ROBERT KOCHARIAN: ARMENIAN SIDE EXPECTS FROM “MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE” CORPORATION CLEAR AND DISTINCT RELATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Armenian-American
relations develop in a rather practic and dynamic way, widening the
volumes year by year. RA President Robert Kocharian stated about this,
receiving on April 12 the delegation headed by U.S. Congressman Jim
Kolbe. Congressman Scott Garrett, Ambassador John Danilovich, the
Chief Executive Officer of the “Millennium Challenge” corporation,
other officials are in the delegation. Congressman Jim Kolbe
greeted in his turn the Armenian peace-keepers’ successful mission in
Iraq. Expressing his gratitude for the financial assistance allocated
to Armenia within the framework of the “Millennium Challenge” program,
Robert Kocharian said that Armenia remains faithful to strengthening
of democracy and liberty, to keeping and progress of which the
program is aimed. The head of the country considered the program to
be double important as it involves the marzes of the republic and,
as the President mentioned, may arise great qualitative changes,
supporting reduction of discrepancy among the city of Yerevan and
rural communities. Robert Kocharian also said that the Armenian
side expects from the “Millennium Challenge” corporation clear and
distinct relations of partnership. Issues of securing good indexes
in the spheres of just management, making investments in the humane
capital and encouriging the economic freedom, issues of struggle
against corruption were considered primary for getting continuous
assistance from the “Millennium Challenge” fund. As Noyan Tapan was
informed by the RA President’s Press Office, for raising the level of
holding elections to take place in 2007 and 2008, the interlocuters
attached importance to improvement of the electoral code and promotion
of as wide discussions on it as it’s possible. The Karabakh issue
settlement was also touched upon during the meeting.

VARTAN OSKANIAN AND AMERICAN DELEGATION DISCUSS ISSUES REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF FREE ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND STRENGTHENING OF DEMOCRACY IN RA
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On April 12, RA
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian received U.S. Congressmen, Jim Kolbe
(state of Arizona), Chairman of the foreign programs subcommission
of the allocations commission of the House of Representatives,
Scott Garrett (state of New Jersey), member of financial services
and budget commissions of the House of Representatives, Ambassador
John J. Danilovich, Executive Director of the Millennium Challenge
corporation, who are in Armenia on a regional visit. As Noyan Tapan was
informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
they exchanged thoughts about the agenda of Armenian-American
relations, in particular, about implementation of the provisions of
the agreement signed with the Millennium Challenge corporation and
foundation of an Office in Yerevan for this purpose, development of
a free economic system and strengthening of democracy in Armenia,
as well as about a number of issues of international and regional
interest. Highly estimating the assistance rendered by the U.S. since
the independence of Armenia, the sides mentioned the importance of
openness and transparency for the society of all issues connected
with the resources provided to Armenia within the framework of
the Millennium Challenge program and adherence of the Armenian
government to the principles of democracy. Then the sides touched upon
regional issues speaking about the Armenia-Iran and Armenia-Turkey
relations. Minister Oskanian briefly presented the situation in the
Karabakh settlement formed after Rambouillet.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS EMPHASIZES CAREFUL ATTITUDE OF HUNGARIAN AUTHORITIES TOWARDS ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
ECHMIADZIN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On April 12,
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received newly appointed
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to
Armenia Arpad Sekey (residence Moscow) in the Mother See of Holy
Echmiadzin. Congratulating the Ambassador on the occasion of his
appointment, His Holiness the Patriarch espressed him his gratitude and
passed him his good wishes. “We are pleased to see that the relations
between the two countries develop at a new level, adequate to the ties
that were historically formed between the two peoples,” Catholicos of
All Armenians said. As Noyan Tapan was informed from the Information
Services of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, Karekin II also touched
upon the life of the Armenian community enjoying the careful and kind
attitude of the Hungarian authorities. Expressing gratitude for the
opportunity of the meeting, the Ambassador touched upon his first
visit to Armenia and to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin 28 years
ago. The Ambassador also presented His Holiness the Patriarch the
political and religious situation in Hungary. The interlocutors also
spoke about the important role and mission of the Armenian Apostolic
Church in the life of the Armenian people, touched upon the Church’s
activity and interchurch relations.

“ARMENIAN NAVY BAND’S” VICTORY IS ONE OF WHOLE ARMENIAN PEOPLE, ARMENIAN MANAGER OF GROUP EMPHASIZES
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The “Armenian Navy
Band” headed by Arto Tuncboyaciyan was awarded the most honourary
“World Music Award” prize of the BBC radio company’s authoritative
music awarding taken place in October, 2005. This prize is given
as a result of votion of music lovers of all over the world. As
John Grigorian, the Armenian manager of the group informed at the
April 12 press-conference taken place in Yerevan, the “Armenian
Navy Band” got votes of 20 thousand music lovers of the world and
at the April 7 solemn ceremony taken place in London was recognized
the main prize-winner of the BBC awarding. The “Armenian Navy Band”
was sympathized by music lovers for vanguard-folk interpretations of
traditional Armenian melodies. The band entered the final stage with
the Brazilian “Seu Jorge”, Iraqian “Ilham al Madfai” and Italian
“Enzo Avitabile and Botari” groups in the nomination of the “Best
European Group.” At the ceremony taken place in London, band head,
composer and singer Arto Tuncboyaciyan had a solo performance after
getting the prize. John Grigorian mentioned that this victory is
not only Arto’s one, but of the whole Armenian people. The Armenian
manager of the group mentioned that the band’s “Voice of our Soul”
disk supported this victory. This disk was recognized the 14th among
the 950 disks released all over the world in 2004, and the 4th in
May of the same year. After the awarding the 12-members band got an
invitation to participate in vangard-folk music festival to take place
in Venice in June. At present Arto Tuncboyaciyan is in the U.S. and
probably, will arrive in Yerevan after April 20. His son Sedrak
with his friends will also arrive with him. According to preliminary
information, Sedrak will perform a concert program in Armenia.

RESTORERS’ SCHOOL TO BE FOUNDED IN ARMENIA WITH ITALIAN SPECIALISTS’ ASSISTANCE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Government
of Italy allocated in 2006 35 thousand evros and the Embassy of
Italy to Armenia – 29.5 thousand evros for keeping and restoring the
historic-cultural monuments in Armenia. Roberto Nocella, the Second
Secretary of the Embassy of Italy to Armenia stated about this at
the April 11 press-conference. According to the Second Secretary of
the Embassy, Armenia was given this year scholarship for 26 months,
from the scholarships being allocated by the Italian Government to
specialists of different countries for studying the Italian Language
and culture. Those scholarships will be given in Armenia first of
all to those specialists who are engaged in study of architecture,
restoration of frescos and fastening of monuments. Roberto Nocella
emphasized that sources of the Armenian-Italian friendship, having deep
roots, continues to productively develop today as well. According to
him, following the UNESCO example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of his country implements activity aimed to keeping monuments in
different countries of the world. According to R.Nocella, restoration
of a cultural monument in any country may be considered the best
cultural dialogue.
According to Professor Gaiane Casnati, the Director of the
Armenian Architecture Study and Documentation Center of Milan, the
Armenian-Italian joint works have given their positive results in the
direction of restoring monuments since 2000. The monastic complex of
Marmashen was restored, the preliminary appearance of the Yereruyk
temple is studied at present. The state of wall-paintings of the
Kobayri monastery will be studied with the help of Italian specialists
and their restoration scheme will be drafted this year. Gaiane Casnati
mentioned that Italian specialists jointly with the Government of
Armenia participate in works of fastening the castles of Amberd and
Dashtadem. She informed that seminars with participation of Armenian
and Italian architects will be organized in Armenia during this
year. According to G.Casnati, the final goal of that joint activity
is creation of the Restorers’ School in Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EGOYAN’S “ARARAT” FILM TO BE SHOWN IN TURKEY ON APRIL 13
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Turkish
“Canal Turk” private TV will demonstrate late on April 13 Atom
Egoyan’s “Ararat” film where the theme of the Armenian Genocide is
touched upon. According to Radio Liberty, the TV speaker assured
on April 12, that the film will be shown without shortenings and
cencorship.” According to him, it was decided to show the film after
the event when the survey showed that 72% of televiewers wants to
watch Egoyan’s film. According to the information of the “Francepress”
agency, the Government of Tukey did not prohibit show of the film. The
agency reminds at the same time that in 2004 a Turkish company intended
to show the “Ararat” film at cinemas, but then refused this idea,
having a fear that show of the film may raise a wave of complaint
and the cinema halls must be controlled by policemen.

“ARMENIAN NAVY BAND” AWARDED BBC MUSIC PRIZE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The “Armenian Navy
Band” headed by Arto Tunboyaciyan fixed an excellent victory in the
sphere of music, being announced on April 7, as the main prize-winner
of the BBC world authoritative music awarding. By a votion implemented
in the Internet by music lovers, the band entered the final stage
with the Brazilian “Seu Jorge”, Iraqian “Ilham al Madfai” and Italian
“Enzo Avitabile and Botari” groups. The jury members who were music
critics recognized the “Armenian Navy Band” as the winner among those
four groups. According to the “Azg” daily, the awarding ceremony took
place on April 7, at the “Brickstone” Academy hall. Arto Tuncboyaciyan
was invited to the awarding. He had a 5-minutes solo performance after
getting the prize. The “Armenian Navy Band” was sympathized by music
lovers for vanguard-folk interpretations of traditional Armenian
melodies. Arto Tuncboyaciyan left London for New Jersey on April
10, where he lives with his wife and two children. John Grigorian,
the Armenian manager of the group mentioned that the band’s “Voice
of our Soul” disk supported this victory. This disk was recognized
the 14th among the 950 disks released all over the world in 2004.
According to him, this prize will give the band, first of all, fame,
then, self-affirmation. “People chose us who gave us power and move
our ship forward,” he said. In all probability, the band will have a
concert in Yerevan on April 24, the memory day of the Armenian Genocide
victims. Foreign singers as well as Arto’s son will participate in
the concert.

AZNAVOUR LIGHTS CANDLE IN GOSHAVANK AND HAGHARTSIN CHURCH
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
IJEVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. World famous chanson
singer Charles Aznavour visited Goshavank and the Haghartsin church
complex, accompanied by his son, Misha, on April 9. Aznavour was met
in the village of Gosh with great warmness, “salt and bread.” Girls
of the village presented him flowers, and an old woman from the
village presented some jam prepared by herself. Dozens of families
from the regions of Ijevan and Dilijan came to see Aznavour. The
latter presented them autographs, was photographed with them.
Aznavour lighted candle in Goshavank and the Haghartsin church.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HAY DAT COMMITTEE OF TEHRAN ORGANIZES SERIES OF EVENTS DEDICATED TO 91st ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
TEHRAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Within the framework
of events dedicated to the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
the Hay Dat Committee of Tehran envisaged to send a corresponding
package of documentary data concerning to the Armenian Genocide to
foreign embassies accredited in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Swiss
Lawyer Alfred de Zayas’ books in English and French are also included
in the package. The theme of the Genocide under the light of the
international legal reasonings is touched upon in the books.
Within the framework of publication and propaganda works, an
information package concerning the Armenian Genocide will be sent to
Iranian mass media and deputies of the Islamic Parliament. During the
last year, the Hay Dat Committee was engaged in works of gathering
and translating researches concerning the Genocide implemented by
the Armenian, Iranian and European sources, with the initiative of
preparing documentary films. The Armenian Issues Research Center
(AIRC) undertook works of Persian translation and publication of
three books on the theme of the Genocide. Within the framework of
events dedicated to the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
the center will organize on April 18 an event of spiritism, with the
participation of Persian intellectuals, writers and deputies of the
Islamic Parliament. Doctor Afrough, a deputy of the Islamic Parliament
will be the speaker of the day. As the Tehran “Alik” daily informs,
the Hay Dat Committee also organizes a people’s public event of
spiritism of Armenians of Tehran on April 24.

RUSSIA CAN DEPRIVE ARMENIA OF ITS ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, ECONOMIST EDUARD AGHAJANOV STATES
Noyan Tapan
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia has sold 27% of its
45% holding of ArmRusgasprom company to Russia, as a result of
which Gasprom company (Russia) has become the owner of 82% of
ArmRusgasprom. Independent economist Eduard Aghajanov said during
the April 12 press conference that he was informed about it from the
Russian press and Gasprom’s website. According to him, Russia has
also bought the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, which means that Russia
is likely to form a rigid integrated structure in this sector and
completely deprive Armenia of its energy independence or security. In
the opinion of E. Aghajanov, after all this it is funny to speak
about Armenia’s energy independence, since the country, in his words,
has received status of a Russian region and has been transformed from
an outpost into an appendage. He noted that Russia is conducting a
colonial policy with respect to Armenia. According to E. Aghajanov,
it is a nonsense to give everything to one state, since there is
another player in the energy sector of the region – Iran.