OLEXANDER BOZHKO: “THOUGH THE UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY OF ARMENIA IS NOT
OF GREAT NUMBER, BUT IS ACTIVE”
YEREVAN, AUGUST 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The history of the Ukrainian community
of Armenia started at least from the middle of the 19th century when
a group of settlers who came from the region of Poltava founded
the village of Nikolayevka near Stepanavan. As Olexander Bozhko,
the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the
RA mentioned in the interveiw to the Noyan Tapan correspondent,
their huts have been kept there by now. It was also mentioned that
according to data of the 2001 census, 1633 ethnic Ukrainians lived in
Armenia, though, according to non-official data, their number makes
about 3000. The Ambassador stated that the “Ukraine” Ukrainians’
Federation of Armenia functions in Armenia. The federation founded
in 1995 has departments in the cities of Vanadzor, Gyumri, Hrazdan,
Ijevan and Sevan. The federation publishes the “Dnipro-Slavutich”
monthly in the Armenian and Ukrainian languages.
O.Bozhko stated that the community members have possibility to study
in Ukraine: the most gifted of them are sent annually to Ukraine to
get education.
“It’s pleasant for us that Ukrianians founded in Armenia the “Dnipro”
choir, “Verbichenka” song ensemble, children’s “Dzvinochek” choir
and “Malyatko” dance ensemble. Participants of those organizations
every year hold their holidays in Ukraine, particularly, in the
“Artek” camp,” the Ambassador said. The Ukrainians’ world forum, in
which representatives of the Ukrainian community of Armenia as well
participated, started in Kiev on August 18. In O.Bozhko’s words, the
“Ukrainian Song in World” artistic festival is being held within the
framework of the forum. The Ukrainian choir from Armenia participates
in the festival with its program. The Ambassador mentioned that this
choir, almost half of participants of which is ethnic Armenians,
performs songs both in Ukrainian and Armenian. As for the Armenian
community of Ukraine, in O.Bozhko’s words, about 30 thousand Armenians
lived in Ukraine in early 90s, and their number reaches 400-500
thousand at present. The Ambassador mentioned names of famous figures
of the Armenian origin, functioning in Ukraine: film director Roman
Balayan, Mher Mkhitarian, the Chairman of the “Poznyaki-Zhilstroy”
powerful construction corporation, Arsen Avagov, the Kharkov regional
administration head. He also emphasized that four Armenians were
deputies of the 4th convention of the Supreme Rada (parliament) of
Ukraine. O.Bozhko mentioned that the “Aragats” newspaper (enclosure
of the “Golos Ukraini” official newspaper of the Ukrainian Supreme
Rada) is published in Ukraine in the Armenian and Ukrainian languages,
the “Masyats Aghavni” periodical is published in Crimea, illustrated
“Haykakan Lraber” is published in Donbass. Besides, there are radio
and TV programs in Armenian. By financing of the state budget, Armenian
books are published in Ukraine, Sunday schools function, classes with
deep teaching of Armenian open. O.Bozhko stated that the Armenian
community very seriously arises the issue of creating the Armenian
University in Ukraine. “I consider it to be a very serious program, and
as of today, the Armenian community of Ukraine has all possibilities
for implementing it,” the Ambassador stated. In O.Bozhko’s words,
a new Armenian church is built in Ukraine every year. Today they
function in Kiev, Lugansk, Dnepropetrovsk, Simferopol, Odessa and Lviv.
“So, one may say for sure, that today Armenians are a noticeable part
of the Ukrainian society as well as Ukrainians of the Armenian one,
though their number is not big,” the Ambassador of Ukraine to the
RA said.

NKR authorities convey condolence on the occassion of poetess Silva
Kaputikyan’s death
ArmRadio.am
26.08.2006 14:55
NKR President Arkady Ghukasyan and Chairman of the National Assembly
Ashot Gulyan sent telegrams of condolence on the occasion of famous
poetess Silva Kaputikyan’s death.
Expressing compassion on behalf of NKR people and authorities to family
and friends of the poetess, NKR leaders stress, in particular that the
remembrance of the greatest friend of the Artsakhi people will stay in
the memory of the coming generations forever. “The generations will not
forget her invaluable contribution to the maintenance and development
of national values,” Arkadi Ghukasyan notes in his telegram.

Loveland Herald Reporter, CO
Aug. 25, 2006
Steps to a better world
Cross-country trek aims to focus attention on genocide in Darfur
By Alicia Beard
The Daily Reporter-Herald
After the Rwandan genocide in which thousands of Tutsis were killed
during a 1994 civil war, international leaders declared, “never
again.”
But, 12 years later, it is happening again, says Hasmig Tatiossian.
This time in Darfur, Africa.
Tatiossian and fellow Journey for Humanity marchers are walking from
Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about genocide.
This week, the group is making stops in Front Range cities, including
a visit to Loveland Thursday.
Herself a descendent of a survivor of the 1915 Armenian genocide,
Tatiossian said she feels a personal duty to help end genocide.
“That historical memory has been inscribed upon our identity,” she
said. “We feel we have a responsibility to carry the torch of
awareness.”
The group, sponsored by the United Armenian Students, is joined
during the Colorado leg of the four-month journey by the Colorado
Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action. Essie Garrett, the 1996
Olympic torchbearer for Colorado, is also taking part in this portion
of the march.
At each of the Colorado stops, the coalition has set up its exhibit,
“The Dead Weight of Complacency.”
The exhibit captures the common traits and history of genocide,
starting in the 1400s with the Spanish Inquisition and ending with
the present Darfur genocide in western Sudan.
There, three years of militia violence has caused the death of about
400,000 people and the displacement of 2.5 million others.
Roz Duman, coalition founder, said participating in the march
provided an opportunity to confront complacency and a lack of
education.
“Every year we say, ‘never again,’ and ‘What lessons have we learned
from the Holocaust?'” she said. “We felt we had to do something about
this.”
Along the way, participants are holding rallies and meeting with
lawmakers, Tatiossian said. By the time their millions of steps take
them to Washington in October, she said she hopes a movement takes
hold; that people begin to remember that we are all part of the human
race.
“Genocide is a crime against humanity, all humanity,” she said. “It’s
a crime that affects everyone.”

Today, Azerbaijan
Aug. 25, 2006
Miss Caucasus-2006 beauty contest participants’ photos to be taken on
occupied Azeri lands
25 August 2006 [21:06] – Today.Az
Beauty contest Miss-Caucasus 2006 will be held in Yerevan Academic
Opera and Ballet Theatre on September 2.
Azerbaijan will not participate in the contest, APA reports.
The contest will be broadcasted by Georgian and Armenian televisions
and also by MIR Interstate Broadcasting Company. The photos of
contest participants will be taken in Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani
province of Nagorno Karabakh.
The winner of the contest will get a crown decorated with precious
stones and money grant as well as the right for participating in Miss
Tourism-2006 in Czechia.
Armenians hold this type of contest for the second time.
Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Ministry official Intigam Humbatov
told the APA that Azerbaijan has not received an invitation for the
contest.
“They are pursuing their crafty policy under the name of cultural
events. We must not allow them to continue this policy. This contest
is of not state interest, and that is why we will not appeal to
definite bodies for that,” he said.
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Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan: War with Azerbaijan is not expected soon
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug. 25, 2006
[ 25 Aug. 2006 20:15 ]
“Armenia refused many beneficial economic projects in the South
Caucasus for the sake of Nagorno Garabagh,” Armenian political
scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan said, APA reports.
He stated that the possibility of war in Nagorno Garabagh does not
sound convincing.
“War with Azerbaijan is not expected soon. It means that Armenia must
find allies for future war. If we get prepared well, there will not be
a war. We must take into consideration the civilization of our allies,
because, only coincidences in civilization can guarantee success.
Armenians are easterners. We have good relations with western
countries, but it is not integration. Iran can be the best ally for
us despite religious difference. We also should not underestimate
the alliance with Russia, Syria, Belarus and Iraq,” the political
scientist said. /APA/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TheFireAlarm.com, IL –
Aug. 25, 2006
Fire Acquire Bedrossian
French League veteran to join Fire.
Dan Gaichas · August 25, 2006
Using a portion of their allocation due them for the departure of
Damani Ralph in 2005, the Fire acquried the rights to attacking
midfielder Pascal Bedrossian. Bedrossian, who has dual citizenship
with France and Armenia, will become the Fire’s third Seinor
International alongside Andy Herron (Costa Rica), and Ivan Guerrero
(Honduras).
“We had the opportunity to bring Pascal into camp about two months
ago, and we were immediately impressed with his professionalism, his
technical ability and, most importantly, his personality from the
standpoint that he was very excited about the prospect of joining our
team and helping us win championships,” said Fire Head Coach Dave
Sarachan. “If there’s a position where we’ll always entertain
improvement, it would be in the attacking third, and Pascal’s an
attacking player that brings with him a lot of first team experience
in France. We think his addition will help us in the push towards our
goal of reaching and winning MLS Cup.”
Bedrossian joined the team for training on Tuesday, but is currently
unavailable for selection until his P-1 work visa is secured. He has
spent his entire playing career up to this point in the French
league, leading Lorient to the 2002 French Cup. In addition, he has
played for the French national team at various youth levels. However,
he last played in the 2004-2005 season with French second division
Angers SCO. Understandably, he cannot wait to get on the field with
the Fire.
“For me, coming to play in the USA is a dream come true. Nothing
makes me happier than joining the Fire. Michael Jordan has always
been my idol – as an athlete and a person. What could be better than
playing in his hometown, Chicago?” said Bedrossian. “I hope the
experience I’ve gained in France will help the Fire win
championships. The welcome my teammates and the coaching staff has
given me has been really warm. Giving them all I’ve got is my way of
saying, ‘Thanks, it’s great to be part of this team.'”
Once Bedrossian gets his P-1 work visa secured, it will be
interesting to see how he will fit in to the starting XI and what
adjustments will be made to the lineup as a whole to accomodate him.
If that visa is secured before Saturday, he would be eligible for
that night’s match against Colorado.
–Boundary_(ID_eXIpaYBccYRjoUnMFPCIBQ)- –
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ISNA, Iran
Aug. 25, 2006
Iran -Armenia to boost its trade cooperation Service: Economy
ISNA – Tehran
Service: Economy
TEHRAN, August 25 (ISNA)-Iran-Armenia’s shared chamber of commerce
manager noted that the 200 million dollar trade figure between the
two countries illustrated that 17 percent of the products imported
to Armenia were from Iran.
“The commercial ties between Iran and Armenia have shown a good
progress. We started with 20 million dollars and now we have reached
200 million dollars,” he commented.
This official also among reporters commented that the noted 17 percent
has the ability to reach 40 percent, but this required that Iran
introduced its industrial and production capacities and potentials
to Armenia.
“Iranian merchants through identifying the requirements of the market
must open a good placing for Iran in CIS markets,” he said.
This official also gave news on the inauguration of new Iranian trade
center in Armenia and hoped the at hand obstacles would be removed
through the cooperation of both sides.

TREND, Azerbaijan
Aug. 25, 2006
Israeli Ambassador: Delivery of first Azeri oil load to Israel via
BTC pipeline is important event
Source: Trend
Author: À.Ismayilova
25.08.2006
Trend ‘s exclusive interview with Artur Lenk, Israeli Ambassador to
Azerbaijan
– On August 25, Israel received the first Azeri oil load via
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline..
– Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline is extending links between Azerbaijan
and Israel. And the first oil delivery is an important event indeed.
I think transportation of this oil to Mediterranean Sea I important
as there are many countries and purchasers in there, especially in
view of growth of demand for this fuel.
Our countries are good partners and we hope we can strengthen it.
Taking into account that Israel is very close to Ceyhan Azeri oil is
delivered to, official Baku says Israel is oen of the main exporters
of Azeri oil.
– There is a group of Israeli businessmen in Baku now. Which spheres
are especially interesting for your entrepreneurs here?
– Israeli businessmen come to Azerbaijan very often. Yesterday I also
met with one group of businessmen. They are interested in such
spheres as construction, agriculture, industry and so. They are not
limited with some narrow niches, they are creative people and
therefore consider the most promising prospects. Israel has a
significant experience in the sphere of IT, telecommunications,
infrastructure and is eager to cooperate in these spheres with
Azerbaijan. I wouldn’t like to name any specific projects as they are
still being developed.
This will influence the growth of goods turnover between Azerbaijan
and Israel. I suggest the growth is primarily linked to the beginning
of BTC pipeline operation and mutual contacts among businessmen. The
number of Azeri companies willing to purchase Israeli technologies
has also grown up.
– What are the plans at the official level between Israel and
Azerbaijan?
– We are talking on some certain issues. For example, Azeri
government is going to sign an agreement on culture. We constantly
cooperate with your government in spheres of economy, foreign policy
and so. Besides, a group of Israeli writes is coming to Azerbaijan in
early September.
There is a big Azeri Diaspora residing in Israel. They are very fond
of Azerbaijan. Alongside, a very active Jewish community is residing
in Azerbaijan. Certainly, they consider themselves citizens of
Azerbaijan. This, alongside cooperation among businessmen, makes
Azeri-Israeli relations really outstanding.
– Can Azeri Diaspora in other countries rely on Jewish Diaspora
support, for example regarding settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh
problem?
– Azerbaijan has selected the way of conversations to solve this
problem. OSCE, supported by Minsk Group, is seeking for agreement
with Armenia. Israel and its people uphold the efforts President
Ilham Aliyev makes to resolve the conflict peacefully. Wee suggest
this agreement will match the interest of Azerbaijan and all the
nations residing in South Caucasus region.
– Last time less and less Jews move from Azerbaijan to Israel. In
your opinion, what is the reason for this?
– Israel is a historical motherland of all Jews. Jews lived in
post-Soviet countries, including Azerbaijan, decided to come home but
maintain relations with the country they were born in. Certainly, a
part of Jews did not move anywhere and still form a part of
Azerbaijan. Lat years several hundreds Jews have left Azerbaijan. But
compared to previous years this number is no so big. The situation in
Azerbaijan has utterly changed from the first years of independence.
But even the fact of Jews moving to Israel should not be the matter
of concern. Wherever they are, they represent Azerbaijan.
–Boundary_(ID_1L0JVilnLC91d/nAq/P/tg )–

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug. 25, 2006
Silva Kaputikyan, key ideologist of Armenian aggression against
Azerbaijan died
[ 25 Aug. 2006 16:50 ]
One of the ideologists of Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani lands,
Nagorno Garabagh conflict Silva Kaputikyan died of stroke at the age
of 87 today, APA reports.
Armenian government ordered to set up a special commission for his
funeral. Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan has been appointed chief
of the commission.
Silva Kaputikyan was born in Van city, Turkey in 1919. After the
Kars agreement between Turkey and Russia Kaputikyan’s family moved
to Armenia, which was established in ancient Turk lands.
Beginning from early 80s, Silva wrote works on poor Armenian people
propagating the so-called “Great Armenia” and “Armenian genocide”. He
was key ideologist of Armenian aggression against Azerbaijani
territories
But in fact, Silva caused troubles to Armenians by such
propagations./APA/

Today, Azerbaijan
Aug. 25, 2006
Mark Katz: “Either the Karabakh conflict will be resolved, or it will
get worse for both side”
25 August 2006 [17:00] – Today.Az
“The Azeri-Armenian dispute will not go on as it has. Either it will
be resolved, or it will get worse for both side.
“It seems to me, though, that the two parties cannot come to an
agreement because each sees itself as being on the defensive,
and that compromise with the other could spell disaster,” Mark
N. Katz, Professor of Government and Politics Department of Public
and International Affairs Department of George Mason University,
told APA in an exclusive interview.
He thinks that international organizations have been ineffective in
finding a peaceful solution because they can only succeed at this if
both sides want one.
“Their real aim, it seems to me, is not to find a peaceful solution
but to help prevent a renewed outbreak of fighting,” he said.
He thinks that Russian, who has great influence on Armenian, is not
interested in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
“Russia does have great influence in Armenia-but only so long as
the Karabakh conflict persists. If the conflict was ever resolved
peacefully and this contributed to the normalization of relations
between Armenia and Turkey, Armenia would have much less need of
Russia. Fearing this, Moscow does not want to see the Karabakh
conflict resolved.”
He thinks that Russian support for Azerbaijan is unreal.
“Russia supports Armenia, not Azerbaijan. But Azerbaijan cannot afford
to have relations that are too unfriendly with neighboring Russia. The
U.S. government is more sympathetic toward the Azeri position, but
American domestic politics will not allow Washington to pressure
Armenia to reach a settlement. Thus, neither the U.S. nor Russia
is really pushing for a peace settlement, though neither wants to
see renewed fighting either. Azerbaijan’s balancing between Russia
and the U.S., though, goes beyond the Karabakh issue. The U.S. has
been a much more useful partner than Russia for Azerbaijan on the
oil pipeline issue. Neither the US nor Russia is pushing for a quick
settlement to the conflict, though for different reasons. In my view,
though, both should do so. For if the conflict is not resolved,
fighting could break out again. And while it may be easy to start
such a fight, ending it will probably not be so easy.”
He thinks that Azerbaijan’s diplomatic initiative is required for
the settlement.
“Azerbaijan’s newfound wealth, I believe, allows it the opportunity
to launch its own diplomatic initiative for resolving the conflict.
Baku could, for example, offer Armenia aid and investment in exchange
for a withdrawal. I realize that many Azeris might be offended by
this suggestion. But since it is unlikely that Armenia can be forced
to withdraw, it will have to be induced. And Azerbaijan may have the
means to do so,” he insists.
He also said that Armenia’s “victory” over Azerbaijan has indeed cost
it heavily in terms of international isolation and lack of development.
“And as long as a peace settlement is not reached, it will continue
to pay these costs-and perhaps even greater ones. What stops
Armenia from pulling its troops back is that Armenians have bitter
memories about Turks. Unfortunately, Armenians equate the Turks and
the Azeris. Armenians feel strongly that it would be a confession
of wrongdoing to withdraw from Azeri territory, which would be an
acknowledgement that their occupation of it was wrong. What this
means, unfortunately, is that the resolution of the Azeri-Armenian
dispute is inextricably intertwined with the troubled Turkish-Armenian
relationship.”
“Russia does not really want to see the conflict resolved for fear
of losing what influence it has in the South Caucasus. Nor does
Iran want to see the conflict resolved for fear that a peaceful,
prosperous Azerbaijan will motivate them to secede. Turkey could
help Azerbaijan considerably by increasing its efforts to normalize
relations with Armenia. This would also be in Turkey’s interest,
since it would improve its prospects for joining the EU.”
His view is that Armenia has paid, and continues to pay, very heavy
costs for its “victory” over Azerbaijan. It is willing to pay these
costs, though, because it fears that withdrawal from Azeri territory
will be the first step toward the destruction of Armenia. What is
needed, then, is a peace accord that encourages Armenia that it will
be able to live in peace with its neighbors- the Azeris and the Turks.
He thinks a peace agreement should entail:
Karabakh: Armenian forces withdraw and replaced by a UN force like
in Kosovo.
Small Corridor between Armenia and Karabakh: Armenian withdrawal and
replacement by UN force that permits access both between Armenia and
Karabakh, and between Azeri territories separated by the corridor.
Other Azeri occupied territory: Armenian withdrawal and return to
Azerbaijan.
UN-administered Property Settlement Commission: Azeris and Armenians
who lost property in earlier Azeri-Armenian conflict must either
receive it back or be adequately compensated for it.
He also said that the conflict will not last long at this rate.
“I strongly believe that the Azeri-Armenian dispute will not go
on as it has. Either it will be resolved, or it will get worse for
both sides.”
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