NEWS IN BRIEF.

Interenergo, part of Russia’s UES electricity monopoly, has bought
power distributor Electricheskiye Syet Armenia for $73m. UES’ other
electricity assets in the country include the Sevan-Razdansky
hydro-power plant and Razdansky thermal power plant. The World Bank
has complained about a lack of transparency in the sale.

CEREMONIAL CLOSING OF RETRAINING COURSES FOR ARMENIAN TEACHERS FROM
DIASPORA HELD AT HOLY ECHMIAZDIN

YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. A ceremonial closing of retraining
courses for Armenian teachers from diaspora has been held at the Holy
See of Echmiadzin. The press service of the Holy See reports that the
1-month courses were conducted at the Gevorgyan ecclesiastical
seminary under the patronage of Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin
II. RA Minister of Education and Science Sergo Yeritsyan made a
congratulatory speech at the ceremony. He pointed out new programs of
retraining diasporan teachers and organizing the rest of 500
diasporan students in Armenia. Garegin II sent his blessings to the
teachers as well. He expressed confidence in a high mission of
educating Armenian children.
After the teachers’ speeches of welcome, the RA Minister of Education
and Science and the Leader of the Armenian Church issued certificates
to them. P.T. -0–

ARGENTINEAN SENATE RE-CONDEMNS TURKEY FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN 1915

YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. On July 27, 2005, the Argentinean
National Senate re-adopted a statement condemning Turkey for the
Armenian Genocide committed in 1915, the press and information
department, RA Foreign Office, reports. On April 20, 2005, the
Argentinean Senate condemned the Turkish authorities for persistent
denial of the irrefutable fact of the Armenian Genocide. The Turkish
Foreign Office sent a note of protest, regarding the Argentinean
Senate’s statement as “irresponsible.” On May 5, 2005, the country’s
Senate declined the protest as ungrounded. P.T. -0–

ARKA News Agency
Aug 22 2005

ARMENIAN PREMIER EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS ON 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF
DECLARATION ON ARMENIA’S INDEPENDENCE

YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan has
extended his congratulations on the occasion of the 15th anniversary
of the Declaration of Armenia’s independence. In his message, the RA
Premier pointed out that the adoption of the Declaration on August
23, 1990 inaugurated a new stage in Armenia’s modern history. The
expression of the people’s common will inaugurated the formation of
independent statehood. “A year later, in September, independent
Armenia became reality substantiated by the results of a nation-wide
referendum. For 14 years our country has confidently been moving
forward, consolidating its statehood and confirming its commitment to
panhuman values,” the message says. The message also says that after
Armenia gained independence, it has ample opportunities for
integrating into civilized world, establishing equal relations with
other nations, preserving national identity, realizing national
aspirations and handing down powerful and prosperous Armenia to
future generations.
Margaryan expressed the confidence that Armenia “will able to retain
the achievements of the past hard day way, add new ones, meet all the
challenges and continue its march of independence without hindrance.”
P.T. -0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BTA INVEST BANK PRESENTATION HELD IN YEREVAN

YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. BTA Invest Bank presentation took place
in Yerevan on Monday. Rasul Kosanov, Chair of the BTA Invest Bank’s
Board, said at the presentation that the bank intends to make its
contribution in the development of Armenia’s financial sectors, to
introduce innovative banking products, to advance Armenian companies
and Armenia as a whole in the international investment community,
stimulating offshore investments flows into the country. In his
words, one of the most important directions in the bank’s activity in
Armenia will be mortgage lending and small- and middle-scale business
crediting. In particular, the bank is planning to create joint
co-branded and discount program implementation (offering discounts in
the best restaurants and shops of Yerevan to BTA Invest plastic cards
owners). The bank will offer its clients to make their payments for
utilities and cellular communication services through cash machines.
The bank also intends to offer one of advanced banking technologies
for regional internet-banking network development.
Yerik Sultankulov, Chairman of the Bank’s Council and Financial
Director of Bank TuranAlem, said presumed amount of BTA Invest Bank
investments for 2005 will make about $ 30mln. Mortgage lending is
planned to total $10mln.
Bank TuranAlem, one of Kazakhstan’s biggest banks, acquired 48.9%
shares in authorized capital of International Investment Bank later
renamed into BTA Invest Bank. The bank’s other shareholders are ZRL
Austrian company (31.1%) and MOBILEX Kazakh-Armenian company (20%).
According to the bank’s regular reports, BTA Invest Bank’s assets
totaled AMD 1118.9mln as of June 30, 2005, total capital made AMD
878.8mln and authorized capital AMD 1105mln. Credit investments made
AMD 181.7mln as of June 30, 2005.
TuranAlem is a system-making bank of Kazakhstan and the leader in
creating banking network in CIS member countries. The bank’s assets
reach $5.5bn and own capital exceeds $600mln. The network of the
bank’s strategic partners includes Slavinvestbank, Omsk-bank,
Agroincombank, BTA Kazan (Russia), BTA Transbank (Ukraine),
Astana-Eximbank (Belarus), BTA Silk Road Bank (Georgia) and BTA
Investbank (Armenia). M.V. -0–

CBA CHAIRMAN: THERE IS QUITE HIGH COMPETITION IN THE BANKING SYSTEM
OF ARMENIA

YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. There is quite high competition in the
banking system of Armenia, as CBA Chairman Tigran Sargsyan stated at
the BTA Investbank presenting ceremony. In his words, new bank’s
entering Armenia and having quite serious ambitions testifies to even
higher competition in this sector. “It’s very important that the
rules adopted in the banking sector of Armenia proof to be stable,
and the new bank could organize in new conditions profitable
business”, he said. He emphasized that in any case strivings of CBA
to canonize banking relations has exactly this goal. “We welcome
toughening of competition, since clients will profit from it”, he
said assuring the Kazakh colleagues that strivings of CBA are to
create equal conditions for all banks in Armenia.
In May 2005 one of the largest banks of Kazakhstan – TuranAlem Bank
purchased 48,9% of shares of International Investment Bank CJSC,
lately renamed into BTA Investbank. The rest shareholders of the bank
are ZRL Austrian company (with 31,1% stock) and Kazakhstan -Armenian
MOBILEX company (20%). Currently 21 banks operate in Armenia. A.H.
-0–

A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE RA NA TO TAKE PLACE ON AUGUST 29

YEREVAN, August 22. /ARKA/. Taking into account the initiative of 46
deputies of the RA NA and guiding by Article 70 of the RA
Constitution, RA President Robert Kocharyan signed a decree on
convocation of a special parliamentary session on August 29.
According to the RA NA Public Relations Department, the agenda will
include the project of amendments to the Constitution made in the
second reading.
The project of constitutional reforms offered by the ruling coalition
was adopted in the first reading on May 11, 2005. The referendum on
amendments to the Constitution should be held in Armenia in November
2005. A.H. -0-

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Ganguly finishes off with a win

FROM OUR CHESS CORRESPONDENT ABU DHABI, AUG 23 (PTI)
Indian Grandmaster Surya Shekhar Ganguly scored a comprehensive
victory over Russian GM Mikhail Ulibin in the ninth round to finish
13h in the Master’s section at the 15th Abu Dhabi International Chess
festival that concluded here today.

Grandmaster Ashot Anastasian of Armenia won the title after playing a
quick draw with GM Alexei Federov of Belarus. Anastasian finished
with a tally of seven points out of a possible nine and pocketed the
first prize of USD 4,000.

Grandmaster Dmitry Bocharov of Russia defeated Ukrainian GM Alexander
Goloshachapov.

Bocharov and Uzbekistan’s International Master Sergey Kayumov tied
for the second spot scoring 6.5 points each while Ganguly finished
13th with six points.

Ganguly yet again showcased his superior endgame technique to outplay
Ulibin who played the black side of a French defence game.

Playing the Winawer variation, Ganguly got an advantage in the
opening itself and nurtured it well to win a pawn.

Ulibin found some solace in an exchange sacrifice for some optical
attack but Ganguly was on his guard and timely trading of queens led
to a difficult endgame for black.

Ganguly wrapped up the issue in 55 moves after tying black pieces to
passive defence.

The final round saw another spurt from Eesha Karavade who beat
Grandmaster Vladimir Dobrov of Russia. With this victory, Karavade
secured another Woman Grandmaster norm scoring 5.5 points in the
event.

International Master D V Prasad also finished on 5.5 points after
settling for another draw. GM Sergey Grigoriants of Russia failed to
break the solid defence of the Indian and had to split the point
despite playing white. Abhijeet Gupta was on the receiving end
against third seed and former Russia champion Sergei Volkov. Playing
with black, Gupta could not produce the form that helped him amass
important points in the first seven rounds. Despite losses in the
last two rounds, the Bhilwara based youngster is expected to gain
some important ELO rating points from this tournament.

Parimarjan Negi struck some late form and grounded Mesgen Amanov of
Turkmenistan in a fine game with black pieces.

Amongst other Indians in the fray, Akshat Khamparia and Krutika Nadig
were on the receiving end going down to GM Stefan Djuric of Serbia
and Meilis Annaberdiev of Turkmenistan respectively.

M B Muralidharan drew with Sergei Simonenko of Turkmenistan while
Tania Sachdev shared the point with Elshan Moradiabadi of Iran.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
08/23/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Instanbul Conference on Armenian Genocide Back on Calendar
2) My Killings Are Much Bigger Than Yours…
3) Colorado Congressman Tancredo Extends Support to Constituent Appeals
4) Kick-off Party Officially Announces Pontifical Visit by Aram I
5) Bella Darbinian Dies

1) Instanbul Conference on Armenian Genocide Back on Calendar

Justice Minister Cicek takes `wait and see’ attitude

ISTANBUL (Combined Sources)–A Conference on the Armenian genocide that was
abruptly postponed last May, seems to be back-on, reported the Istanbul-based
Armenian Daily Marmara.
The three-day conference, which was to open on May 25 at Istanbul’s Bogazici
University, but was cancelled under government pressure, has been rescheduled
for September 23-25 at the same university.
The original conference, “Ottoman Armenians during the Decline of the Empire:
Issues of Scientific Responsibility and Democracy,” was organized by a
group of
Turkish historians challenging the official line on the issue.
Turkish academics and intellectuals from throughout the world who dispute
Ankara’s version of the 1915-1917 genocide of Armenians, were to have lectured
at the conference organized by Turkey’s three most prestigious universities.
This time around, organizers are refusing to release any details. Bogazici
University rector Ayse Soysal, through a spokesman, revealed that he simply
does not want to talk about the subject.
Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek had condemned the original initiative as
a blow to government efforts to counter a mounting Armenian campaign to have
the Genocide recognized internationally. “This is a stab in the back to the
Turkish nation… this is irresponsibility,” Cicek told parliament. “We must
put an end to this cycle of treason and insult, of spreading propaganda
against
the [Turkish] nation by people who belong to it”
This time, however, Cicek told journalists, `They did not ask for my input in
either organizing or canceling the original conference. They did not ask
for my
opinion this time either. When the time comes, we will see together just who
will say what.’
The cancellation drew worldwide criticism from scholars, politicians,
organizations, and the media.
Tosun Terzioglu, the President of Sabanci University, one of the
organizers of
the conference, expressed his disapproval through a formal statement that
read,
in part: `Those who oppose these meetings can criticize them in one way or
another. But what is most important is the freedom to be able to hold such
meetings. In addition to being educational institutions, the universities
also
serve as the guarantors of and as an umbrella for free and creative
discussions
on topics that are of interest to the country and the world. In the final
analysis, they can contribute to societal progress by virtue of their members’
total possession of the freedom of research, thought and expression.
It is extremely distressing and dreadful that, in opposition to these
universal values that have also been assimilated in Turkey, the 25-27 May
conference at Bosphorus University was brought, because of prejudices and
serious accusations, to the point of not being actualized. Not only does this
consequence seriously harm the development of the freedom of thought,
democracy
and civil society, but I worry that it will also become, in the future within
the international arena, a significant impediment to Turkey.’

2) My Killings Are Much Bigger Than Yours…

ANKARA–Israel’s Ambassador to Turkey seems to have rediscovered the measuring
stick yet again, saying that it is inappropriate to link the Holocaust of the
Jews and the Armenian genocide.
Turkish Daily News quoted Ambassador Pinhas Avivi as saying in an exclusive
interview to Hurriyet, `It is wrong to draw similarities between the Armenian
genocide and Jewish genocide. The Holocaust was a political decision to
eradicate an entire people from the earth. I really respect the decision of
the
Turkish Government and Turks to leave the issue to the historians. Not the
politicians but the historians should discuss the matter. Turkey opened its
archives and this is vital.’
He also gave assurances that Israel was not acting against Turkey’s interests
in northern Iraq. `If a Kurdish state is established in the North, a Shia
state is also established in the middle, and we do not want to see that. We
want a democratic and united Iraq’ he added.

3) Colorado Congressman Tancredo Extends Support to Constituent Appeals

CASTLE ROCK–In response to constituent requests for support of Armenian
Genocide legislation pending in Congress, Republican Representative Thomas G.
Tancredo (CO-6) has told voters, `I believe that the atrocities committed
against the Armenian people is worthy of the term `genocide.’ It was carried
out the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1916, and large numbers of Armenians were
methodically massacred.’
Colorado Armenian American community leaders and activists began receiving
response letters from the Congressman this month, and expressed their
appreciation for his candid remarks. Among them were long-time ANCA-WR
supporter and community leader, Dr. Garo Chalian, and ANC activist Simon
Maghakyan who said that they were encouraged by the Congressman’s clear and
unambiguous statement.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) also
praised Tancredo for his firm moral stance. `Congressman Tancredo voted for
passage of the Armenian Genocide resolution in 2000,’ said ANCA-WR Chair
Steven
Dadaian.` Having his support again is critical as he serves on the House
International Relations Committee.’
Last week, ANCA Government Affairs Director Kate Nahapetian thanked
members of
the Representative’s Washington, DC staff and also reviewed pressing foreign
affairs matters that concern Armenian Americans.
The State of Colorado has a growing and vibrant Armenian American community.
Armenians of Colorado, an organization dedicated to advancing understanding of
Armenian history, culture, religion, language, and heritage, has consistently
maintained strong ties with Colorado state officials and its Congressional
delegation. In 2003, the Colorado General Assembly permanently designated
April
24 `Colorado Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide’ and urged US
Congress
to likewise act to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.
Two resolutions on the Armenian genocide have been introduced in the 109th
session of the House of Representatives. With strong bi-partisan support (112
and 83 cosponsors, respectively, to date) the resolutions have been
referred to
the House International Relations Committee and are currently pending
markup in
the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations,
on which Rep. Tancredo serves.

4) Kick-off Party Officially Announces Pontifical Visit by Aram I

STUDIO CITY–Hosted by the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a
Kick-Off Party to officially announce His Holiness Aram I’s visit to the
United
States, drew more than 200 religious brothers, community activists,
benefactors, and devoted sponsors to Bistro Gardens in Studio City, California
on August 21.
The Pontifical visit of the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia will
begin on October 5, under the theme, `Towards the Light of Knowledge.’
`Inspired and empowered by the caliber of supporters and believers in the
Armenian Apostolic Church, we did not find it necessary to organize a Kick-Off
Party for the Official Banquet in honor of His Holiness Aram I,’ Prelate
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian told supporters. `This Kick-Off was
organized
to thank our life-long supporters as well as officially announce the
Pontifical
Visit of His Holiness.’
The evening’s program began with Banquet Committee Chairman, Shant Haytayan
and Second Chairman, Peklar Pilavjian, welcoming distinguished guests, and
inviting Archbishop Mardirossian to deliver his message.
Archbishop Mardirossian highlighted several key events of the Catholicos’s
Visit, including a pontifical mass at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale on October
9, a youth forum in Fresno on October 10, a major address on `Christianity in
the Middle East’ to be delivered at the World Affairs Council on October 14,
and a symposium on the `Christian Response to Violence’ to be held at the
University of Southern California on October 15.
The Archbishop explained that this Pontifical Visit will coincide with the
1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet and solemn
programs
marking the 90th commemoration of the Armenian genocide.
The evening concluded with great surprises, including the immediate request
for more than 1000 tickets after guests were told about the October 9 Gala
Banquet to be at the Universal Hilton.
As inspiring and important were the several large donations that were made to
benefit the ongoing work of the Western Prelacy, including the blessing of the
Western Prelacy’s headquarters, and the opening of St. Sarkis Apostolic Church
in Pasadena.
`The Western Prelacy is dedicated to the community as it works diligently to
revitalize the physical, economic, cultural, spiritual, and educational
conditions of its churches and schools,’ said Archbishop Mardirossian. `The
Western Prelacy has and will continue to make a substantial impact on
expanding
its reach to the Armenian-American community as long as it has supporters and
believers as benevolent and dedicated as evidenced at this showcase Kick-Off
celebration.’

5) Bella Darbinian Dies

YEREVAN (Armenpress/Narek.com)–An icon in Armenian popular music for more
than
three decades, Bella Darbinian, who also helped define the genre with a sultry
voice and a style all her own, died on the evening of August 22 in Yerevan,
after a long and debilitating illness.
Classically trained in Yerevan and Moscow, Darbinian gave up opera for a
career that would be more in tune with the pop sensibilities she grew up with
in Armenia’s Lori region. She entered the spot-light in the early 60s when she
became a soloist with the Armenian State Ensemble. Her popularity soared after
joining the Symphonic Ensemble of Armenian Radio and Television in 1966.
For the next 30 years, Darbinian’s numerous recordings and performances to
packed houses introduced a new level of legitimacy to modern Armenian pop
songs. Darbinian also performed in Russian, to gain immense popularity
throughout the states of the former Soviet Union.
Despite a prolonged absence in the 90s, Darbinian was back in 1998, with a
slew of new recordings and tour dates in the works.
As evidenced by her latest works, her resolve and passion for singing were
forever spirited.

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Darchinyan gets no respect
By Peter Kogoy
24aug05

ARMENIAN-born Australian world champion Vic Darchinyan has vowed “to
bash” Colombian flyweight contender Jair Jiminez into early
retirement at the Sydney Entertainment Centre tonight.

Jiminez will aim to score an upset in the IBF contest, but faces a
formidable task.

“I will bash him badly,” said Darchinyan, before spending yesterday
afternoon in a sauna to shed more than 1kg to meet the 50.8kg weight
limit.

“Jiminez has shown me no respect. I am undefeated and the world
champion. He should show me more respect than to mouth off about me
to the media.”

Darchinyan’s battle with the bulge came after the title defence had
to be postponed for four weeks when Jiminez had trouble securing a
visa.

“I did plenty of running, but the weight still kept going up. But
time in the sauna will see my bodyweight come in right on the limit.”

Darchinyan, who boasts a 23-0 record, is a hot favourite against the
ninth-ranked Jiminez (24-4-1).

“I have the IBF and the IBO flyweight titles and my next goal after I
beat Jiminez is to unify the division,” Darchinyan said.

However, Thailand’s formidable Pongsaklek Wonjongkam stands in his
way.

Jiminez has the services of veteran trainer Roberto Quesada of Cuba.

Darchinyan won the title from another Colombian, Irene Pacheco, in
December.

Quesada said Jiminez, 26, had sparred 120 rounds over three months in
preparation for tonight’s fight.

He claimed Jiminez would put Darchinyan under more pressure than the
champion received in his last fight.

“Darchinyan has a (unbeaten) professional record, but he’s still an
amateur,” Quesada said.

“It’s no secret that Jiminez will put too much pressure on
Darchinyan. Jiminez moves his head and Darchinyan doesn’t.”

Jiminez boasts 16 knockouts in his 24 wins, but has lost his past two
fights, to Gerson Guerrero. Quesada said both were at the
super-flyweight, or 52.16kg, limit.

“When Jiminez is fighting at flyweight he’s good, at super-flyweight
he’s not so good.”

The undercard for tonight’s promotion features three unbeaten boxers:
super-featherweight (58.97kg) Billy Dib; featherweight Ahmed Elomar
(57.15kg) and super-middleweight (76.20kg) Victor Oganov.