CHESS WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS IN YEREVAN
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 3 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. Solemn opening ceremony of the world
chess championship of chess-players below 20 took place on October 3
at the Central Chess House after Tigran Petrosian. Grand master Smbat
Lputian, Vice-Chairman of the Armenian Chess Federation, champion
of world olympiad, Mikael Ispirian, Vice-Chairman of RA State Sport
Committee, Gagik Hovhannisian, Secretary General of the Armenian Chess
Federation, and Ashot Vardapetian, principal coach of the championship,
made greeting speeches addressed to the championship participants.
Before this the championship participants laid wreaths to the monument
to 9th world champion T.Petrosian.
Armen Hambartsumian, head of the U.S. delegation, Armenian deserved
coach, Tatev Abrahamian, former pupil of Yerevan Chess School,
Hamlet Tumanian representing Iran are among the guests who have
arrived in Armenia.
To recap, the championship organizers have a great experience of
holding such tournaments. World championship of chess-players below
20 was held in Yerevan in 1999 and in 2000.

ARMENIANS MAY ARTIFICIALLY HAVE FEW REPRESENTATIVES IN SAKREBULOS OF JAVAKHK
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 3 2006
AKHALKALAK, OCTOBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Elections of
local self-government bodies will take place in Georgia on October 5.
According to the acting legislation, 10 deputies in each of regional
sakrebulos must be elected by the proportional electoral system and
one representative at each of the lowest local self-government bodies
(rural and town sakrebulos) must be elected. 32 (10+22) deputies
will be elected in the Akhalkalak region, 20 (10+10) ones in the
Ninotsminda region, 25 (10+15) in the Akhaltskha region, 22 (10+12)
in the Aspindza region, 20 (10+10) ones in the Borzhom region, 37
(10+27) deputies will be elected in the Tsalka region. The A-Info
agency states about it.
It is expected that more than 20% of deputies at the sakrebulo in
the region of Akhalkalak will be not Armenians by origin, in spite of
the circumstance that 90% of the population of the region is Armenians.
The problem is that some Armenian villages were artificially united
into one administrative unit, in a rural sakrebulo, and villages
having not numerous Georgian population are represented by separate
sakrebulos.
By the same reasoning, Armenians will make a comparatively small number
in sakrebulo of the region of Tsalka, though they make majority of
the population, A-Info states.
Owing to 98% of Armenian population in the region of Ninotsminda and
presence of sakrebulos populated only by Armenians, only Armenians
will be voted here.
In the regions of Akhaltskha, Aspindza and Borzhom as well,
though Armenians do not make majority in sakrebulos, however their
representation is again artificially limited.

DAYS OF ARMENIAN CULTURE FESTIVAL OFFICIALLY OPENS IN BRATISLAVA
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 3 2006
BRATISLAVA, OCTOBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The concert
of Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Eduard Topchian and
with participation of violinist Sofia Jaffe took place on October 3
at the Reduta well-known philharmony hall of Bratislava. The concert
was organized within the framework of the Days of Armenian Culture
festival dedicated to the 15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
The solemn opening of the festival took place two days before near the
Armenian khachkar (cross-stone) placed in the center of Bratislava,
with participation of Slovakian officials and many guests. The
Armenian khachkar was placed with joint efforts of the Nig-Aparan
compatriotic union, the Chairman of which is RA Prosecutor General
Aghvan Hovsepian, and Armenian community of Slovakia, in token of
gratitude for adoption of the resolution recognizing the Armenian
Genocide at the Slovakian Parliament.
As NT correspondent informed from Bratislava, at the opening ceremony
of the Days of Armenian Culture, Ashot Grigorian, Chairman of the
Representation of Armenian Organizations in Europe, emphasized
that Armenian-Slovakian contacts continue to develop and the
Armenian community also has a great contribution to this issue. In
A.Grigorian’s words, A.Hovsepian and First Deputy Prosecutor General
of Slovakia, Martin Lauko, also rendered great services to development
of Armenian-Slovakian contacts.
The speeches were followed by first concert performances, then
the concert continued at the hall of the Ararat club. Soloists
of A.Spendiarian National Theater of Opera and Ballet, soprano
Lusine Ordukhanian, performed some works of Komitas, and tenor Artak
Kirakosian performed arias from Italian operas. Their performances were
highly appreciated by the spectators. Well-known pianist in Slovakia
Hasmik Gabrielian also performed on the first day of the concert.
During the reception organized after the concert, the guests,
especially former Prime Minister Jean Charnagurski, Martin Lauko and
others emphasized that this event is of exclusive importance from
point of view of getting to know the Armenian culture closely and
understanding the Armenian nation better.
Within the framework of the festival concerts will be held both in
Bratislava and in Prague. As NT was informed by festival organizer
Ashot Grigorian, Chairman of the Slovakian Armenian community and
Representation of Armenian Organizations in Europe, unfortunately,
the Armenian Embassy in Vienna not only did nothing to support this
initiative of the Armenian community of Slovakia, but also tried to
do everything possible to hamper holding of this cultural festivity
in this city.

CD “DEDICATED TO KOMITAS” RELEASED IN MUNICH
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Oct 3 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. The Super Audio Compact Disk (SACD)
“Dedicated to Komitas” was released by the Audit record studio
(Germany) in September. It contains works performed by two famous
Armenian musicians – soprano Hasmik Papian and piano-player Vardan
Mamikonian. Conrad Kuhn, dramaturge of the Austrian State Opera and
the Munich Opera, stated this at the October 3 presentation of the
disc, which was recorded during a Yerevan concert in 2005.
In addition to 26 Armenian songs, the disc contains 9 works of Komitas
written to verses of German poets. Komitas created these works while
studying in Berlin. In the words of C. Kuhn, the Armenian composer’s
excellent knowledge of Western musical traditions is felt in these
songs which are performed for the first time.
It was noted that the disk is first of all intended for foreign
audience, presenting in most comprehensive way the Armenian music,
with the great Komitas making his contribution to its development.
A booklet-disc contains the texts of the songs in Armenian, German,
English an French. It also provides information about the life and
activity of Komitas. Taking into account the great interest that
foreigners show to the works of Komitas, the author of the booklet
Claude Mutafian, professor of Sorbonne University, mathematician and
historian, presented both Komitas’ life and the Armenian history of
his period in an original form that makes an easy reading.
Asked by reporters why she chose Komitas’ works, Hasmik Papian replied:
“When I was just making ny first steps as a singer, I always had
an idea of recording some Komitas songs in my performance. It was
important to me and it was a dedication to the great musician. This
is my tribute to the memory of Komitas.” In her words, it is the duty
of every singer to present the Armenian culture abroad.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FIRST DEBATES ON CONSTITUTION INVOLVING POLITICAL FORCES
Srbuhi Vanian
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Oct 3 2006
On September 28 the National Assembly kicked off debates on the draft
Constitution of NKR. The first debates involved the representatives
of political forces and parliament factions. It should be noted that
this is going to be the first Constitution of our republic, and this
fact was appreciated by everyone present (independent from their
opinion about the draft). The debates were conducted by the chair
of the Defense, Security and Legality Committee Rudolf Martirosian,
the chair of the State and Legal Committee Yuri Hairapetian, and
the head of the Task Force on Constitution Armen Zalinian. Speaker
Ashot Ghulian was present too. The text of the draft Constitution was
presented to the members of parliament, organizations and political
parties several months ago, and they had time to study the draft and
come up with proposals and questions during the debates. The members
of parliament long discussed the draft and did not reach agreement
on the way of organizing the debates. Member of Parliament Maxim
Mirzoyan said it would be expedient to discuss every chapter of the
draft separately because it is the basic document of the country and
is intended for a long period. “There should be consistency in every
action. Especially in this case. We should not be afraid of not being
recognized. Let us shake off all the complexes and discuss it part by
part considering the regional, political and military peculiarities,”
he said. Everyone appeared to approve the proposal, but Ashot Ghulian
said the shortage of time may not allow this. “The debates, in fact,
must underlie the adoption of the Constitution, but we are obliged
to take into account the time. It does not depend on our desire
and wish,” said the speaker of the National Assembly. It became
known that the first reading of the draft will be in early October,
and it may be adopted at the end of the same month. In the middle
of the debates two or three people left the hall demonstratively,
and the remaining participants presented their proposals and
evaluations. The ARF Dashnaktsutyun put forward a number of questions
connected with the activities of the local governments (they say the
governors should be elected), human rights and civil rights. It was
mentioned that our system of government is saturated and certain posts
could be eliminated. Besides, it was emphasized that the parliament
majority should name the prime minister. Besides, an individual at a
government office should be a citizen of NKR. “This must be set down
in the Constitution to empower the parliament to give a vote of no
confidence to one minister or another,” said V. Balayan. A. Zalinian
said for the citizenship of a high-ranking government official that
thus the deep love and care of Armenians living outside the country
is doubted. Meanwhile, the adoption of the Constitution will provide
a quite new model of forming executive power to our state, where
the role of the National Assembly will be enhanced. A. Zalinian
elucidated the questions about territorial integrity and borders
put forward by A. Mosiyan. Edward Aghabekian, ARF Dashnaktsutyun –
Movement 88 Alliance wondered if the Constitution enables people to
elect their government and participate in the activities of these
authorities. Member of the Alliance A. Sargissian pointed out the
shortage of time as the greatest drawback in adopting the Constitution,
and proposed holding debates involving the political parties, which
are not represented in the parliament. “The Constitution must first
of all be written for us, for our life, not for displaying it to
the world. In my opinion, it should solve national and territorial
problems, sustain democracy, marking its viable forms for our country,
and decentralize policies,” he said.
Although there was disappointment (several members of parliament
left the hall), during the first debates Armen Zalinian called for
more responsible and balanced approach to the continuing debates on
the constitution. “The Constitution must be the product of efforts
by everyone of us, because it is our present and future,” he said.

EU DELEGATION TO VISIT AZERBAIJAN
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
October 2, 2006 Monday 3:36 PM EST
A delegation of European Union diplomats headed by Finnish Foreign
Minister Erkki Tuomioja and Commissioner for External Relations Benita
Ferrero-Waldner was due to visit Azerbaijan as part of an ongoing
visit in the region, the Finnish EU presidency announced Monday.
The EU troika delegation included German Minister of State Guenter
Gloser since Germany is the next holder of the six-month presidency.
The delegation on Monday visited Georgia and Armenia.
The EU statement said talks focused on bilateral relations and current
international affairs.
In Armenia, the delegates were slated to meet President Robert
Kocharyan and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan.
In Georgia they were due to meet among others Georgian President
Mikheil Saakashvili, the prime minister and foreign minister, and
in Azerbaijan the delegation was to meet President Ilham Aliyev and
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.
The special representative for the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby,
will represent the EU High Representative Javier Solana.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT PREFERS PRO-GOVERNMENTAL BILL ON PARLIAMENT’S REGULATIONS
ARMINFO News Agency
October 3, 2006 Tuesday
Today the Armenian Parliament considered two bills on the regulations
of the Armenian Parliament and preferred the bill drafted by
pro-governmental forces.
The chairman of the parliamentary commission on legal issues Rafik
Petrossyan says from now on a deputy’s question to the government
will be sent either to the government or local administrations who
should answer the deputy within 20 days or appear in the parliament
and answer the question personally.
There will be one rather than several commissions on one and the
same bill. The bill also specifies the procedures for approving
governmental programs, calling extraordinary sessions, confirming
the president’s resignation, boycotting parliament’s work. From now
on any parliamentary group can boycott the parliament’s work for two
rather than one session which is “more democratic.”

AMBASSADOR OF TURKEY TO AZERBAIJAN: WE HAVE NO BELLICOSE ATTITUDE TO ARMENIANS
ARMINFO News Agency
October 3, 2006 Tuesday
“We think it necessary starting a dialogue with Armenia,” said Turkish
Ambassador to Azerbaijan Turan Morali.
APA reports that the Turkish diplomat stressed the necessity for
construction of a dialogue with Armenians. However, Armenia should
demonstrate a good attitude to both neighboring states, he said. The
diplomat said that it is very important to use all the opportunities
to make Armenia act in this direction. “We have no bellicose attitude
to Armenians. We should sit down and discuss everything. We know our
policy, our way and we will continue it,” he said.

ANNUAL RISE OF PRICES FOR PRIVATE HOUSES IN ARMENIA’S REGIONS MAKES UP ALMOST 24%
ARMINFO News Agency
October 3, 2006 Tuesday
The annual rise of prices for one sq/m of private houses in Armenia’s
regions made up almost 24%, and 1.7% for July 2006. The maximal annual
rise of prices was in Aragatsotn region – 28.7% and for 1.5% for July.
The State Realty Register Committee told ArmInfo that Tavush region
ranks the second as to the rise of prices per sq/m – 28.3% (3.5% for
July), then goes Vayots Dzor region – 28.3% (2.8% for July), Ararat
region – 28.2% (1.7% for July), Kotayk region – 27.4% (2.1% for July),
Armavir region – 20.4% (1% for July), Lori region – 18.4% (1.3% for
July), Shirak region – 17.7% (2.3% for July) and Syunik region – 13.3%
(the indicator for July was left unchanged). The average price per 1
sq/m in the town of Ashtarak made up 65.2 thousand AMD, in Artashat
– 49.3 thousand AMD, in Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin) – 80.3 thousand
AMD. in Gavar – 26.1 thousand AMD, in Vanadzor – 49.5 thousand AMD,
in Abovyan – 93.8 thousand AMD, (in Hrazdan – 36.9 thousand AMD,
in Tsakhkadzor – 74.9 thousand AMD, in Yeghvard – 57.3 thousand
AMD, Nor Hachn – 62.3 thousand AMD), in Gyumri – 49.9 thousand AMD,
in Goris – 53.8 thousand AMD, Vayk – 36 thousand AMD. (in Jermuk –
36.7 thousand AMD) and in Ijevan – 51.4 thousand AMD (in Dilijan –
43.6 thousand AMD).

GEORGIAN REGIONS WITH MOSTLY ARMENIAN POPULATION WILL HAVE BALLOTS IN ARMENIAN FOR ELECTIONS
ARMINFO News Agency
October 3, 2006 Tuesday
Ballots for the self-governmental elections in Georgian regions of
Samtskhe-Djavakheti and Tsalki mostly populated with Armenians will
also be issued in Armenian language – A-info news agency reports.
The source reports that the Election Committee received the ballots
on October 4. The source also stresses that all election commissions
of Georgia including the Election Committee of Djavakheti are ready
to hold the elections to the local self-government on October 5.