Georgian, Armenian presidents discuss political, economic issues
Rustavi-2 TV, Tbilisi
22 Aug 05
There are no political problems between Georgia and Armenia. This was
the main message that came out of a meeting between the two
presidents.
Mikheil Saakashvili and Robert Kocharyan held talks at the Armenian
president’s [Lake] Sevan residence. A news briefing was held at the
same place.
The presidents stressed the friendly atmosphere of the
meeting. Saakashvili and Kocharyan called on other countries of the
region to engage in closer cooperation.
They said they had discussed the situation in Samtskhe-Javakheti
[Georgian province with large ethnic Armenian population] and economic
issues. At the briefing they also spoke about Armenian tourists in
Ajaria. The number of Armenian holidaymakers on Georgia’s Black Sea
coast has risen dramatically this year.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TIGRAN YEGANYAN TO FILL PLACE OF DECEASED DEPUTY ARTAK ARAKELYAN
YEREVAN, AUGUST 22. ARMINFO. The place of the deceased deputy of
Armenia’s National Assembly Artak Arakelyan will be filled by his
colleague on “Orinats Yerkir” party Tigran Yeganyan. Such a decision
was made today by Armenia’s Central Electoral Committee starting its
sitting with the silence minute in memory of Artak Arakelyan.
The Committee also approved the order of divisional election
committees’s activities, as well as the order of the queue of poll
when simultaneously conducting both elections and all-national
referendums in the country.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
August 22, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
CONGRESSIONAL LETTER URGES SECRETARY RICE TO DENOUNCE RAILWAY PROJECT
WHICH EXCLUDES ARMENIA
Proposed Railway Would Connect Turkey, Georgia & Azerbaijan
Washington, DC – Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), along with
Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Steven Rothman (D-NJ),
Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Edward Royce (R-CA)
and Adam Schiff (D-CA), today expressed their dismay to Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice over the Turkish government’s announcement to
move forward with a proposed rail link project that would connect
Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, but exclude Armenia.
In a letter sent to Secretary Rice today, the lawmakers urged the
U.S. government to denounce the rail link which bypasses Armenia and
undermines U.S. policy goals in the South Caucasus region.
The congressional letter said in part:
“Open and integrated transportation routes among Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, and Turkey are necessary to promote cooperation, support
economic growth, and help resolve regional conflicts. Unfortunately,
this policy is being undermined by efforts to exclude Armenia in
regional development projects…In no way should the United States
condone a proposal or program that directly undermines our goal of
fostering integration and cooperation among the countries of the
region.”
In July, Knollenberg, along with Pallone and Radanovich, introduced
legislation (H. R. 3361) that would prohibit funding for this
ill-proposed route, which is estimated to cost between $400-800
million and could take years to construct. The existing Kars-Gymuri
line which links Turkey, Armenia and Georgia could be operational in
weeks with only a few minor repairs.
“The Assembly commends the leadership of Congressman Pallone and his
colleagues for spearheading this letter and the legislative
initiative,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair
Hovnanian. “Excluding Armenia from economic and commercial
opportunities undermines longstanding U.S. policy of promoting
regional cooperation and economic integration in the South
Caucasus. The Assembly strongly supports this congressional effort and
will continue to fight against such attempts to isolate Armenia.”
Introduced prior to the congressional August recess, H. R. 3361
currently has support of 20 Members and is expected to garner
additional supporters when Congress reconvenes after Labor Day.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
NR#2005-085
Editor’s Note: Below is the full text of the congressional letter to
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
August 19, 2005
Secretary Condoleezza Rice
U.S. Department of State
2201 C St, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice,
We were troubled by the Turkish government’s recent announcement that
the Turkish railway project connecting Kars Turkey, Akhalkalaki
Georgia, and Baku Azerbaijan is moving forward. According to the
statement, there will be a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey to discuss the
next phase of the project. We are writing this letter to urge you to
denounce this proposed rail link because it is specifically designed
to exclude the Republic of Armenia and undermines the United States’
policy toward the South Caucasus region.
The United States’ policy toward the South Caucasus region is focused
on fostering regional stability and enhanced cooperation. Open and
integrated transportation routes among Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
and Turkey are necessary to promote cooperation, support economic
growth, and help resolve regional conflicts. Unfortunately, this
policy is being undermined by efforts to exclude Armenia in regional
development projects. The proposed rail link would cost between $400
million and $800 million and would take years to construct, while a
perfectly workable rail link already exists and would be fully
operational with a few minor repairs.
There is only one difference between the existing and proposed rail
link: Armenia. The existing rail line goes through the city of
Gyumri, Armenia. This new rail line has been proposed so that the
region can develop economically without any benefit to Armenia,
further strangling them into economic isolation. Azerbaijan’s leading
role in developing the proposed new railroad and other similar actions
serve to undermine and avoid a just solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and potentially destabilize the region.
We have recently proposed legislation (H.R. 3361) that would prohibit
United States’ funding from going toward the construction of this new
railroad. In no way should the United States condone a proposal or
program that directly undermines our goal of fostering integration and
cooperation among the countries of the region.
It is critical that the Department of State be on record denouncing
this proposed rail line because it goes against a stated United States
policy. This rail line would further isolate the Republic of Armenia
and deny them much needed opportunities for economic growth. Thank
you in advance for your consideration of this very important issue.
Sincerely,

Frank Pallone, Jr.
Joseph Knollenberg
George Radanovich
Steven Rothman
Joseph Crowley
Thaddeus McCotter
Edward Royce
Adam Schiff

IFEX – News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________ ________________
ALERT UPDATE – ARMENIA
22 August 2005
Anthropology student Yektan Turkyilmaz released
SOURCE: Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), International PEN, London
**Updates IFEX alert of 5 August 2005**
(WiPC/IFEX) – Yektan Turkyilmaz, a PhD student of cultural anthropology held
in Armenia since mid-June, was released from prison with a suspended
sentence on 16 August 2005. The Malatia-Sebastia district court in the
capital, Yerevan, convicted Turkyilmaz on two counts of attempting to take
antique books out of the country. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty (RFE/RL), the decision not to imprison him was made at the request
of state prosecutors who cited Turkyilmaz’s partial acknowledgement of guilt
and his cooperation with investigators. The prosecutor also said
Turkyilmaz’s youth was a reason for leniency. He is required to stay in
Armenia until 30 August and will from then on be free to travel to and from
the country.
Turkyilmaz, aged 33, was arrested at Yerevan Airport on 17 June as he
attempted to leave Armenia. During his visit, he had purchased around 100
books, from the 17th to 20th centuries, mainly from second-hand book shops.
Turkyilmaz has been collecting such books for his own research as well as to
build up a library of Armenian books that would otherwise be lost.
Turkyilmaz claims that he was unaware of legislation that bans the removal
from the country of books more than 50 years old without the Ministry of
Culture’s approval. RFE/RL reports that this new law, which came into force
in January, deals with the smuggling of items of “cultural-historical
value”, as well as narcotics and weapons.
A Duke University representative who was present at the trial welcomed the
news that Turkyilmaz, who will be studying on a scholarship at the
university later this year, will be able to continue his studies on Armenian
issues. Duke University had been among a number of academic institutions
world-wide that had questioned the arrest and lengthy pre-trial detention of
Turkyilmaz, and in particular the fact that he was convicted under a law
that provided up to eight years in prison. Concerns were heightened by
reports that the focus of the interrogation of Turkyilmaz had been on his
academic studies and political beliefs. Turkyilmaz told the press he was
delighted at being released and looks forward to continuing his studies.
For the full RFE/RL report and details of academic institutions’ campaigns
on his behalf, visit
Also see the website dedicated to his case at
For further information, contact Sara Whyatt, the WiPC, International PEN,
9/10 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Road, London EC1M 7AT, U.K., tel: +44
207 253 3226, fax: +44 207 253 5711, e-mail: [email protected], Internet:
The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
WiPC. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
WiPC.
_________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
489 College Street, Suite 403, Toronto (ON) M6G 1A5 CANADA
tel: +1 416 515 9622 fax: +1 416 515 7879
alerts e-mail: [email protected] general e-mail [email protected]
Internet site:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenia’s Political Future- Artur Baghdasaryan, Speaker of the
National Assembly of Armenia
August 31, 2005
Washington, DC
Organized by: Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Please join the CSIS Russia and Eurasia Program’s Caucasus Initiative
for a seminar with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia
Artur Baghdasaryan. The Speaker will discuss regional trends of
importance to the South Caucasus today and the current political
situation in Armenia.
In 1999, Artur Baghdasaryan founded the Orinats Yerkir (Country of
Law) centrist-right party, which is now one of the most active
political establishments in Armenia, sharing power with two other
major Armenian parties: the Republican Party and the Dashnaktsutyun.
Baghdasaryan has been proactive in his efforts to make parliament a
more efficient and transparent institution, with greater citizen
participation.
The National Assembly plays an increasingly important role in Armenian
politics and Armenia’s foreign policy. Since volatile elections in
2003, the National Assembly has asserted itself as one of the most
viable forces for democratic change in Armenia. We hope you will be
able to join us for this unique opportunity.
For further information on this event, please visit:
– the BISNIS website at:

MIKHAIL SAHAKASHVILI: I AM VERY GLAD THAT PEOPLE FROM ARMENIA LEAVE
FOR GEORGIA TO HAVE A REST
YEREVAN, AUGUST 22. ARMINFO. “I am very glad that people from Armenia
leave for Georgia to have a rest”, stated journalists Georgia’s
President Mikhail Sahakashvili being in Armenia on an informal visit.
In his words, both the unification of economic systems of both
countries and their mutual integration are with tomorrow. It will be
much more difficult for both Armenia and Georgia one by one than
together. Sahakashvili expressed satisfaction that Armenia’s residents
may freely leave for Georgia and no one may stand on their way or rob
them as it was earlier. He especially noted that there is no political
discords between Yerevan and Tbilisi at present, but there are
successful cooperation with extensive prospects there.

MONUMENT FOR ADMIRAL HOVHANNESS ISAKOV OPENS IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, AUGUST 22. ARMINFO. A monument for Hero of the great
Patriotic War Admiral Hovhanness Isakov has opened in Yerevan today on
the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the admiral.
Head of the General Staff of Armenia’s Armed Forces, Colonel General
Mikael Haroutiunyan and First Rank Captain of the Artyusha Sanoyan
opened the monument. Attending the solemn ceremony were
representatives of the Armenian Defense Ministry, diplomatic missions
accredit in Armenia, pupils. The authors of the monument are sculptors
Gevorg Gevorgyan and Robert Balayan, architect Levon
Lazarian. Creation and erection of the monument were financed by the
Armenian Defense Ministry. The territory nearing the monument was
beautified jointly with Yerevan Municipality.
It should be noted that the monument was to open on May 9 2005, but
the opening was postponed for technical reasons.

ARGENTINA HAS TWICE CONDEMNED TURKEY FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE THIS YEAR
YEREVAN, AUGUST 22. ARMINFO. On July 27 the National Senate of
Argentina again adopted a statement seriously condemning Turkey in
connection of Armenian genocide, which was the first genocide of the
20th century.
A press release spread by the Armenian Foreign Ministry today says
that it is already second statement of the National Senate of
Argentina. On April 20 it condemned the Turkish authorities for
repeated denial of the indisputable facts. In response, the Turkish
Foreign Ministry came out with a note of protest assessing the
statement by the Argentinean Senate as immoral. On May 5, Argentinean
MPs rejected the protest of the Turkish party calling in groundless.

Sevres Treaty turns 85

Editorial

Yerkir/arm
19 Aug 05
Signed by the legitimate authorities of the time, the Severs Treaty
had a great significance for Armenia, and could be revived if the
international situation becomes more advantageous for Armenia and if
Armenia itself lays its demands before the international community.
The Dashnaktsutiun made the first steps to revive this document in
1970’s when marking the 50th anniversaries of the Treaty and the
Armenian Genocide. And it is not surprising that the Armenian
political forces operating in a relatively free conditions outside
Armenia unofficially backed by Yerevan, put aside their differences
and were united around the idea of getting back the Armenian
territories that Sevres Treaty describes as Armenian.
The movement was not crowned by success but on the background of
reshaping the map of the Middle East, the Treaty was this way or
another included in the policies of the great powers. The most
successful result was the 1987 resolution of the European Parliament
on the Armenian issue.
Today, we are marking the 85th anniversary of the Sevres Treaty in a
completely different environment. Armenia is independent again.
Transcaucasus and Middle East play a greater role in the new
geopolitical developments. All the packages are open now for reshaping
the map of the region, and the Sevres Treaty is of great significance
as a matter of fact. If the leaders of the of the new world order
realize the need to reconsider the rights forced by brutal force and
establishing a new world based on freedom and democracy, then the
Sevres Treaty has not lost its meaning.
The Sevres Treaty is an important document for regional states and
great powers, and the tomorrow’s prospect for a better life in Middle
East and the world depends on the fair solution based on this treaty.

Writing prose in Armenia is as difficult as life itself
By Hovhannes Yeranian
Yerkir/arm
19 Aug 05
On September 10 and 11 Alvard Petrossian’s play `I Am an Apricot Tree’
will be staged at Gabriel Sundukian Drama Theater in Yerevan. Despite
being involved in political and public affairs Petrossian continues to
write.
Usually poets start writing prose but in this case Alvard Petrossian
published a volume of poetry that does not look like a piece of novice
work in the world of poetry. Whatever Alvard Petrossian writes her
works go back to her childhood being identified with her
biography. This is why we started our conversation with her with her
childhood memories that have become the source of her literary work.
A.P.: When I was in the fifth grade I used to write essays that were
discussed by the board of teachers at our school. And I was writing
because I had lived a much more saturated and difficult life than my
classmates. My father was an `enemy of the people’ and a political
prisoner. I could see that I had to go through certain things that
were never happening to other children. As a family of a `people’s
enemy’ we lived in Aresh. There were repatriates from Greece and Egypt
here, children of killed soldiers, starving kids, robbers and thieves,
excellent craftsmen that were often arrested for doing private
business. All this could not but make me write. The thieves in Aresh
were always buying pencils and paints for my brother, painter Samvel
Petrossian. People treated my mother with unbelievable tenderness
since they knew thatshe was the wife of a famous prisoner. Children at
school were getting sandwiches but I never got any since I was a child
of an `enemy of the people’. But my teacher used to give me some bread
after the classes were over. I donâ=80=99t want to tell about all
these painful things but Aresh of those times is always with me and I
can never let it go.
Q: The bitter childhood is crystallized through literary expression,
it acquires meaning and is generalized. Maybe art is a way of getting
rid of this bitterness, maybe literature is a way of revenge? A: This
bitterness can either spoil a person or crystallize him. I am proud
that I was brought up in a very proper manner. Both in literature and
in life there were several criteria for me that have always been
indispensable â=80` conscience, morality, honesty. I started writing
at a very early age and my first story was published in Garun
magazine. Then I was the most frequently published author in the
press. But I did not want to hurry with publishinga book.
Q: Your generation had many difficulties with entering the world of
literature. Did you have problems with all kinds of publishing
procedures and ideological corrections? A: I did not have such
specific and serious problems as some of my fellow writers. As I said,
I was taking my time with publishing a book and this was in a way an
act of solidarity with my fellow writers whose books were kept
unpublished in for years, sometimes decades. On the other hand, I
canâ=80=99t stand protectionism. I never wanted and never allowed
anyone to treat my work with an air of condescension because the
author is a woman. I have always competed with men in my work. I
didn’t want to publish a book because therewas a generation of
rejected writers, a literary brotherhood and I was part of it. There
is a need for such a brotherhood today. The door to our house was
always open and my friends and my husband Lorents Arushian’s friends
could always stop by even late at night. We had discussions and
debates on art and literature all night.
Q: Let’s talk about the present. Your play `I Am an ApricotTree’ was
staged at Sundukian Drama Theater. What are your feelings when you see
your first play staged in the theater? A: To be honest, ,maybe you
won’t believe me, but I have never felt anything like that before. You
know that I have never lacked audience and applauses. But what you
feel when you appear on the stage as the author of the play, it’ s an
incredible feeling. When I looked at the audience from the stage I
felt like a child. Now I want to have another premiere performance
just so thatI can appear on the stage once again. My soul was filled
with a strange feeling that I had never experienced before.
Q: Summing up our conversation let’s speak about your last poetry
book. What does this transition from prose to poetry mean? A: There
comes a moment when you turn out to know much more than you can
express in writing. It is very difficult to express beautiful and deep
meaning in a short story, in Armenia it is as difficult as life. I was
too tired for writing a novel, I didn’t have time and strength for
that and I was in a depression. And I started writing poetry. I have
to say I was always ashamed of writing poetry. But I collected my
poems, I don’t know what came out of it – you are the ones to read and
judge.
P.S. – Alvard Petrossian has always surprised and sometimes made me
angry, poet Davit Hovhannes says. I am surprised and angry that
whatever Alvard does she succeeds in it. And I am filled with
masculine anger – why should a woman write so well and not a man?