NAGORNO-KARABAKH: A PLAN FOR PEACE
International Crisis Group, Belgium
Oct 11 2005
;id=3740&m=1
Tbilisi/ Brussels, 11 October 2005: A compromise peace in
Nagorno-Karabakh looks possible, but significant stumbling blocks
remain.
Nagorno-Karabakh: A Plan for Peace,* the latest report from the
International Crisis Group, examines the causes of the conflict,
analyses the negotiation process led by the Organisation for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and identifies the necessary
elements of an achievable peace plan. An earlier Crisis Group report,
from 14 September 2005, explored how Armenian and Azeri communities
view resolution of the conflict.
“The two sides appear close to agreeing on key principles of a peace
deal”, says Sabine Freizer, Director of Crisis Group’s Caucasus
Project. “It is essential that the governments now begin preparing
their people for a compromise”.
Major elements of the proposed settlement package include:
Leaving the core issue of Nagorno-Karabakh’s status open for later
resolution; withdrawal of Armenia-backed Nagorno-Karabakh forces
from the occupied districts of Azerbaijan surrounding the entity;
renunciation by Azerbaijan of the use of force to reintegrate the
entity; deployment of international peacekeepers; return of displaced
persons; and re-opening of trade and communication links.
Nagorno-Karabakh’s status should ultimately be determined by an
internationally sanctioned referendum with the exclusive participation
of Karabakh Armenians and Azeris, but only after the above measures
have been implemented. Until then, Nagorno-Karabakh would remain part
of Azerbaijan, though in practical terms it would be self-governing
and enjoy an internationally acknowledged interim status.
Eleven years after the 1994 ceasefire, burgeoning defence budgets,
increasing ceasefire violations, and continuing demonisation by
each side of the other side are ominous signs that time for a peace
agreement is running out.
“So far, despite progress in the negotiations, the resumption of war
remains as likely as peace”, says Alain Deletroz, Crisis Group’s Vice
President for Europe.

ATAMIAN WINS ARMENIAN BY-ELECTIONS
By Georges der Partogh in Nicosia
AZG Armenian Daily #182
11/10/2005
Diaspora
Cardiologist Vahakn Atamian who won Sunday’s (October 9) by-election
for the Armenian Representative in the Cyprus Parliament, pledged
that he will act as representative of all members of the 3.000 member
Armenian community in the island republic, and strive to meet his
pr-e-election commitments which centers on saving the Melkonian
Educational Institute arbitrary shut down by the New York based
central board of the AGBU (Armenian General Benevolent Union).
“The most important problems facing our community right now are
the Melkonian, the ancient Armenian cemetery, and our historic and
religious monuments which have been under Turkish military occupation
since 1974 and are in deplorable conditions,” Atamian said after
his victory.
He called upon the entire Armenian community to join him in the
struggle to find solution to the serious problems of the community
and said that he would be running for election to a full five year
term in next May’s parliamentary elections. “I shall stand again in
order to complete the work which I am about to start”, he added.
Atamian, who is also the chairman of the Nareg Armenian Elementary
School in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, has already had meetings
with political party leaders here and will take his oath of office
in Parliament on Thursday.
“As I declared in my pre-election campaign I shall also start
meetings with our own church and political party factions, starting
with Catholicos Aram of the House of Cilicia, because I believe
that our daily life is very much centered around the church and
the school. Here I pledge that I shall spare no efforts in order to
achieve the continuation of the Melkonian. For that I shall need the
full support of all walks of Cyprus-Armenian life irrespective of
political beliefs.”
Atamian, 48, is himself a graduate of the Melkonian and served on
the board of management for many years. The Melkonian was the major
issue throughout the by-election and is expected to remain so in the
general elections of May 2006.
Chief Returning Officer Lazaros Savvides, announcing the election
results, said there were 1.928 registered voters of which 1.538 cast
their ballots.
There were 1.478 valid votes, Atamian received a total of 769 votes
or 52.03 percent, and succeeds Bedros Kalaydjian who passed away on
September 1st at the age of 71. He was supported as an independent
candidate, by the AGBU Clubs of Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, the
Ramgavar Liberal Democratic Party, the Hentchag Nor Seround as well
as Armenian left-wingers and the Sanoutz Mioutyoun Melkonian Alumni
Association.
Candidates Dr. Antranig Ashdjian and businessman Parsegh Zartarian
received 649 votes (43.91 percent) and 60 votes (4.06 percent)
respectively.
Both independent candidates, Ashdjian was backed by dashnaktsutyoun
while Zartarian only had his family to support him.
The three minority religious groups in Cyprus, namely Maronites,
Armenians and Latins, belonging to the Greek Cypriot community under
the terms of the 1959 constitution, elect a representative each to
the House and deal with educational and religious matters.

KERSAN AHARONIAN CLASSROOM IN DICKRANIAN SCHOOL
AZG Armenian Daily #182
11/10/2005
Diaspora
Tekeyan Cultural Association, cognizant of its nation-building mission,
in conjunction with its many chapters and centers worldwide, as well
as educational and publication endeavors, 25 years ago planned and
achieved one of its goals – the establishment of an Armenian Day school
in densely-populated Hollywood, adjacent to St. John Armenian Church.
This educational institution, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade high
school, played a basic and important role because of its visionary
and dedicated leaders, as well as the generous public at large.
Thanks to the princely donation of philanthropists Mrs. Eleanor
and the late Arshag Dickranian, the school was named after them –
The TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School.
The School has graduated over 300 students, who have already graduated
from respectable California universities and colleges, specializing in
medicine, law, education, science, business administration and others,
giving pride to their parents, the school and the Armenian community.
A couple of years ago, this educational institution embarked on an
expansion project and completed the construction of a three-story
imposing building this year. The students started to enjoy the new
building with all its facilities.
A few individuals, students and friends of the late Kersan Aharonian –
teacher, editor, historian and civic leader – came together and decided
to raise funds to name a classroom in his name, in the conviction
that the students passing through that classroom, will be inspired
by Kersan Aharonian’s legacy and enthusiasm in pursuing The Armenian
Case until the realization of ” The Great Dream”.
We expect from his friends and others, and specially his students,
who have been educated under his tutelage, to come forward and make
contributions to honor the life and memory of Kersan Aharonian.
The committee is composed of Suzy Bahadrian. Prof. Osheen Keshisian,
Dr.
Minas Kojoyan, Avo Magarian and Harout Yeretsian.
Please send your tax-deductible donation to TCA Arshag Dickranian
School, For Kersan Aharonian classroom, 1700 N, Cahuenga, Hollywood,
CA 90038.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

‘THE BOOK TARGETS THE CONSCIENCE OF THE WORLD’S READERS’
By Gohar Gevorgian
AZG Armenian Daily #182
11/10/2005
Bookshelf
“The colossal literature on Armenian Genocide has gotten enriched
today by one more book. This book, written in brilliant methods of
feature, targets the conscience of the world’s readers”, Levon Ananian,
president of the Writers’ Union, said at the presentation of “A Summer
Without Sunrise” book by Hakob Khachikian and Jean-Yves Sussi.
“A Summer Without Sunrise” of Hakob Khachikian, author of more than
20 books, was first published in French in 1991 and then republished
3 times in French, 3 times in English as well as in Romanian, German,
Spanish and Armenian. The presentation of the Armenian translation
will take place in near future; the Turkish version is waiting for
publication.
The novel is about the Armenian Genocide. “Delineated against the
background of complicated human relations, the novel emphasizes the
national drama.
Built on human relations, it preserves the historic standpoint”,
Yervand Azatian, vice-chairman of Tekeyan Cultural Union in the US
and Canada, said.
A people’s tragedy is shown in the book by a family’s fate. The
protagonist is Vartan Palian, writer, officer of the Turkish army
and a parliament member, introduces the tragedy that his people
went through. The speakers of the day compared the book’s power and
resonance with that of “The 40 Days of Musa Dag” after Franz Werfel.
Ruben Mirzakhanian, chairman of the Tekeyan Cultural Union and
sponsor of the event, underscored the importance of the books Armenian
publication which, he thinks, will enable wider circles of readers
to get acquainted with the book.
From: Baghdasarian

BHARION SINGH SHEKHAWAT: “I AM HERE AS PILGRIM”
Noyan Tapan News Agency
Oct 10 2005
ETCHMIADZIN, OCTOBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians received Bharion Singh Shehawat, the Vice
President of India arrived on an official visit to Armenia, accompanied
with Vahan Hovhannisian, the RA NA Deputy Speaker, Ashot Kocharian,
the RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to India, and
Deepak Vohra, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
India to RA, on October 7, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness expressed a special satisfaction with the kind and warm
relations present between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the
Embassy of India. In the person of the Vice President, His Holiness
expressed his gratitude to the authorities of India as well for the
care and attention towards the monuments of the Armenian people
created during the history as well as for the assistance to the
Armenian Church.
Bharion Singh Shekhawat, being glad of the occasion of his visit
to an ancient Christian country, said: “I’m here as a pilgrim. I’m
greatly impressed with the Armenian people’s devotion towards belief.”
As Noyan Tapan was informed by the Information Services of the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the problem of terrorism and challenges
arisen before the world were also touched upon at the meeting.

AT THE 33rd UNESCO GENERAL CONFERENCE
Panorama
21:13 10/10/05
Statement By H.E. Mr. Vartan Oskanian
Minister Of Foreign Affairs Of The Republic Of Armenia
PARIS
OCTOBER 7, 2005
Mr. President,
Congratulations on your election, and we look forward to working
with you as we have with President Omolewa. Congratulations also to
the Director-General with whom we look forward to working for a long
time to come.
At a time when the world is faced with new types of violence and
must therefore seek new ways to find peace, UNESCO is faced with
the hardest challenge of all: to create the defenses of peace in the
minds of men. For 60 years, this organization has promoted education,
science and culture because we know that it has been through education,
science and culture that ALL our civilizations have been nurtured
and have flourished. Education, science and culture cultivate peace
and are its fruits.
Each of us recognizes this in our own lands, in our own countries.
In Armenia, Education gave us our first university eight centuries ago.
Today, our education enrollment and literacy rate is among the best
in the world.
Ten centuries ago, Science provided us the tools with which to study
medicinal herbs under our feet, and the stars over our head.
But it is our culture that has saved us, defined us, formed our
character.
My people have lived in Diaspora for far longer than we have had a
state, and we have contributed to and learned from cultures across
the globe.
In Singapore, we have a church which is 200 years old. The one in Dakka
is even older. In Macao, the cemetery markers are memorials to Armenian
merchants from the 1600s. In Bangkok, the cemeteries are newer, but
only slightly. The local governments all protect and maintain these
cultural monuments consciously and generously, because they understand
that these monuments of a culture long gone are theirs as much as ours.
There is a similar cultural heritage in Europe and the Middle
East. From the tombs of Armenian medieval kings here in Paris to
ancient communities in Poland and Ukraine, the traces of a continuous
Armenian presence in Europe are guarded.
No better example exists than the Armenian Island of St. Lazaro, in
Venice, claimed equally by Armenians and Italians as part of their
cultural patrimony.
In Jerusalem, the old Armenian Quarter is an integral part of the
Biblical city’s past and future.
Throughout the various Arab countries of the Middle East, it is only
the age and quantity of Armenian structures that differ. The care and
attention which Armenians and their possessions receive is pervasive.
In our immediate neighborhood, Iran is home to cultural and religious
monuments built by Armenians over a millennium. The government of
Iran itself takes responsibility for their upkeep, and facilitates
their preservation by others.
Against this background then, we can only wish that our other
neighbours were equally tolerant and enlightened.
In Turkey, there are thousands of cultural monuments built and utilized
by Armenians through the centuries. Those structures today are not
just symbols of a lost way of life, but of lost opportunities. Those
monuments which represent the overlapping histories and memories
of Armenians and Turks do provide us the opportunity around which a
cultural dialog can start and regional cooperation can flourish.
Instead, those monuments which serve as striking evidence of
centuries of Armenian presence on those lands are being transformed
or demolished. With them go the memory and identity of a people.
But we are hopeful that there are changes in these attitudes and
approaches, and that Turkey is on the road to acknowledging its
pluralistic past and embracing its diversity today.
A few months ago, Turkish authorities began to actively encourage and
facilitate the expert renovation of a medieval jewel – the Armenian
monastery of Akhtamar. What is happening on this small island,
not far from our border, can be repeated again and again. Together,
we can work to rebuild the sole remaining monument in the legendary
city of Ani, just on the other side of the border, within easy view
from Armenia. The medieval city of a thousand and one churches is a
cultural marvel that can pull together and bind our two peoples.
Unfortunately Mr. Chairman, with our other neighbor, Azerbaijan,
the effort to do away with Armenians, which began even before
Sovietization, continues unabated. Now that there are no Armenians
left in Azerbaijan, it is religious and cultural monuments which
remain under attack.
This assault on our memory, history, holy places and artistic creations
began long before the people of Nagorno Karabakh stood to demand
self-determination in order to assure their own security. It began
long before the government of Azerbaijan chose war as the response to
the rightful, peaceful aspirations of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.
Mr. Chairman, Even in 1922, stone cross Armenian tombstone
carvings, older than Europe’s oldest churches, began to disappear
in Nakhichevan. There was no war in the years between 1998 and 2002
when 4000 of these giant sculptures were knocked over, piled onto
railroad cars and carted away under the Azerbaijani government’s
watchful eyes. There was no war in 1975 when a 7th century Armenian
church was completely demolished in the center of Nakhichevan, for
no reason other than to wipe out the memory of the Armenians who
constituted a majority there just decades earlier.
Mr. Chairman,
Cultural destruction can and is a potent weapon in campaigns of
political oppression and tyranny. In an era when new kinds of violence
with new names are exploited in political and ideological warfare,
damaging or destroying cultural or religious memory intentionally,
consistently, repeatedly must be labeled what it is – cultural
terrorism – and it must be condemned with the same resolve and
determination as violence aimed against people.
Mr. Chairman,
Armenia already profits hugely from UNESCO’s “Memory of the World”
program, thanks to which our depository of ancient, unique manuscripts
is being digitized. In the Remember the Future program, we are honoured
that some of our ancient monuments are included in the World Heritage
List. We are set to ratify the Convention on the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Heritage, and are pleased that the traditional melodies
of the Armenian reed duduk may be included in the Masterpieces of
Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
What we want to work on next, Mr. Chairman, is the elaboration of a
UNESCO legal instrument which will hold accountable those involved
in the Intentional Destruction of Cultural Heritage.
Armenia attaches great importance to all of UNESCO´s initiatives in
the region. We believe in UNESCO’s dream of creating and educating
societies to believe in peace and to benefit from its dividends. Thank
you.
–Boundary_(ID_gQcM8nBfbhqilXWS8W3aow)–

VARTAN OSKANIAN VISITS AUSTRALIA
By Areg Yaputchian in Sydney
AZG Armenian Daily #182
11/10/2005
Visit
On Sunday, October 9, a governmental delegation headed by foreign
minister Vartan Oskanian arrived in Sydney. Members of the Armenian
community of Australia met the Armenian delegation at the airport.
Mr. Oskanian took part first in a liturgy at Surp Harutyun church of
Sydney where he made a brief speech to believers.
In the evening of that day Mr. Oskanian met a huge group of compatriots
and answered their questions highlighting the recent events in Armenia.
A press conference followed the meeting.
“The central meeting of the visit is the one with Alexander Downer
[foreign minister of Australia] to discuss bilateral relations”,
Vartan Oskanian said, “I want especially to stress to him the regional
issues and explain the Nagorno Karabakh issue as to its development,
importance of its regulation as well as Armenian-Turkish, EU-Turkey
relations and economic issues.
“I will also meet with parliament members (Armenian-born Joe Hock,
chairman of Liberal Party) Clatis Perechikean and John Watkins. After
this I will leave for Indonesia.”

HRANT DINK SENTENCED TO 6 MONTHS’ CONDITIONAL IMPRISONMENT
AZG Armenian Daily #182
11/10/2005
Concern
On October 8, the court of Istanbul sentenced Hrant Dink,
editor-in-chief of Agos newspaper, to 6 months’ conditional
imprisonment on charge of “insulting Turkish national identity”. “The
journalist of Armenian descent will be sent to prison if he repeats
his words”, the Associated Press explains. In an article published in
early 2004 Dink called for Armenians to “renounce the hatred towards
the Turks that poisons your blood”. Agos employer Karin Karakashli
thinks that the court misinterpreted his words concluding that Dink
considers Turkish blood poisonous.
In an interview to radio Liberty, Dink refused the charge labeling it
political. He is going to appeal against the charge at the Supreme
Court of the country and in case of no results he will apply to the
European Court of Human Rights. “If the accusations are not lifted
from me I will leave Turkey where I have live all my life”, Dink said.

USAGE OF IT TO STIMULATE DEVELOPMENT OF WHOLE ECONOMY
Noyan Tapan News Agency
Oct 10 2005
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN. With a goal to stimulate usage of
products of the sphere of information technologies (IT) in economy of
Armenia, the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) will
organize a number of seminars for representatives of other spheres
of economy. Karen Vardanian, the UITE Executive Director informed
about this at the October 10 press-conference. According to him,
during the seminars, representatives of the spheres of health care,
bank, tourism, etc., will be presented such solutions which will give
opportunity to increase productivity of those specialists’ work.
According to the UITE Chairman Hovhannes Avoyan, at present computers
are mainly used only for games, are made use of office, as a best
variant, of accountancy programs. But, according to H.Avoyan, a wide
usage of computer programs can become a serious spur for development
of the whole economy.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN COMMERCIAL BANKS ATTRACT OVER 1 YEAR DEPOSITS AT HIGHESAT INTEREST RATE IN EARLY OCTOBER
Noyan Tapan News Agency
Oct 10 2005
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN. In the period of September 29 –
October 6, the RA commercial banks attracted over 1 year deposits
at the highest interest rate of 8% and 90-day deposits at the lowest
interest rate of 4%. According to the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA)
data, in the same period, the banks extended 30-day and 90-day loans
at the highest interest rate of 20% and 360-day loans at the lowest
interest rate of 17%.
The dynamics of interest rates of deposits attracted by the commercial
bank was as follows:
29.09.05 06.10.05
30 days 7% 6%
60 days 4% 5%
90 days 2% 4%
180 days 7% 6%
360 days 7% 6%
over 1 year 8% 8%
The dynamics of interest rates of the loans extended by the commercial
banks was as follows:
29.09.05 06.10.05
30 days 14% 20%
60 days 20% 19%
90 days 21% 20%
180 days 21% 18%
360 days 16% 17%
over 1 year 19% 18%
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress