IN CONCERT

Avedis Chamber Music

San Jose Mercury News
Friday, February 25, 2005

Avedis, which means “good news” in Armenian, takes its name from the
San Francisco pianist Robert Avedis Hagopian (1945-1984). The group
has dedicated itself to presenting chamber music for the flute in
combinations with other instruments. 2 p.m. Sunday. Florence Gould
Theatre, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, San
Francisco. (415) 392-4400.

A `Vodka Lemon’ for lonely nights

The State (Columbia, South Carolina)
Friday, Feb. 25, 2005

By DESSON THOMSON, The Washington Post

`Vodka Lemon,’ a thematically bleak yet subtly comic film, is about
life in a world of nothing.

A world of icy nothing, that is. In post-Soviet Armenia, the land is
covered in snow, jobs are nonexistent and the inhabitants’ only
economic options are to leave for other countries or eke out a
miserable existence, many selling off their household possessions.

It’s a pretty regular sight to see people trundling wardrobes or
pianos along the roads, hoping to make some money. `Selling or
buying?’ others will ask, and, at this point, the bartering begins.

Aging Hamo (Romen Avinian) is a terrible haggler. So he doesn’t walk
away with much after selling his wardrobe, his old army uniform or his
television. But like his fellow citizens, he has amazing resilience
and pride.

Each day, he makes the bus trip to a snowbound cemetery, where he
speaks to the headstone and image of his recently departed wife. He
tells her of his measly pension and the letter from one of their sons
(now living in France), which contained no money, or the other son who
drinks too much.

Little by little, Hamo pays attention to another person coming to pay
respects. Her name is Nina (Lala Sarkissian), a widow who also
converses with a dead spouse. She comes to the graveyard at the same
time and takes the same bus. They both wipe the ice from the
headstones and talk to their loved ones.

While Hamo sells off his things, Nina earns money at a vodka bar
called Vodka Lemon, which is also the name of the drink she serves.

`Why is it called ‘Vodka Lemon’ when it tastes of almonds?’ asks a
customer at Nina’s bar.

`That’s Armenia,’ Nina says.

It doesn’t take a lifetime of watching global cinema to anticipate
that Hamo and Nina are destined for each other. Or to appreciate the
visual poetry of writer-director Hiner Saleem, an Iraqi Kurd whose eye
for the deadpan on a frigid landscape faintly echoes the work of
Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki.

In both filmmakers’ films, the characters move to elusive, stoic
rhythms whose individual beats seem to be months long. A sudden
gesture from these souls comes across as a thunderclap, and their
isolated pronouncements have a seriocomic weight to them. When Hamo
sells his dresser to an old married couple, they find themselves stuck
with a heavy piece of furniture in the middle of nowhere.

`Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea,’ says the wife, as they sit on a
stool, back to back.

`You always speak the truth too late,’ says her husband.

REVIEW

`Vodka Lemon’

2-½ stars

In Armenian, Russian and Kurdish, with English subtitles

Unrated

Running time: 1:27

Playing: Monday-Thursday at the Nickelodeon

Interfax

Mar 2 2005 2:59PM

Armenian opposition wants non-scheduled elections

YEREVAN. March 2 (Interfax) – The Armenian opposition wants non-
scheduled elections to be held in the country, the Justice opposition
bloc’s leader Stepan Demirchian told a news conference on Wednesday.

The deep economic crisis in Armenia “is a result of the country’s
previous undemocratic presidential and parliamentary elections,”
Demirchian said.

Holding “non-scheduled free and democratic elections” is the only way
to end the crisis, he said.

EUROPA (press release), Belgium

European Neighbourhood Policy: the next steps

Reference: IP/05/236 Date: 02/03/2005

IP/05/236

Brussels, 2 March 2005

European Neighbourhood Policy: the next steps
The Commission has today recommended an intensification of relations with
Egypt and Lebanon, and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, based on Country
Reports on all five countries published by the European Commission today. On
the basis of these reports, the Council is invited to decide whether to
develop Action Plans under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) with the
three Southern Caucasus countries: the decision has already been taken to
negotiate Action Plans with Egypt and Lebanon, although for Lebanon the
timing will depend on the evolution of the political situation. The purpose
of these Action Plans will be to define a joint agenda for relations with
the EU for the following three to five years, with the objective of
deepening political co operation and economic integration.

Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy,
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commented `For the Neighbourhood Policy, 2005 will
be the year of delivery – we will begin implementation of the Action Plans
already adopted, develop as soon as possible Action Plans with Egypt,
Lebanon, and, I hope, also for the countries of the Southern Caucasus. The
challenge for the EU and for our partners will be to turn the commitments
and aspirations contained in such Plans into reality, through measurable
reforms bringing concrete benefits for our neighbouring countries and their
citizens.’

Action Plans have already been negotiated with Israel, Jordan, Moldova,
Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Tunisia and Ukraine. The Commission has
today adopted Country Reports on five more ENP countries, following
developments in each case: for Egypt whose Association Agreement has entered
into force; Lebanon, where entry into force is imminent; and for the
countries of the Southern Caucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, which
were added to the ENP in mid-2004.

The Country Reports give a factual analysis of political, economic and
institutional reforms in the countries concerned, with a particular focus on
areas which would form the basis of any future Action Plans, such as:

Political reform: strengthening democracy, good governance and dialogue on
human rights
Economic reform: including promoting a good business and investment climate
Trade, market and regulatory reforms: promoting trade and helping partner
countries to integrate into the global trading system, encouraging partner
countries to apply the standards of the EU’s internal market
Cooperation in the field of justice, liberty and security: judicial reform
and migration issues
Infrastructure networks (energy, transport and telecommunications,
information society) and cooperation on the environment
People-to-people contacts: education, research and development, culture,
civil society, the opening of certain Community programmes
Addressing challenges and opportunities, bringing added value

The objective of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is to share the
EU’s stability, security and prosperity with neighbouring countries in a way
that is distinct from EU membership. It is designed to prevent the emergence
of new dividing lines in Europe by offering neighbouring countries closer
political, security, economic and cultural co-operation.

Pursuing the ENP will call for major economic and political reforms in our
partner countries, which the EU will support through financial and technical
support, opening of markets and providing access to Community programmes
where possible.

For more information on the European Neighbourhood Policy:

NAGORNY KARABAKH REPUBLIC MARKS 17TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRAGIC EVENTS
IN AZERBAIJANI TOWN OF SUMGAIT.

STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 28. ARMINFO. Nagorny Karabakh Republic marks the
17th anniversary of tragic events in the Azerbaijani town of Sumgait.

According to ARMINFO’s special correspondent to Stepanakert, the
country’s leadership and public visited Stepanakert Memorial Complex
and in commemoration of the Armenians who fell innocent victims to
massacres in that town once known to be an international town.

NKR PRESIDENT ARKADY GHOUKASSYAN: PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF KARABAKH
CONFLICT HAS NO ALTERNATIVE

STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 28. ARMINFO. “Peaceful settlement of Karabakh
conflict has no alternative. The life has shown that the war cannot
solve the problem: we have won the war, but the problem still
remains. And the issue’s solution is impossible in conditions of the
continuing mutual hatred.” NKR President Arkady Ghoukassyan made this
statement in the course of his meeting with the teaching staff of
Artsakh State University.

At the same time, the president noted that the parties were not ready
for the problem’s solution. “There are requested and real positions in
the negotiation process; it is clear that non of the parties can get
everything yielding nothing. In other words, a reasonable compromise
is required,” the president said. He pointed out that speaking of
compromises when the parties feel mutual hatred was impossible, and
the hearted was artificially stirred up by Azerbaijan, first of
all. “One can yield to a friend, colleague, opponent, but never to the
enemy,” Ghoukassyan said.

“To improve the situation a relevant propaganda and preparation of
public opinion is necessary,” he said. “Development in our region will
become possible when all the conflict issues are settled. I am sure
that it is possible, just a good will of all the parties is required.”

The president assessed bellicose statements of Baku as blackmail and
an attempt to frighten NKR. He reiterated that NKR was for peaceful
resolution of the conflict, but in case of war, it would be ready to
protect itself. He expressed confidence that Azerbaijani leadership
was well aware of that.

As regards the prospects of the negotiation process, Ghoukassyan
pointed out that the main guilt for lack of active negotiations within
the framework of OSCE MG laid on Azerbaijan that had refused to
negotiate with NKR. He noted, “When the process within the framework
of OSCE MG starts, NKR will participate in it.”

Pointing out the usefulness of the meetings of the presidents and
foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Arkady Ghoukassyan said
that these meetings could not replace the negotiation process within
the framework of OSCE MG. He said that the country had managed to
create bases for democratic development and would create a democratic
state to come out as a country living in conformity with international
standards. “We shall not refuse from our independence,” NKR President
said.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES AGREEMENT ON TRANSFER OF PERSONS TO
INTERNATIONAL COURTS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND USA

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28. ARMINFO. The Armenian Parliament approves
Agreement on transfer of persons to international courts between
Armenia and the USA.

According to Armenian Justice Minister David Haroutiunyan, the
document regulates relations of the criminal authority on transfer of
the persons having inviolability status to international courts. The
agreement says that a persons of one party cannot to transferred to
the international court or to a third country without agreement of the
given party except the cases when the international court is guided by
the decision of the UN Security Council. The given point contradicts
to the Code of Criminal Proceedings of Armenia, the minister says. In
case of a necessity the parties can refuse from the agreement if its
implementation contradicts to another international agreement. The
minister notes that the Constitutional Court of Armenia has approved
the given agreement and informed that it has not come into effect in
the USA yet.

RUSSIAN BUSINESSMAN ARA ABRAHAMYAN READY TO ATTRACT $100 MILLION IN
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, MARCH 1. ARMINFO. Russian businessman Ara Abrahanyan is ready
to attract $100 million in development of tourism in the report town
of Tsakhadzor in Kotayk region, Armenia, Abrahamyan informs
journalists in Yerevan, Tuesday.

He says that construction of three-five star hotels and other
facilities is planned on these funds. There are already investors and
it remains to agree on the project with the Armenian Government. “What
will be left of the project after this discussion I do not know,” he
said.

GENERATIONAL HEALING WORKSHOP MARCH 5TH

Azg/arm
2 March 05

New York, NY: The Armenian American Society for Studies on Stress &
Genocide (AASSSG) & Association for Disaster & Mass Trauma Studies
spearheaded by Dr. Kalayjian, is doing their third yearly workshop
for all Armenians effected directly and indirectly by the Ottoman
Turkish Genocide.

The workshop places emphasis on understanding and processing
traumatic memories and finding positive meaning in this legacy of
cultural dislocation, and loss of nationhood, property, and dignity.
We believe next generation Armenians will also benefit by
experiencing the compassion as well as the educational interaction.

Feelings of alienation, denial, anger, and rage are explored.
Attitudes toward the perpetrators and uncaring world was also
explored, in order to understand how one’s personal and collective
history affects one’s daily life, and how one may process these
feelings in an attempt to integrate or dilute the trauma into one’s
psyche.

Workshop facilitators will be Dr. Anie Kalayjian, Professor and
psychotherapist, and Ms. Laura Aversano, psycho-spiritual counselor
and energy medicine practitioner. Both facilitators are experienced
group leaders, who have worked in the field of Genocide and trauma
studies for over two decades.

Dr. Kalayjian’s Six-Step Bio-Psychosocial and Spiritual – Model was
utilized with some modification. This model is comprised of the
following six steps:

1. Assess levels of distress

2. Encourage discovery of memories & expression of feelings

3. Provide empathy and validation

4. Encourage discovery and expression of positive meaning

5. Provide didactic information

6. Provide breathing exercises & physical relief

Former Participants Comments:

The best way to bring the content of the workshop to life is to share
what participants wrote to us after the workshop:

“When I first signed up for the workshop, I wasn’t sure what I would
gain, if anything at all. I asked myself whether I really needed to
HEAL anything at all, and if it was even that important to me. I was
sincerely surprised after a couple of hours into the workshop after
hearing from others older and younger than me, and similar and
different than me. I was able to share feelings that I didn’t even
know I had, and in the process, both negative and positive feelings
emerged about my experiences as an Armenian American, my life, my
liberties, and my individualism. To put it more succinctly, and
rather bluntly, I received a great therapy session for only $25!” A
young woman, 25 years of age.

Another participant a middle aged male, stated: “I did not know what
to expect and was a little apprehensive since I did not want to
express myself at first. The round table setting and informal
atmosphere helped peel the deep layers of sadness and mourning
carried within us as spiritual beings in physical bodies.

It was the validation from non-Armenians, like Tara and Christine,
which made the event memorable, meaningful and a worthwhile
experience.

God Bless you.”

Other young women stated: “The Armenian psyche has for a long time
tried to make sense of its recent history. Many Armenians have
difficulties coping with themselves and thus are constantly working
or building because often they have difficulty explaining their
survival and existence. I believe sessions such as these help
discuss, and understand feelings that need periodic venting before
they manifest themselves in other ways. However Armenians need real
worth before they bite on the idea of healing such as Real Positive
(feeling proud) values as some of the ones mentioned, a spiritual
dimension from clergy, and of course the yoga exercises. Thus you
have taken care of the entire human being: Mind, Spirit, and Body.”

Another participant stated: “The workshop allowed me to discuss many
of the emotions that go unsaid among Armenian-Americans in a
comfortable and open setting. I was surprised by how many others had
the same thoughts and experienced the same tensions in growing up as
Armenians in America. The connection to their experiences allowed me
to discuss and debate issues critical to our culture without the
anxiety normally associated with these topics.

The workshop was quite exciting because it let me freely express the
impact of the genocide on me and my family. All attendees were
allowed to ruminate their thoughts on the genocide and on their
Armenian heritage. Although the genocide is oftentimes our secret
history, this workshop shouted from the roof-tops that we can
transcend the Turkish denial and transform our lives on our own
terms. The workshop was an experience of empowerment. The workshop
leaders were excellent and worked well as a team. I look forward to
attending the next workshop! Thanks so much.”

One of the facilitators, Tara stated: Generally I was in awe of the
openness and compassion of this group to share their feelings,
insights, perceptions and relationship with the political and
personal legacy of the Armenian Genocide. The group seemed ready to
embrace the issue and discover how each of them, individually and
collectively could use there experiences to heal themselves, their
family, their community and fellow country people.

Feelings expressed were: Anger at the Turks, paranoia, grief for the
lives lost including parents and grandparents, brutality of the
genocide and how this genocide has effected their own lives with
depression, mental disease, shame, embarrassment for their hatred of
Turks, and fear of it happening again. Expression of feeling lost and
disconnected from themselves, their present family and Armenian
culture because their family lineage was interrupted by the death of
significant family members. Many spoke of the feeling of ‘burden’ the
weight of this legacy of trauma and suffering upon them.

To participate, you must register for the workshop; kindly contact
Dr. Kalayjian, E-mail: [email protected]. or call Mr. Milian at 631
226 7979 x231 for information.

Armenian American Society for Studies on Stress & Genocide &
Association for Disaster & Mass Trauma Studies; 185 E. 85th Street,
Mezz #4 New York, NY 10028 Phone: 201 941-2266 Fax: 201 941-5110
E-mail: [email protected]

PanArmenian News
March 1 2005

AZERI FUNCTIONARIES MAKE ARMENIANS LIVING IN AZERBAIJAN LEAVE

01.03.2005 15:03

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Azeri functionaries make Armenians living in
Azerbaijan leave the country, says the US State Department annual
report on human rights record in the world. According to the report,
some 20 thousand Armenians live in Azerbaijan. These are mostly
people from mixed families. “The functionaries often demand bribes
from them for issuing documents on Azeri citizenship. 200-250 such
families are forced to leave Azerbaijan annually,” the document
notes.