Pan Armenian News
ARMENIA TO SIGN AGREEMENTS ON MUTUAL PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS WITH
LITHUANIA AND KOREA
22.09.2005 06:39
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In the course of its recurrent session the Government of
Armenia has approved of the signing of Agreements between Governments of
Armenia and Lithuania, Armenia and Korea on Encouraging and Mutual
Protection of Investments. By another decision the proposal on signing of an
Agreement between Governments of Armenia and China on Technical and Economic
Cooperation is approved, reported IA Regnum.

AZG Armenian Daily #170, 23/09/2005
Press
RUSSIAN VERSION OF DAILY AZG PUBLISHED
On September 19, the Daily Azg Ltd. put out the 0 pilot issue of the paper’s
Russian version. This colorful weekly will be mainly disseminated in the
Armenian-populated Russian cities with an aim to inform the Armenians of
Russia about ongoings in the motherland and Diaspora in the spheres of
politics, economy, culture, religion and sport. The activity of the Union of
Russia’s Armenians and the World Armenian Congress will be the focal point
of the weekly.
US resolutions on Armenian Genocide and an interview with Ara Abrahamian on
occasion of the release of Russian sailors open the first issue. The other
pages inform about the new stone-cutting plant of Ijevan, “Armenia
Expo-2005” exhibition, about the projects of the new owner of Sport and
Concert Complex of Yerevan, the adventurous route of “Cilicia” vessel as
well as about Armenian economy, culture and sport.
The editor-in-chief of the weekly is Hakob Avetikian, executive editor is
Gurgen Barikian.

AZG Armenian Daily #170, 23/09/2005
IT
MICROSOFT OPENS REPRESENTATION IN ARMENIA
Microsoft Company will open its office in Armenia shortly, Microsoft
Director for Strategy in Russia and CIS Igor Hambartsoumyan informs ARMINFO.
He said the company intends to develop partner ties and channels, first of
all. Hambartsoumyan said Microsoft’s entry to new markets often intensifies
their development due to transfer of acknowledged business skills. That is
why the entry of this largest world company to Armenia and its software and
solutions on the basis of own platforms will undoubtedly have an effect on
the Armenian market. Hambartsoumyan said that in CIS the company is
represented only in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Besides, Microsoft
intends to open its representation in Azerbaijan.

AZG Armenian Daily #170, 23/09/2005
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World press
BENON V. SEVAN OFFERS EXPLANATION
After nearly a year and a half and more than $35 million spent, the
Independent Inquiry Committee Into the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program
(IIC), led by the former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, has faulted
the management of the program, which I ran for six years. It is easy to
apply formal management and audit criteria after the fact to a massive
multibillion-dollar humanitarian program, but as the recent crisis in New
Orleans shows, what is critical when people are dying is to bring food and
medicine to affected populations as quickly as possible. This we
accomplished. There are many thousands of people alive today because of the
oil-for-food plan.
There is a misconception, reinforced by the familiar echo chamber of the
Murdoch press, The Wall Street Journal, the UN bashers in the U.S. Congress,
and neocon think tanks, that the program was a failure of epic proportions,
riddled with corruption and pliant to Saddam Hussein’s every manipulation.
The reality is that the oil-for-food program was highly successful in its
fundamental mission of addressing the acute humanitarian crisis caused by
sanctions imposed on Iraq, in channeling all but a very small percentage of
Iraqi oil revenues into food, medicine, and other approved humanitarian
supplies, and in helping to maintain international support for sanctions,
which in turn prevented Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction
during the course of the program.
Volcker’s ‘public’ and other political constituencies are nevertheless
demanding heads on a platter, and the latest IIC report, sadly, appears to
capitulate to that pressure by unfairly targeting the Secretariat, including
the Office of the Iraq Program (OIP) and me, for problems that were
essentially inherent in the design of the program and in the inevitable
reality of politics among member states.
The program was created by a series of Security Council resolutions that
carefully defined – and limited – the role of the Secretariat. In
particular, the Office of the Iraq Program did not have responsibility for
monitoring, policing or investigating sanctions violations. That role was
specifically reserved to the Security Council; its so-called 661 Committee,
which monitored the overall sanctions regime and oil-for-food; and member
states. The IIC knows or should know this. Yet the IIC insists repeatedly on
blaming the OIP for functions, such as investigating sanctions violations
that lay beyond its mandate.
The IIC also faults the secretary general, the deputy secretary general and
me for failing to provide information regarding Iraqi demands for illicit
kickbacks and surcharges to the Security Council through formal rather than
informal channels. But in setting forth its charges, the IIC seems to
confuse the decision not to convey information through official channels
with a decision not to convey the information at all. On no occasion did OIP
or I personally withhold material information from the Security Council
members, the secretary general and his deputy. OIP informed the 661
Committee not only on surcharges but also on at least 70 occasions of
contracts reflecting suspicious pricing (and hence possible kickbacks), yet
the committee declined in every instance to act. Similarly, I informed the
U.S. government, effectively the policeman for sanctions violations in the
Gulf, of maritime smuggling on a massive scale that was occurring, to no
avail.
It is now known that the United States and other member states purposefully
allowed this smuggling to occur, in addition to the massive daily shipment
of oil by land routes, putting billions of dollars directly into Saddam’s
pockets in violation of sanctions in order to support Iraq’s trading
partners, Turkey and Jordan, which are also U.S. allies. It smacks of
hypocrisy to criticize OIP for a political compromise made to help the
economies of American allies.
The IIC also engages in a lot of second-guessing as to whether I delegated
too much authority to senior managers on the ground in Iraq instead of to
bureaucrats in New York. I disagree with these criticisms. Micromanagement
from 8,000 miles away would have been a recipe for disaster in an immense
and complex program like oil-for-food.
It is important to consider what those, including Security Council members,
who were observing our performance in real time had to say about its
management. Among others, in October 2003, Ambassador John Negroponte of the
United States, the president of the Security Council (and now President
George W. Bush’s director of national intelligence), speaking in his
national capacity, commended “the outstanding work” that we had “done both
in New York and in the region over the years in the implementation of the
program, as well as the “exceptional professionalism and thoroughness” of
OIP staff “despite the obstacles and challenges that they face daily.”
The program was not perfect, nor was it ever expected to be. It was
implemented within the context of a very rigorous sanctions regime, carried
out in six-month extensions (and hence always on the verge of closing down),
beset by conflicting political pressures, situated in a country in crisis
and hindered by fundamental design problems – most notably, the Security
Council’s decision to allow Saddam to select his own contractors for oil
exports and imports of humanitarian supplies, as well as to implement the
program in the 15 governorates in the center and south of Iraq, which all
but guaranteed political manipulation.
At the same time, my colleagues and I were faced with the grave
responsibility of providing basic life necessities to a highly vulnerable
population. We took that responsibility both seriously and personally. As
the recent tragedy in New Orleans demonstrated, there is a cost to overly
bureaucratizing a crisis relief effort that the IIC chooses to ignore. The
people of Iraq desperately needed humanitarian relief in real time. Thanks
to the oil-for-food program, they received it. That is the essential purpose
of a humanitarian program, and we accomplished that purpose, in nearly
impossible circumstances. Despite its shortcomings, the program made a major
difference in the lives of the Iraqi people.
>From International Herald Tribune (Benon V. Sevan is former director of the
oil-for-food program for Iraq.)

Pan Armenian News
OSKANIAN AND SCOTT DISCUSSED PROSPECTS OF ARMENIA-CALIFORNIA RELATIONS
22.09.2005 08:38
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian met with California
Senator Jack Scott, reported the Armenian MFA Press Service. In the course
of the meeting the parties discussed prospects of development of
Armenia-California relations, noting the importance of visits of
politicians, as well as contacts between businessmen and ordinary citizens.
The Armenian FM appreciated Senator’s personal contribution to the opening
of the Trade Center in California, as well as recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by the State. In his turn J. Scott assured he will continue active
participation in the solving of the Armenian issue. The Senator is sure that
the opening of the Trade Center will bridge Armenian and American nations.
He remarked that besides Armenia the Center will comprise neighboring
states.

Pan Armenian News
GREEK AMBASSADOR COMPLETING DIPLOMATIC MISSION IN ARMENIA
22.09.2005 08:23
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian met with Greek
Ambassador to Armenia Antonios Vlavianos, who is completing his diplomatic
mission in Armenia, reported the Armenian MFA Press Service. In the course
of the meeting V. Oskanian appreciated the dynamically developing
Armenian-Greek relations in all fields. He also noted Ambassador’s personal
contribution in strengthening the friendship between the two countries. In
his turn Mr. Vlavianos said economic growth is obvious in Armenia within the
3 years of his tenure. Mentioning the growing international interest towards
Armenia, the Ambassador said he is sure Armenia can secure sustainable
development and solve major social and economic issues in near future.

Pan Armenian News
US SENATOR HOPES FOR CONGRESS RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
22.09.2005 07:45
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Chairman of the National Assembly of Armenia Artur
Baghdassaryan received California Senator, Republican Jack Scott, reported
the Press Service of the Armenian Parliament. J. Scott has arrived in
Armenia to open a regional Trade Center of California. The decision to open
the Center was passed by the Californian Senate in the presence of Mr. Scott
in 2001. The Senator is well-known for his activities favorable for Armenia
and promotion of recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the California
Senate. In the course of the meeting the Senator said that he hoped for the
US Congress to recognize the Armenian Genocide taken place in 1915. In his
opinion, the Trade Center will promote not only mutually favorable
commercial ties, but also tourism. A. Baghdassaryan expressed satisfaction
with the opening of the Trade Center. He underscored readiness to promote
strengthening the trade and economic relations. The parties noted the
importance of establishment of relations between parliaments of California
and Armenia. It was also noted in the course of the conversation that
interparliamentary ties had already been discussed with US House Speaker
Dennis Hastert.

Harvest Gallery
938 N. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA
PRESS RELEASE
September 19, 2005

HARVEST GALLERY presents Anahit Ar

Artist Opening Reception: Friday, September 30, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m.Exhibition Dates: September 30 through October 2 Harvest Gallery:
938 North Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA
Glendale, CA (September 19) – Harvest Gallery is proud to present the
paintings and drawings of Anahit Ar, an exhibition opening on Friday,
September 30 in Glendale, California.
Working with numerous art forms including graphic art and costume
design, Anahit Ar’s paintings showcase figurative compositions and
portraits that are strong, expressive and dramatic yet flow with a
sense of elasticity. Her work has been displayed in several
exhibitions and shows in fine art museums throughout Russia and
Armenia, as well as in private art collections.
Anahit Ar was born into a family of artists whose artistic roots span
three generations. Earning a bachelor of fine arts from Terlmezyan
Fine Arts College and a doctorate in art from the University of Fine
Arts and Theater in Armenia, Anahit Ar became an accomplished
artist-painter and international costume designer with extensive
associations with Russian drama theaters, ballet organizations and
opera houses, including the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet.
Anahit Ar’s exhibit will be on display from Friday, September 30
through Sunday, October 2. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Sunday from
11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
For information about the exhibit, please call Harvest Gallery at
818.546.1000 or visit
###050919

Armenpress
VIC DARCHINYAN TO ATTEND OPENING OF BOXING SCHOOL
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS: An Australia-based Armenian boxer Vic
Darchinyan, who retained his 2004 International Boxing Federation and 2005
International Boxing Organization flyweight titles, told during a rare visit
to his homeland he was preparing to defend one of his titles versus Damian
Kelly from Ireland.
Vic Darchinyan retained his International Boxing Federation flyweight
title with a fifth-round technical knockout on August 24 over Jair Jimenez
at the Sydney Entertainment Center.
This is his first visit to homeland in two year time. Darchinyan who is
from Vanadzor said he will be present at a September 21 opening of a boxing
school in his native town. Darchinyan won all 24 fights, 19 by knock outs.
He also said he may move from Australia to US where professional box is more
developed.

PRESS RELEASE
The National Citizens’ Initiative
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 27.16.00, 27.00.03
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 22, 2005
National Citizens’ Initiative Takes On Youth Issues
Yerevan–The National Citizens’ Initiative (NCI) today convened a youth
roundtable on “The Generation of Independence: Present and Future Tasks.”
The meeting brought together young public and political figures, heads of
student and other non-governmental associations, human rights advocates,
analysts, experts, and media representatives.
NCI coordinator Hovsep Khurshudian welcomed the audience with opening
remarks. “The nationwide awakening in 1988 and, starting from 1991, the
institution of Armenia’s sovereignty inspired hope that the new generation
that was formed under the conditions of an independent statehood would
inherit the values of those years, possess the push for becoming the masters
of their country, and be prepared to shoulder the heavy burden of
responsibility for the integrity of the state. Today, however, we are
bearing witness to a profound apathy among youth circles in regard to
national matters. An overwhelming majority of young people do not see
themselves as owners of the country, but rather its tenants at best. High
concepts, for one reason or another, were not passed on to the new
generation. And today we convene this roundtable in order to identify its
causes,” Khurshudian said.
In his intervention entitled “The Question of the Youth’s Perception of
Independence,” chairman Mihran Hakobian of Yerevan State University’s
Student Council deemed the discord among the youth as one of the impediments
to the establishment of “the independence generation” in the country. He
criticized the authorities’ youth policy and accused them of ineffective use
of state means in and for youth affairs. “The ‘Baze-2′ gathering, for the
organization of which a tremendous amount of money was allocated from state
budget, in fact was a failure,” Hakobian said. He also harshly disapproved
of the recent government-endorsed laws and regulations diminishing the
autonomy of university administration. In essence, he continued, the most
conscientious and devoted of the independence generation are alienated from
the country’s governance, the precept of natural selection is encroached
upon, and those young people who are guided not by principles but by
self-serving pettiness are penetrating into power.
In his talk on “The Yesterday and Today of the Independence Generation: A
Comparative Briefing,” NCI program coordinator Edgar Hakobian touched upon
the history of the youth movement in Armenia starting from 1988. Since then,
he said, the characteristics of the youth have largely changed, with guiding
ideals such as patriotism, dedication, and spirituality succumbing to
egotism, consumer mentality, and a readiness to rank petty self-interests
above vital national interests. “Speaking in the name of the entire youth, a
group of pro-governmental young people formed by the authorities themselves
is trying to secure its own financial welfare,” Hakobian concluded.
Moreover, the greater part of the youth is extremely passive when it comes
to the resolution of numerous public problems. This refers to the rights of
those serving in the army as well as the protection of those citizens who
have been illegally evicted from the Northern Avenue-Biuzand Street
construction zone. Hakobian made an appeal for youth organizations to
intensify their participation in these and related processes.
During his address entitled “Youth Obligations for the Sovereignty of the
Country,” Aren Manukian of the “Development of Knowledge” group said that
while the old generation played a meaningful role in achieving Armenia’s
independence, a solution to the Artsakh question, and consolidation of the
country’s sovereignty, the new generation has not yet demonstrated a
capacity to continue the work of its elders and to assume responsibility for
the country’s future. In his opinion, without the engagement of the youth en
masse, the involvement of a number of young activists in matters concerning
the restoration of the rule of law in Armenia would have only limited
effect. “When the matter referred to granting postponement of military
service to graduate students, we succeeded in having thousands of students
hold protests, but now that we are taking part in the reinstatement of the
rights of citizens who have been thrown out of their homes in the Northern
Avenue and Biuzand Street construction belt, you can count on your fingers
the number of people who come with us,” Manukian worried aloud.
The day’s final speaker, Armenian Center for National and International
Studies (ACNIS) analyst Syuzanna Barseghian, introduced and analyzed the
results of a series of sociological surveys recently conducted by ACNIS on
“generation next” and its outlook on Armenia’s independence, avenues for
resolving the Karabagh issue, the Genocide, and Armenia’s European
integration process. According to those findings, although Armenian youth
are prepared to take part in the defense of the Homeland if Armenia or
Karabagh is again attacked, the bulk of respondents find that Armenia’s
independence has brought with it more setbacks than accomplishments. In
Barseghian’s words, such thinking by the new generation is exceedingly
dangerous.
Also noteworthy were interventions by ACNIS analysts Alen Ghevondian and
Hovhannes Vardanian; “Development of Knowledge” group representatives Arsen
Kharatian and Ararat Mirzoyan; Heritage Party members Armen Martirosian and
Sargis Manukian; and many others.
In his closing remarks, NCI coordinator Hovsep Khurshudian accentuated this
matter’s significance for Armenia and the Armenian public. “The youth are
the tomorrow of this country, and the future of the sovereignty of the
Republic of Armenia and the prospects for the institution of civil society
are dependent on them,” Khurshudian concluded.
The National Citizens’ Initiative is a public non-profit association founded
in December 2001 by Raffi K. Hovannisian, his colleagues, and fellow
citizens with the purpose of realizing the rule of law and overall
improvements in the state of the state, society, and public institutions.
The National Citizens’ Initiative is guided by a Coordinating Council, which
includes individual citizens and representatives of various public,
scientific, and educational establishments. Five commissions on Law and
State Administration, Socioeconomic Issues, Foreign Policy, Spiritual and
Cultural Challenges, and the Youth constitute the vehicles for the
Initiative’s work and outreach.
For further information, please call (37410) 27-16-00 or 27-00-03; fax
(37410) 52-48-46; e-mail [email protected]; or visit