WORKS BY STUDENTS OF PAINTING ACADEMY GYUMRI BRANCH DISPLAYED AT VIENNA SERAFIN PICTURE GALLERY
Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006
GYUMRI, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The students of painting department
of Gyumri branch of Painting Academy presented their works at the
exhibition held in the Austrian city of Vienna in April within the
framework of Mozart’s 250th anniversary. On those days the works were
also being displayed at the Museum of Aslamazian sisters of Gyumri. In
the pictures the students tried to depict different episodes from
Mozart’s life, as well as the period of his lifetime.
For instance, the main subject of pictures by one of the young painters
are Mozart’s music books: “I had his handwritten notes and noticed that
there are drawing elements in them,” he said. According to Hambartsum
Ghukasian, Director of Gyumri branch of Painting Academy, the whole
tour lasted 12 days and the students visited all important picture
galleries and museums of Austria. The exhibition dedicated to Mozart’s
anniversary was organized on the initiative of the Culture Department
of Vienna Mayor’s Office and UNESCO at the Serafin picture gallery of
Vienna. As Noyan Tapan correspondent was informed by Robert Mirzoyan,
representative of the Culture Department of Vienna Mayor’s Office,
the department has a long history of cooperation with Gyumri branch
of Painting Academy and of closer cooperation with the Painting
Academy itself.
Mutual visits of students and lecturers of Gyumri branch of Painting
Academy and Vienna painting academies are also planned in the future.

ABOUT 50 DANCERS OF ARMENIAN FOLKDANCES FROM 8 COUNTRIES IN YEGHEGNADZOR
Noyan Tapan
May 15 2006
YEGHEGNADZOR, MAY 15, NOYAN TAPAN. Speacialist of folkdances,
Dutch Tineke van Geel tought Armenian folkdances in 15 countries
of the world. He was these days in Yeghegnadzor with his group’s
about 50 members representing 8 countries. “I think that one must
see that country national dances of which he performs. And our visit
to Yeghegmadzor is provided by the circumstance that we want to get
acquainted with the Armenian people, its traditions closer what is not
possible only within the capital,” T. van Geel said in the interview
to the Noyan Tapan correspondent. The guests arrived in Yeghegnadzor
by the invitation of Canadian Armenian Antuan Terjanian who lives
in Yeghegnadzor now. To the accompaniment of the zourna (Armenian
national woodwind musical instrument) and dhol (Armenian national
music instrument), with the “Yeghegnadzor “Salmast” folk songs and
dances ensemble, the group members performed numerous folkdances with
great enthusiasm. But foreign guests’ curiosity towards Armenia was
not limited just by study of Armenian dances and their performance:
they were present at the ceremony of baking lavash (Armenian national
bread), got acquainted with works of local painters, sculptors and
gobelin-makers during the exhibition-sale. During the one-week visit,
they got acquainted with the Armenian history, culture, visited places
of interest. “I think that the next year members of our group would
already like to visit Armenia personally what will support development
of the local tourism,” Tineke van Geel mentioned before leaving.

ARMENIAN ECONOMIST SAFARYAN: ‘TURKEY SHOULD MAKE INVESTMENT IN ARMENIA’
Journal of Turkish Weekly, Turkey
May 16 2006
Jan SOYKOK (JTW) – Armenian Economist Aram Safaryan told Turkish
daily Milliyet that the Armenian businessmen have no problem with
the closed-Turkish borders, but the Armenian people (middle and poor
classes) suffers a lot.
“There is no diplomatic relations, the borders are closed. However
everything is open for the Armenian businessmen. But the problem is
that not all of the Armenians are businessmen” he added.
Aram Safaryan is economy analyst and producer of a program in Armenia’s
Canal 2.
Safaryan argues in Milliyet that the trade between Turkey and Armenia
is annually 120 million US dollars. Turkish expert Dr. Sedat Laciner
on the other hand argues that the figure reaches about 200 million
dollars every year.
Safaryan continues:
“The annual trade between two countries is 120 million dollars.
Armenia exports about 1 million dollars good to Turkey, while it
imports 119 million dollars goods from Turkey. Does Turkey want
to change this balance! However 49 percent of my country lives in
poverty level.
Safaryan argues that both countries should establish direct relations:
“Neither US nor the EU could bring both countries together. Turkey
looks at Armenia as it looks at its Armenian society in Turkey.
However Armenia is an independent country. If Turkey abandons policy
of getting US or American support and if Turkey abandons the policy
of dominating the Middle East, it will enter the EU faster. Armenia
should not be a market for Turkey’s chip goods. Armenia should not
wear dresses that no one wears in Turkey.”
Safaryan further said that “Turkey should make investment in
Armenia”. He added:
“There is no room for small investment in Armenia. However there
is great need for bigger investments here. Armenia devotes about
50 million dollars every year for the high tech investments. Turkey
could establish a Silicon valley like in the US. Turkey could make
investments in energy area. However as far as there is no diplomatic
relations, the sources are being wasted.”
Safaryan says that 80 percent of the PVC used in windows, almost 100
percent of good made from paper materials and 100 percent of chocolate
come from Turkey.
Safaryan argues that Turkey has to find a solution for the ‘genocide’
issue:
“Turkey should recognize the right of existence of Armenians who
once lived in those territories. These people should have the right
to live in those territories with the condition of not seeking those
territories… Those territories (Eastern Turkey) are not like we
left behind. People have good dreams regarding those territories
because there is a ban. However if they go there, they would return
in 15 days. Yet a revolution would be done in Armenian mind, and the
hostility era would be closed down. Thus we can protect our common
history and what left behind this history”.
“THERE IS NO BAN”
Turkish experts share Safaryan’s many ideas, however they say that
there are still some biases and misinformation in his interview. Dr.
Sedat Laciner for instance does not agree that there is a ban for
Armenians to enter Turkey:
“Turkey is a free country and all of the borders are open for anyone.
Turkey-Armenia territorial borders are an exception. However Armenians
can visit Turkey by airplanes, and they do in fact.
Actually more than 50,000 Armenia Armenians live and work in Istanbul
and some other Turkish cities. Most of them work illegally here
and Turkish people employ them. Many of them are baby sitter, which
means that Turks trust Armenian illegal workers a lot. Apart from
the Armenia Armenians many Armenians come from Northern America and
Western Europe to visit the Armenian historical monuments in Turkey.
No one has disturbed any Armenian yet. In fact no one understand that
you are an Armenia as long as you do not mention. No Turk wants to
kill an Armenian or insult him or her. There are great differences
between politics and real life. Turkish people are ready to make
trade with Armenians from anywhere”.
“ALL ARMENIANS ARE WELCOME HERE”
Dr. Nilgun Gulcan on the other thinks that Armenia needs more than
Turkey needs Armenia:
“Armenia is a tiny country. If there was no ‘genocide’ claims, no one
gives importance to Armenia. In fact even today no one cares Armenia
state in Turkey. It does not affect Turkish economy or politics. Just
2,5 million people, a tiny country with no significant natural
source. Turkey has more interests in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia and
Iran. Armenia could be neglected, and Turkey loses very little from
ignoring Armenia. Armenians have to understand that Turkey is a giant
near Armenia and Armenians should benefit from this giant market.
However they prefer to start a combat against Turkey. If they do
prefer a real dialogue, they would get more even in the ‘genocide’
issue. Turkey is a more open country than Armenia is. For example,
I cannot travel to Armenia. No Turk defending Turkish perspective
could go to Armenia. A Turkish historian was in Armenia last year and
spent months in an Armenian prison. You can find any Armenian book
in any big Turkish bookshop. Almost all ‘genocide’ literature have
been translated Turkish language. We clearly understood what the
Armenians think about the 1915 Events. But Armenians have no idea
about Turkish perspective. They do not listen. They think that, if
they listen to the Turks, they would commit a great sin. All Armenians
are welcome in Turkey. Turkish people are against secret political
agendas. If you want territories they live on, of course they would
be against your ideas. But we are not in a war, and there are millions
of foreigners in Turkey. More than 200,000 Germans, British etc. live
in Turkish coasts. They have houses, they work here and they plan to
die in these territories. Armenians of course have all the rights a
British has. If Armenians want to live in Ararat or Van, they should
come and establish a life here instead of insulting us”.
ARMENIAN DIASPORA
Davut Sahiner similarly says that Armenians are welcome in Turkey.
Dr. Sahiner invites all Armenians to live and to make investment in
Turkey. Yet he has very little hope:
“If Armenian diaspora had made investments in Turkey and in Armenia
for more than a decade, about 500,000 Armenians would have lived in
Anatolian territories. They do not want any solution because they
are good with their problems. Armenian Genocide Claims create heroes
in Armenian diaspora. There are many Armenian politicians etc. whose
only income source is Armenian peoples sorrows. Some of the Armenians
make a lot of money from the Armenian issue. This is an industry.
Armenian Genocide Industry. Armenian Diaspora does not care Armenia’s
economic or political problems. They do not come to Armenia. They
want to live in US or in France. The diaspora Armenians can combat
against the Turks till the last drop of Armenia Armenians’ blood.”
Dr. Laciner argues that Armenia could be rich country in couple years
if Turkey and Armenia could give up discussing the disputes of a
century ago:
“Nothing wrong in discussing the past. The problem is we are
sacrificing today for the past. If Armenia and Turkey solved the
genocide debate 15 years ago, Armenia would have been a rich country.
Turkey is a great market and a bridge for European routes. Armenians
are talented traders, and the Armenian workers are high-skilled. Both
Turks and Armenians could have made Anatolia and Caucasus a better
place to live in. However the ultra-nationalist Armenians, Russia
and diaspora have manipulated the Armenian politics and led Armenia
to disasters. When Russia looks at Armenia, it sees only a military
base and people to be abused economically and politically. That’s all.
Diaspora is happy with the existing problems. They are against
opening the borders, even dialogue with the Turks. If you do refuse
to speak how can you solve your problems. And the ultranationalist
groups like Tashnaks want more and more territories. Territory is
nothing if your people are suffering. Principle should have been
‘first people’, not ‘first territory’. Turks lost an empire and no
one in Turkey wants more territory. We have enough territory and
Armenians have enough territory too. Armenians cannot use properly
the existing tiny Armenia, and ultranationalist Armenians want more
and more. Let’s say, let’s imagine that whole Eastern Anatolia was
given to tiny Armenia… If Armenia expands more the Armenians would
be minority in their country. All Armenians should remember that there
are more than 100 million Turks around and about 3 million Armenians.
We cannot solve our problems by killing each other. We have to learn
to live together.”
Safaryan’s interview was translated to English language by JTW staff.

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.