AFI FEST Sets “Bobby” for Opening Night and Unveils 13 World Premieres
Indiewire.com
September 20, 2006
Emilio Estevez’s “Bobby,” the story of the night Robert F. Kennedy was
assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles in 1968, will open
the 2006 AFI FEST, the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival,
much of the large ensemble cast from the film are expected to attend
the opening night at the festival. Also announced were 13 of the films
that will have their world premieres at the 2006 AFI FEST, including
David Cunningham’s “After,” J.B. Rutagarama’s “Back Home,” Chad Lowe’s
“Beautiful Ohio,” David Boyle’s “Big Dreams, Little Tokyo,” Alan
White’s “Broken,” Daniel Jones & Dann Sytsma’s “Comic Evangelists,”
Alante Kavaite’s “Fissures / Ecoute Le Temps,” David Stenn’s “Girl 27,”
Henry Jaglom’s “Hollywood Dreams,” Yokihiko Tsutsumi’s “Memories of
Tomorrow,” Sedika Mojadidi’s “Motherland Afghanistan,” Arnie Williams’
“No Sweat,” and Carla Garapedian’s “Screamers.” The festival will run
from November 1 – 12, 2006, anchored again at the ArcLight Cinemas
in Hollywood. For more information, visit the festival’s website.
[Screamers follows the rock band System of a Down as they tour Europe
and the US pointing out the horrors of modern genocide that began in
Armenia in 1915 up though Darfur today.]

NKR Leadership Interested in Development of Economic Ties with Iran
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:24 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Iranian trade and industrial delegation has paid
a visit to Nagorno Karabakh to get familiarized with the output of
local companies and meet with the leadership of the republic. NKR
Prime Minister Anushavan Danielyan gave a positive estimate to
the meeting and described the visit of the Iranian delegation as a
new and important step for the development of bilateral trade and
economic relations.
In his words, the two states have friendly ties in various sectors
of economy, science, education and culture. He also remarked that
though Karabakh has made considerable economic progress it needs
foreign investments, reported Iran.news.

Karabakh Problem Priority Issue for Armenia
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:26 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia should be ready for any developments in
Nagorno Karabakh, RA Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan told reporters
when commenting on Azerbaijan’s attempts to convey the discussion of
the Karabakh problem to the U.N. “We should be ready for any move,
since the Karabakh problem is a priority for us and is immediately
bound with our security and future,” the RA MOD head said, reports
newsarmenia.ru.

Serge Sargsyan: Each Nation Passes Own Way to Independence
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:29 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ 15 years of independence were the years of
real struggle. Unfortunately there is no struggle without losses,
Armenian Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan told reported today. In
his words, these years were full not only of joy and success but
also of bitterness and faults. “Those lying in the Yerablur Pantheon
sacrificed their lives for the independence of their homeland. Our
duty is to remember these people because thanks to them we have the
possibility to hold festivities,” Serge Sargsyan remarked.
The RA Defense Minister also underscored that 15 years taught to
make decisions meeting the interests of the state and people. “Each
nation passes its own way to independence. Unfortunately, there
were faults but there were also real achievements,” Sargsyan said,
reported IA Regnum.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
American University of Armenia
300 Lakeside Drive, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Contact: Maggie Mead
Tel: 510-987-9125
Fax: 510-208-3576
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
AUA Celebrates 15th Anniversary of Independence
September 20, 2005
LOS ANGELES, CA- The American University of Armenia (AUA) will be
celebrating its 15th anniversary this year with a fundraiser dinner,
on Sunday November 12, 2006, at the Universal Sheraton Hotel. The
banquet celebrates the achievements of AUA and honors the great
philanthropic efforts of Mr. & Mrs. Vartkes and Jean Barsam and Mr. &
Mrs. Jerry and Pat Turpanjian.
AUA was a vision developed in one of the bleakest moments of Armenia’s
history. The catastrophic earthquake of Armenia in 1988 brought
about unprecedented destruction in a nation yearning to create its
own identity.
As the country set about to rebuild, the idea of an American-style
academic institution was proposed by Yuri Sarkissian, then rector
of the Yerevan Poytechnic Institute. The idea soon evolved into
a specific goal of founding a university that would bring hope and
light into a nation that seemed cloaked in darkness. Sarkissian’s idea
was put into action by the leadership of two earthquake engineers
and an economist- Mihran Agbabian, professor at the University of
Southern California, who would later become AUA’s founding president,
Armen Der Kiureghian, professor at the University of California at
Berkeley, and Stepan Karamardian, professor at the University of
California at Riverside. Thanks to the support of the Armenian and
American governments, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU),
individual donors, and the University of California, with which AUA
is affiliated, AUA began its first day of instruction on September 21,
1991, the same day Armenia declared its independence.
Today, under the leadership of President Haroutune Armenian, AUA’s
academic program provides graduate education complementing Armenia’s
undergraduate education. Parallel to its academic programs, AUA has
seven research and resource centers. By providing teaching, research,
and public services, AUA in its 15th year serves Armenia and the
region and provides a positive model in the transition to a market
economy and democratic governance. More than 1400 AUA graduates today
occupy positions of leadership in government, the judiciary, business,
health care and education. Following a rigorous review process that
relatively few universities can satisfy, AUA is also on track to
become the first overseas academic institution fully accredited by
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The banquet’s honorees have contributed greatly to AUA’s
success. Vartkes Barsam was a respected AUA trustee, serving for many
years as treasurer. He was a devoted participant in the development
of AUA from its early beginnings. During the establishment of the
American University of Armenia, Vartkes and Jean Barsam assisted
President Mihran Agbabian and later worked alongside President
Armenian by providing invaluable guidance and clearing hurdles at
each step of the way. In fact, the Barsams helped establish not
only the solid foundation of AUA, but also many essential components
that would sustain Armenia’s growth and development, including the
telecommunications infrastructure, a western business hotel to attract
investment, and diplomatic interventions with all levels of government
and the global business communities. Through the generosity of Vartkes
and Jean Barsam, the former landmark Hye Business Suites Hotel is now
AUA’s Barsam Building, affording the opportunity to house visiting
faculty and students, as well as provide rental income for university
operations. The Barsams’ contribution to AUA’s Computer Information
Sciences program has been important to the entire university. These
and many other gifts over the years complemented Vartkes Barsam’s
years of devoted service and guidance to AUA. The entire University
community mourns the recent death of Vartkes and joins with countless
others across the world in expressing its sympathy and appreciation
to Jean and to all the Barsam family.
Also to be honored for years of dedicated service, vision and
generosity to the University are Jerry and Pat Turpanjian. AUA’s
Turpanjian Center of Policy Analysis has long been a valued research
arm for Armenia and key to the advancement of the University’s School
of Political Science and International Affairs. The Turpanjian Family
Scholarship and Student Loan Program funded through AUA has enabled
more than 800 Armenian students who couldn’t otherwise afford higher
education to attend the various universities located throughout
Armenia. The Turpanjians also supported AUA’s photovoltaic solar
renewable energy system and other projects. Today, the Turpanjian
Rural Development and Adult Education Program seeks to expand the
benefits of AUA across all of Armenia and Karabagh through a unique
economic development project that combines adult education with
direct assistance in business development. This Program will have a
transforming effect on the health and well being of Armenians wherever
located. The tangible benefits of the generosity of Jerry and Pat
Turpanjian are having a direct impact in the lives of Armenians and
in the future of the country and the region.
AUA’s 15th anniversary celebrates the great vision of AUA’s founders,
and the dedication of its many supporters. The philanthropic efforts
and generous donations of all of the supporters of AUA will be honored
in addition to recognition of the Barsam and Turpanjian families. All
have contributed to 15 years of accomplishment and a brighter future
for Armenia.
Moving forward, AUA is now constructing a new, state of the art,
academic facility, the Paramaz Avedisian Building. To meet the growing
needs of AUA’s student body and faculty, and to reflect the increased
enrollment anticipated for an accredited American university, the
Avedisian Building will add modern classrooms, laboratories, lecture
halls, conference and seminar rooms, an auditorium, a café with a
terrace, and even a gallery.
The 15th anniversary celebration will help fund the efforts to
complete, furnish and equip this exciting new facility.
It is with great hope that the Armenian community will come together
for this worthwhile cause and celebration. Your support and attendance
for this event will help continue the vision that was realized
fifteen years ago and which continues to move AUA to new levels
of accomplishment, ensuring a brighter future for Armenia and all
its people.
–Boundary_(ID_022JcUriu303AcnEP8wovQ)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

War Won’t Settle Karabakh Conflict
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:38 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Unfortunately today we live according to the formula
“if you want peace be ready for war. The reality of our region makes
us be cautious in security issues,” NKR President Arkady Ghukasian
told reporters in Yerevan after laying a wreath to the Memorial to
those killed in Karabakh’s national-liberation war.
In his words, today the war goes on in the economic, political
and cultural fields. “We are doomed to win this struggle. The war
was not our choice but we won it. However life has proved that war
doesn’t settle issues and we should find a political resolution of the
conflict. War takes the lives of the bravest. We lost so many young
men and now we must build a state that would reflect their dreams,”
the NKR President said, reported IA Regnum.

Vartan Oskanian Says Law on Dual Citizenship Important
PanARMENIAN.Net
20.09.2006 16:52 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia and Diaspora make a single whole, RA
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated at the closing session of
the third Armenia-Diaspora Forum. “Armenia and Diaspora have common
past and the existing division was imposed on us since the decline
of Ani and Cilicia, the Armenian Genocide, injustice of the Soviet
period, hardships of the initial years of independence and war with
Azerbaijan. Now we should take the measures essential for the return
of Armenians to the homeland,” the RA FM said.
In Oskanian’s opinion, it’s very important to adopt the law on
dual citizenship. “This is essential for the people and future of
Armenia. Armenians should number not 3 but 5 or 10 million. It’s
necessary for counteracting challenges,” the Minister said, reported
newsarmenia.ru.

Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization
1901 N. Allen Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001
626.296.2921 (Office)
626.296.2922 (Fax)
Email: [email protected]
September 20, 2006
For Immediate Release
Presentation of Ara Aharonian’s “Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen” and
“Heroic Figures of A.D.L.”
HOLLYWOOD- On Sunday, September 10, 2006 the Western District
Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization (Ramgavar
Party) organized a successful program to celebrate the publication
of “Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen” (The Path of the Devotees) and “Heroic
Figures of A.D.L.” at the Tekeyan Cultural Assocation Arshag Dikranian
School, in Hollywood, California. Under the auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church, the two new works by the author and chairman of
the Western District Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal
Organization, Ara Aharonian, were adeptly presented along with songs
and recitations.
Hratch Sepetjian, an instructor at the A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirjian
School in Canoga Park and member of the Nor Or weekly editorial staff,
served as the master of ceremonies. Sepetjian warmly welcomed the
audience to the book presentation and presented some biographical
information on the featured author.
Sepetjian introduced Carl Bardakian to present Ara Aharonian’s
“Heroic Figures of A.D.L.” Bardakian stated that with this
publication, more information is now available to Armenian and
non-Armenian students and scholars about nine patriotic men who
have earned their rightful place in the history of the A.D.L. and
Armenian nation. He noted how Aharonian lucidly describes the lives of
Megerdich Avedisian, Mihran Damadian, Mkho Shahen, Armenag Yegarian,
Abah Bedrossian, Roupen Herian, Yesayi Yaghoubian, Sebouh and Captain
Jim Chankalian. Bardakian credited Aris Sevag, managing editor of
The Armenian Reporter International weekly newspaper in New York,
for his precise translation of “Heroic Figures of A.D.L.”
As part of his presentation, Bardakian focused on the life of Captain
Jim Chankalian, who, unbeknownst to many, was named a Captain in the
United States Army for his service during the Spanish-American War
in 1898 and later served the A.D.L., A.G.B.U. and Armenian Church
with great distinction and honor until his death on May 10, 1947.
Featured keynote speaker, Dr. Minas Kojayan, renowned instructor of
Armenian language and literature at the A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirjian
School and member of the Nor Or weekly editorial staff, eloquently
presented Ara Aharonian’s “Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen”. Kojayan spoke of
the need for more publications about the history and leadership of the
A.D.L. He indicated that Aharonian’s works are an important step in the
right direction to prepare additional literature. Kojayan noted that a
vast group of biographies were represented in this work ranging from
Arshag Chobanian, Vahan Tekeyan and Hratch Yervant to Kaspar Menag,
Hampartsoom Berberian and Kersam Aharonian. Kojayan stated that in
“Yerakhdavorneroo Ougheen”, Aharonian continually demonstrates in
his writings the strong ties between the A.D.L. and the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the
Armenian nation.
Dr. Raffi Balian, vice-chairman of the Western District Committee
of A.D.L, articulately presented the official message of the Western
District Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization.
He congratulated Ara Aharonian for his new works. Balian reminded
the audience of the formal merger and establishment of the Ramgavar
Azadagan Goosaktsootyoon [Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization]
in Constantinople in 1921. He also spoke of the A.D.L.’s solidarity
with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Balian’s insightful remarks
noted the ties between the Armenian people and Armenian nation from
the birth of the A.D.L. to the present.
Harutyun Kojoyan, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in
Los Angeles, briefly addressed the audience. In his remarks, he warmly
congratulated the author. He also spoke of the need for Aharonian’s
books to be distributed to students not just in the Diaspora, but in
Armenia as well.
Armine Shaklian and Arsho Azadian passionately recited works of poetry
intermittently throughout the evening. Shaklian’s recitation of Kevork
Emin’s “Menk” and “Sassountzineree Baruh” and Azadian’s recitation
of Vahan Tekeyan’s “Beedee Eenas” were equally impressive. Shaklian,
is the granddaughter of Aris Shaklian, who was a prominent A.D.L. and
A.G.B.U. educator and author in Syria, who eventually repatriated to
Armenia. Tavit Samuelian, accompanied by Aram Lepedjian on the piano,
sang a number of patriotic songs.
Ara Aharonian thanked the Western District Committee of the Armenian
Democratic Liberal Organization for organizing a memorable evening
and all of those present. The author also thanked his wife, Diana,
and his father, Paylag, for their support and encouragement, as well
as those in attendance.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, commended Ara
Aharonian for his two new publications. He noted Aharonian’s work in
the community and encouraged him to continue in his dedicated service
and literary work. He also congratulated the Western District Committee
of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization for organizing the
event. The program culminated with the traditional dousing of wine
on the two new books (kinetson), led by the Primate and with the
participation of the clergy in attendance and program participants. The
program concluded with the final benediction by the Primate.

COMMANDER OF U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND HIGHLY ESTIMATES READINESS FOR
ACTION OF ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS IN IRAQ AND KOSOVO
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN. General William Ward, Deputy
Commander of U.S. European Command, positively estimated the readiness
for action of Armenian peacekeepers in Kosovo and Iraq, their ability
to oriente themselves in emergency situations, knowledge of language
and good organization at his meeting with RA Defence Minister Serge
Sargsian.
As NT was informed by Colonel Seyran Shahsuvarian, RA Defence Ministry
Spokesperson, the current process and development prospects of
Armenian-American military cooperation were discussed at the September
20 meeting. The sides expressed satisfaction with cooperation in the
sphere of military training, stressed the necessity to introduce a
professional sergeant institution.
The interlocutors also touched upon Armenia’s participation in
international stabilization initiatives, exchanged opinions about
regional and international development.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOTELS HINDERS DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN ARMENIA,
ATDA REPRESENTATIVE SAYS
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 20 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, NOYAN TAPAN. Since September 18, two 30-second
commercials about Armenia are broadcast three times a day on CNN.
Mekhak Apresian, Head of the Tourism Department of the RA Ministry
of Trade and Economic Development, stated this during a discussion on
tourism problems at the 2nd Armenia-Diaspra economic forum. According
to him, the main purpose of demonstrating these commercials is to
create abroad an image of Armenia as a country attractive for tourists.
During the discussion, Syuzanna Azoyan, marketing director of the
Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA), spoke about obstacles to
tourism in Armenia and the marzes. It was noted that human resources,
a high level of services, comfortable transport and reliable
infrastructures are needed for developing tourism in Armenia. “The
most important problem in Yerevan is lack of affordable hotels and
motels,” S. Azoyan noted. In his words, there are no affordable hotels
in Yerevan, while the need for hotels is especially urgent in marzes.
S. Azoyan noted that the ATDA is currently taking measures to extend
the limited tourist season in Armenia and to develop adventure
tourism. “There are great opportunities in Armenia for developing
winter tourism. And our mountains are very convenient for adventure
tourism,” the ATDA representative said.
To recap, in 2005, revenues of the tourism sector made 6% of GDP, and
since 2001, the average annual growth of tourism has made about 25%.