OVER 20,000 APPEALS SUBMITTED TO UN ON VIOLATION OF AZERBAIJANIS’ PROPERTY RIGHTS IN ARMENIA
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 4 2006
Documents were submitted to the European Court of Human Rights for
restoration of property rights of Azerbaijanis, who have been deported
from Armenia.
Azerbaijan National Academy of Science Human Rights Institute told
the APA.
The documents submitted to the European Court state that the
properties belonging to Azerbaijanis deported from Armenia cost
totally $20 billion.
The UN has received more than 20,000 appeals regarding violation of
property rights of Azerbaijanis.
There are 272 Azerbaijani villages and 89 mixed villages in Armenia.
All Azerbaijani graves in these villages have been destroyed by
Armenians.
From: Baghdasarian

NKR PRESIDENT: OUR KEY TASKS TODAY ARE TO PRESERVE PEACE AND ATTAIN NKR’S INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Regnum, Russia
Sept 4 2006
“I am absolutely sure that today the world community is not interested
in a new war,” Nagorno Karabakh President Arkady Gukasyan said during
a news conference in Stepanakert, when asked about the possibility
of a new war in Karabakh. A REGNUM correspondent reports him to say
that he does not see any political, economic, moral or geographic
prerequisites for new war.
He said that “our key achievement today is that we have attained our
goal, have won in a war imposed on us and have built a developing
state. The free and independent life of the Nagorno Karabakh people
is the symbol of the last 15 years.” Gukasyan pointed out that the
proclamation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was the only way for
the Nagorno Karabakh people to survive. “Life has proved that we were
right. Otherwise, we would have the same fate as Nakhichevan had in
its time,” Gukasyan said.
He said that the key tasks of NKR today are to preserve peace
by concluding a peace agreement with Azerbaijan and to attain
international recognition. “I think we can solve these two key
problems,” Gukasyan said.

KIRGHIZ SCHOLARS HOPE TO FIND THE RELICS OF ST. MATTHEW IN MEDIEVAL CHURCH ON ISSYK KUL LAKE
Interfax-Religion, Russia
Sept 4 2006
Bishkek, September 4, Interfax – Kirghiz scholars have discovered a
medieval settlement and catacombs on Issyk Kul and hope to find there
the burial place of St. Matthew, said Academician Vladimir Ploskikh,
who leads an archeological expedition there.
He has reported that the unique historic monument, which the medieval
settlement and catacombs represent, has been discovered this summer
in the Zayachy Peninsula at the north-eastern cost of Issyk Kul Lake
in northern Kirghizia.
The scholar believes this construction with monastic cells may well
turn out to be the Armenian monastery where, as chronicles report,
the apostle might have been buried.
Dr. Ploskykh says some references to the church are made even in the
diary of famous traveler Semenov Tyan-Shansky; the monastery is also
marked at a Catalan map in Venice.
At the same time, the scholar says all the hypothesis about the
discovery of the monastery where St. Matthew was buried ‘still need
to be confirmed’.
‘The data discovered has to be processed. But if our assumptions
are justified Kirghizia will have a unique chance to join the world
religious culture and become a new route for pilgrims’, Ploskykh noted.

UK SHOWS INTEREST IN REGULATION NAGORNO-GARABAGH CONFLICT
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
Sept 4 2006
September 1, colonel-general, Safar Abiyev, met with Ambassador of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Azerbaijan,
Mr. Laurie Bristow.
Speaking of the purpose of the meeting, Ambassador, Laurie Bristow,
stressed: After visit of Duke of York, Prince Andrew, to Azerbaijan,
interest of UK to Azerbaijan increased. He stressed that regulation
of Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Garabagh conflict is the most crucial
issue for Azerbaijan. We hope this conflict will be regulated very
soon. UK shows interest in solving this problem.
Colonel-general, Safar Abiyev, said: Azerbaijan cooperates with UK
both within the frames of NATO “Individual Partnership” program and
bilateral scope. We know that UK also shows interest in regulation of
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Garabagh conflict. Azerbaijan attaches
great interest to enlargement of cooperation with UK. Having said
that Azerbaijan makes efforts for peaceful regulation of the conflict,
minister said: Armenia takes destructive position that is why solving
of the problem delays. Armenia ignores requirements of 4 UN Security
Council resolutions in connection with the conflict in question,
and world community makes no pressure on Armenia for withdrawal of
Armenian military forces from occupied territories.
Azerbaijan will never put up with the fact that its territories are
occupied by Armenia. With the use of all political, economic means
including military ones we’ll liberate our territories.
Ambassador, L. Bristow, underlined: We understand very well what
factors define current policy of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has the
right to liberate its territories. At the same time Azerbaijan state
should pursue this policy in balanced form. Such policy should provide
harmonious economic, politic development of Azerbaijan, and at last,
promote peaceful liberation of its territories. He said: “My 3 year
old observations in South Caucasus allow me to conclude that outside
forces affected Armenian society”.
Safar Abiyev stressed: We hold that policy pursued by Armenia today
will lead to complete failure. We shouldn’t forget the history. 13
years have passed since occupation of Azerbaijani territories on the
part of Armenia. However, Armenia shouldn’t forget that territory of
Armenia is former Azerbaijani territory. Let Armenians not set their
policy against themselves.
Evaluating military-political situation in South Caucasus, Ambassador
underlined: Turkey is one of NATO leading states. Economic base of
Azerbaijan is sustainable and it harmoniously develops in all fields.
What situation will reign in Armenia in 10-15 years?
Colonel-general, Safar Abiyev, and L. Bristow exchanged views
concerning present military and political situation in South
Caucasus, historical roots of Armenia-Turkey and Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflicts. He underlined that non-regulation of Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict jeopardizes economic projects in Azerbaijan. Therefore,
European states participating in the above projects, including UK,
should demand from Armenia, country – aggressor, to give up its claims
and withdraw its military forces from Azerbaijani territories as soon
as possible.
Having said that Azerbaijan is on the right way related to conflict
regulation, guest declared that our truth would win: “There is no
factor preventing economic development of Azerbaijan. Unjust to
Azerbaijan should be removed”.
Having pointed out that he shared Ambassador’s view point Minister
of Defense said: all European states should understand it, and we
should make joint efforts in this direction.
After meeting both parties touched upon development of
Azerbaijan-British military cooperation.
–Boundary_(ID_IQOKywhatPxiqzCHdxa67 g)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“ZERKALO”: ACCREDITED AMBASSADORS TO AZERBAIJAN HOLD THAT ARMENIA IS UNDER FOREIGN INFLUENCE, AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ARSONS ON OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
Sept 4 2006
Ambassadors of 3 countries -United Kingdom, Russia, and Ukraine – made
rather bold statements concerning occupied Azerbaijani territories. For
example, recently appointed new Ambassador of Russian Federation to
Azerbaijan, Vasiliy Istratov, not only expressed his concern related
to arsons on occupied territories, but he also imposed responsibility
to Armenia. “Armenia is responsible for territories of Nagorni Garabagh
and neighboring ones where arsons were committed. The controlling side
is responsible, this time the case concerns Armenia” (APA). When asked
whether Russia can render any assistance to remove damage caused to
ecology, Ambassador said that ecologic problems should be solved with
the help of joint efforts. “If international assistance is needed,
in this case Russia will be ready to help”, V. Istratov underlined.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Stepan Volkovezkiy, stressed the
necessity of regulation of Garabagh conflict, at the result of which
20% of Azerbaijani territories are occupied now. “20% of Azerbaijani
territories are occupied. It is not the problem of Azerbaijan only.
All states should take this problem as their own and endeavor to
regulate the conflict”, Ambassador said (APA). Accordingly to him,
International Organizations should be more active in this direction
and they should demonstrate fair position in conflict regulation.
Ukrainian Ambassador also declared that relating this issue, he
expects manifestation of position of international organizations.
At the same time, during meeting with Minister of Defense of
Azerbaijan, Safar Abiyev, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mr. Laurie
Bristow, declared that our country “has right” to liberate its
territories.
–Boundary_(ID_NZOLhRx2rVUVhMscO B6oKg)–

EP TO FINALLY DEBATE SHARPLY CRITICAL TURKEY REPORT
The New Anatolian, Turkey
Sept 4 2006
After being postponed from July, debates in the European Parliament
of a draft report entitled “Turkey’s Progress Towards Accession,”
which includes a host of criticisms of Turkey, are set to start today.
Debates on the report, prepared by EP Committee on Foreign Affairs
Rapporteur and MEP Camiel Eurlings, were postponed to Sept. 4 after
the submission of some 400 proposals for amendments to it.
While some MEPs at the time stated that the debate was postponed
as it would take a long time to translate the amendment requests,
some European diplomats stated that there are many conflicting views
surrounding the proposed amendments.
The draft report criticized a number of issues, including
Cyprus, a slowdown in the EU reform process, the situation in the
southeast, problems with religious minorities, cultural rights and
civilian-military relations. It raised particular concerns about
last November’s Semdinli incident, during which a bookshop in the
southeast was allegedly bombed by members of the security forces,
and called for an impartial and objective investigation of it.
Turkey’s reservations about opening its airports and harbors to Greek
Cypriots will have serious implications for the EU process and could
even bring it to a halt, warned the draft report. The highly critical
document also called on Turkey to take steps towards the recognition
of the Greek Cypriot administration during its accession process and
raised the idea of an early withdrawal of forces from the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). It also called on the European
Council to renew efforts to implement trade regulations with Northern
Cyprus.
The EP report severely condemned the killing in May of Council of State
Judge Mustafa Yucel Ozbilgin, expressing concern over the low level
of security offered to judges by the police despite clear and public
threats, and called on the government to rectify the situation. The
EP also condemned a resurgence of violence in the southeast by the
terrorist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and stressed that there can
never be an excuse for violence against Turkish citizens in any part
of the country. The report also expressed solidarity with Turkey in
fighting terrorism.
On the Armenian issue, the EP took note of a Turkish proposal to set
up a bilateral committee of experts to deal with controversial past
incidents and of Armenia’s position on the proposal. It also urged
the Turkish and Armenian governments to continue their process of
reconciliation leading to a mutually acceptable proposal and asked
Turkey to take the necessary steps, without any preconditions, to
establish diplomatic and good neighborly relations with Armenia and
open their land border as soon as possible.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SAAKASHVILI’S LATEST ADDRESS COULD SET WORRYING PRECEDENT
The Messenger, Georgia
Sept 4 2006
The road to a democratic, rule of law based state is a bumpy one,
and Georgia’s roads have more than their fair share of potholes anyway.
However on August 31 President Saakashvili announced that Georgia
would be temporarily taking an unscheduled right hand turn.
In a speech broadcast live from a vineyard in Kakheti, Saakashvili
announced that “for the first and last time” the government “will
exert a bit of light racketeering” on Georgian businesses. Speaking
to some of the country’s leading business figures he asked them to
each buy at least ten tons of grapes, in order to help Kakheti’s
farmers out of the problem of lack of demand for their produce,
brought about by Russia’s continued embargo on Georgian wine.
Saakashvili is of course right when he says the wine ban is a
politically motivated tactic which aims to discredit the government
and sow social unrest in Georgia. However, by strong-arming businesses
in this way, and dressing it up in ill-conceived patriotic colours,
he is causing far more harm than good.
One of the priorities of the Saakashvili administration has been to
re-brand Georgia, to present it as a transparent business climate,
where property is respected and the state does not interfere with
private enterprise. It is to the government’s credit that they have
largely been successful in this, and have received good marks from
various international bodies. Forcing private business to buy grapes
has put a large question mark over the government’s commitment to
these principles.
Saakashvili said in no uncertain terms that “we should not make our
enemies [meaning Russia] happy…We should not let our enemies see
our wine-growers protesting,” and though undoubtedly many in Russia’s
political establishment would rub their hands in glee at the sight of
grape farmers on the streets in Tbilisi, equally important for the
government is that potential opposition voters don’t get swayed by
these possible protests in the run-up to the October 5 local elections.
Although Russia is very far from a reliable or helpful neighbour,
it surely doesn’t help matters to dismiss the idea of holding
negotiations. Saakashvili, however, thinks “there is no reason to have
talks with a predator.” By playing the Russia card so vigorously,
Saakashvili is attempting to instil a kind of ‘Blitz spirit’,
which is understandable; more worryingly though, he is playing a
with-us-or-against-us game, and thereby playing with fire.
In suggesting that the closure of the Zemo-Larsi customs checkpoint is
an attempt by Russia to encourage Armenia to “jointly plot against
Georgia” he runs the risk of inflaming ethnic tensions-exactly
what some in Russia would love to see-especially in the volatile
Samtskhe-Javakheti region of southern Georgia, where the desperately
poor Armenian population are already alienated and isolated from
Georgian society.
However, the most worrying part of the address was when the president
accused the opposition, and the media which disseminate opposition
statements as being “allies of Russia.”
“Parties that say that the Georgian government has closed the Russian
market to Georgian peasants are allies of Russia…as are media sources
that disseminate this information. Those media sources that will
start propagating the idea that there is a problem with the harvest
because the government made mistakes, will be [Russia’s allies],”
said Saakashvili, as quoted by online news source civil.ge.
This attempt to portray the opposition as traitors is especially
worrying in light of the much discussed possible law on ‘political
extremism’ which, according to some ruling party MPs, would outlaw
statements and protests that could be deemed as against state
interests. Although it was not the Georgian government’s fault that
the Russian market was closed, it does not make one an ally of Russia
to point out that mistakes have been made which probably made it
harder for Georgia to re-enter that market. Defence Minister Irakli
Okruashvili’s now infamous statement that “even faeces will sell in
Russia” is one such mistake.
The government should not be afraid of criticism, or that criticism
being reported by the media. Diverting from the path of free debate
can only harm Georgia. Also, the government should realise that, by
forcing businesses to help it out of a temporary crisis it is only
creating problems for itself down the road.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EXCAVATIONS IN AGHDAM
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
Sept 4 2006
Armenians are dealt with falsification of history
International conference entitled “Restoration of archeological and
historical monuments” is held in Armenia. The arrangement is organized
by the Embassy of Italy to Yerevan and the Center for Armenian Culture
Studies situated in Milan.
Speaking at the conference Marco Clemente, the Ambassador of Italy to
Armenia informed that an interest of the official Rome to historical
monuments of Armenia rides, first of all, on rich cultural heritage
of this state: “Italy will make all efforts to assist Armenia to
protect historical and cultural monument further.”
Gadik Guljian, deputy Minister of Culture of Armenia said that the
conference will focus on rehabilitation of so called Armenian fresco,
as “Italian masters are well-experienced in this field.”
Then Italian and Armenian historians will conduct meetings in Ambert,
Kobairo, Zvartnos and Dashtadem. The specialists of Milan Architecture
University will attend the conference which to last until 15 September.
It is interesting that holding such arrangement Armenia aims not
to discuss “the issues of restoration of historical and cultural
monuments of the country and their protection.” Khrair Tovmasian,
the professor of the Institute of History and Archeology of Armenian
Academy of Sciences informed about true intention of Armenians
to Spriuk agency: “It is necessary to carry our archeological
excavations in the villages of Nagorno-Garabagh hitherto regarding
as Azerbaijanian, and to find there the oldest Armenian historical
monuments and remains of settlements. In this way, we can prove that
these lands belong not to Azerbaijan, but Armenia.”
It is known that recently the archeologist Justo Trayna, the professor
of Lecce University, Italy participated in archeological dig carried
out in Aghdam.
Reportedly, the excavations aim to “discover the remains of four
cities which were constructed by the ruler of the Great Armenia the
Great Tigran in 95-55 years B.C.”
According to Hamlet Petrosian, doctor of historical sciences, the
discovery in the archeological dig carried out three kilometers away
from Aghdam have special importance for world epigraphy. “On the
walls of one of the discovered caves there were written the name of
Jesus in Greece. I think that this inscription belongs to VI. Italian
professor Justo Trayna will help his Armenian colleagues to define to
what ethnic community it belongs,” said H. Petrosian. According to him,
the buildings to which construction attached importance the ancestry of
Garabagh Armenians, are worthy of being included to worldwide manuals
of history as an example of aesthetic beauty and solidity. According
to H. Petrosian, so called Tigranakert complex situated near to Aghdam
turns out to be similar to remains of habitats of people in Artashat
and Armavir regions of Armenia discovered in 2004.
Recently Armenian Institute of History and Archeology made statement
implying that “the facts proving that the Shusha citadel had been
constructed by Armenians were discovered.” “The group led by the
archeologist Shushanik Gambarsumian discovered the inscription on
the walls of the citadel, in which was written the name of Tigran
II who ordered to construct this building in Armenian. In addition,
from the point of architecture and construction Shusha citadel is
one of the cultural monuments of Armenia,” said the statement.
–Boundary_(ID_yeZHq2nHzNH5rcreRkPtyQ) —

YOUTH ACTIVITIES ASSUME GREATER SIGNIFICANCE FOR FUTURE OF OIC COUNTRIES – AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT
Author: M.Tagiyev
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Sept 4 2006
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated to the opening ceremony
of headquarters of the Youth Forum of the Organization for Islamic
Conference (OIC) in Istanbul on last weekend that “We should explain
to the world that Islam is religion of peace. In this context the
youth organizations, particularly, the Youth Forum of the OIC Youth
Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation assume special importance, Trend
report citing the Turkish media.
“Even 1.5 months ago we participated in the opening of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main export oil pipeline and today we are opening
the youth forum of the OIC. I am glad to be in the Turkic land again,”
the President stressed.
The forum is carrying active work today. “The activities of the Islam
youth is great importance for our future,” Aliyev underscored.
The Azerbaijani President also noted the Armenian aggression against
Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan has become a victim of terror. As a result
of ethnic cleansing policy conducted by Armenia over 1 million people
have become refugees and IDPs, 20% of Azerbaijani territory is under
the Armenian occupation,” the head of state underlined.
“We should be more active in order to make the forum of practical
importance,” Aliyev underlined.

FANS BID FAREWELL TO AGASSI WITH STANDING OVATION
Trading Markets, CA
Sept 4 2006
(RTTNews) – Andre Agassi bid farewell to his tennis career, aptly at
his home, the United States, and with the U.S. Open at the Flushing
Meadows. But he bowed out of the tournament in the third round itself,
unfortunately yet gracefully. Agassi fans at the New York’s Arthur
Ashe Stadium extended a fitting farewell with standing ovation.
Agassi said, “The scoreboard said I lost today but what the scoreboard
doesn’t say is what I have found. I have found loyalty.
You have pulled for me on the court and in life.” He announced his
retirement in June.
Agassi may not be the greatest star of the tennis world or of his own
country or even like his wife and co-player Steffi Graf, who had in
her bag 22 Grand Slam titles. Yet, this charismatic tennis personality
of the U.S. will be the most beloved and most remembered hero beyond
time and period.
And his charity works, mainly through the Andre Agassi Charitable
Foundation and the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, and will
make up for all shortcomings and emboss his name in the hall of fame
in future.
YET NOT THE WAY TO END HIS CAREER…
Agassi eventually lost to German Benjamin Becker 7-5 6-7 6-4 7-5,
after giving his fight till the end of the match. Interestingly, this
German is not in any way related to yesteryear fame Boris Becker,
as many believe.
People had been viewing every match of the U.S Open played by Agassi
as potentially the last match of his career. His second round match
against Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus would have been the last match,
but for the leg cramp suffered by the latter in the latter part of
the match. Baghdatis was in control of the match till then.
Even otherwise, his ‘exit’ should be considered gracious given his
transformation, of late, into a polished personality shedding the
bad boy image of his earlier days of the career. A tribute from the
recent loser to Agassi, Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, that “He’s more
than a legend” bodes well for the previous statement.
Of course, his bad boy image went off well with sponsors and ladies,
according to reports. His life post-fame period was full of scenes.
Disregarding all those misgivings, the glorious tennis star of Armenian
origin traveled thus far till the current tournament, the U.S. Open,
at the age of 36.
Yet, if Agassi had clinched the U.S. Open title that would have been
a perfect finale for this ever-fighting tennis ace. His ardent fans
would also have been disappointed at this and would have expected
the exit at a bit higher level.
A NEW TENNIS HORSEPOWER EMERGED
Born to Mike and Elizabeth Agassi on April 29, 1970 in Las Vegas,
Nevada, Andre (KIRK | charts | news | PowerRating) Agassi won 60
titles, including eight Grand Slams, so far, with last title won
being Masters Series, Cincinnati in 2004.
Taking the racket in his hands at the age of three, he started his
lessons in tennis under the tutelage of his father, born Emmanuel
Agassian in 1932 in Armenia, and a boxing champion, who represented
Iran in the 1948 and 1952 Olympics. At three itself, he was considered
a prodigy.
He was put in the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida at 13,
and turned professional at 16. He became notable for his game on
court and turned out notorious for his rebellion attitude and his
off-court and sometimes, on-court skirmishes.
IMPECCABLE RECORDS….
Ultimately, Agassi finished his career, span over two decades,
creditably yet with 870 wins and 274 losses, and was not without many
landmark achievements. He became the only eighth male player in the
Grand Slam Era to win 50 singles titles and one of only six players to
have won more than 800 matches. He also ended up winning approximately
$31.1 million in his illustrious career, only next to Sampras.
He was also the quickest player in history to surpass $1 million in
career prize money in December 1988, after just 43 tournaments. In
addition, Agassi and his co-player and wife, Steffi Graf, are the
only players in history won all Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.
Agassi also holds a few impeccable records to his name. When he won
the 2003 Australian Open, Agassi became the oldest man to win a Grand
Slam singles title since Ken Rosewall won the Australian in 1972. He
was also the only the second man to win a Slam after becoming a father.
Further, he became the oldest men’s player to reach the rank #1 at
the age of 32 years, 11 months – in ATP history. Earlier on 10 April
1995, Agassi became #1 for the first time and has spent a total of
87 weeks at this spot. Also, he was the first unseeded player since
1930 to win the U.S. Open in 1994.
BEST PART OF HIS CAREER…
Interestingly, the best part of his career, and even the history
of tennis was his tussle with archrival, Pete Sampras, one of his
contemporaries that include Jim Courier, Michael Chang, in the
nineties. Tennis circle knew very well that Agassi was not that
powerful server as Sampras or Courier, but was the finest returner
of serve in the game of tennis.
And this unrelenting star of the game had registered his first and
only win over Sampras, which occurred at the Australian Open singles
final in 1995 that yielded the first title for him at this open,
that too in his maiden appearance.
Records show Australian Open to be the favorite of Agassi, which he
won four times. He had won the U.S. Open twice but French Open and
Wimbledon eluded beyond only once each. Interesting feature here
is Agassi also won the Wimbledon title on his maiden appearance in
finals and that was also his only title win here.
He came out of the boycott of All England lawn event in 1992 to win
his first major title defeating Goran Ivanisevic in the finals. In
fact, his title tank was dry in his initial years of turning a pro.
His boycott of Wimbledon was in protest of all-white dress code.
Fortunes turned in his favor after this event, and he climbed up
ladders in rankings to fourth place from 25th. In all, he had entered
15 finals of Grand Slams and produced results of 8 to 7 win-loss ratio.
But it should be said that Agassi’s title chances soared even as his
relationship with Nick soured, and when he turned to fellow American
and pro Brad Gilbert to coach him. It clicked as he clinched two Grand
Slam trophies and an Olympic gold medal over the next couple of years.
However, his game took a beating when he squandered lavishly in
off-court activities. His career graph was on a declining trend with
his dating and marriage with famed Hollywood star Brooke Shields. The
affair that started in 1993 culminated eventually in marriage on
April 19, 1997.
During this period, his ranking plunged to 140s, and Agassi surprised
every one by returning to the arena. He made a humble effort of joining
the Challenger circuit and reviving his fortunes on the main Tour,
as he believed he had some more years left in him.
REEMERGENCE OF A STAR…
Rehabilitation by 1999 after breaking his marriage with the Shields
in annulment saw resurgence of fortunes for Agassi as he claimed the
French Open Grand Slam to become only the fifth man in tennis history
to have won all four. Many linked this success to his dating with
Steffi and subsequent marriage in 2001.
However, age did work against him as he faced chronic back problem.
That happened, it seems he is retiring without completing the full
circle of his career.
AGASSI CHARITY…
Andre Agassi revealed his other side long time back when he founded in
1994, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation (AACF | charts | news |
PowerRating) to provide recreational and educational opportunities
for at-risk children in Southern Nevada.
Since its inception, the Foundation has supported more than 20
organizations and raised more than $60 million for programs designed
to enhance a child’s character, self-esteem and career possibilities.
Because all of the Foundation’s operating costs are underwritten,
every penny raised goes directly towards improving the lives of
at-risk youth.
“I have been very blessed and had many opportunities available to
me,” said Agassi. “Children today face so many obstacles. If I can
make a positive impact on at least one child’s life, then it has all
been worthwhile.”
The Agassi Foundation is also promoting The Andre Agassi College
Preparatory Academy, a charter school for underprivileged children,
funding it jointly with the Nevada State Department of Education. The
academy opens in West Las Vegas.