The Yerevan residents moved out of their
houses have held a picket in front of the presidential residence,
protesting the Government’s decision reducing compensations for their
pulled down flats.
Three representatives of the protestants, who demanded a meeting with
the President, were invited to the reception office. They were advised
to state their demands to the President in a written form and promised
that the demands will be conveyed to the President. However, the
action participants did not believe the promises. From the
presidential residence they made for the Government, the Yerevan
Municipality and then to the office in charge of the program “North
Avenue and Cascade”, etc.. One of the action participants said that
the residents are still forced to sign contracts for purchase and sale
of lands. Government officials have violated some points of the
contract and even admit their errors. But, instead of practical
measures, they apologize to the residents and show the door to them.

Schweizerische Depeschenagentur AG (SDA)
SDA – Service de base francais
17 août 2004
28e festival de La Btie à Genève Une invitation à la découverte tous
azimuts
Genève (ats) Dans un peu plus d’une semaine et jusqu’au 11 septembre,
Genève vivra au rythme du festival de La Btie. La manifestation ne
dérogera pas à la tradition. Elle se voudra avant tout un lieu de
découverte d’artistes, un moment d’innovation, d’exploration de voies
nouvelles.
Une cinquantaine de projets, dont 13 créations, figure au programme,
ont annoncé mardi les organisateurs du festival. Ces derniers,
conscients de la difficulté d’opérer des choix dans une offre aussi
large, ont recommandé aux spectateurs de se laisser guider par leur
curiosité, d’accepter les surprises.
Bashung à la cathédrale
Les moins téméraires se contenteront de la poignée d’artistes
confirmés invitée à se produire à Genève. Alain Bashung interprétera,
avec sa femme Chloé Mons, le poème biblique “Le Cantique des
Cantiques”. Un spectacle qu’il avait créé à l’occasion de son mariage
et qu’il jouera à la cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
Le festival a également réussi à faire venir Christoph Marthaler.
L’ancien directeur du Schauspielhaus de Zurich, présent pour la
première fois sur les bords du Rhône, arrive avec dans ses bagages
“O.T. eine Ersatzpassion”, sa dernière production jouée dans la ville
alémanique.
Charme de La Btie, le public pourra assister à des spectacles dans
des lieux insolites. Le duo de musiciens finlandais Pan Sonic se
produira sous les arches du Pont Butin, un construction vertigineuse
qui enjambe le Rhône. L’aéroport de Genève servira quant à lui de
cadre à une performance de Massimo Furlan.
Du noir, rien que du noir
Les amateurs de sensations nouvelles pourront assister au concert du
groupe allemand Bohren & Der Club of Gore. Cette formation de Cologne
fuit la lumière. L’obscurité est son royaume. Dans la salle de
l’Alhambra, seuls les instruments bénéficieront d’un éclairage
minimaliste, le reste sera plongé dans le noir.
Des artistes seront aussi là pour déranger. Dans ce registre,
l’écrivain d’origine argentine Rodrigo Garcia devrait tenir un rôle
central. Les deux spectacles qu’il présente à La Btie, deux
critiques sans concession de la société contemporaine, promettent de
faire du bruit avec leurs “moments de vrai liberté”.
Un ukrainien pas comme les autres
Le spectacle sera aussi dans la rue, avec une perfomance de l’artiste
ukrainien Alexander Petlura qui se balladera à travers Genève habillé
de vêtements russes historiques. La place des Volontaires, elle, se
drapera d’une ambiance arménienne, avec des sons retransmis en direct
d’Erevan, 24 heures sur 24.
NOTE: festival de la Btie, du 26 août au 11 septembre. Billetterie
en ligne sur le site ou numéro de tél 022 738 19 19.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

L’Humanité
18 août 2004
L’homme – du jour Julien Lauprêtre
Ils débarquent aujourd’hui. Cinq mille enfants, sur les plages
normandes, armés de pelles et de sceaux, prêts à dresser un mur de
l’Atlantique en ptés. De sable. S’il faut un responsable à ce
déferlement cocasse, il est le coupable indiqué. Julien Lauprêtre
dirige depuis cinquante années le Secours populaire français qui
organise cette journée à la mer. Une initiative renouvelée depuis
1979, dans le cadre de la Journée des oubliés des vacances,
échantillon de la solidarité concrète que l’homme prétend faire vivre
via son association. Une part d’humanité qu’il porte en boutonnière.
En 1998, Geneviève Anthonioz-de Gaulle, présidente d’ATD quart-monde,
la lui a agrafée au revers de sa veste. Une larme rouge, qui rappelle
son présent engagé. Mais aussi son passé. Titi parisien, fils de
cheminot, Julien est déjà vitrier quand les forces nazies prennent
possession de Paris. Avec une bande de potes, il monte un réseau de
résistants et rejoint les Jeunesses communistes. Il sera arrêté en
novembre 1943. L’anecdote est connue de beaucoup: emprisonné, il est
embastillé dans la même cellule que Manouchian et sa bande. «Mais je
ne le savais pas», précise-t-il quand il raconte l’histoire. Il ne
l’apprendra que plus tard, en voyant l’Affiche rouge. «Il faut
continuer la lutte», l’aurait encouragé le résistant arménien. Un
conseil que Julien Lauprêtre, à soixante-dix-huit ans passés, n’a pas
encore omis. Pas plus que la recommandation prodiguée par un
instituteur. «Bon, mais peut mieux faire.» Il s’en est, dit-il, fait
une devise.
M.-N. B.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

La Croix
17 août 2004
PORTRAIT. Julien Lauprêtre, un demi-siècle au service des autres. ·
la tête du Secours populaire français (SPF) depuis bientôt cinquante
ans, Julien Lauprêtre fut à l’origine de la Journée des oubliés des
vacances , créée en 1979. Cette année, celle-ci est placée sous le
signe du Débarquement. 5 000 enfants sont attendus, demain, en
Normandie.
par LAMOUREUX Marine
Cinquante ans après, c’est le même enthousiasme, la même verve
militante. Entré en 1954 au Secours populaire français comme
assistant, secrétaire général dès l’année suivante, Julien Lauprêtre
est depuis lors l’me d’une des plus importantes associations
caritatives du pays. Toujours réélu à sa tête, cet homme simple, à
l’allure bonhomme, a su développer l’organisation, qui rassemble
aujourd’hui 72 000 bénévoles, plus de 800 000 donateurs, et qui
fêtera l’année prochaine son 60e anniversaire.
Pour autant, à 78 ans, le militant n’en tire aucune gloire, si ce
n’est de rendre la société un peu plus humaine . Fils de cheminot,
apprenti miroitier au début de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, Julien
Lauprêtre a rejoint la Résistance dès l’ge de 16 ans, avant d’être
arrêté puis emprisonné en 1943. C’est là, dit-il, qu’il a puisé un
profond désir de s’engager sur le terrain social, au lendemain du
conflit. Son père, qui fut syndicaliste et élu au conseil municipal
de Paris, n’y est pas étranger.
Mais la rencontre, en prison, avec les membres de l’affiche rouge ,
dont le poète et résistant arménien Missak Manoukian, aura été
décisive pour le jeune Julien. Manoukian m’a dit : moi je vais être
fusillé, mais toi, tu vas t’en sortir, il faut que tu sois utile, que
tu rendes la société moins injuste. Bien des années plus tard, le
président bénévole du Secours populaire a le sentiment d’avoir
apporté sa pierre. Aide alimentaire, dons de vêtements, accès aux
soins mais aussi à la culture : chaque jour, plusieurs milliers de
personnes défavorisées s’en remettent à son association, qui tient
tout particulièrement à la Journée des oubliés des vacances .
· l’heure actuelle, un enfant sur trois ne part pas en vacances, car
en cas de difficultés, c’est toujours sur le budget des loisirs que
l’on rogne , rappelle Julien Lauprêtre, pour qui même une seule
journée, à la mer ou à la montagne, peut apporter beaucoup. L’enfant
a des choses à raconter lorsqu’il retourne à l’école, il n’est pas
sec devant la traditionnelle rédaction de rentrée , souligne-t-il.
Demain, à n’en pas douter, le voyage de 5 000 enfants défavorisés sur
les plages de Normandie aura une consonance particulière pour
l’ancien résistant. Qui, bien loin d’être las, après cinquante ans,
n’espère qu’une chose : pouvoir continuer encore longtemps à militer.

Georgian villagers take BP to court over pipeline damage to homes
A-Info news agency
16 Aug 04
AKHALKALAKI
Residents of the village of Minadze in Georgia’s Akhaltsikhe District,
have expressed their dissatisfaction with representatives of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.
The reason for the villagers’ dissatisfaction is that grave damage has
been done to their houses, some of which are on the verge of collapse,
by vibrations caused by the movement of heavy vehicles used in the
construction of the pipeline. The villagers are demanding compensation
for the damage, but representatives of BP insist that testing was done
to determine the impact of the heavy vehicles; the level of impact was
defined and it does not have a negative effect on the conditions of
the houses.
Moreover, BP representatives believe that the village houses were on
the verge of collapse before the construction of the pipeline and this
is connected with landslides.
Having been refused compensation, residents of Minadze have gone to
court.

GIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected]
http: //gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com
RETIRED TURKISH COMMANDER ADMITS ORDERING THE DEATH OF SOLOMOU
A former Commander of the Turkish occupation forces has admitted the
ordering of a killing of a Greek Cypriot demonstrator during a protest march
in Dherynia on 14 August 1996.
According to a Turkish Cypriot opposition daily paper Halkin Sesi, retired
Turkish Army Lieutenant General Hasan Koundakci recently described in public
his part in the murder of 26 year old Solomos Solomou as he climbed a
Turkish flag pole outside the fenced city of Famagusta.
Speaking at a gathering in the village of Sinda, Koundakci was quoted as
saying the following: “I had withdrawn my soldiers into the trees…When I
saw the young Greek Cypriot (Solomou) climbing on the flag pole I got very
angry and I gave an order consisting of two words: ‘Bring him down!’ You saw
what happened afterwards.”
On evidence supplied by the Cyprus Government Interpol later issued
international arrest warrants against Koundakci and three other mainland
Turks involved in the murder. One of them was Kenan Akin, so called
‘Agriculture Minister’ of the pseudostate at the time who is seen in a
photograph firing with his pistol at Solomou from a balcony. Akin, a Turkish
settler, was an officer of the Turkish army during the 1974 invasion of
Cyprus and was later employed by the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT).
The young victim was protesting the bludgeoning to death of Tasos Isaak 22,
another Greek Cypriot demonstrator by Turkish Grey Wolves extremists and
Turkish Cypriot ‘policemen’ in the Buffer Zone a few days earlier.
After shooting Solomou, the Turks continued firing indiscriminately into the
crowd injuring 11 civilians and two UN soldiers. Both killings were
perpetrated in the presence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who was
seen taking photographs.
The notorious interview/document
Kenan Akin: Why are you making the killing of a dog sound so important?
Weekly AKTUEL (31.10.96 – 6.11.96) publishes the text of an exclusive
interview with Kenan Akin, so-called Minister of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. Under the title, “I wish I was there during the incident. I could
kill”, the interview goes as follows:
“Question: Were you there on the day of the incident?
Akin: In the morning I was there, at around 9:30 I left.
Question: Did you return after the incident?
Akin: No.
Question: Did you see your picture published in the Greek Cypriot press
which was taken from television and enlarged?
Akin: Could have. I was not there when the incident took place. But I felt
sorry for not being there. I wish I was there. I could have pulled the
trigger at least once. I wish I was there, definitely I was going to shoot.
Question: Don’t you think that this is an issue to be tackled by the
security forces? Apart from this, it is reportedly said that in your
election region you were saying that you have killed and you took the
responsibility.
Akin: No… During the incident I was on a picnic near the beach with my
wife and my child.
Question: Do you have a gun?
Akin: Yes, but I do not carry it.
Question: Following the claims against you, is there any investigation
against you by your party, by the government or by the legal organs?
Akin: The esteemed President asked me at one of our meetings. I told him I
was on a picnic by the beach with my wife and my child. There was no
investigation within the party. Only our general chairman put a question at
the party’s general assembly. He should have been convinced of what I had
said, so that he would not have considered it necessary to establish a
commission to open an enquiry.
Question: Do you envisage making any attempt to clear your name of these
claims against you by opening an inquiry?
Akin: These are Greek Cypriot lies. The other side are educating their
children with Turkish animosity. You are never writing this. Why are you
making the killing of a dog sound so important?”
WHICH ARMENIAN ISSUE ?
By Etyen Mahcupyan – Zaman, Turkey – August 7, 2004
During Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tour of France, one of the most
anticipated meetings was the one with Socialist Party leader Francois
Hollande.
Because in previous statements, the party had emphasized that it expected
the Armenian issue to be taken up in the human rights context. It seems that
the prime minister’s visit did not change the other side’s expectation. In
other words, the French Socialist Party wants Turkey to make a gesture
concerning the events that happened in 1915, which perhaps will not even
necessitate a debate on “genocide.”
That is to say, it wants Turkey to accept that these events took place. On
the other side, it is obvious that there is no such condition in terms of
the Copenhagen Criteria because these criteria were determined collectively
for all the countries concerned. Therefore, handling specific historical,
geographical or cultural problems of countries in the “human rights”
context, could turn into a sort of psychological condition according to the
disposition of the person or institution dealing with the issue. This is
extremely natural because European Union (EU) membership is both a legal and
political issue; and the political aspect of the issue cannot be independent
of the perceptions, expectations and domestic policies of the societies.
However, this situation causes historical events, like those in 1915, to be
protracted and become a natural part of today’s politics. Hence, many
different Armenian issues surface… Today, European Union (EU)
institutions, the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, the government of the Turkish
Republic as well as the state, and finally, the Armenian congregation in
Turkey, all have different perceptions of the “Armenian issue,” and the
political functions and meanings of these approaches may differ from one
other. Therefore, the critical point is how to shape the required strategy
that will make Turkey play an active role both in the EU process and in its
own geography. Here, three important factors come to the fore: The first one
is naturally Turkey’s own objectives, its responsibility before its own eyes
and its position before its own society. The second point is what the right
attitude should be when looking forward in light of the globalization
process in the world. And the third is to what extent honesty over
historical facts would be adopted…
Such an analysis cannot arise independently of the mentality you possess;
however, if being active in the future world is desired, then the probable
mentality of the future needs to be shared. What this implies is that a
solution to the Armenian problem needs to be sought with a democratic
mentality. Above all, this approach implies being open to talks, and
basically, Turkey talking to itself. For example, the fact that Turkish
historians with different approaches, still cannot come together on the same
platform, is an attitude that implies that they are dodging the truths.
Turkey taking this [positive] step will bring two advantages: On one side,
“a moment to take a breath,” that will ensure the elimination of accusations
reflected from “abroad” will be gained, and the depression caused by the
“illegitimate” attitude carried out so far will be eradicated. On the other
side, Turkey will be able to come closer to some of the “different Armenian
issues” hovering around, it will particularly be able to bring to the agenda
different aspects of this event thanks to approaches that will include
Armenians living in Turkey and various coalitions.
The distinguishing aspect of the “genocide” concept kills the debate and
makes the quest of living together more difficult. However, it is necessary
to see that the logic of mutual conflict, that reaches the point of
rejecting historical events, will not benefit any of the sides. The Turkish
Republic overlooking this fact is a burden too heavy to bear before the
international community.
‘YERKIR’ EDITOR CALLS AZERI WAR STATEMENTS ABSURD
YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Responding to the recent hostile statements made
by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, ARF- Dashnaktsoutiun Armenia Supreme Body
member and Editor in Chief of “Yerkir” newspaper Spartak Seiranian said the
appeal “to declare war on Armenia and liberate Karabagh” was made to incite
the public.
On August 5, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported that the
chief spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, Colonel Ramiz Melikov,
publicly stated that “within the next 25 years there will exist no state of
Armenia in the South Caucasus.” He added: “Modern Armenia is built on
historical Azerbaijani lands…I think that in 25-30 years’ time, its
territory will again come under Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction.” Seiranian called
such statements “absurd,” adding it is meant for the uneducated people.
According to Seiranian, if Azeris believe they have such military force that
can fight and win, one should not forget that the Armenian fighters are also
ready to die for their homeland. “The Azeri warrior isn’t ready to die for
Karabagh, as he knows very well that Karabagh isn’t his land; on the
contrary, the Armenian fighter knows that he defends his homeland, and
that’s why he will go to all lengths,” he said. Seiranian, recalling the
victory of Armenian troops in the Karabagh war, stated confidently that if
the situation recurs in the future, the outcome would not be any different.
INTRODUCING YOUR BUSINESS TO GIBRAHAYER
Gibrahayer has been receiving requests from Armenian businesses, to promote
their products and services through the pages of Gibrahayer e-newsletter. I
call upon Armenian Cypriot businesses to make donations to Armenian
organisations and Charities for the advertising space provided by Gibrahayer
and urge all of you to support Armenian businesses and our advertisers !
Simon Aynedjian
Gibrahayer e-newsletter –
AMERICAN RECORDING PRODUCTIONS are leaders in the production and
distribution of Armenian and Middle Eastern traditional music. In 1991, Ara
Topouzian founded this world music label and it has always been the
intention to create global awareness of the traditional elements of Middle
Eastern music. Currently, his music is selling around the world through our
mail order/internet division and in 2,000 major record outlets.
‘It has been an amazing business; we currently are growing at a rate of four
to five new recordings per year. As a musician (kanun player) and enthusiast
of Armenian and Middle Eastern music, I have enjoyed producing recordings
that have become popular in homes around the world. The support we have
received and compliments from our customers have been tremendous. Your
support has kept our recordings, and more importantly the type of music we
produce, alive and visible. The year 2001 marks out 10th Anniversary of
American Recording Productions and we are in the works to commemorate this
milestone anniversary.’ said Topouzian.
ARP productions have been honored in several ways over these last few years.
Borders Inc. incorporated music from FULL CIRCLE into their telephone
on-hold music; FOR THE CHILDREN OF ARMENIA and STRINGED TRANQUILITY have
been included in several collegiate plays as well as the PBS documentary
“The Armenian Americans.” ARP has also taken part in humanitarian efforts
such as donating proceeds to Armenian relief causes for children, such as
FACES OF BRAVERY. To date, ARP has over thirty releases featuring some of
the finest musician ship from around the globe. Visit them at
CD OF THE WEEK: Eastern Winds (features Ara Topouzian, Ben Temkow, Mark
Sawasky, and Doug Shimmin) From calming meditative strains of ancient folk
song to invigorating, provocative rhythms of festive dance medley, EASTERN
WINDS soar gracefully over the music of Armenia, the Mediterranean and the
Middle East. Listeners who allow themselves to be swept up in these currents
are equally rewarded and challenged. The collection of pieces on this CD
offers a faithful representation of traditional melodies with specifics
origins, yet the innovative treatment and original arrangement of the
material is a testament to the universality of the music.
Special Offer: If you mention this newsletter, ARP will give a 15% discount
on your first total order! Eastern Winds can be purchased for $16.00 USD and
add $2.00 for US shipping. Add an additional $1.00 for all foreign orders.
Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.
OLYMPICS FACT SHEET
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Trdat III Arshakuni Armenian king Varazdat Arshakuni became the champion in
boxing at 291st Olympic Games held in 385.
The philosopher Plato (427-347) was a double winner of the pankration.
The 14 articles of the Olympic regulations included an article on
corruption: any corruption of a judge or an opponent would be punished by
whipping.
Some women, who were prohibited from attending the Games, did not accept
this segregation and dressed up as men, at the risk of being thrown from the
mountain of Typaion, as stipulated in the rules.
In 1990 the National Olympic Committee of Armenia was founded to further
development of physical education and sports. At present about 60 events are
popular in Armenia, there are 32 National Federations recognized by NOC of
Armenia.
The website of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia is at
Follow the online results of the Armenian & Cypriot athletes at
VERCHIN JAM: Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis beat France’s Gregory
Carraz in the Men’s Singles First Round 5-7, 7-6 and 7-5 during 28th Olympic
Games in
Athens.;id=3D271750
NEWS IN BRIEF
– Armenian Azeri and Turkish delegations clashed at the 3rd Youth Festival
in Barcelona in which more than 10,000 youth from around the world were
participating. The Turkish and Azeri delegation demanded that the
information on the genocide be removed from the poster board; however, the
ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Youth delegation refused, resulting in commotion.
– Based on the first half results of 2004 on the GDP of Armenia (9.2%) a
two-digit growth of the economy in Armenia is expected.
– Browse Google in Armenian. Check the following site
– A hand grenade was thrown at an internet-club in 2 Paronian street in
Yerevan and the owner 42 years old Laura Mnatsakanian died as a result of
the explosion.
– Georgian troops and separatist forces in South Ossetia exchanged sporadic
shelling and gunfire clouding talks between Russia and Georgia on the status
of the pro-Russian region.
– 18 sportsmen will represent Armenia in the Olympic Games, expected to do
well in weight-lifting, wrestling and boxing. Olympic champion Albert
Azarian carried the Armenian flag during the opening ceremony which was held
on August 13, 2004 in Athens.
g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r
â=80¢ The Armenian Youth Federation completed its 17th Annual Summer Camp at the
Morphou Prelature Camp Site at Kalopanayiotis on Sunday 15 August 2004.
Pictures from Camp can be viewed in our next issue.
â=80¢ A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members.
â=80¢ The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter will take place on Tuesday September
14, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at A.Y.M.A.
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 23 August, 2004.
â=80¢ Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can beheard
via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus
time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News 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).
â=80¢ Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues” together with Robert Camassa.
The programme which is now in its second year can also be heard on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on . A repeat
programme can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.
â=80¢ AYMA announces that the weekly practices of the football team begin in the
second week of September. Contact the AYMA Sports Committee for more
details.
Gibrahayer is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth year,
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