AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006
THE AZERBAIJANI ARMY CREATED BY NATIONAL LEADER HEYDAR ALIYEV, IS
CAPABLE TO SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS FACING IT
SPEECH OF PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN, SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ILHAM
ALIYEV AT GRADUATION CEREMONY AT HEYDAR ALIYEV HIGH MILITARY SCHOOL
[June 23, 2006, 20:37:24]
Dear cadets, officers and generals!
Dear graduates!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I cordially congratulate you and wish every success on the coming Day
of Armed Forces. Moreover, today is a graduation day at the
Azerbaijan High Military School bearing the name of Heydar Aliyev,
and I congratulate the graduates on this wonderful occasion. I am
confident that the graduates will serve honorably in the ranks of the
Azerbaijan~Rs Army.
The fact that the School bears the name of the great leader Heydar
Aliyev puts additional responsibility on those who study in it. The
great leader has made great contribution to army building in
Azerbaijan. It is the alumni of the military school after
Nakhchivanski founded in 1970s that today are honorably and worthily
serving the National Army of Azerbaijan, and strengthen our military
potential. The process of army building was continued more rapidly
under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev after Azerbaijan regained its
state independence. If to take into account that in the first years
of independence there was no a single command in the army, one can
see how severe were the conditions under which the process of army
building was going then. On the one hand, there were various negative
factors – economic, political and military crisis, and internal
confrontation – within the country, on the other hand Armenian
Aggression against Azerbaijan and loss of lands as a result: in such
a situation, the army building process, as a matter of fact, started
from nothing.
However, it took a short period of time to build a powerful Army in
Azerbaijan, which today is capable to cope with any task. Our army
has stronger material and technical basis, and more qualified
manpower. Of course, great attention is paid to training of military
personnel. In this context, improvement of activities of the High
Military School is of great importance. For already several years
this School has sent its alumni to the Army thereby contributing to
our army~Rs strength.
Today great attention is paid to the army building. You feel it, and
the society feels that. Strengthening of army concerns every citizen,
it is duty of everybody. First of all, the state should not spare
attention. We try to develop all the processes in army building. In
strengthening of the material-technical base of army increase of
allotted means from the state budget is necessary and we do that. In
the last three years, the military expenses have increased by 4
times. In 2003, the expenses allotted for army building made up 135
million dollars, while in 2006 these expenses are about 700 million
dollars, and in the coming years we shall increase them. In last
years, a lot was done in strengthening of material-technical base of
army, many technics and equipment, modern weapons purchased. And,
thus, the Army of Azerbaijan has strengthened much. This process will
be continued. Azerbaijan lives in war conditions and in this case, at
first, the army building should be paid more attention.
I often visit the military units, familiarize with the state of
things, meet the soldiers and I see the preparation is high level. It
pleases much. The army should have nice condition, best service, at
the same time, professionalism and fighting spirit. All these are
available, ether. And education of youth in high patriotic sense is
also important.
There are number of factors that defines success and development of
each country. These factors are available and in Azerbaijan. I
consider strong economy, good welfare of people, strengthening of our
sovereignty and existence of strong army will have great influence on
Azerbaijan~Rs development. Now the country is in progress. This
progress is available in all fields and perhaps, it bases on strong
economic reforms, successful oil strategy. Initiator of the oil
strategy was our great leader Heydar Aliyev. Signing of the ~SContract
of the Century~T in 1994 on his initiative and as a result of
development of the oil projects later, today Azerbaijan economically
depends on nobody. Azerbaijan lives the period of economic progress
and this policy, the taken measures define our country~Rs long-term
development strategy.
Operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is historical
event. This is an unprecedented event for our people, country, and
region, for strengthening of safety measures in region, for regional
cooperation, for Azerbaijan~Rs strong position in the world community.
Great leader Heydar Aliyev has initiated these projects. By operation
of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline the development will envelope
all the fields in Azerbaijan.
Our economy strengthens. Last year, the economic growth reached the
highest level in the world and made up 26 percent. In five months of
current year, the GDP averaged 40 percent. In future, by realization
of all the economic programs, we shall have greater achievements.
This strengthens is our economy, involves additional financial
recourses to the country, and thus, our opportunities increase. Our
budget now nears 5 billion dollars. Total budget is bigger. State
budget of Azerbaijan has increased several times in the last years.
This enables us to resolve all the questions. First of all, in the
army building. In absence of these economic opportunities, we would
not be able to allot such a big amount to the army. In future, our
budget will increase much more. And thus, the army will receive much
more allotment.
At the same time, we pay great attention to solution of the social
problems. As you know, the wages are increased twice in a year, the
minimum wages, and the wages of different categories of people are
increased. Yesterday I have signed a Decree on increase of wages of
the servicemen twice. In whole, on the last three years, the wages of
servicemen have been increased three times. I consider that it is,
too, not enough. By increase of our economic opportunities, of
course, we shall pay more attention to the wages, and not only of the
servicemen, but also all the people of numerous categories.
Great structural and construction works are being carried out in
Azerbaijan. Large project of great importance for the country~Rs
future are underway. Now, 6 power stations are under construction to
strengthen energy sector of Azerbaijan. A new water pipeline is being
laid to Baku. The gas mains are renewed. Only during the last year,
over 300 schools have been built in the country. More than 10 modern
hospitals are under construction as well. Yesterday I attended
opening of the surgery of military hospital and I was deeply pleased
with such a medical institution in Azerbaijan. This means progress.
That means successful economic reforms, and growth of industrial
production.
All our oil programs are being successfully implemented. I said that
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline has been commissioned.
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline is scheduled to be put into
operation by the end of the year. It will bring additional revenues
to Azerbaijan and, at the same time, serve strengthening of our
position in the region.
Azerbaijan strengthens its position in the international arena. We
are members of some international organizations and began to play
more active role in them. International image, prestige of Azerbaijan
and respect for us are increasing and it is a reality. Today,
Azerbaijan, in the true sense of the word, is the country that has
the firmest positions in the region. Of course, there are various
factors stipulating this. Among them are economic potential and the
strength of the army. We know the history very well and learn the
experience of the successful countries. Strong army is the strong
state. Our aim is to build the strong army. We do this, we build it
and we must have the stronger army.
I want to point out that we have programs to solve the problems that
Azerbaijan faces. We have many efficient programs of actions. As you
know, the program on socio-economic development of regions is being
successfully implemented. 400 thousand new jobs have been created for
the past three years. Settlement of social problems of the
settlements surrounding Baku has begun with much money set aside for
this. Very large amount of funds are allocated to the road
infrastructure. Much work is being done in Baku, all the centers of
regions, villages including the repair of the trunk highways.
In one word, our country is developing. I have no doubt that we will
fulfill all the tasks that Azerbaijan faces. The successful results
as well as the work we have done give us every reason to say about
it. We have prepared concrete and precise programs for every sphere
and they are being implemented.
Resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is
the problem number one for Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, there is no
progress in this sphere. Indeed, the talks are going on; the talks
are being held within some framework. However, they are all not
effective because we cannot achieve any results. The position of
Azerbaijan has always been constructive. We have been committed to
the negotiations for over ten years and it demonstrates our
constructivism. Although, our lands are under occupation and over 1
million Azerbaijan became refugees and IDPs as a result of the policy
of ethnic cleansing that Armenia pursues against Azerbaijan,
nevertheless, we are trying to use all the available peace
opportunities. Therefore, Azerbaijan~Rs stance in the negotiations is
very constructive. Unfortunately, Armenia~Rs non-constructive stance
does not allow us to resolve this conflict.
We are committed to the international legal standards. This conflict
and all other international issues should be settled only within some
framework. This problem cannot be solved in accordance with anybody~Rs
desire, in particular, if this desire does not reflect the reality
and is beyond the framework of the international law. International
law applies to all countries. If international rules, norms of
behavior, decisions of international organizations are not observed
and the decisions do not result in taking measures, then, it will
break all international rules of behavior since the world is governed
in accordance with some rules. All countries are members of the
United Nations and UN is the world~Rs major organization. This
organization has adopted four resolutions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict, which openly state that armed occupation forces should
unconditionally leave the occupied territories. Unfortunately,
Armenia disregards this and does not comply with these resolutions.
Other international organizations expressed their attitude to this
matter by their decisions and documents. The Council of Europe has
adopted the resolution that recognizes Armenia as an aggressor.
However, this resolution remained ineffectual. GUAM has recently made
a statement concerning the frozen conflicts. It does not affect
Armenia. The summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in
Azerbaijan adopted the relevant resolution, which remains
unfulfilled. Quite important decisions on this matter were made at
the session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. However,
Armenia disregards the decisions of all international organizations.
In this case, we no longer count on international mechanisms of
settlement. If the decisions, resolutions of the international
organizations reflecting reality, justice and international legal
standards are not complied with, what we should do then?! We will
never put up with this situation, loss of our lands. We will never
allow Nagorno-Karabakh to be separated from Azerbaijan it is not the
subject of negotiations. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is
recognized all over the world. The United Nations recognized it. The
world considers Nagorno-Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan
and it is really so from historical, political, legal and other
points of view.
Therefore, the subject of negotiations must be connected to restoring
of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It is necessary to ensure
security of all peoples residing in the region. No agreement beyond
this is impossible.
And I reiterate that we highly appraise the efforts of international
community, their decisions. We value activity of the OSCE Minsk
Group. Indeed, they try to reach agreement. But non-constructive
position of Armenia, ignorance of the international legal norms
impedes to achieve any agreement. In this case, Azerbaijan should
make corrections in it policy. How long shall we participate in
negotiations? How long shall we expect? Our patience is not endless!
Today Azerbaijan is quickly developing country. Armenia, neither from
the point of view of economy, nor military, cannot compete with us.
Our dominance is a reality. We are still in the beginning of our
development. Let they think over and over in Armenia, after a year,
or three and five, where Azerbaijan and Armenia will be. Armenia has
no chance to develop. They are on the sidelines of all the
international projects. They have little economic growth chances.
Half of the country~Rs population has moved. As provided, they have
difficulty in guarding the contact line. There is lack of living
forces. On the other hand, there is economically strengthening
Azerbaijan with strong army, and politically becoming the center of
region and out economic opportunities.
Recently I have recollected some figures. I reiterate, that according
to estimations of the international financial structures, in the
coming 20 years, only from oil projects Azerbaijan will receive 140
billion dollars. Nagorno Karabakh is our first number problem and I
see no problem for Azerbaijan except this one.
Perhaps, we should use these opportunities ands strengthen our army,
so that in any case it could return our occupied lands. I have no
doubt and hope that our policy will lead to this.
Simply, it is regretful that the time passes, and Armenia gets
nothing by delaying solution of the problem. The time does not work
for them, and on the contrary, it works in our favor.
We, in the country, should use every opportunity. Now we have very
good conditions economic growth, political stability, civil
solidarity, unity between power and people, cohesion, strengthening
of civil society, success of democratization process, strengthening
or our position in region, effective cooperation with the
international organizations and leader position in region. That is
out goal, and that is our present life. And the most important is
that we see the future clearly, what expects us in the coming years.
We know that Azerbaijan in short time should be among the most
developed countries. We have chance, political will, unity of nation,
its talent, and we shall reach this.
Azerbaijan will never reconcile with isolation of Karabakh, and it
will – by peaceful way and military – restore its territorial
integrity.
There is another matter. As you know, recently we have set up the
Ministry of Defense Industry. Of course, should we be not in war
conditions, we would not need this Ministry. And if the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict cannot find its solution, we decided to set up a
strong military industrial complex, and we make necessary steps in
this direction. I hope in short time Azerbaijan will have strong
military industry and this, in turn, have great contributions to
army.
Dear friends,
Dear servicemen,
I cordially congratulate you on the forthcoming Day of Armed Forces.
I congratulate the alumni. Having graduated form the higher school,
they will worthily serve in the national Army of Azerbaijan and
strengthen Azerbaijan~Rs defense ability. Thank you.

Ex-Soviet group looks at boosting security ties
Euronews.net, France
June 23 2006
Leaders of a collective of former Soviet states have been meeting
in the Belarussian capital Minsk – aiming to boost their level
of cooperation in order to serve as a counterweight to NATO. The
Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, or CSTO,
brings together presidents from Belarus, Kazhakstan, Tajikistan,
Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Russia.
One of the Kremlin’s objectives is for the CSTO to be able to launch a
peacekeeping force that could be deployed either within member states
or outside under a UN mandate. The Russians are concerned by NATO’s
planned expansion into neighbouring states such as Ukraine and Georgia,
and complain of being given the cold shoulder by the Alliance.
Other issues on the agenda include what are described as “concrete
measures” to stop the flow of drugs westwards from Afghanistan,
and cooperation on halting the illegal trade in light arms.

SOUTH CAUCASUS: ECONOMIC FORUM SHARES BEST PRACTICES
Haroutiun Khachatrian 6/23/06
EurasiaNet, NY
June 23 2006
A recent economic conference held in the Georgian capital Tbilisi
sought to lay the groundwork for closer regional cooperation among
the three South Caucaus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Regional economic integration was not formally on the agenda of the
June 1-2 conference, titled the International Monetary Fund and the
South Caucasus in the 21st Century. Participants officially explored
best practices as each state attempts to modernize its respective
economy. However, the underlying hope was that sharing experience would
provide an impulse for officials to explore integration opportunities
down the road, provided that existing political obstacles, including
the lack of a settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh, are eventually
removed. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
The regional IMF representatives from all three states – James McHugh
in Armenia, Basil Zavoico in Azerbaijan and Robert Christiansen in
Georgia – were featured participants, and all faced a diplomatically
delicate task of outlining economic problems without appearing
to overly criticize government policies and responses. While each
Caucasus country features specific development conditions, conference
attendees generally agreed that corruption and tax evasion were among
the most serious problems prevalent in all three states.
“A large shadow economy should be brought into the formal economy
through an efficient tax [system] and improved corporate governance,”
said McHugh, referring to the situation in Armenia.
Georgian Minister of Finance Aleksi Aleksishvili said Tbilisi had
managed to improve its revenue collection capabilities, while stressing
that the government has stopped a practice common during the first
months following the 2003 Rose Revolution, in which entrepreneurs
were arrested, only to be released after making substantial payments
to the state treasury.
The conference scrutinized the unique economic situation in Azerbaijan,
where oil and gas development is causing revenues to spike. Several
participants focused on the potential threat of “Dutch disease,”
in which a rapid rise of income from the energy sector renders other
economic sectors of a given state uncompetitive in the global market.
Given that only about 1 percent of Azerbaijan’s population is directly
involved in the oil sector, the energy windfall stands to be enjoyed
by relatively few Azerbaijanis. [For background see the Eurasia
Insight archive] Professor Sabit Bagirov, president of the Azerbaijan
Entrepreneurship Foundation, warned that social tension could grow
worse in the country. “In several years, we may face a situation that,
with huge oil revenues, still a great number of poor people are in the
country, and the unresolved Karabakh conflict will make their situation
even worse. This may [make] millions of people unhappy,” Bagirov said.
Most participants avoided making direct comparisons about the successes
and failures of economic development in the Caucasus.
Tigran Sargsian, chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia, was
perhaps the only participant who sought to place developments
in each individual state within a regional context. “Today, the
countries of the South Caucasus live similarly badly and differently
well,” he said. Sargsian highlighted differences among the three
Caucasus countries. For example, according to Sargsian, Armenia was
recognized as a leader in terms of market reforms, while possessing
a bad record on poverty reduction. Georgia, meanwhile, was labelled
as more competitive than Armenia. Yet at the same time, Tbilisi must
struggle with a deficit of power producing capacity.
Given the underlying political differences, it did not come as a
surprise to participants when Sargsian’s analysis was characterized
by Azer Alasgarov, an Azerbaijani National Bank official, as
“politicized.”
“I agree with your critical notions, but I would like the Azerbaijani
National Bank to have presented its own vision of the situation,”
was Sargsian’s answer. The conference was organized by the Caucasus
Research Resource Centers, the IMF and the National Bank of Georgia.
Editor’s Note: Haroutiun Khachatrian is a Yerevan-based writer
specializing in economic and political affairs.

Regnum, Russia
June 23 2006
Matthew Bryza: Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement tools are on
negotiation table
For the first time in the history of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement, Matthew Bryza, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
and new U.S. Co-Chairman of OSCE Minsk Group, introduced a set of
proposals for the negotiations on the conflict settlement for the
Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents.
In an interview to RFE/RL, M. Bryza said a framework agreement has
been prepared. The agreement calls Armenia for withdrawal of troops
from ~Sthe territories of Azerbaijan under the control of Armenia.~T On
the other hand, the document provides for normalization of diplomatic
and economic relations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, M. Bryza said. The
agreement also contains other provisions for dislocation of
peacemakers in the conflict zone and international economic
assistance to the region of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as for a
referendum for Nagorno Karabakh’s status at a certain stage. Thus, a
comprehensive set of proposals is currently on the negotiating table
for Armenia and Azerbaijan, which, however, the parties refuse to
take into consideration so far, M. Bryza said.
He, however, refused to specify what particular provisions the
parties cannot agree upon. The U.S. Co-Chair urged the presidents to
adopt the framework agreement and added that it required political
will.

UEFA (English)

June 23 2006
UEFA CUP: Brøndby braced to show Valur
/noticias.info/ Brøndby IF and Valur Reykjavík are both realistic
when considering their chances of UEFA Cup progress when they meet
over two legs on 13 and 27 July – a common view among the 70 clubs
who lined up for today’s first qualifying round draw in Nyon,
Switzerland. uefa.com gathers the reaction.
Strong showing
“I do not know a lot about Valur, but we have never had any problems
with Icelandic teams,” admitted Brøndby captain Per Nielsen to
uefa.com, well aware that his team’s strong showing in last season’s
Danish Superleague marks them out as clear favourites. “They are
definitely a side we have to be able to beat – but then again, so are
all the teams at this stage of the tournament.” For their part, Valur
know the task facing them. Willum Thor Thorsson, the Icelandic club’s
coach, said: “We probably got the best team possible but at least we
can learn something from these games.”
‘Adventure continues’
Three of the sides involved have qualified via the UEFA Fair Play
draw and two of them, Gefle IF and SK Brann of Sweden and Norway
respectively, encounter opposition from the United Kingdom in
Llanelli FC from Wales and Glentoran FC from Northern Ireland. The
other Fair Play beneficiaries were KSV Roeselare of Belgium and they
find themselves up against FK Vardar of F.Y.R. Macedonia. “We have
entered the UEFA Cup through the Fair Play competition after our
debut year in the Belgian top flight, so our adventure continues,”
said Roeselare’s sporting manager Luc Devroe. “We are glad to be
involved, and we will try to make the best of it.”
Balanced view
Many were left content if cautious. NK Varteks coach Zlatko Dalic
said his team would fancy their chances of keeping the Croatian
challenge alive against KF Tirana of Albania. “They are definitely
the opponent we wanted. We don’t want to underestimate them though.
They have high ambitions, but our main task is to reach the next
round.” Likewise, in Bulgaria, Stefan Grozdanov, coach of PFC
Lokomotiv Sofia, said his troops would have to be careful against FK
Makedonija Skopje from F.Y.R. Macedonia. “The draw could have been
better, but also could have been harder. Most of our players do not
have European experience and that could be a problem.”
More than happy
FK Sarajevo of Bosnia-Herzegovina have been regulars in recent
European campaigns and will therefore be expected to dispose of
Andorran challengers FC Ranger’s. “I think the draw is fine, although
there aren’t any easy rivals these days,” said coach Husref
Musemić. “I think we have quality and we are favourites to reach
the second round.” FC Haka boss Olli Huttunen is banking on the fact
many of the Finnish club’s fans will be able to travel to in-form FC
Levadia Tallinn in Estonia. “It’s a short trip to Estonia and we will
probably get good support in Tallinn as well as at home. They are one
of the toughest opponents we could get and are doing well this
season.”
First trip
Skonto FC, of Latvia, have a longer trip as they head to Luxembourg
and AS Jeunesse Esch. Paul Ashworth, Skonto’s English coach, is
relishing the prospect. “I am happy we got Jeunesse. I haven’t had a
chance to play in Luxembourg before and this will be an interesting
experience.” In contrast, knowledge will be power for FC MIKA against
Swiss opponents BSC Young Boys according to the Armenian outfit’s
defender Hovhannes Tahmazyanyan. “Our fellow Armenians, Artur
Petrosyan and Harutyun Vardanyan, used to play for that club. It’s a
very tough draw for us. We will try to do our best and maybe we’ll
get lucky.” A sentiment shared by all 70 sides no doubt.
–Boundary_(ID_wOePYmCjPhhyyx744yIZsw)–

UEFA (English)

June 23 2006
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Contenders ponder luck of the draw
Norway and Sweden’s UEFA Champions League contenders are getting
ready to face European debutants from the Czech Republic and Slovakia
after today’s draw.
Scandinavia’s finest
Norwegian champions Vålerenga IF will travel to 2005/06 Czech league
runners-up FK Mladá Boleslav for their second qualifying round first
leg, while Swedish title-holders Djurgårdens IF take on Slovakian
counterparts MFK Ru~^omberok, who have admitted they have very little
idea of what might lie ahead.
Ru~^omberok befuddled
Ru~^omberok coach Franti~Zek Komňacký said: “We are ready to
represent Slovakian football as well as we can. Our international
experience is nil – we have only played Slovakian teams and have no
concrete idea what to expect. The Swedish league is athletic as far I
know, similar to the English Premiership.”
Uncertain position
Aside from Austro-Swiss neighbours FC Zürich and SV Austria Salzburg,
the other second qualifying round challengers are even less sure of
where they stand, since they face the winners of first qualifying
round ties. Ukraine’s FC Dynamo Kyiv, however, know they will
encounter the champions of another former Soviet republic having been
drawn against the winners of Latvian champions FHK Liepajas
Metalurgs’ game against Kazakhstani title-holders FK Aktobe.
Metalurgs edgy
“To be honest, we’re not overjoyed,” said Metalurgs coach Benjaminas
Zelkevicius. “It looks more like a match in the Commonwealth Cup [the
annual Moscow tournament for former Soviet champions] than a UEFA
Champions League tie. In Moscow we played Aktobe and won 3-0. I
wouldn’t mind this result again in the first leg.”
Demianenko confident
Dynamo coach Anatoli Demianenko, meanwhile, was feeling determined.
“We respect all opponents but a club like ours should beat anyone in
the second qualifying round,” he said, adding: “I can’t tell who’s
the stronger of Metalurgs and Aktobe. We will know more after we see
them in action, but for both those clubs, matches against us will be
a matter of pride.”
Common goal
Serbian standard-bearers FK Crvena Zvezda are, alongside FC Steaua
Bucuresti from Romania, one of two former European champions awaiting
in the second round. They will have an assignment against either Cork
City FC or Apollon Limassol FC, from the Republic of Ireland and
Cyprus respectively. Crvena Zvezda coach Du~Zan Bajević said: “On
paper, Apollon are a tougher opponent than Cork, but every country
wants to have a Champions League participant and we share that
dream.”
Major challenge
Former Soviet republics will also meet in the first qualifying round
as Armenia’s FC Pyunik and Moldova’s FC Sheriff contest a second
qualifying round tie against Russia’s FC Spartak Moskva. For Pyunik
captain Sargis Hovsepyan, it represents a major hurdle. “We’re up
against one of the best teams in the round,” he said. “They are a
very mobile and strong team whom we saw at the Commonwealth Cup.
Sheriff have played Armenian champions before at this stage and won.
Although we will do all we can to advance, it’s going to be very
difficult.”
Smaller nations
Elsewhere, at least one of UEFA’s smallest nations will be
represented in the second round after Maltese champions Birkirkara FC
were pitted against Faroese equivalents B36 Tórshavn. The winners
will be rewarded by playing Turkish giants Fenerbahçe SK in the
second qualifying round. Birkirkara coach Stephen Azzopardi told
uefa.com: “Everyone at the club, including myself, feels we can make
it to the next round. Whoever gets through will play Fenerbahçe so
both teams will be doing their utmost to qualify.”
–Boundary_(ID_JbQMqp09b+2imL05fla nPQ)–

This Is Lancashire, UK
June 23 2006
Suitor catches princess in the bath . . .
By Wes Wright
Iranian wall tile at Bolton Museum
AMONG the many works of art held in store by Bolton Museum and Art
Gallery is a beautiful Iranian wall tile.
Iran hits the headlines today because of its hardline leader and
nuclear ambitions. But before Ayatollah Khomeini led the Islamic
revolution of 1979, the country had a long history of visual arts,
including ceramic depictions of classic Persian stories. This week we
are focusing on this tile as part of our Hidden Treasures series,
which puts the spotlight on works of art or pieces of historical
importance which cannot be shown because of lack of space.
This exotic and detailed wall tile is one of the many artefacts in
store at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery which is unlikely to see the
light of day in the near future.
The work, entitled Khusraw sees Shirin Bathing, is a moulded and
glazed pottery tiledating back to the late 19th century.
continued…
Fiona Salvesen, keeper of art at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery, said:
“The tile depicts an episode from the poetic romance Krushaw and
Shirin by Nizanni (1632-1680).
“It illustrates the moment when the lovers cross paths and Khusraw
catches a glimpse of Shirin bathing. Khusraw and his companion are
shown on horseback, tentatively approaching the bathing maiden.
“The exotic and colourful flora and fauna of the courtyard heighten
the sensuality of the moment.
“As with examples from Western visual and literary culture, we see
that the act of washing can be transformed from a mere domestic act
into something altogether more significant, seductive and spiritual.
“This tile was probably made for the export market, rather than for a
specific interior within Iran. Images such as this were sought after
by Western collectors and enthusiasts of the exotic’ culture of the
Middle East.”
The gallery has several other examples of ceramics from the Middle
East which are currently out on display.
The romance of Khusraw, the son of the King of Iran, and Shirin is a
classic text of Persian literature. It tells the story of the
courtship of the pre-Islamic king Khusraw Parviz and the Armenian
princess Shirin.
Shirin and Khusraw fell in love by seeing each other in portraits,
but their first meeting was long delayed. Before Shirin agreed to
marry Khusraw, there were obstacles to overcome, including the
vanquishing of Farhad, a rival for Shirin’s affections.
The poet Nizami created the romance for a local ruler in North-west
Iran in 1184, and from the 15th century manuscripts containing the
poem were often illustrated with miniature paintings and later
ceramics, including tiles.
calnews/display.var.805469.0.suitor_catches_prince ss_in_the_bath.php

Watertown TAB & Press, MA
June 23 2006
Nova dance troupe starring in Armenia
By Noah Bein/ Correspondent
Friday, June 23, 2006 – Updated: 10:45 AM EST
For the first year that he was a member of an Armenian dance group,
Apo Ashjian did not dance a single step.
As a recent immigrant to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon,
in 1970, the 14-year-old Ashjian felt too shy even to hold the hands
of the female members in the dance ensemble, a small local group that
was one of many Armenian cultural endeavors in which his parents
rushed to enroll him after their move to America.
Despite his initial adolescent timidity, Ashjian faithfully
attended each rehearsal.
But eventually he did begin to dance and soon developed an
affection for the cultural heritage of his homeland that would
continue to grow throughout his life.
“My parents’ only concern immigrating to America was that ‘oh my
God, if we don’t get our kids involved in Armenian things, they’re
going to lose their heritage. They’re going to lose their roots.
They’re going to lose their language,’ ” Ashjian said.
More than 30 years later, the importance of cultural tradition
resonates deeply with Ashjian, a compact, energetic man with short
black hair and deep, arching eyes who is the founding director and
choreographer of Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston, a nonprofit,
Watertown-based Armenian dance ensemble currently celebrating its
20th year.
Sayat Nova has big plans for its anniversary, with all 72 members
journeying to Armenia this weekend for a seven-show tour that will
make stops at several smaller villages before a climactic final
performance at the opera house in the capital city of Yerevan.
In addition, the company has scheduled a chance to reach its
largest non-Armenian audience yet with two shows at Boston’s Cutler
Majestic Theatre this fall.
Since its inception as an independent ensemble in 1986, the
company – named for a legendary Armenian troubadour – has performed
throughout the United States and Canada. Its performances present
audiences with Ashjian’s interpretative blend of authentic Armenian
footwork, bright traditional costumes and symbolic storytelling,
which attempts to portray the struggles and triumphs of a people
plagued for centuries by hardship and persecution.
Ashjian said he collects the creative material for his dances
during trips to Armenia, where he travels the country and often meets
with Artousha Karapetian, his former instructor who has scoured the
nation’s many small villages for years in search of authentic,
regionally diverse dance techniques.
It is from this traditional foundation, Ashjian said, that the
creative process begins.
“I keep the ethnicity within all those footsteps, but I put it in
a very jazzy choreography,” he said, equating his approach to the
modern medley of pop and Irish folk dancing used in the hit show
“Riverdance.”
The result of Ashjian’s work is accurate and authentic, according
to Liana Sarkisova, 24, a Sayat Nova dancer who began her training as
a child in Armenia before migrating to the United States at age 16
via Russia.
“When I moved here, and I found out there was an Armenian dance group
active and alive and traveling, I was really excited,” she said. “…
I came to practice once, and I loved it because it was exactly the
way I remember it was from Armenia.”
Practice, practice, practice
At a marathon, four-hour Sunday rehearsal this past weekend at
the Watertown Middle School in preparation for the Armenian tour, the
group appeared loose but focused. A jovial mood broke out among the
dancers during a lunch break, but several yells from the director
sent them scurrying into position. Another Ashjian command and the
dance began.
The music was frantic and triumphant, with wailing melodies and a
frenzied, rolling drum beat. On stage, male dancers in black tights
and white T-shirts moved briskly around in quick formation, bouncing
their feet lightly to the intoxicating rhythm.
After the dance, three of the men – Levon Kurkjian, Bob Parsekian
and Manoug Habibian – took a break to discuss their introduction to
Armenian dance, which they said occurred mostly through local
Armenian schools, through commutes from Worcester.
The men all cited camaraderie as a reason for continuing with the
company, but, they said, there’s also the exhilaration of performing.
“When you do that last stomp on stage after every dance and the
crowd goes crazy, it’s like hitting a three-point shot with a second
left,” said Kurkjian. “It’s like I get that same thrill, that same
adrenaline going through your body.”
That excitement is part of what Ashjian said he believes will
result from the group’s opera house show, a performance that Ashjian
said will be attended by a large number of the singers, artists,
composers and choreographers who make up “the art life of our
country.”
“When you step into the opera house, you’re actually making a
statement about who your dance company is,” Ashjian said.
In a different sense, however, the group’s identity is solidified
much more by its place within Armenian heritage than by its artistic
statements.
For generations, the small Middle Eastern nation struggled in the
face of violence.
Despite a native exodus and worldwide diaspora created by
historical adversity, many communities, both at home and abroad,
vigorously maintain artistic traditions. Ashjian noted, for instance,
that there are currently hundreds of authentic dance troupes in
Armenia performing in much the same way Sayat Nova has done in
Watertown.
Although the company made one other trip to the homeland for its
10th anniversary in 1995, turnover in the group is high, and Ashjian
is quick to point out that currently only 11 members have ever
visited the country.
“I want to take these kids there so they can feel the soil, talk
to people,” he said. “What happened? How is it that we kept our
country?”
The scattering of Armenians across the globe would seem to pose a
risk of cultural diffusion and a weakening of ethnic bonds. But many
Sayat Nova members said a strong sense of pride and spirit provides
hope for those who remain in Armenia.
“The dance represents the past, the present [and] the future,” said
Hagop Ashjian, an assistant director of the group and the younger
brother of Apo. “We danced things on the genocide era … Now we’re
basing our dances to the future, and we’re trying to forget a little
bit of the past.”
“[The Armenians] feel that once people leave Armenia, then
Armenia is lost [and] everything is lost,” he adds. “When we bring
that back to Armenia, they fill up with so much pride, whether we
dance good or not. They’re so proud because what they’re working for,
all the troubles they’re going through …[are] actually worth it.”
Tanya Mikaelian, 25, a dancer who started hanging around group
rehearsals when she was 13 and has been involved with the group for
nearly half her life, recalls an exhibition of this sense of
gratitude near the end of the 1995 Armenia trip.
At the close of the final show in the capital, after a rousing
performance of a dance dedicated to Armenian soldiers fighting on the
country’s behalf, Mikaelian said several uniformed military men stood
up in the back of the auditorium, lit a flare and proceeded onto the
stage, where they outfitted the elder Ashjian with their military
garb and happily embraced him.
“It was amazing to see how generous and how happy people were
with what they had, even though they don’t have much,” Mikaelian
said. “It was very nice to see how giving people were back then.”
Ashjian said he believes his dancing can help return the favor.
“When you finish with such patriotism in the show, people understand
that you’re projecting your pride and your spirit of who you are,” he
said. “You’re appreciating the whole audience that’s in Armenia [by
saying] ‘thank you for what you’ve done. You’ve survived for us to be
able to continue work like this.'”

Watertown TAB & Press, MA
June 23 2006
Yummy goodies in Little Armenian bakery
By Katie McDonough/ Correspondent
Friday, June 23, 2006 – Updated: 10:54 AM EST
In most respects, winding Mount Auburn Street is a world away from
the majestic snowcapped mountains of Armenia. However, those familiar
with the area know that Watertown boasts a large Armenian population,
with a cultural and commercial center in and around Coolidge Square.
The ample variety of Middle Eastern bakeries, restaurants and shops
there form a captivating representation of that part of the world.
In the busy patchwork of the area some call “Little Armenia,” one
business stands out from its competition. Massis Bakery and Specialty
Food Store has been in town longer than many Watertown residents.
The Ourfalian family opened the bakery in 1977 after coming to America
from Beirut, Lebanon. Having already been in the bakery business in
Beirut for a number of years, the family had plenty of experience
to apply to their new venture. Of course, starting fresh in a new
country brings its own challenges, and it took a few years for the
business to blossom.
The family~Rs two sons, Sarkis and Missak, were of high school age at
the time the bakery opened. The brothers helped their parents with the
business during high school and college, and even lent a hand through
the years when they pursued their own careers (Sarkis worked as an
engineer and Missak as an accountant). Now the roles are reversed:
The brothers run all parts of the business with only occasional help
from their parents.
In its almost 30 years in Watertown, Massis Bakery has changed
considerably. Though it began as a small, predominantly Armenian bakery
and grocery store, the business has expanded to overtake neighboring
sites and include a wide array of items for sale.
“As we grew and changed our product line, the store became more than
just Armenian,” Sarkis Ourfalian said.
The name Massis, which refers to a mountain in Armenia, now serves more
as a reminder of the bakery~Rs origins than an accurate description
of its products. In addition to the traditional Middle Eastern items,
they currently import products such as olive oil and chocolate from
various countries such as Greece and Italy.
One of the first things you notice when you enter Massis Bakery is
the sheer volume of products inside. From the bakery counter on the
far right to the olive bar in the back left corner, there~Rs a little
bit of everything.
“If you come to our store and look up and down the aisles, you might
think you~Rre in Europe,” Ourfalian said. “At the same time you might
be in Greece or Lebanon or other places in the world.”
Like many businesses, Massis Bakery has had to make certain adjustments
over the years to keep up with a constantly evolving clientele. Even
their most enduring products, such as homemade Armenian pizza called
lahmejune, have undergone some modification.
“The traditionallahmejune is made with lamb or beef, but we make
it with chicken, or we make it vegetarian,” Ourfalian said. “As the
clientele has changed, we~Rve accommodated.”
The family has taken a similar approach with many of their bakery
items, including various kinds of cookies and pastries made fresh each
day. The traditional cookies, most of which include some combination of
dates, figs and sesame seeds, are available in a number of adaptations.
In addition to this keen ability to adapt to customers~R changing
tastes, another reason for the store~Rs success is the recent
popularity of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods. “Some of our
specialties, liketabouleh andhomus (or hummus), were not as well
known to people in the past,” Ourfalian said.
As such foods came into the mainstream in recent years, larger
supermarket chains began carrying these products. It~Rs reasonable
to assume that this fact would hurt small, independent stores such
as Massis Bakery, but Ourfalian has a different perspective. “People
taste the foods in the supermarket, and then they taste ours. Right
away, they can tell there~Rs a big difference,” Ourfalian said. “In
that way, supermarkets have improved our business.”
Ourfalian is also quick to point out that the foods are not only
tasty but very nutritious as well. The family uses mostly fresh,
natural ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and
spices, in everything they make. This aspect appeals to a number of
demographics, from dieters and health food fiends to conscientious
parents and those with restrictive medical conditions. With a booming
business and growing clientele, it~Rs clear that such meticulous
measures are appreciated.
When you~Rre inside the bakery, it~Rs impossible not to be taken in
by all the colors and aromas around you; each aisle has something new
and intriguing you may not have heard of or tried before. One of the
most interesting things to see in the bakery, though, is not one of
the imported products or homemade bakery items for sale. Hanging on the
wall to right of the door as you enter are two framed photographs. The
top photo, taken in 1977, shows the two young brothers, Sarkis and
Missak, with their parents behind the bakery counter. The photo
below shows the same four faces beaming out from behind the same
counter 26 years later. Though decades have passed and the business
has transformed again and again, the family~Rs pride in and passion
for their work will continue well into the future.
What smells so good?
Massis Bakery is at 569 Mount Auburn St., and it~Rs open Monday
through Saturday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Visit massisbakery.com for more
information.

United Press International
June 23 2006
Four bidders for Armenia telco stake
ATHENS, Greece, June 23 (UPI) — Four bidders have emerged in the
competition for the Greek-owned 90-percent stake in Armenian telco
ArmenTel.
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) said this week that
the four suitors were picked from 10 non-binding bids to take part in
the next phase of the sale of the monopoly operator.
OTE said on its Web site that the final four included Russia’s Ao
Vimpelcom and Mobile Tele Systems along with consortiums including
VTEL Holdings and Knightsbridge Associates, and Emirates
Telecommunications, Emergent Telecom Ventures and Istithmar PJSC.
The Armenian government will retain the remaining 10-percent of
ArmenTel, which serves only a fraction of Armenia’s population
despite its monopoly in wireless and fixed-line phone service.