THE STOCK EXCHANGE DOLLAR RATE MADE UP 414,45 AMD/$1
Yerevan. July 28. ArmInfo. During tender at the Armenian Stock
Exchange ArmEx 3 board lots were sold at the amount of AMD 62,2
million ($150 thousand).
The dollar rate made up AMD 414,45/$1, 0,34% less than on July 27.
Demand volume equaled $50 thousand and the supply volume – $350
thousand. The best demand price was marked on the level of AMD 413,
5/$1 (average – AMD 413,5/$1), and the best supply price – AMD
414,41/$1 (average – AMD 415,05/$1).

The opening price was fixed at the level of AMD 414,75/$1, closing
price – AMD 414,1/$1, minimal price – AMD 414,1/$1 and maximal price –
AMD 414,75/$1.
Totally, in January 4 – July 28, $85,652 million was sold at ArmEx;
the average rate decreased from AMD 453,1 to 414,45/$1, AMD. The
maximal deal volume was detected on July 11 – 38 board lots at the
amount of $3,050 million and at the rate of AMD 417,83/$1, the minimal
volume – July 12 – 1 board lot at the amount of $50 thousand (AMD
20,893 million) at the rate of AMD 417,85/$1.
Since January 4 only 2 EURO exchange deals were driven – on April 6
(EUR 5 thousand, AMD 554/EUR1) and on June 22 (EUR 1 thousand, AMD
532/EUR 1).-A-

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 28, 2006
___________________
ARMENIAN STUDENTS REWARDED FOR COMMUNITY WORK
This year 63 undergraduate students from 15 states applied for college
scholarships distributed by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern).
The money is available thanks to donors who have established endowment funds
to provide such scholarships to young Armenians who have taken an active
interest in the Armenian Church.
(The Diocese encourages others to establish such funds by contacting
Berjouhi Saladin at the Armenian Church Endowment Fund, via e-mail at
[email protected].)
Rec ipients had to be U.S. citizens, and priority was given to those who have
been most active in the life the Armenian Church community, those in
financial need, and those who had done well academically. Recommendations
from pastors and parish lay leaders were also taken into consideration.
This year the Diocese was able to give $500 scholarships to 23 college
students.
“These young people have given of their time and skill to better their local
Armenian Church community,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate.
“They are the future of our community, and we can see from their devotion
and service that we are encouraging our youth to live as part of the
Armenian Church.”
HOLOPIGIAN MEMORIAL FUND
Receiving funds from the George Holopigian Memorial Fund, the largest
scholarship fund distributed by the Diocese, were:
Shant Broukian, son of Raphael and Astgik Broukian of Watertown, MA, a
senior at Boston University studying psychology and biology. He has been
active in the ACYOA chapter of the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, and
been a member of the parish’s junior choir. Most recently, he has begun
training as a deacon.
Gregory Dalakian, son of Martin and Nancy Dalakian of Parsippany, NJ, a
junior at the University of Delaware studying music education. He has
served as the assistant choir director in his home parish of St. Mary Church
of Livingston, NJ, where he has also been a sub-deacon and led performances
during parish events. He has also served as a counselor and director of
dramatic studies for the Diocese’s St. Vartan Camp and served as chairman of
his parish’s ACYOA Jrs. chapter. He is a past participant in the St.
Nersess Seminary summer programs.
Marisa Kelegian, daughter of Fr. Yeprem and Yn. Judy Kelegian of Racine, WI,
a senior at Drake University studying music performance. She has been an
ACYOA Jrs. Chairman, an ACYOA Srs. member and Assembly delegate, has
performed as a musician in her home parish of St. Mesrob Church of Racine,
WI, and has served as a counselor at the Diocese’s Midwest Hye Camp. She is
a flutist.
Tatevik Khoja-Eynatyan, son of Leon Khoja-Eynatyan and Narine Petrosyan of
North Bethesda, MD, a freshman at the Peabody Conservatory of John Hopkins
University studying music performance. He has been an active member of the
Narek Bell Choir of the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C. and has also
performed with the Armenian Chorale of Greater Washington.
Taleen Kupelian, daughter of Krikor Kupelian and Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian,
of Ft. Lee, NJ, a sophomore at Fairleigh Dickinson University studying
humanities and education. She has graduated from several Armenian
religious, linguistic, and cultural education programs and has taken
leadership roles in Armenian youth organizations and has taught Sunday
School.
Lori Manukoglu, daughter of Berch and Talin Manukian of Cliffside Park, NJ,
a sophomore at Babson College studying business administration. She is a
graduate of the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum program, and recipient of its Role
Model Award. She has also taught Sunday School at the Holy Cross Church of
Armenia in upper Manhattan and has served as an assistant to the Khrimian
Lyceum program in Boston.
Valerie McQueen, daughter of Eric and Arpine (Nakashian) McQueen of Jackson,
NJ, a sophomore at Boston University studying communications. She served as
vice president of the ACYOA chapter and as an altar server at the St.
Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, and also has volunteered as proofreader for
Diocesan publications.
Sossie Nalbandian, daughter of Fr. Zenob and Yn. Hasmig Nalbandian of
Windham, NH, a junior at the University of Massachusetts studying business.
She has been a member of the ACYOA Srs., a choir member, and organist. She
has also taught Sunday and Armenian school.
Christine Quinn, daughter of Karl and Nancy (Khachian) Quinn of Fairfield,
CT, a sophomore at the Rhode Island School of Design studying illustration.
She has been active in the Church of the Holy Ascension of Trumbull, CT,
serving as an ACYOA Jrs. officer, a choir member, and active member of the
Sunday and Armenian Schools. She has also been involved in the Armenian
Students Association.
Harout Sahagian, son of Hagop and Ani Sahagian of New Milford, NJ, a
freshman at Montclair State University studying biology. He has been an
ACYOA member and altar server at the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ. This
year he will be a staff member of St. Vartan Camp, after serving as a
counselor-in-training for the past few years. He has also attended the St.
Nersess Seminary Summer Sessions and plays basketball for the St. Leon
parish team.
Lisa Salbashian, daughter of Nazareth and Azniv Salbashian of Ft. Lee, NJ, a
junior at Rutgers University. A member of the St. Thomas Church of Tenafly,
NJ, she has been active in the Armenian Club at Rutgers and has worked on
the Times Square Genocide Commemoration.
Onnig Terzian, son of Fr. Aved and Yn. Vivian Terzian of West Boylston, MA,
a junior at Georgetown University studying finance and international
business. He has been an altar server, Sunday School teacher, Armenian
School assistant teacher, and ACYOA member in his home parish of the Church
of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA.
Aleen Tovmasian, daughter of Mania and Thomas Tovmasian of Ft. Lee, NJ, a
sophomore at Barnard College of Columbia University studying sociology and
Italian. She has been active in the ACYOA chapter of the St. Thomas Church
of Tenafly, NJ, and the Tekeyan AYO. She has also attended St. Nersess
Seminary Summer Sessions.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Several other endowment funds also provide money for college scholarships.
They include the Adrina Movsesian Scholarship Fund, the Armine Dikijian
Journalism Scholarship Fund, the Mabel Fenner Scholarship Fund, Dikran and
Nevart Dadourian Scholarship Fund, Joseph and Eve Gorvetzian Scholarship
Fund, Louie Cefalu Scholarship Fund, and the Astrid Hatabian Zolas
Scholarship Fund.
Receiving $500 each from these funds this year are:
Aram Babikyan, son of Jirair and Carol Babikyan of Belmont, MA, a junior at
the University of Massachusetts studying business administration. He has
been active in both ACYOA Jrs. and Srs. at his home parish, the St. James
Church of Watertown, MA. A Sunday School graduate, he then served as an
assistant teacher.
Alexa Diranian, daughter of Richard Diranian and Karen Kazanjian Diranian of
Arlington, MA, a sophomore at Providence College studying psychology. She
has been chair of the ACYOA at the St. James church in Watertown, MA, and
also its parish Sunday and School, where she has served as assistant to the
superintendent. She has also worked as a counselor for St. Vartan Camp. On
campus, she has been involved in the campus ministry programs.
Natalie Jamian, daughter of Gregory and Sandra Jamian of Bloomfield, MI, a
freshman at Michigan State University studying science. A former chair of
the ACYOA chapter at her home parish, the St. John Church of Southfield, MI,
she has attended the St. Nersess Seminary Summer Conferences. She has also
been a volunteer at the parish’s summer day camp and at the Midwest Hye
Camp.
Andrew Kayserian, son of Tamar and Hampar Kayserian of Flushing, NY, a
sophomore at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute studying biomedical
engineering. A Sunday School teacher at his home parish, the Church of the
Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY, he has also led extracurricular activities at
the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum program.
Jacqueline Kazarian, daughter of Michele Kazarian and Kenneth Kazarian of
Rumford, RI, a sophomore at Barnard College of Columbia University studying
Latin and Greek. She has volunteered at the Nubarashen Orphanage in
Armenia. She also has taught Sunday School and been active in the ACYOA at
her home parish of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob in Providence, RI.
Arousiag Markarian, daughter of Siranoush Markarian of Forest Hills, NY, a
junior at the City College of New York studying biomedical science. She has
been a class representative for the American Medical Students Association
and has been active in Armenian youth programs and has performed as a
soloist in local Armenian churches. She also volunteered with the Land and
Culture Organization and served as a youth delegate representing the
Republic of Armenia at a youth meeting organized by the United Nations.
Matthew McGann, son of John and Linda McGann of Fairfield, CT, a sophomore
at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA, studying communications. A Sunday
School graduate, he is also an acolyte at his home parish, the Church of the
Holy Ascension in Trumbull, CT. He has also been a member of his parish’s
junior and regular choir and has been co-chairman of its ACYOA chapter.
Ani Nalbandian, daughter of Fr. Untzag and Yn. Setta Nalbandian, a sophomore
at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, studying in a pre-med
program. She has been an organist for her home parish of the Church of the
Holy Ascension in Trumbull, CT, and has studied through junior choir
leadership development program of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs
of America (AACCA). She has been an ACYOA delegate and co-chair of her
parish’s ACYOA Jrs. She has also taught in her parish’s Armenian School.
Margo Voskanian, daughter of Gevorg and Parkoohi Voskanian of Marlboro, MA,
a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts studying biology. She has
taught Sunday School at her home parish, the Church of the Holy Translators
in Framingham, MA, and has been a leader of her parish’s ACYOA. This spring
she participated in the Diocese’s “Alternative Spring Break,” through which
college students traveled to southern states to build homes through Habitat
for Humanity. She is co-chair of the Armenian Club at her school.
Marianna Zargarian, daughter of Benjamin Zargarian of Fair Lawn, NJ, a
freshman at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey studying
speech-language pathology. An acolyte, she is also a Sunday and Armenian
School graduate from her home parish of St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ.
She is also a member of her parish’s basketball team, ACYOA Jrs. and choir.
She is also part of the Antranig Armenian Dance Ensemble.
— 7/28/06

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 28, 2006
___________________
FR. CHEVIAN MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION
Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral, marked
more than 20 years of his priestly ministry during a reception at the
cathedral complex on May 19, 2006, during which he was granted the right to
wear the floral pilon by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, who
officiated during the service.
“Everyone who takes up the holy orders of the church believes deeply in his
heart that he is carrying forward something worthy and valuable: our
heritage, an ancient tradition of service to God, the succession of Christ’s
apostles,” the Primate said, speaking about how Fr. Chevian personifies the
Diocesan theme of the past year “Carrying the Flame.” “Der Mardiros is
surely a man who has chosen to carry that flame, and he does so with the
utmost respect and love for what our flame represents. But more than
carrying the flame himself, Der Mardiros has devoted his ministry to
inspiring others to carry it beside him.”
Following the vesper service, during which he was honored the floral pilon,
Fr. Mardiros was celebrated at a reception and program attended by 350
people in the cathedral’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium, where
friends, deacons, and community members, spoke about Fr. Chevian and his
impact on the Armenian Church community.
“I express deeply felt gratitude to Der Hayr, for being a pastor in every
sense of the word to our little community,” said Elise Antreassian,
coordinator of Christian education for the Eastern Diocese, who spoke for
the Diocesan staff and was one of 14 people from all parts of the community
to offer testimonials on Fr. Chevian. “With him we are generally smiling,
often laughing — sometimes at his very gracious expense. When we have been
exasperated, he has provided solace; when we’ve been confused, he has given
sound and welcome advice, when we’ve been unsure, he has provided the
comfort of his confident leadership and hope.”
LIFE OF FAITH
Fr. Chevian has been active in the life of the Armenian Church since he was
a young altar server in his home parish of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI. After receiving a degree in social sciences from Barrington
College and a master’s of divinity degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox
Seminary and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, he spent two years studying at
the Seminary of Holy Etchmiadzin.
After returning to the United States, he served as deacon-in-charge of the
St. George Church of Waukegan, IL, before being asked to play a leadership
role in the reopening of the St. Nersess Seminary in its new location in New
Rochelle, NY. That began his lifelong ministry with young Armenians.
“Der Mardiros has a unique ability to relate to the youth in a way that
makes young people comfortable speaking to clergy,” said David Kasparian,
one of the speakers at the banquet. “He provides a link between the younger
generation and the church that is important.”
Kasparian credits Fr. Mardiros’ tenure at St. Nersess for his repartee with
younger generations. It was while his brother and sister were attending a
St. Nersess Conference in 1979, when David was 11 years old, that his father
passed away. Fr. Mardiros brought his siblings home and stayed with the
family. “From then, he has always had a special place in the heart of our
family,” he said.
Fr. Mardiros, whose baptismal name was Michael, was ordained in the end of
April 1985, being given the name Mardiros, or martyr or witness. In
discussing the ordination name, then-Primate Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
told Fr. Mardiros that “It is not the name that will make you, it is you who
will make the name.”
“I have learned that the name you are given can inspire you and motivate
you,” he said. “I learned that I must be a witness. You must be sure of
who you are in order to witness. It is only someone who is confident in who
he is that can truly witness to what he believes. And who we are is a
combination of what gifts and talents God has given us, and what our parents
and family and teachers have planted within us. And also what we have
accepted upon ourselves.”
He said his connection to the generation of Armenian priests killed during
the Genocide was strengthened not only by his new priestly name, but also by
learning shortly after his ordination that his great-great grandfather was
Der Mardiros, a village priest in Sebastia.
“He was, like so many other priests, killed during the Genocide,” Fr.
Mardiros said. “That further deepened in me the belief that each new priest
is an answer to the losses, righteous revenge against those who tried to
erase the Armenian people of the face of the earth.”
In 1991 he was asked to establish a new youth ministry effort at the
Diocesan Center. He was then named dean of St. Vartan Cathedral in 1994.
In 1999 he was elected to the Diocesan Council, where he continues to serve.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY
While serving at St. Nersess he began a life of devoted service to young
Armenians, who today are young parents who seek out his pastoral guidance.
But his ministry is not limited to the young nor the American-born.
“I’m sure that every person here — myself included — could offer a story
about how Der Hayr’s counsel or presence made a difference to them at a
critical time,” the Primate said. “What impresses me is the broad range of
lives he has affected. Der Hayr has always been closely associated with our
younger generation; but he also has a wonderful, loving touch with our Avaks
(senior citizens). As an American-born priest he speaks in a special way to
others born in this country. Yet he has made it a special part of his
ministry to reach out to the newest of our newcomers.”
The Primate’s thoughts were echoed by many of the other speakers.
“Fr. Chevian is a worthy shepherd who for 20 years has served his church and
community with great dedication,” said Shakeh Kadehjian, principal of the
St. Vartan Armenian School and chairperson of the committee which organized
the program honoring Fr. Chevian. “I have worked with him closely and my
respect for him grows by witnessing his good deeds — caring and supporting
young and old alike — through the various programs implemented by him.”
And while building a community Fr. Mardiros and his wife, Yn. Diane, have
also built a family, with two daughters Alexandra and Kristina. His eldest
daughter, Alexandra, surprised her father during the program by delivering
her own remarks to the crowd.
“To you he is Der Hayr or Fr. Mardiros. “To my sister and I, he is just
dad,” she said. “We were blessed when God made him our dad.”
— 7/28/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, presents Fr. Mardiros Chevian with the granting of the floral pilon
during a vesper service marking the 20th anniversary of Fr. Chevian’s
priestly ordination.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Barsamian addresses the crowd at New York
City’s St. Vartan Cathedral on May 19, 2006, during a service honoring the
priestly ministry of Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the cathedral.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Mardiros Chevian speaks about his ministry during a
reception marking the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Fr. Mardiros Chevian’s daughter Alexandra speaks to the
crowd of 350 people who turned out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her
father’s ordination to the priesthood.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY of EASTERN USA, INC
80 Bigelow Ave, Suite 200
Watertown, MA 02472
Contact: Vartouhie Chiloyan
Tel: 617-926-3801
Fax: 617-924-7238
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

ARS EUSA announces names of 21 ARS Scholarship Recipients

The Board of Regional Directors of the Armenian Relief Society of
Eastern USA, Inc. announced the recipients of its Undergraduate
Scholarship and the Lazarian Graduate Scholarship awards for this
upcoming academic year.

The grants are based on merit, financial need, and involvement in the
Armenian Community. The recipient must be of Armenian descent and be
enrolled in a four year college or university located in the Untied
States. This year the ARS of Eastern USA awarded over $31,100 to 21
students from 11 States.

The ARS Educational Fund was established through the generous
donations of many benefactors who provided the necessary financial
resources to help the ARS assist Armenian undergraduate students for
over three decades.

Additionally, the ARS George and Beatrice Lazarian Graduate
Scholarship Fund has granted hundreds of generous grants to deserving
graduate students.

The ARS, founded in 1910, is a nonprofit, charitable organization
comprising of Armenians who volunteer their time and effort to support
the educational and humanitarian needs of the Armenian people
throughout the world. The ARS Eastern USA consists of 1,200 members
in 33 chapters located throughout the states east of the Mississippi
River.

Scholarship applications deadline is April 1st. The administrative office
address is:
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc.
80 Bigelow Ave, Suite 200
Watertown, MA 02472

Lazarian Graduate Scholarship Recipients

Krikor Mugerian Boston University

Serouj Aprahamian American University Washington, DC
Arthur Youssefian University of Vermont

Saro Nazarian National University, CA

Rostom Sarkisian Kennedy School of Government

Aram Shemmassian Albany Medical College

Houri Hintiryan University of Southern CA

Lilit Voskanian Case Western Reserve School of Law
Seta Hovagimian American University Washington DC

Armen Zenjirian Pepperdine University School of Law
Yelena Davtian American University Washington DC

Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients

Kristapor Giragosian Providence, RI
Mikael Garabedian Plymouth, PA
Nanor Koujanian Watertown, MA
Knar Mesrobian Glen Rock, NJ
Armand Rostamian Sylmar, CA
Shirag Shemmassian N. Hollywood, CA
Arousig Markarian Forest Hills, NY
Varteni Komrokian Norristown, PA
Melanie Haroian Edwardsville, IL
Vahe Stepanian Villanova, PA

On behalf of its 33 Chapters, the ARS Eastern USA, Inc. Board of Regional
Directors congratulates all the Scholarship recipients and wishes them a
successful academic year.

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY of EASTERN USA, INC
80 Bigelow Ave, Suite 200
Watertown, MA 02472
Contact: Vartouhie Chiloyan
Tel: 617-926-3801
Fax: 617-924-7238
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
ARS Eastern USA Announces 2006 Benefit Raffle Prize Winners
WATERTOWN, MA – The Armenian Relief Society Eastern USA Board of Directors
announced the winners of their Annual Raffle which was drawn at the Convention
Banquet held at the Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel in King of Prussia, PA on Friday,
July 14, 2006.
1st Prize 2 tickets for the ACAA Armenian Heritage Cruise
Sossy Jeknavorian Chelmsford, MA
2nd Prize Widescreen Digital Plasma TV
Melika Komrokian
Norristown, PA
3rd Prize Laptop Pentium IV
Alec Hermes
Waltham, MA
4th Prize 2 roundtrip tickets to Disneyworld
Vahak Medzadourian Ridgewood,NJ
5th Prize Necklace with Diamonds and Pearls
Mary Barghamian Cliffside
Park, NJ
Over 2,700 tickets were sold throughout the Armenian communities east of the
Mississippi. Proceeds from the benefit raffle support the educational and
humanitarian programs and projects of the ARS.
The ARS extends its deepest appreciation to all those who purchased raffle
tickets and congratulates all the winners.

WHAT WE WANT FROM BRAYZA
Aram Abrahamian
Aravot.am
28 July 06

OSCE Minsk Group co-chairman Matthew Brayza is leaving for Armenia on
July 29. He will meet with the leadership and diplomats of Armenia on
NK conflict settlement theme. But according to lragir.am, our public
organizations also want to meet M. Brayza on domestic
issues. According to that same source, those PO-s are going to hold a
meeting on the day of Brayza’s visit. `PO-s want
to remind the American diplomat those declarations which the American
officials have often made that the problem of constituting democracy
and lawfulness is the problem of the public. PO-s tries to express
public position on democratic processes by holding meetings of
protest. The U.S., which speaks about importance of the public
position prefer to work with the representatives of administrative
criminal system instead of working with the public. PO-s intend to
show Brayza that the public has its clear position both in democratic
and legal issues’, – Lragir.am informs.

Irrespective of the influence and number of public organizations, that
position causes a lot of questions. PO-s think that the Americans
right declaring that legality and democracy are the problem of our
society. If they aren’t right, the PO-s should say whose problem it
is. Brayza’s or U.S, Department of State? How does the PO-s imagine
U.S. state officials’ work with the public? Whom do they mean, saying
public? And the most important: does the Armenian public have a clear
position in democratic and legal issues. I myself have doubts: it is
just the opposite, our public opinion is sure at least during last 30
days that those who don’t steal and cheat, they are fool. But if I’m
wrong and our public can’t live without democracy and legality, we
should show that position not to Brayza but to our authorities.

In this case the Americans will have to contact honest and generous
persons.

REFUGEES FROM MIDDLE EAST NOT TO SETTLE IN NAGORNO KARABAKH
Panorama.am
15:40 27/07/06
The Armenian government has not intent to settle the refugees
from Lebanon and Israel in Nagorno Karabakh, Vladimir Karapetyan,
press spokesperson of the Armenian ministry of foreign affairs told
Panorama.am. The Armenian foreign policy agency does not pursue such
policy, he said. In his words, the refugees settle at their relatives’
houses or rent flats on their own. Up to today, 584 Armenians evacuated
to Armenia, including 530 from Lebanon and 54 from Israel.
Note: The Azeri media sources claim that the Armenian government
intends to settle the refugees from Lebanon and Israel in Nagorno
Karabakh. /Panorama.am/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CORRUPTION WENT UP IN ARMENIA
Lragir.am
27 July 06
The experts of the World Bank gave a rather interesting evaluation
of the state of corruption in Armenia, publishing the third report
of the World Bank on fight against corruption in the former Soviet
Union. The news agency ARKA reports that according to this report the
level of corruption in Armenia exceeded that of 2002. According to
the experts of the World Bank, the Armenian companies went on giving
bribes with the same rate as in 2002.
The World Bank reports a higher level of corruption especially in
tax agencies, customs offices and courts of law, although according
to the outcome of the poll these cases were extremely low in 2002.
The authors of the report of the World Bank say bribery in law making
is also corruption, when the rules of the game are basically and
constantly distorted for the benefit of the privileged minority. The
World Bank experts say the state of corruption in Armenia became
even worse.
The World Bank report points to the increase of the level of corruption
in tax administration against the former “low level”.
The World Bank experts report that although an anti-corruption strategy
was worked out in 2003 in Armenia, and in 2004 an anti-corruption
council was set up in 2004 led by the prime minister, the survey
conducted in 2005 shows that the level of corruption in Armenia went
higher against 2002.

MAYBE IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SAVE THE PLANE
Lragir.am
27 July 06
The cause of the crash of the Armenian plane announced officially is
supposed to put an end to three months of uncertainty and waiting,
when almost entire Armenia wanted to know what was the real cause of
the crash. The Interstate Aviation Committee announced that the cause
of the crash was the human factor, more exactly the insufficient
action of the crew. In other words, it was the fault of the pilot.
This is the conclusion of the task force, which conducted different
types of investigations, simulated the flight, deciphered the black
boxes, and so on. In other words, they did everything, because the
head of the IAC Tatyana Anodina announced two weeks ago in Yerevan
that they possess all the important facts to state the cause of the
crash “absolutely” definitely.
Therefore, it should be supposed that the fault of the pilot is the
cause of the crash. However, similarly it can be supposed that it was
not the real cause of the crash. The point is that there are no clear
and irrefutable facts about the fault of the pilot and the dishonesty
of the task force which carried out the investigation. The task force
says they possess all the necessary facts and data. But the public
did not see these facts, therefore they have the right to doubt that
the cause of the crash could be another factor than the human factor.
The point is that in order to trust the conclusion of the IAC the
public needs to become convinced that the crew could find a more
correct way out. And maybe it was impossible to save the plane, and
it appeared in a state when the actions of the pilot were formal and
merely “supported” his fault. In other words, either he had to do
something or not to do anything. Having two option, to be accused
posthumously of “doing wrongly” or not doing anything. After all,
was it the guilt of the pilot that the plane appeared in an extremely
difficult state? The answer to this question is very important,
in fact. Why did the pilot switch off the autopilot and conduct the
plane himself? Maybe the autopilot went out of order. By the way,
the Moskovski Komsomolets published information from an anonymous
source about the deciphering of the black boxes that the autopilot
went off, and the pilot had to conduct the plane himself.
In other words, the conclusion of the IAC is not reliable for the
public, and to say “we have grounds” does not mean it is true. It
is also possible that the IAC experts have grounds but of another
cause. And it is not known whether the cause stemming from these
grounds is published or whether the grounds of the published cause
are meant.
HAKOB BADALYAN

THEY WILL SHOW TO BRYZA WHERE THE PROBLEM IS
Lragir.am
27 July 06
Mathew Bryza who is visiting Armenia on July 29 will be given a
surprise. Certain NGOs in Armenia are going to hold a protest meeting
on the days of his visit. Thereby these NGOs want to remind the U.S.
diplomat the statements often voiced by the American diplomats that
establishment of democracy and rule of law in Armenia is the problem
of the society. Thereby the NGOs planning the protest meeting want to
present the standpoint of the society on democratization and rule of
law in the context that in reality the United States prefers to work
with the administrative criminal system rather than the society in
Armenia. According to the NGOs, the activity of the U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia John Evans was marked by close connections with some Armenian
officials. Proceeding from this reality, the NGOs are likely to show
to Bryza that the society has a clear-cut standpoint in terms of both
democracy and lawfulness.