POLITICAL ANIMAL / FRESH OUT OF SORROW
By Yossi Sarid
Ha’aretz, Israel
June 15 2006
Be merciful unto us and unto yourselves: Cease the sorrow that you
express on your behalf and ours every time civilians are killed in your
bombings and assassinations; during the past month the specialization
has been in children in particular. Sorrow, too, has the quality of
being wasted and already at the start of the summer you have been
very profligate. The earth has seen this. Your sorrow has run out
and now you are using substitutes.
For us, it is easier to live with the “slight tremor in the plane’s
wing” and the “sleeping well at night” of our pilot-cum-chief of
staff than with your always-tortured faces and your comments, like
“We didn’t mean to” and “The Israel Defense Forces is the most moral
army in the world.”
It is easier for us to accept the songs of the contemptible Zimri than
it is for us to accept the songs of the exalted Phineas, who slays
Zimri in Chapter 25 of the Book of Numbers, and kills and wails,
wails and kills – and then demands the rewards of the righteous.
Conspiracy of silence
My weaning from politics has gone well thus far. Ever since I resigned
and ever since the 17th Knesset was formed, I haven’t had delirium
tremens even once; I have not even been overcome by longing.
It seems so far away to me, the Knesset, and not really all that
interesting.
And all of of a sudden, last week, I was gripped by a single moment
of regret – too bad I wasn’t there. The plenum convened for a special
session to hear the remarks of Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer,
who came for an official visit to Israel.
The president, who delivered his speech in his own language, said only
correct things about the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
and about the increasingly closer cooperation between Turkey and
Israel. He then ended his remarks with a condemnation of anti-Semitism
“and all the kinds of racism that are crimes against humanity.” And
as befits a speech in the parliament of the Jewish people, he did not
forget to mention the Holocaust and the six million who fell victim
to the greatest crime of all.
How interests coincide: President Sezer forgot to relate even
indirectly to the Armenian genocide, which Turkey has been denying and
shrugging off for the past 91 years – and our own Knesset members also
zealously maintain the monopoly on the Holocaust and therefore find it
best to ignore other people’s disasters. And thus a mutual conspiracy
of silence developed in the plenum hall, in the world, and the words of
the visiting president were met with complete satisfaction. Needless
to say, no one who entered the Knesset bothered to mention the
importance of the principle of every-nation-bearing-its-sins –
whether the Turkish nation or us.
There is no need for vulgar comparisons between the Jews’ Holocaust and
other cases of genocide. Even the Armenians themselves acknowledge the
satanic uniqueness of the Final Solution, and they make no demands for
“equality.” However, they do have a justified demand for recognition
of the terrible pogrom that was visited upon them, for which someone
must take responsibility. Recognition by the Jewish people is of
special importance to them, which is completely understandable. Israel,
for its part, insists on continuing its policy of consistent denial,
yet it is the last country in the world that is entitled to pursue
such a policy; it does unto others what it would not have others do
unto it. And it will yet pay for this in hard currency.
The PM’s daughter
Dana Olmert – “the daughter of” – is a big girl already, who has
known her own mind for quite a while and her right/duty to express
it. My personal acquaintance with her is slight, but I know that she
is a senior editor at an important publishing house. She developed
her worldview well before her father was elected prime minister,
and she apparently has no intention of relinquishing it. Nor need
she: Although the deeds of the father are visited upon the sons and
daughters, they only visit and no more.
The issue Dana has raised, by participating in a left-wing
demonstration earlier this week, is far more interesting and
significant than is commonly thought. It prompts me, personally, to
reveal a secret that politicians do not usually volunteer to tell:
More than they influence their children, their children influence
them – this is the secret (and even for politicians, “children”
remain children at all ages). The common recommendation is cherchez
la femme, but this needs amending: Do look for the wife, but mainly
the daughters and sons. If we pause a moment over the significance
of the position of Politician X and its shifts, it is recommended
to look for the footsteps: In most cases they will lead home, to
the family. Even politicians are sometimes human beings and their
children are their flesh and blood, and they are their reliable and
durable connection to the outside world.
I had no doubt that the late Ezer Weizman, for example, changed his
view of the world in light of the fatal wounding of his son Shaul
during the War of Attrition, from which he never really recovered. In
the shadow of death, Ezer looked at life differently.
And such things do not just happen here: U.S. Vice President
Richard Cheney is one of the politicians I most despise because
of his aggressive conservatism, which is leading America and the
international community into infernal realms. And yet he of all people
evinces a tender and considerate attitude toward single-sex couples,
their status and their rights – all because his daughter is a lesbian.
I myself have more than once obeyed my children, and they have not
always known how to appreciate their influence or did not want to
take advantage of it. I had principled reasons of my own to object
to refusal to serve in the IDF, for instance, but if in moments of
weakness and distress I wavered, it was my two sons and my daughter
who dispelled my doubts: I am entitled, of course, to support refusal,
but without them; they are not accompanying me and from here on in, I
will march alone. And if they, who more than anyone else believe in my
integrity, diverge from my path, then for whom exactly am I fighting
and for whom am I laboring? Dana Olmert is not an oddity. Without
meddling in the domestic affairs of another family, I am absolutely
certain that she has an influence on her father’s way – covert and
considerable.
Although in the mass-circulation daily Yedioth Ahronoth it was written
that “the daughter is stabbing her father in the back,” no less, I
think that Dana is the best thing that has happened to Olmert since
his election. True, she has fallen far from the tree, but the tree
is Olmert and forevermore shall be. No one can be so terrible if a
daughter like Dana is his daughter.

FISHING BAN AGAIN
A1+
[08:37 pm] 14 June, 2006
Any kind of fishing is prohibited in the Sevan since June 25 until
August 31. Until now fishermen almost exhausted the whitefish stores
of the lake under pretence of catching crayfish. Deputy Minister of
Environmental Protection Artashes Ziroyan said that from now on no
fisherman will be allowed to go into the lake.
The representatives of the national park “Sevan” who were also present
at the meeting promised to do everything possible to prevent the people
from breaking the law. Newly appointed governor of Gegharqounik marz
Arsen Grigoryan expressed his readiness to support the corresponding
bodies.
TV Company “Qyavar”, Gavar

OSKANYAN AND SARGSYAN IN THE SAME PLACE
A1+
[08:44 pm] 14 June, 2006
Serge Sargsyan and Vardan Oskanyan, the RA Ministers of Defense and
Foreign affairs, participated in the meeting of the NATO and Armenia
(format 26+1).
The meeting was dedicated to the discussion of the realization of the
Individual Partnership Action Plan NATO-Armenia. Ministers Sargsyan
and Oskanyan made speech referring to the issues about cooperation
between Armenia and the NATO and the realization of the IPAP.
The Ambassadors of the NATO member-countries also made speech assessing
the progress of Armenia in the realization of the IPAP provisions,
paying attention to the democratic procedures in Armenia as security
guarantee, the reforms of the defense field and the issues about
enlarging political dialogue with the NATO.
The Ministers also answered questions regarding the foreign policy of
Armenia, the security components, regional issues and energy security,
as well as the present phase of the settlement of ht Karabakh conflict.

AFTER SEIZURES, COUPLE HAD $2.54 IN CIBC
By Paul Delean, The Gazette
The Gazette (Montreal)
June 15, 2006 Thursday
Final Edition
Retired businessman Haroutioun Markarian was on the road to
Plattsburgh, N.Y., yesterday, when he heard from his lawyer that he’d
won big in his lawsuit against CIBC World Markets.
“I was confident the wrongdoer would be punished, and the Canadian
justice system did not let me down,” said Markarian, 73.
He had $300 to his name when he brought his young family to Canada
from Egypt in 1962. A machine shop that he built “from nothing”
was their ticket to a better life.
By 1993, when he retired and sold his share of the business to his
employees, he and wife, Alice, had assets in the millions.
About $1.4 million was placed with CIBC Wood Gundy. After the brokerage
seized and liquidated their holdings to pay off the trading losses
of people they didn’t know, they had all of $2.54 left at the CIBC.
The Markarians had been clients of Harry Migirdic, a Wood Gundy
broker who misled them about the documents they were signing, since
the mid-1980s. Like them, he was an active member of Montreal’s
Armenian community.
“I had faith in him,” Markarian, 73, testified in Superior Court. “I
felt fortunate to be served by a company vice-president.”
Markarian said he never would have signed guarantees for the trading
losses of strangers.
“Why would I risk the family fortune for people I don’t know?”
Though they still had substantial sums at other institutions, the
couple said the CIBC seizure took a toll.
“We had established a certain standard of living,” Markarian said.
“It was cut in half.”
Alice Markarian, 68, testified the events had a profound effect on
her husband.
“He didn’t want to go to Armenian functions,” she said. “He didn’t
want to face people who wanted to talk about (what happened). He felt
humiliated personally.”
Son Arek, 38, said his father “was a respected man, a founding member
of the Armenian community, one of the builders. It was a tremendous
blow to his ego, his self-esteem. … Losing half what you worked
your life for, in one afternoon, at his age – it changed him.”
Markarian was thrilled by yesterday’s decision, but the ordeal has
shaken his confidence in Canada’s financial institutions.
“I’m very vigilant now. I don’t trust anyone. Financial institutions
are out for themselves. That’s why investors have to watch their
accounts very closely.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RF WILL GIVE MONEY
A1+
[12:48 pm] 15 June, 2006
RF was to assign money for the reconstruction of the old building
of the Gyumri Pedagogical Institute in 2005 in the framework of the
intergovernmental program. But according to Vardyevan Grigoryan, Rector
of the Institute the construction was delayed as there are certain
problems connected with the documents. On this score a special group
of experts has recently come to Gyumri from Moscow to observe the site.
A new building is not constructed, and the foremost issue they counter
today is to preserve the old building of the Institute. The necessary
financial support will be provided by the Russian Federation. In case
the problem is not solved in this way, Rector Vardyevan Grigoryan
intends to apply to the National Assembly.
TV Company “Tsayg,” Gyumri

LITHUANIA PROPOSING BIGGER DEFENSE ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIA
Baltic News Service
June 15, 2006 Thursday 3:06 PM EET
Lithuania has proposed bigger assistance to Armenia in the field
of defense.
The possibility was discussed at a meeting between Lithuanian and
Armenian defense ministers, Gediminas Kirkilas and Serzh Sargsian,
in Vilnius on Thursday.
“Lithuania is ready to assist Armenia in the implementation of goals
stipulated in the Individual Partnership Action Plan,” said the acting
Lithuanian defense minister, applauding the progress made by Armenia
in the cooperation with NATO.
At the meeting, Kirkilas assured Sargsian that Lithuania would continue
financing the studies of Armenian military officers in the Lithuanian
Academy of War and the Baltic Defense College.
Kirkilas also suggested a possibility of internships at the Defense
Ministry and the Defense Staff for Armenian officers to learn about
the integrated system of officers and civilians in Lithuania.
Furthermore, the Lithuanian minister informed about appointment of an
adviser to the Armenian council of foreign advisers that will assist in
the assessment of the National Security Strategy worked out by Armenia.
Acting Commander of Field Forces Brigadier General Arvydas Pocius who
was present at the meeting suggested that Armenia may send officers
to the school of petty officers in Kaunas and participate in the
peacekeeping war games Amber Hope 2007 in Lithuania next year.
Armenia had an observer at Amber Hope 2005.

THE SHIRAK RESIDENTS ARE BEING INOCULATED
A1+
[01:20 pm] 15 June, 2006
Measures to prevent the bird flu are being taken in Shirak marz though
no case of the disease has been registered in the region so far.
The region has received about 10 thousand dose inoculums and has
inoculated the inhabitants free of charge.
Chief of the Regional Antiepidemic Board Karine Tairyan claims that in
case they are ordered to stop the measures immediately by the central
headquarters they will resume them in September – October as the flu
and other contagious diseases spreading through air, like respiratory
infaction grow acute especially in that period.
TV Company “Ttagy,” Gyumri

ARMENIAN WRESTLERS LEFT FOR KHASAVYURT
A1+
[02:26 pm] 15 June, 2006
Armenian team of free-style wrestling left for Khasavyurt at the
head of chief coach Hrant Enoqyan to participate in the international
tournament which is to start on June 18.
According to the data of the Armenian Wrestling Federation the
following participants are involved in the team; Eduard Atayan (56kg),
Mihran Yavouryan (56kg), Armen Karapetyan (60kg), Sevak Bazeyan
(60kg), Jirayr Hovhannesyan (66kg), Arshak Hayrapetyan (66kg),
Garsevan Vardanyan (74kg) and Hapetnak Kourikhanyan (84kg).
The winners of the European Championship held in Moscow in April and
the Armenian Wrestlers who participated in the Championship are not
included in the team. The coaches of the team probably decided to try
and encourage other wrestlers as well and then to put the team into
full shape before participating in the forthcoming World Championship.

LAST ARMENIAN OF TURKISH KONYA LAID TO REST
Armenpress
Jun 14 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS: The last Armenian resident of the
Turkish city of Konya, Grigor Ozararat, was laid to rest recently,
the Turkish daily Hurriyet reported.
It said his relations and friends from Canada and France came to bid
their last farewell to him. Among them was Samson Ozararat, who is
known for his efforts to prompt normalization of Turkish-Armenian
relations.
Hurriyet said Ali Tuygan, an aide to Turkish foreign minister, sent
a wreath. Grigor Ozararat was buried in the Armenian cemetery in Konya.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES GROWS 4% ANNUALLY
Armenpress
Jun 15 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 15, ARMENPRESS: The number of people in Armenia with
diabetes grows 4 percent every year.
Ashot Mamikonian, chief endocrinologist of the health ministry,
said this is a common trend worldwide.
About 35,000 people in Armenia have diabetes. The number of children
with this diseases also grows due to soaring rates of obesity in
children, a major reason accounting for the growth . They acquire the
so-called type 2 diabetes, a disease that used to be seen primarily
in adults over age 45. Mamikonian said diabetes is a disease that
wreaks havoc on just about every part of the body, including the
eyes. While many of the health problems associated with diabetes are
well publicized, many people are unaware that the disease causes severe
vision problems that can lead to blindness. Persons with diabetes
are also at increased risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma.
While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, it only accounts for about
5% to 10% of all cases. The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes,
especially among children, adolescents has caused a huge increase
in total cases. Mamikonian says there are simple ways to avoid this
disease-to maintain a healthy weight, increase physical activity,
watch and control blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Seven thousand people with diabetes out of the 35,000 in Armenia are
insulin dependent, others use pills to reduce the amount of sugar in
blood. All insulin dependant patients receive it free.