NKR PRESIDENT GREETS PROCESS OF EXTENSION OF FORMATS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN RA AND NKR PARLIAMENTS
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 27 2006
STEPANAKERT, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. RA parliamentary
delegation led by RA NA Vice-Speaker Tigran Torosian arrived in
Stepanakert on April 26 for the purpose of taking part in the works
of the Interparliamentary Committee of Cooperation between RA NA and
NKR NA. On April 27, the delegation was received by NKR President
Arkadi Ghukasian. A number of issues connected with extension and
development of interparliamentary contacts were discussed during the
conversation held with participation of NKR NA Speaker Ashot Ghulian
and Vice-Speaker Rudolf Hyusnunts. Greeting the process of extension
of formats of cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two
Armenian republics, Arkadi Ghukasian attached importance to the current
cooperation. He called on the Armenian parliamentarians to take more
active part in the issue of presenting the viewpoints of the Karabakh
side to the international community. Tigran Torosian in his turn gave a
positive estimation to the results of the Committee’s two-day work and
informed about the agreement with his Artsakh partners about including
the issue of RA and NKR economic integration into the agenda of the
next sittings. RA NA Vice-Speaker attached importance to exchange of
opinions and viewpoints with the Karabakh parliamentarians and also
spoke for activization of the contacts. Then, as Noyan Tapan was
informed from NKR President’s Acting Spokesperson, Arkadi Ghukasian
touched upon a number of economic and social problems of the country,
answered the questions.

RA DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON ALL STATES OF ORGANIZATION OF BSEC TO RECONSIDER THEIR APPROACHES TOWARDS ISSUE OF REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 27 2006
BUCHAREST, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The 14th
meeting of Committee of Foreign Ministers of Organization of Black
See Economic Cooperation (BSEC) states was held in Bucharest. The
Armenian delegation taking part in the meeting is headed by Deputy
Foreign Minister of Armenia Arman Kirakosian. The heads of the
foreign political departments of the countries of Organization of
BSEC discussed the events held during Romania’s chairmanship, in
particular, the results of the meetings of working groups in the
sphere of transport, internal affairs, ecology, energy, science,
technologies, customs services and tourism. They exchanged opinions
about perspective issues of cooperation within the framework of the
Organization of BSEC. The Bucharest Declaration was adopted as a
result of the meeting. Arman Kirakosian in his speech, in particular,
emphasized the supremacy of the idea of realistic partnership in
the issue of smoothing over the disagreements existing among some
members of the organization. RA Deputy Foreign Minister called on all
country-participants to reconsider their approaches towards the issue
of regional infrastructures, especially towards relaunching railways
and motorways, emphasizing the economic profit from relaunching
of the Kars-Gyumri railway. As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA
Foreign Ministry Press Service, during the Committee’s meeting
representative of Greece, first Ambassador of Greece in Armenia
Leonidas Chrysanthopulos was elected the Secretary General of the
International Secretariate of Organization of BSEC. From May 1 2006,
the Russian Federation will assume chairmanship in the Organization
of BSEC.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF LITHUANIA
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 27 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Karekin II
Catholicos of All Armenians received on April 26 at the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus and Mrs Alma
Adamkie. Welcoming the Lithuanian President’s visit to the spiritual
center of all Armenians, His Holiness presented him the history of the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, its important mission in the Armenian
people’s life and the activity of the Armenian Apostolic Church in
the post-Soviet period. “We pray the God that in the case of our two
peoples, the Soviet years were not able to mutilate people’s spiritual
life, their sole and love towards the Christ. By the belief and hope
towards the Christ, our peoples’ sons were able to strengthen their
belief, resist ordeals and create independence of their countries,”
the Catholicos of All Armenians said, wishing that the God keeps strong
the two peoples’ and states’ mutual relations and even strengthen with
newest developments of those ties the two republics for the well-being
of the peoples’ peaceful, creative life. His Holiness thanked the
President of Lithuania for recognition of the Armenian Genocide and
touched upon with satisfaction the careful attitude as well that the
authorities of Lithuania show towards the Armenian community who lives
with the Christian brothers peacefully, with brotherly love, having all
the freedoms and possibilities to organize their spiritual, national
and cultural life. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the Information
Services of the Mother See, Valdas Adamkus, expressing his respect
towards the Armenian Church and the Armenian Catholicos, touched
upon the important role of the church in the affair of keeping and
strengthening spiritual and moral values in the society and especially
among the younger generation. “…When you observe your history,
you see with great respect what Christian fundamental values Your
church has given to its people,” the President of Lithuania mentioned.
The interchurch and interreligious relations were also touched upon
at the meeting as well as they spoke about efforts made by Christian
churches in the affair of establishing peace in the world, brotherhood
among peoples and love. At the end the President of the Republic of
Lithuania visited the Patriarchate museum, the Cathedral. RA Justice
Minister David Haroutiunian accompanied the President of Lithuania
and his wife.

JUDY BADY CONVINCED THAT JOINT CONCERT OF ARMENIAN AND AMERICAN JAZZ MUSICIANS WILL BE HARMONIOUS SYNTHESIS OF TWO ARTS
Noyan Tapan
Apr 27 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN. “I am very glad to be in Armenia. I
had never been to this country before, but during a few days of my
stay in Armenia I have even managed to learn some Armenian words. The
Armenians are warm and hospitable people,” solo singer Judy Bady,
the head of the Judy Bady American jazz quartet, said at the April
27 press conference. Judy Bady has arrived in Armenia in connection
with the Jazz Days organized by the U.S Embassy for already the
fifth year. According to the American singer, her teacher was
Armenian pianist Armen Danielian who in his turn was the pupil of
famous American musician Billy Hamper. Judy Bady started her musical
activity from early childhood: at first she sang at the church,
then attended a musical college and studied at many well-known
musicians. “In spite of the fact that my teacher was Armenian by
nationality, I am not so much familiarized with the works of the
Armenian jazz musicians. I hope I will get to know them closer during
the April 29 joint concert with Armenian jazz musicians,” Judy Bady
said. According to the singer, elements of the Armenian jazz are
also included in the American jazz works to be performed at the
joint concert, which, in all probability, will be a successful and
harmonious synthesis of two arts. The traditional events dedicated to
the month of jazz organized by the U.S. Embassy Department of Culture
started on April 26 in Yerevan: the “Pictures from an Exhibition”
dance ensemble presented the “American Suite” jazz dance performance
at the hall of Hakob Paronian Theater of Musical Comedy. The same day
the “Jazz Colors” painting contest was also held with participation
of young painters. On April 29, within the framework of Jazz Days,
the American and Armenian jazz musicians will perform a joint concert
program at Alexander Spendiarian National Academic Theater of Opera
and Ballet and on April 30, jazz-lovers will have an opportunity to
listen to the Judy Bady quartet at the same hall.

JIM TOROSIAN AND GEGHAM GRIGORIAN GIVEN SURB SAHAK – SURB MESROP ORDERS
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 27 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Karekin II
Catholicos of All Armenians handed on April 22 at the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin the “Surb Sahak – Surb Mesrop” order to prominent
architecture Jim Torosian and Gegham Grigorian, the Artistic head
of the Yerevan Alexander Spendiarian Opera and Ballet National
Academic Theater, for their services to the Armenian culture and
great contribution. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the Information
Services of the Mother See, the ceremony of giving the orderes was
opened by the speech of Archbishop Nerses Pozapalian, the monk of
the Mother See. Archbishop Pozapalian touched upon Jim Torosian’s
and Gegham Grigorian’s creative life way and productive work, then
thanked His Holiness for the attention constantly paid to Armenian
artists and appreciation of cultural figures. Professor Varazdat
Haroutiunian and poet Seyran Zakarian presented their thoughts about
Jim Torosian’s and Gegham Grigorian’s life and activity. Then the
Patriarchal holy condacks were brought and read by Bishop Arshak
Khachatrian and Bishop Paren Avetikian under the sounds of the “Ej
Miatsinn i Hore” church song. “Dear Mr.Torosian, great and valuable
is Your contribution in life of our people. The productive activity
of long years that blessed by the God, has been resulted with valuable
implementations, worthly classified Your name near famous names of the
Armenian architecture. … We touch upon with special satisfaction Your
services to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin which are expressions of
Your sensere love and devotion towards our spiritual holy place. Being
a member of the Architectural Council of the Mother See, You assist
as much as possible to construction programs implemented by the Mother
See, using Your professional abilities for restoration of our historic
monasteries and and construction of new churches and church buildings,”
is said in the Patriarchal condack. “Today we touch upon with great
satisfaction Your cultural activity and productive contribution of
years. Your name as a winner of numerous competitions is widely known
in the Fatherland and out of its borders. … Today You continue
Your significant cultural activity with the same productiveness,
as the Artistic Head of the Yerevan A.Spendiarian Opera and Ballet
National Academic Theater, putting in Your skills and abilities in
making the Opera and Ballet National Academic Theater more prosperous
as well in the thankful affair of developing the music culture,”
is mentioned in the condack addressed to Gegham Grigorian. After the
condacks were read, His Holiness decorated Jim Torosian and Gegham
Grigorian with the “Surb Sahak-Surb Mesrop” order. After giving the
orders, Jim Torosian and Gegham Grigorian said the world of their
heart to those present. The ceremony was closed by the speech of
the Catholicos of All Armenians. His Holiness again appreciated Jim
Torosian’s and Gegham Grigorian’s devotiom, love and faithfulness
shown by the productive activity towards the Armenian people and the
Armenian Apostolic Surb Church.

RA AMBASSADOR IN WASHINGTON OPENS PHOTO EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO STATE OF ARMENIAN MONUMENTS IN TURKEY AND NAKHIJEVAN
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 27 2006
WASHINGTON, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A photo exhibition
dedicated to the state of the Armenian historic-cultural monuments in
Turkey and Nakhijevan which was presented by the Armenian Architecture
Studying Organization, opened at the RA Embassy to Washington on April
24. Few dozens of photos that J.Manucharian, the Deputy Chairman of
the organization presented, picture the process and consequences of
the successive annihilation policy implemented towards the Armenians
historic monuments, monasteries and khachkars (cross stones) in the
above-mentioned territories. The organization functions under the
slogan condemning the “cultural genocide” and organizes exhibitions
to draw the international communities’ attention to the necessity
of protecting the Armenian historic-cultural values. As Noyan Tapan
was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information
Department, in the exhibiton’s opening speech RA Ambassador Tatul
Margarian appreciated the work done in the direction of studying
Armenian architectural monuments existing out of the borders of the
Republic of Armenia, interpretation and certification of monuments
lost as a result of historic events. The Ambassador mentioned that
the issue of keeping the Armenian rich architectural culture, making
property of generations is today modern and urgent, particularly
emphasizing the fact of barbarous annihilation of Armenian khachkars
implemented recently in Nakhijevan. The exhibition will function
during the coming ten days, hundreds of American Armenians, American
officials have already visited it.

ARMENIA AMONG LARGEST RECIPIENTS OF US ASSISTANCE
PanARMENIAN.Net
27.04.2006 20:24 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia is one of the largest recipients of
U.S. assistance on a per capita basis.
Since 1992, the United States has provided more than 1.6 billion
dollars of assistance to Armenia in support of the country’s transition
to democracy, U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia John Evans stated in an interview with
PanARMENIAN.Net. In his words, through this assistance, the United
States government is cooperating with Armenia in pursuit of three
major goals: strengthening democratic institutions, providing for a
more stable and secure South Caucasus, and building the economies of
all three countries of the region.
“In addition to our on-going programs, the United States has developed
a program of assistance worth approximately seven million dollars
to help Armenia in holding free and fair elections in 2007 and
2008. This comprehensive package of election-related assistance will
provide support for the development of the national voter registry
and the conduct of voter education campaigns,” he said. It will also
include assistance for the development of voter education materials,
training for various sectors of society including representatives
of the judicial system and political party representatives, and
exchange visits for media outlets, Evans said. “We believe it is
vitally important for Armenia’s future that the upcoming elections be
free, fair and transparent, and be perceived as such not only by the
international community, but most importantly by the Armenian people
themselves,” the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission underscored.
In addition, on March 27 the United States Millennium Challenge
Corporation signed a $235 million Compact with Armenia, the
U.S. Ambassador reminded. “This assistance program will focus on rural
road rehabilitation and improved irrigation, and will directly impact
approximately 75% of the rural population, increasing their annual
income by an estimated $36 million in 2010 and over $113 million
in 2015. In order to remain eligible for this funding, Armenia must
continue to demonstrate a commitment to ruling justly, investing in
people, and encouraging economic freedom,” Ambassador Evans said.

YOUNG FILM DIRECTORS FROM 12 COUNTRIES TO GATHER IN YEREVAN
Armenpress
Apr 26 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 26, ARMENPRESS: Young film directors and critics from
Germany, Cuba, Holland, USA, Russia and other countries, all in all
from 12, will present their fiction, cartoon and documentary films
to a May 3-8 film festival in Yerevan.
Awards will be given in nine nominations, in addition to the Grand
Prix and a special award of Catholicos Karekin II, the head of the
Armenian Church.

AUA AND NORK MARASH MEDICAL CENTER AUTHOR A STUDY ON QUALITY OF INTENSIVE CARE
Armenpress
Apr 26 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 26, ARMENPRESS; The American University of Armenia
(AUA) said the April 2006 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Asian
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals presented findings from a study by
lead author Lusine Abrahamyan, MD, MPH, which demonstrated that quality
of care at Nork Marash Medical Center (NMMC) following coronary artery
bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, measured in terms of post operative
complications and ICU stays, are comparable to those reported by
major international cardiac surgery centers.
According to co-author and Surgical Consultant at NMMC Dr. Hrair
Hovaguimian, “This article is an important step toward establishing
systems for outcomes reporting in parallel with international
standards.”
AUA/CHSR faculty Anahit Demirchyan, MD, MPH, and Michael Thompson,
MS, DrPH, also co-authors noted, “The study reported here was a small
part of a five-year privately funded collaborative project between the
Center for Health Services Research and Development of the American
University of Armenia (AUA/CHSR) and the Nork Marash Medical Center
focused on assessing and improving the quality of care at NMMC.” Lead
author Lusine Abrahamyan, now a PhD candidate at the University of
Toronto, noted that “These results not only attest to the quality
of care at NMMC, but also provide important insights for individual
patient counseling.”
“AUA students, graduates and faculty working together with the Medical
Staff of the Hospital undertook a thorough study and evaluation of all
functions and procedures in the hospital with the express purpose of
raising its standards to accepted international norms. To say that
the Hospital and AUA achieved its goals is both an understatement
and a tribute to all those who worked on the project.
Their professional expertise and personal commitment has manifested
itself in a higher standard of care, the direct beneficiary of which is
each and every patient that enters the Hospital. My congratulations
to them all,” added Mr. Edward Avedisian, who generously funded
this project.

U.S.-ARMENIAN ECONOMIC COOPERATION DEVELOPING IN RIGHT DIRECTION
PanARMENIAN.Net
27.04.2006 20:40 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ U.S.-Armenian economic cooperation is continuing to
develop in the right direction, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans
stated in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. In his words, in addition
to the U.S. assistance programs, more than seventy American firms
are currently doing business in Armenia, several of which have made
sizeable investments. “In addition, a number of Armenian products have
found markets in America. As this cooperation continues to develop,
we hope to establish additional, stronger economic links between the
United States and Armenia,” the Ambassador remarked.