Regnum, Russia
Oct 27 2006
Armenian defense minister: Azerbaijan cannot solve the Karabakh
problem by war
In case of a new war in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, Armenia
will again have an advantage over Azerbaijan. However, the war will
be a big blow for both sides, Armenian Defense Minister Serzh
Sargsyan says in an interview to Jane’s military and political
research center.
Radio Liberty reports Sargsyan to say, referring to independent
experts, that Azerbaijan is not yet able to solve the
Nagorno-Karabakh problem by war. He notes that in the early 90s
Azerbaijan also had a numerical and technical military superiority it
had got from the Soviet Union. `But despite all of its forecast oil
revenues – neither today nor in many years ahead – will Azerbaijan be
able to gain the preponderance it had 14-15 years ago. The Azeri
military scenario failed then and will fail again,’ says Sargsyan. He
notes that he is an advocate of peaceful resolution but `Azerbaijan’s
militarist policy does not contribute to it.’
Concerning Armenia-NATO relations, Sargsyan says that for quite a
long time Turkey’s policy has been undermining NATO’s authority in
Armenia. The Russian military base in Armenia was formed in the face
of an external threat to become a force restraining it.
Unfortunately, this threat is still existent as there is still no
substantial progress in Armenia’s relations with Turkey. `Turkey
continues the blockade of Armenia, which is, in fact, a hostile
action. Turkey supports Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh process
and our rapprochement depends on Azerbaijan’s whims,’ says Sargsyan.

Regnum, Russia
Oct 27 2006
Armenian expert recommends to Georgia to pursue a more balanced policy
Georgian analyst Ramaz Sakvarelidze expressed both his own opinion
and position of Georgian official authorities, Armenian expert on
problems of Armenian-populated Samtskhe-Javakheti region Mark Zoryan
says commenting on the analysts’ interview, published on October 16
in Georgian Akhali Taoba newspaper. In particular, Sakvarelidze
stated: `Via Georgia Russia connects with Armenia; if Russia does not
change its mind, Georgia may have an intention to cut off all
communications with it. Our country is acting with dignity yet not
returning to Russia what it deserves. If the process prolongs,
Georgia will inevitably close its borders; then, Russia’s connections
with its own ally in Caucasus will be cut off.’
`It is clear; analyst Ramaz Sakvarelidze expressed both his own
opinion and position of Georgia’s authorities. It is both blackmail
and plan of prospective actions towards Armenia. In fact,
Sakvarelidze says that Georgia can take inadequate measures and
become dangerous for Armenia. However, I would like to warn Georgian
authorities not even to think about it. If such steps are made, it
will turn out to be a catastrophe for Georgia,’ Mark Zoryan believes.
`Only communications passing through Georgia, keep the Armenian side
from adequate response to discrimination and trample of elementary
rights of Armenian population in Samtskhe-Javakheti. If Armenia
looses these communication ways, it will have nothing to lose. In
such case, Georgia will win nothing losing confidence of its peaceful
neighbor Armenia. However, it may loose. Early in 20th century,
switching from blackmail to actions, it lost the war again Armenia in
a similar situation. At that time, only interference of Western
countries saved Georgia from viewing Armenian army near Tbilisi.’
At the same time, the Armenian expert stated: `At present, when
Armenian people managed in fact to smash Azerbaijan in Karabakh
during difficult years for it, Georgia should pursue balanced policy
concerning Armenia, especially if it takes into consideration the sad
state of its economy and real possibilities of its quasi-army, as
well as the fact that it was practically destroyed by its former
autonomies – Abkhazia and South Ossetia.’

ic Huddersfield.co.uk, UK
Oct 27 2006
Why Murray’s keeping score Oct 27 2006

By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MURRAY Greig, of Outlane, is principal trumpet with the Orchestra of
Opera North.
He says that the famous trumpet concerto by the celebrated Armenian
composer Alexander Arutiunian, with its glorious romantic passages
and fabulous fireworks cadenza, is the mainstay of all trumpet
soloists’ repertoire.
Murray is due to perform the piece at Leeds University on Saturday,
November 11, when he appears as guest soloist with the Sinfonia of
Leeds.
And that reminds him once again of the autographed score he has of
the work – a souvenir of a meeting in London, 14 years ago, with the
distinguished composer, who is now 86.
It was as senior professor of trumpet at the Royal Northern College
of Music, in Manchester, that Murray met Arutiunian at the Royal
Academy of Music in London.
He recalls: “Claire Allen, one of my pupils, was due to perform the
work in the finals of the 1992 BBC Young Musician of the Year contest
at the Barbicon. Arutiunian was in town as the guest of John Wallace
who is a friend of mine.
“As John was head of brass at the Academy he thought it would be a
nice idea if the great man heard her play it beforehand.
Unfortunately Claire lost out in the finals to the cellist Natalie
Cline but before we left he signed the cover of my score.”
Douglas Scarfe, the Sinfonia’s associate conductor, will conduct the
concerto, plus the fifth symphonies of Schubert and Sibelius in the
Great Hall of Leeds University at 7.30pm on the 11th.
Tickets at £10 (£8 concessions) on 0113-2243801 or on the door.

/0090news/tm_headline=why-murray-s-keeping-score-& amp;method=full&objectid=18001076&siteid=5 0060-name_page.html

Oneworld, Netherlands
Oct 27 2006
ARMENIA/AZERBIJAN, PROGRAMME COORDINATOR D&P
ICCO Personnel Co-operation
ICCO is the Dutch inter-church organisation for development
co-operation. Together with its partner organisations in Asia,
Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Central
Asia, ICCO works towards a world without poverty and injustice.
ICCO’s partner organisations comprise local church-based and secular,
non-governmental development organisations. Annually, ICCO spends
over Euro 100 million on support to development programmes of these
organisations, that stimulate people to create a just and safe living
environment for themselves and for others.

ICCO’s Personnel Co-operation focuses on supporting capacity
strengthening initiatives of ICCO’s partner organisations, through
the provision of personnel (on a short- or long-term basis) as well
as through co-funding local capacity strengthening programmes. The
department, therefore, mediates between requests for expertise from
organisations in the South and the availability of qualified experts
in the Netherlands or elsewhere. In 2005, around 75 experts were
working abroad through ICCO, while dozens of funding agreements and
short-term assignments were realised.

Applicants for vacancies through ICCO Personnel Co-operation have
specialised expertise and experience, but social involvement and
concern are of equal importance.

Armenia & azerbijan

ICCO invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of:

Programme Coordinator D&P Armenia and Azerbaijan

Duration: From January 2007 – December 31, 2008

Duty station: Tbilisi, Georgia

Background of the function
In the past years ICCO and IKV have supported Democratisation and
Peace building (D&P) initiatives of a number of NGOs in the South
Caucasus. In 2003 the capacity building program for the South
Caucasus started. This program was an intervention to support 7 peace
organizations from the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly network in
developing their organizational and institutional capacities. The
program was funded by PSO, through ICCO/Psa and IKV. In 2005 a mid
term review was carried out.

On the basis of the outcome of the MTR in 2006 a second phase for the
above mentioned capacity building program is being developed for the
period 2007-2008. The programme will be embedded in the overall ICCO
D&P programme, addressing both HCA’s as well as other ICCO-partner
organisations in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The programme is titled
“Civic Engagement in Peace building and Enhancement of Human Rights
in Armenia and Azerbaijan”, the programme will have a focus on civic
engagement in peace and human rights issues and stimulating
constructive public debate and dialogue. The programme of the HCA
network, addressing the Nagorno Karabach conflict, is part of this
programme. This program will exist of two components: (1) monitoring
on the role of the army and (2) influencing programs of political
parties.

ICCO is main responsible for the program. IKV is involved as an
advisory party, and will support the capacity building interventions
related to the peace building program through its own expertise and
networks.

Job Description
For the management, implementation and further development of the
program, a program coordinator will be based in Tbilisi in an
independent office, to facilitate relatively easy access from all
partners.

Main tasks fields
Programme development (policy and strategy) including linking and
learning between partner organisations
Facilitate the process of implementation of the programme by partner
organisations
Capacity building of partner organisations
Management of Capacity building funds and raise additional funding
Office management of the (small) office in Tbilisi
Monitoring and evaluation of the programme achievements
Maintain external relations with International NGOs and participate
in lobby initatives

Requirements
The programme coordinator has several years of experience abroad,
preferably in D&P programmes and capacity building. Some experience
with personnel management (coaching and on-the-job advising) and
financial management is requested.

Knowledge based competencies
Ø Democratisation and Peace building
Ø Civil Society development
Ø Financial management
Ø PM&E
Ø Institutional Development and Organisational Strengthening
(ID/OS)
Ø Knowledge of the Russian language is an asset

Behavioural competencies
Ø Cross cultural communication
Ø Diplomacy
Ø Coaching and developing others
Ø Stress tolerance
Ø Practical approach to organisation of work

Conditions
The appointee will sign a labour contract with the requesting
organisation and a supplementary contract with the back-donor PSO
(). Remuneration will be in accordance with PSO terms and
conditions and includes a supplementary salary and a social security
and insurance package.

Inquiries about the position can be obtained from: Angelica Senders,
Regional Coordinator, ICCO Personnel Co-operation ([email protected] or +31
30 6927910). ICCO is open to applications from all nationalities, but
will not reimburse travel costs, from outside of The Netherlands, for
first interviews.
Applicants should send a letter and a CV in English, by e-mail,
before November 27th, 2006 to:
ICCO Personnel Co-operation
Mr. W. Schasfoort, Programme Leader
P.O. Box 8190
3503 RD UTRECHT
The Netherlands
phone: 00-31-(0)30 – 69 27 914
fax: 00-31- (0)30 – 69 25 614
e-mail: [email protected]
internet:

;jobo peningId=1194

Regnum, Russia
Oct 27 2006
Armenian and Russian presidents to have a separate meeting in Moscow
Armenia’s President Robert Kocharyan is to depart to Moscow for a
work visit on October 30. On the same day, a separate meeting of
Russian and Armenian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Robert Kocharyan
will be held in the Kremlin.
As REGNUM is told at the Armenian president’s press office, Robert
Kocharyan is also planned to have meetings with Russia’s Prime
Minister Mikhail Fradkov and Moscow City Mayor Yuri Luzhkov.
President Kocharyan is also planned to participate in the opening
ceremony of a monument to great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian
in Moscow.
As REGNUM reported earlier, during the visit, most vital issues of
the bilateral cooperation will be discussed. Implementation of
agreements on increasing Russian-Armenian cooperation particularly in
transport and fuel and energy sphere will be discussed in detail.
Exchange of opinions in extending cooperation in CSTO (Collective
Security Treaty Organization), further strengthening of the
organization facing new challenges and threats is planned. An
important place in the agenda will be taken by CIS issues. The sides
are expected to focus upon coordination of the countries’ effort in
improving the situation in Caucasus, establishing the atmosphere of
trust for regional cooperation and settlement of conflicts on this
basis.

Regnum, Russia
Oct 27 2006
EU gives a positive assessment of reforms in Armenia
The 7th committee on Armenia-EU cooperation met in Brussels on Oct 25
to discuss the problems concerning the implementation of the New
Neighborhood Policy program in Armenia.
The press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry has told REGNUM
that the Armenian delegation was led by Trade and Economic
Development Minister Karen Tchshmarityan and comprised deputy
ministers of foreign affairs, justice, economy and finance and energy
as well as the head of the Armenian mission to the EU Vigen
Chitechyan.
The Armenian delegates told their EU colleagues about the steps they
had taken and would take in their respective spheres. The EU
representatives gave a positive assessment of the reforms in Armenia
and stressed the importance of the Nov 14 signing of the NNP action
plan.
On Oct 26 Tchshmarityan met with David O’Sullivan, Director General
for Trade of the European Commission. The sides discussed the ways to
create a free trade zone and market economy in Armenia and to enlarge
the country’s trade with the EU member states.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Cyprus Observer, Cyprus
Oct 27 2006
EU envoy on French bill and Article 301: Do not compare apples with pears
27.10.2006
Hansjoerg Kretschmer, the EU Commission rep – resentative in Ankara
said that Turkey cannot exploit the French parliament’s approval of a
bill that makes denial of the alleged Armenian genocide a crime as an
excuse to avoid democratic reforms. Kretschmer demanded the Turkish
government to take action regarding Article 301 of the Turkish Penal
Code (TCK). The representative invited Turkey not to `compare apples
with pears’, expressing that the two bills have separate contents;
one would prohibit the expression of one specific statement, but the
other is used to prevent public debate on general political issues.
Speaking at an interview with Reuters last week he said, `[The French
bill] would prohibit the expression of one specific statement, i.e.,
that there was no genocide. But 301 is used to prevent public debate
on general political issues,’ pointing out, `For example, one person
ended up in court because she questioned whether conscientious
objectors should have to do military service. So comparing the French
bill and 301 is really comparing apples and pears.’
He also expressed hope for Turkey’s EU membership saying, `Some say a
Muslim country cannot be a liberal democracy because there is a
danger of radical Islamists coming to power. The task of the
accession process now is to build and strengthen the civilian
institutions in a way that any possible fundamentalist threat, if it
should arise, can be contained. You do not need the military for this
kind of thing.’
US says bill is bad for Turkey’s EU bid
The United States also expressed negative opinions about the French
bill, with Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried saying the
French bill is not helping to better EU-Turkey relations. `The job of
outsiders is to encourage a Turkish-Armenian dialogue, not to take
positions which make that dialogue harder,’ he was quoted as saying
on a trip to Brussels, adding that his government certainly shared
the view that this legislation criminalising discussion did not seem
to make any sense.

Jerusalem Post
Oct 27 2006
A lute for all seasons
By GAVRIEL FISKE

The Jerusalem International Oud Festival kicks off this week with an
ambitious lineup of local and international musicians. Organized by
Confederation House, the festival has expanded considerably since its
inception seven years ago, and is now one of Israel’s major musical
events. This year the program features two full weeks of concerts in
Jerusalem and, for the first time, three days of performances in
Nazareth.
The oud is an 11-stringed lute that occupies a place in
Middle-Eastern music very similar to that of the piano in Western
music: a required introduction for all music students and the
universal instrument for teaching music theory. An essential part of
nearly any middle-eastern ensemble, the oud is also an exceptionally
expressive solo instrument.
Although the festival takes its name from this ancient instrument,
the programming is more focused on singers and ensembles, and
features music from a wide variety of traditions.
“I don’t want to keep the Oud Festival just Jewish and Arabic music,”
explains artistic director Effie Benaya, the driving force behind the
festival. “I always want to feature other cultures. Palestinian,
Iraqi, Turkish, Persian… all the countries that were influenced by
Islam.”
This year’s theme is the Golden Age of Spain, which is usually placed
between the 8th and 11th centuries, while Islam ruled most of the
Iberian Peninsula but before the successes of the Christian
Reconquesta. Known romantically as a time of tolerance and
civilization, the golden age was characterized by inter-cultural
interaction in art, politics, science and music.
“For me, the whole festival is a small golden age,” says Benaya. “I
wanted to make a journey to Muslim Spain, because Jews and Muslims
lived in harmony and this [culture] was very influential. I want to
bring that here, today.”
He continues: “We are doing concerts in Nazareth… I want to reach
out to the Arabic community, and for this to be a festival of the two
peoples. I think this is very important.”
The festival opens at the Jerusalem Theater on Thursday, November 2
with a tribute by Taiser Elias and ensemble to Egyptian composer
Sayed Darwish, who passed away in 1923 at the age of 31 and is
regarded as the father of modern Arabic music. Elias is a masterful
oud player and director of the middle-eastern music program at the
Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance at The Hebrew University.
On Sunday November 5 Jerusalem’s own Shaharit Ensemble presents the
poetry of Abraham Ibn Ezra, who lived from 1093-1167. Born in Tuleda
in southern Spain, due to prosecutions of the Jews he spent the later
part of his life wandering through North Africa, Europe and the
Middle-East. Shaharit is dedicated to composing original music for
piyutim (religious poems), and will present Ibn Ezra’s works with
melodies specially composed for this event.
The following evening, Monday November 6, a special performance will
be presented at Beit Shmuel by Eduardo Paniagua’s Ensemble for
Ancient Music from Spain. An artist with Sony Classical, Paniagua has
dedicated himself to medieval Spanish/Arabic music for decades, and
has released many albums and performed throughout Europe and the
Middle-East. His ensemble performs authentic Arab-Andalusian
classical music with Arabic, Hebrew and Spanish vocals, and features
musicians from both Spain and Morocco.
Another international ensemble performing at the Oud Festival is the
father-and-son team of Armenian-Americans Onnik and Ara Dinkjian, who
will play at the Jerusalem Theater on Saturday, November 11. Ara
Dinkjian, who performed at last year’s festival, is an oudist and
composer whose music is very popular in Turkey and Israel. His father
Onnik is an accomplished singer of traditional Armenian popular and
liturgical music who has been performing for five decades. Their
ensemble consists of Turkish, Greek and Israeli musicians, including
master percussionist Zohar Fresco.
The festival of course features a fantastic array of local artists as
well. Among the performances scheduled are: a tribute by Yair Dalal
to the Iraqi Jewish musicians who immigrated to Israel in the 1950s,
a selection of Palestinian folk songs by exquisite singer Amal Murkus
and ensemble, a concert of piyutim and rock with the Yona Ensemble,
Barry Sacharoff and Meir Banai, an appearance by Israeli rock/ethnic
experimenters Orphaned Land, a performance directed by Elad Gabbai of
the Arabic and Ladino songs of 20th century Jerusalemite composer
Asher Mizrahi, and many more.
The final concert in Jerusalem on Thursday, November 16 at the
Jerusalem Theater features the virtuoso Persian melodies of the Lian
Ensemble from Los Angeles, home to a huge community of Iranian
expatriates and often called “Irangeles.” The Lian Ensemble features
the best Iranian musicians in the West, including acclaimed vocalist
Naderi Vaseghi Soleyman and percussionist/vocalist/nai player Houman
Pourmehdi. To their base of classical Persian and sufi music the Lian
Ensemble has added a strong jazz influence, giving their music a
unique East-West feel while retaining their roots in the ancient
music traditions of Persia.
The concerts in Nazareth take place from November 22-24 at the
Nazareth Cinemateque, and are encores of concerts that will be
performed in Jerusalem during the main festival. They include: a
specially commissioned selection of Islamic, Christian and Jewish
religious music performed by singer Inas Masalha and ensemble, a
recital by young oud virtuoso Wisam Gibran based on the controversial
and popular work of early Islamic poet al-Mutanabbi, and a concert by
the Tarshihah Orchestra dedicated to the mighty Egyptian singer Farid
al-Atrash.
A full schedule for the Jerusalem International Oud Festival can be
found at or by calling (02) 624-5206.
Prices range from NIS 75-110 with discounts for those attending
multiple performances or for group purchases. Advance reservations
are strongly recommended, as most of the concerts last year were
sold-out. Tickets can be ordered at the following numbers: (02)
623-7000, (02) 622-2333 and (03) 604-5000.

The New Anatolian
Oct 27 2006
PACE head criticizes both French Armenian ‘genocide’ bill and Turkish
supporters of Article 301
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) President Rene
van der Linden yesterday strongly criticized France’s lower house of
Parliament for passing a controversial bill that aims to ban
questioning of Armenian genocide claims.
“This is not in line with one of the basic principles of human
rights, freedom of expression,” Linden said during his visit to
Ankara yesterday. PACE head underlined that reconciliation efforts
among countries need more freedom of expression among all involved
parties, not unconstructive moves to restrict people’s free
expression of their ideas. Van der Linden also criticized those in
Turkey who are using the French bill as a pretext not to change
controversial Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) which sets
out penalties for “insulting Turkishness.” The PACE head clearly
stated yesterday that the Turkish government has to amend the
article, which has been used to bring charges against dozens of
journalists, publishers and scholars.
Van der Linden, during his visit to Ankara yesterday, met with
Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and Turkish deputies. Before
his departure from Ankara, the PACE president spoke to journalists.
Recalling his support for Turkey’s EU membership process and
highlighting the importance of continuation of the reform process,
Van der Linden underlined that this was in the interest of both
Europe and Turkey. He said that the second phase of the reform
process, the implementation was understandably much more difficult,
since it necessitated the change of mentalities and convincing
people.
Saying that Turkey seems overly frustrated by the criticisms of
Europe, Van der Linden said that most of these criticisms were in
fact aimed at assisting Turkey in the reform process. In a move to
further encourage Turkey on its EU accession process, he said that
Turkish people should not overestimate current discussions in Europe
and see that it will be EU in 15 years later which Turkey will join.
On the debates of so-called Armenian genocide, PACE head stressed the
necessity for all countries to come into terms with its history for a
better future, but he criticized France’s lower house of Parliament
passing a controversial bill to ban questioning of Armenian genocide
claims. “This is a back-step from the freedom of expression, a bad
example,” Van der Linden told reporters, and expressed hope that the
controversial bill will not be passed by the upper house.
On the possible “train crash” between Turkey and EU late this year
due to the Cyprus problem, Van der Linden said that this is in no
one’s interest and continuation of Turkey’s EU process was in the
interest of both Europeans and Turkey.
The PACE president will attend a roundtable discussion with legal and
human rights experts at Bilgi University in Istanbul today. On
Saturday he will lay a wreath at the Gallipoli War Memorial and visit
the war graves there as well as meet with a delegation from the
Canakkale Provincial Council.

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 27 2006
FOREIGN MINISTER OF ARMENIA HIGHLY ESTIMATES ACTIVITY OF MARSHALL
FUND IN REGION
YEREVAN, October 27. /ARKA/. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
Vartan Oskanian received a group of experts in conflict from Marshall
Fund and representatives of the U.S. Congress.
On Thursday Press and Information Department of the RA Foreign
Ministry informed ARKA News Agency that Oskanian had highly estimated
activities of the Fund and its continual contacts with the regional
states, which enabled to learn more about various directions of
politics of those countries.
During the meeting participants discussed regional problems,
cooperation of Armenia with the NATO and the EU, several aspects of
Russian-Georgian relations.
Oskanian presented the process of peace talks over the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as touched upon the
Armenian-Turkish relations.
The Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan
American public policy and grantmaking institution dedicated to
promoting greater cooperation and understanding between the United
States and Europe.
Founded in 1972 as a permanent memorial to Marshall Plan assistance,
GMF maintains a strong presence on both sides of the Atlantic. In
addition to its headquarters in Washington, DC, GMF has six offices
in Europe: Berlin, Bratislava, Paris, Brussels, Belgrade, and Ankara.
S.P.-0–