IT IS ENVISAGED TO FULLY TRANSLATE AND PUBLISH IN ARMENIAN “SHAHNAME” BY FIRDOUSI
Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. May 15 is considered to be day of
Firdousi’s glorification and various events dedicated to the great
Persian poet are organized in different countries of the world. Reza
Atoufi, Director of the Center of Culture of IRI Embassy in Armenia,
said this at the event of Firdousi’s glorification organized at
the Writers’ Union of Armenia on that day with participation
of IRI Ambassador to Armenia Alireza Haghighean, art figures,
students. According to R.Atoufi, “Firdousi was the greatest Persian
poet who was able to present the issues of liberty of conscience,
justice and national originality in his “Shahname”. According to
him, this work belongs to all nations and to all times”. “Shahname”
is the most authoritative and true document of historic and national
originality of the Iranians and the epos of Firdousi who was born in
the Iranian city of Tus became the guard of the Iranian culture and
literature for many centuries,” R.Atoufi said. “Shahname” has been
translated into 30 languages and in Armenian it was translated only
by fragments.
The Center of Culture of IRI in Armenia plans to fully translate
and publish in Armenian Firdousi’s masterpiece consisting of 120
thousand lines.

AZERI EMBASSY IN MOSCOW SENDS NOTE TO RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY
Author: E.Huseynov
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
May 16 2006
The Azerbaijani embassy in Moscow has sent a note to the Russian
Foreign Ministry, the embassy told Trend.
A protest note was issued in connection with the participation of
the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh republic in an international tourist
exhibition which opened in Moscow. The embassy said that they had
not received an answer to a note till evening hours of Monday [15 May].
A group of Azerbaijani students held a protest action during
the exhibition to hinder the participation of the so-called
Nagorno-Karabakh republic in the event.

DIASPORAN ARMENIAN WRITER JIRAYR ATTARIAN PASSES AWAY IN NEW YORK
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 15 2006
NEW YORK, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Diasporan Armenian
writer and publicist Jirayr Attarian passed away in New York on May
9. The Istanbul “Marmara” daily informed about it, quoting information
of the “Hayrenik” (Fatherland) weekly published in the U.S. Jirayr
Attarian was born in Konya on August 7, 1914. He lost his father when
he was 2 years old, then when he was 9 years old he moved with his
uncle first to Damascus, then Lebanon. In Lebanon he collaborated
with the “Orian” radio. Attarian was one of the first editorial
staff members of the “Bagin” literary magazine. He was in Lebanon
a member of the Education Council for many years. During the first
years of the literary activity he wrote in the French language, then
translated his works into Armenian. In 1971 Jirayr Attarian moved
to the U.S. and settled in New York where he led the post of the
National Primacy Divine Head. Attarian is an author of two books,
the first of which is “Life is Beautiful,” was published in 1981
in Beirut, and the second “Verj, Hajordiv” (The End in Succession),
in New York in 1991. He translated in 1987 Henry Vernoy’s “Mother”
novel. Jirayr Attarian’s 4th work was given to the publishing house
and was to be published in few days, but the writer was not fortunate
enough to see publication of his new book. His articles and stories
are gathered in this book of new type, consisting of 400 pages.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EU PROBABLE TO ADJOURN ADOPTION OF ACTION PLAN WITH S CAUCASUS COUNTRIES
Author: À.Mammadov
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
May 16 2006
The European Union might adjourn the adoption of the Action Program
with South Caucasus countries, Benita Ferrero-Valdner, the EU commissar
on foreign policy stated in Brussels.
The development of a new stage of talks with Armenian, Azerbaijan
and Georgia is not rules out, Radio Liberty reports. “One more stage
of talks is expected. The talks will be held as soon as we witness
these countries’ readiness for it. I hope we will reach agreement,”
Valdner stressed, according to Prime News agency.
–Boundary_(ID_xknYa/eNyJ/I1SRC/Xd69g)–

ADMINISTRATION OF AKHALKALAK REGION EXPECTS THAT AFTER RUSSIAN TROOPS’ REMOVAL, JAVAKHK SOLDIERS NOT TO LOSE FLATS
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 15 2006
AKHALKALAK, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Artur Yeremian,
the head of the Akhalkalak region has a hope that after Russian troops’
removal, dwelling houses of No62 Russian Military Base will be included
in the dwelling fund balance of the Mayor’s Office of the city of
Akhalkalak. According to the “A-Info” agency, the majority of flats of
the military base’s dwelling houses belongs to soldiers of Javakhk. The
region heads expect that after the troops’ leaving, when the military
base will be given to the Defence Ministry of Georgia, inhabitation of
Javakhk will not lose its flats. The regional administration started
to form the list of inhabitation of Javakhk living in the military
base for on the occasion of the above-mentioned, it addresses to the
central authorities of Georgia with a corresponding request.

U.S. AMBASSADOR TO AZERBAIJAN NOMINEE AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF NK CONFLICT
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 15 2006
WASHINGTON, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. During her Senate
confirmation hearing on May 12, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan nominee
Anne Derse reiterated U.S. policy for a peaceful, mutually acceptable
resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, stating that “a return
to violence would be a tragedy.” According to the Armenian Assembly
of America, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), a senior member of the
Foreign Relations Committee, submitted a series of questions for
the record, including the government of Azerbaijan’s continuing war
rhetoric and other bellicose actions taken against Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. Specifically, the Senator inquired about the impact of such
acts on the Karabakh peace process, and what steps will be taken to
end Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of Armenia. Further, he addressed
Azerbaijan’s attempts to isolate Armenia via a proposed railway
that would connect Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, but not traverse
Armenia. The Senator also raised questions regarding the decision
of the Administration to provide asymmetrical military assistance
to Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as on Azerbaijan’s human rights
record. “The Assembly commends Senator Sarbanes for his outstanding
leadership on these issues of great significance,” said Assembly Board
of Trustees Executive Committee Member Annie Totah. Senate Foreign
Relations Committee Chairman Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) asked Derse
about the status of the Karabakh issue and her general assessment
of democracy in the Azerbaijan. Lugar added that Azerbaijan will not
reach its full potential if the rule of law is not improved.
Derse responded that if confirmed, she will work toward expanding
and strengthening U.S.-Azerbaijan security cooperation and help
promote democracy and governance. She said a peaceful settlement to
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is critical to achieving this goal
and expressed hope that President of Armenia Robert Kocharian and
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will work together on this
issue. She further stated that as Co-Chair of the Minsk Group, the
U.S. will also urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to remain engaged in the
process and demonstrate political courage. Derse also expressed
her commitment to work with both countries towards a peaceful
resolution. “We appreciate Ambassador-designate Derse’s intentions to
promote democracy in Azerbaijan and the peaceful settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” said Totah. “But the Nagorno Karabakh
problem calls for the full commitment of the United States to require
Azerbaijan to end its threats of renewed warfare and to defend the
right of the population of Nagorno Karabakh to determine its political
future through a democratic government of their free choice. Regional
security, economic prosperity, and peace will be possible only if
these principles are followed.”
On the issue of good governance, Derse stressed the importance of a
genuine effort by Azerbaijan to respect human rights in order to pursue
democratic reform and ensure long-term political stability. Derse most
recently served as Director for Bio Defense Policy at the Homeland
Security Council at the White House. Prior to this, she served as
Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Embassy
in Baghdad, Iraq. Earlier in her career, she served as Minister
Counselor for Economic Affairs at the United States Mission to the
European Union in Brussels, Belgium.

TAVUSH REGIONAL GOVERNOR’S ASSISTANT INVENTS NEW MARTIAL ART
Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006
GYUMRI, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. Tavush Regional Governor’s Assistant, poet
Lyubik Chibukhchian published a 150-pages book about a new martial art
invented by him. According to the author, this was published under
the patronage of Ijevan Mayor Varuzhan Nersisian. Means of the new
martial art called “Chibu” by the initial letters of the author’s
surname are pictured in the book.
According to L.Chibukhchian, 3 people, he, his sister’s and brother’s
sons, know that new martial art at present. To recap, Lyubik published
earlier a poem entitled “Vladimir of Vladimirs” about President of
Russia Vladimir Putin.

VIOLATIONS REVEALED IN 165 OUT OF 217 TRADE AND SERVICE ENTITIES IN YEREVAN
Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. From February 1 to May 13, checkings
were carried out by Yerevan Mayor’s Office, prefectures and city
department of Police in 217 trade and service entities of Yerevan. As
Deputy Yerevan Mayor Arman Sahakian informed at the May 15 press
conference, different kinds of violations were revealed in 165 of
trade and service entities, on the basis of which protocols were
made up and 4 mln 501 thousand drams (about 10 thousand USD) was
collected. According to A.Sahakian, program of modernization of trade
boths and pavilions will be also organized by the Mayor’s Office and
prefectures in 2006-2008. According to A.Sahakian, a number of studies
were conducted for the purpose of regulating trade in underground
passages and observing the sanitary norms, on the basis of which
repairs of underground passages will be carried out.

THREE MATERNITY HOSPITALS OF ARMENIA SATIATED WITH NEWEST EQUIPMENT BY GRANT ALLOCATED BY JAPANESE GOVERNMENT
Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. By the means of the 1 mln 700
thousand dollars grant allocated by the Japanese Government, the
RA Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Center, Hrazdan and
Gavar maternity hospitals were satiated with newest equipment. As
Razmik Abrahamian, the Director of the center mentioned at the May
12 event taken place in Yerevan, equiment was bought and placed
by Japanese. According to him, the newest equipment will give
possibility to study baby’s development, to implement all necessary
interferences which will assist reduction of infant mortality and
growth of birthrate. R.Abrahamian mentioned that one of the equipment
even gives possibility to diagnose children with a defect or deviation
of development during the inter-uterine life.
Shuichi Tokuda, the Advisor of the Japanese Embassy to the RA mentioned
that besides the technical assistance to maternity hospitals, they
will organize re-training courses as well for Armenian specialists.

THIRD NAVIGATION OF “CILICIA” TO START ON MAY 28
Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The “Cilicia” vessel landed at present
at the Portsmouth port of London will start its third, four-months
navigation on May 28. As Karen Danielian, a member of the vessel
crew informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent, the “Cilicia” vessel
built by analogy with merchant ships of the 13th century will sail
towards Scandinavian countries, then through the Baltic Sea to Saint
Petersburg. According to him, the “Cilicia” vessel will continue the
navigation along Russian channels, Volga river, the Sea of Azof and
will enter the Black Sea. Then the vessel will be moved to the Sevan
Lake and turned into a museum. K.Danielian mentioned that members
of the vessel crew will leave for London on May 14 to prepare for
the last stage of the navigation. To recap, “Cilicia” sailed along
Black, Marmora, Aegean, Cretan, Ionian and Adriatic seas in 2004,
went into the Atlantic Ocean in 2005, then sailing round Portugal,
Spain and other European countries, reached London.