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AZERBAIJAN’S DIVISIVE CAMPAIGN AT UNITED NATIONS THREATENS TO DERAIL
KARABAGH PEACE PROCESS
ANCA Washington November 23, 2004 The ANCA, today, issued an appeal to
United States Secretary of State Colin Powell urging him to “strenuously and
publicly oppose” an Azerbaijani-sponsored United Nations resolution which
would seriously undermine the Nagorno Karabagh peace process. The action
follows a strongly worded November 19th House floor statement by
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and an earlier
joint letter by the Armenian Caucus Co-chairs calling the resolution
=E2=80=9Cill-advised=E2=80=9D and urging the U.S. take decisive action again=
st the measure.
For m ore info click on=C2=A0

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS TO BAKU FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER THE WAR
“Don’t let the national conscience of the Azerbaijani people be thrown under
the feet of the Armenian Nazis”

24.11.2004=C2=A0 YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The so-called Karabakh Liberation
Organisation (KLO) of Azerbaijan is planning to stage protest demonstrations
against a delegation of Armenian parliamentarians who are scheduled to
participate in Baku in a NATO-sponsored seminar on November 25-27.
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 The organisation’s leader, N akif Agi said his or=
ganisation regrets
that the Azeri authorities, who want to prevent the demonstrations, have a
different stance. But “we will not give up,” Agi said, adding the
demonstrations will be held in almost every part of Azerbaijan.
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 The KLO has also urged the country’s parliament t=
o ban the entry of
the Armenian delegation to Baku. “We call upon you to act in the national
interest. Don’t let the national conscience of the Azerbaijani people be
thrown under the feet of the Armenian Nazis,” the organisation’s message to
the parliament speaker reads.

DASHNAKTSOUTIUN REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL,
WOMEN’S BUREAU
Representatives of the A.R.F. Dashnaktsoutiun participated in Socialist
International’s (SI) Council Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted
by the African National Congress (ANC), Dashnaktsoutiun press service
reported. On November 15 and 16, leaders and delegates from 100 member
parties and organisations from 70 countries, discussed the Council’s main
theme,”The Progressive Agenda:priorities for our movement today”
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 Representing the sole party from the South Caucas=
us, Dashnaktsoutiun
Bureau member and the organisation’s representative in Socialist
International Mario Nalbandian, and Dashnaktsoutiun Armenia member Maria
Titizian, also participated in the three panel debates. Titizian partook in
Socialist International Women’s Bureau meeting: “Women Speak out on The UN
Millennium Development Goals,” which took place November 12 and 13.
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 The Women’s Bureau addressed UN goals, its effect=
s on the eradication
of poverty and hunger, and examined means to developing global partnerships.
At the heart of discussions was the need to promote gender equality and
empower women to occupy Center stage in the development of the human race.
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 The meeting also reviewed increases in gender-bas=
ed violence=E2=80=94from
sexual abuse to systematic rape, forced pregnancies, and continuous
violation of women’s rights. Titizia n had the opportunity to present
Dashnaktsoutiun’s political and social undertakings to empower the women of
Armenia.
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 On the sidelines of the Council, the Dashnak repr=
esentatives were
both able to hold numerous meetings with members of various organisations to
review issues of concern to Armenia and Armenians.

DASHNAK AFFILIATED ORGANISATIONS CONVENE IN BEIRUT

=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 Gibrahayer 24.11.2004:- Delegates from five conti=
nents congregated in
Antelias, Lebanon on November 18 to participate in a three-day conference of
Dashnaktsoutiun-affiliated organizations. Organized by the ARF Bureau, the
conference featured representatives of the Hamazkayin cultural organization,
Homenetmen athletic and scouting organization, and the Armenian Relief
Society.
=C2=A0 Hagop Der Khatchadourian of the ARF Bureau, Maro Minassian of the ARS
Central Executive, Karnig Megerdichian of the Homenetmen Central Executive,
and Megerdich Megerdichian of the Hamazkayin Central Executive opene d the
session with individual remarks, which were followed by a speech delivered
by ARF Bureau representative Hrant Markarian, who stated, “to tap into our
country’s full potential, we must work as a united entity.”
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 Cyprus was also represented at the convention. Ha=
mazkayin Cyprus
“Oshakan” Chapter was represented by its Chairman Arto Tavitian, AYMA – as
the youngest HMEM member – was represented by Adour Karageulian, Nareg
Tavitian, Stepan Costanian and Hagop Manougian, and The Armenian Relief
Society was represented by its Chairperson Vera Tavitian.
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0=C2=A0 The delegation returned to Cyprus on Monday.
=C2=A0=C2=A0 This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s com=
ic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage awareness
and interest toward our community’s everyday happenings.

EDITORIAL
Dear Friends & Colleagues:
Greetings to you all!
Allow me to share with you today my second article on the EU & Turkey
entitled Turkey: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow that you might perhaps find
informative. It is being posted on my website, as well as on other
hyperlinked sites relating to Turkey, Armenia and the Caucasus.
This topic is becoming quite a hot one – certainly until 17 December 2004
when the EU Council of Ministers decides whether to endorse the recent
Report of the Commission.
As ever,
Dr. Harry Hagopian, LL.D

TURKEY: Yest erday, Today & Tomorrow
Some commentators have recently opined that Turkey’s adhesion to the EU
would constitute a message of hope, peace, prosperity and democracy. I
welcome hope, peace, prosperity and democracy, and I hail those lofty ideals
anywhere in our broken and polarised world. Nor, for that matter, am I
impermeable toward Turkish membership of our European Union.
However, I simply cannot accept such membership that is spun at the expense
of another people or their history.
You can view the complete article at the following link:

NEWS IN BRIEF
* One state, seven private higher schools and five technical secondary
schools operate in Nagorno Karabakh today. A total of 5,200 students study
there, 3,600 of them study at the Artsakh State University.

* The statistics service of Karabagh has reported that the population of the
Republic counts 146,600.

* An Azeri officer who killed his fellow Armenian officer Gurgen Margarian
with an ax at a Budapest military academy pleaded guilty in court on
Tuesday, saying he took revenge for Armenian attacks on Azeris.

* Olympiakos Nicosia’s recovery looked perkier as they ousted a 1-0 victory
away to Dighenis Morphou with Armenian international Romik Kachadryan
scoring the only goal with a powerful free-kick.

* 30 Armenian citizens, who do not have Russian registration, will be
expelled from the Krasnodar region of Russia according to the decision of
the local court.

* There are 296 HIV cases in Armenia, 280 of whom are Armenian citizens.
Among the infected, 217 are men and 63 women. Four of the patients are
parents.

* Armenian national security officers tracked down and arrested a
42-year-old Yerevan resident who made a false warning about a terrori st
attack in one of the biggest secondary schools in downtown Yerevan on
November 19, forcing the school management and police to evacuate the
students and teachers.

THE CD OF THE WEEK
Mal Barsamian’s FIRST SOLO CD – In Time For Christmas!
Many people say that Mal Barsamian is one of the most versatile Armenian
musicians performing today. Indeed this new recording displays those given
talents. Performing for the first time on CD with his father, Leo Barsamian
(oud), Mal performs clarinet, oud, guitar, alto sax, and dumbeg on this
exciting Armenian dance album. Accompanied on several tracks by Bruce
Gigarjian (guitar) and Ron Tutunjian (dumbeg). Over 60 minutes of non-stop
Armenian dance music by one of the finest musicians performing today.
Contact [email protected]

TATIANA @ EKATE
The EKATE exhibition that opened on 15th of November 2005, at Melina Mercuri
Hall and Famagusta Gate, in Nicosia, was a huge success, featuring works of
more than 120 artists from all over Cyprus, including local Armenian artists
Mariam Foukara, and our very own Tatiana Ferahian, pictured here with the
Interior Minister Mr Andreas Christou. The show runs until the 29th of
November, make sure you don’t miss it.!

g i b r a h a y=C2=A0 =C2=A0 c a l e n d a r

* Cyprus Amateur Football League AYMA vs Coopers at Synikismos 3 Football
Ground (behind the Falcon School) on Saturday 27 November at 2:30 p.m.

* The literary group of The Hamazkayin “Oshagan” Cyprus Chapter is
organising a lecture about the great novelist PAULO=C2=A0 COELHO at 8:00 p.m=
. on
Wednesday 1 December 2004 at the “Vahram Utudjian” Hall of=C2=A0 The Armenia=
n
Prelacy of Cyprus. The lecturer will be the translator of Coelho’s popular
novel “The Alchemist”, Khachig Mouradian, who accompanied=C2=A0 Coelho on hi=
s
recent visit to Armenia. A very interesting lecture, accompanied by
audiovisual material. After the lecture, those who want to take part in an
informal dinner at AYMA, may ring Yura Simonian on 22499889 by Tuesday 30
November 2004.

* STILL ON 8th Exhibition of Armenian Books, under the auspices of
Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, organised by the Armenian Prelature of
Cyprus, with the participation of Moufflon Bookstore. You can visit the
Exhibition every day from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. except
weekends. The exhibition will also travel to La rnaca and Limassol.

* Armenian Relief Society “Sosse” Chapter Fund Raising Tea for the ARS
Armenia Projects on Sunday 28 November, 2004 at The Holiday Inn Hotel at
4:00 p.m. Our children will participate in a Fashion Show by GRANT. There
will be Handicraft, Lebanese cookies and home-made delicacies on sale.
Proceeds to the “Sosse” Kindergarten of Stepanakert – Republic of Karabagh.

* Cyprus Dart Championships. AYMA is participating in the Cyprus Dart League
with matches being played every Thursday at AYMA.

* AYF Badanegan Miaoutian get-togethers take place on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
at AYMA. Contact Vartoog Karageulian on 24-659245.

* AYMA Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from 7:00 – 8:30
p.m for children starting from the age of 7. Contact Krikor Mahdessian on
99650897.

* AYMA Table Tennis practices take place every Saturday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m
under the expert guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion Sirvart Costanian. Classes
and practice session for all ages.

* AYF meetings every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. at AYMA

*AYMA Football team practices are taking place every Thursday at 9:00 p.m.
A.Y.M.A. will be participating in the Second Division Amateur Football
League and will be bidding for the Championship Title and subsequent
promotion to Division One. The Championship begins on Saturday November 27,
2004.

* Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian sings @ Champs every Friday at at 9:30 p.m. For
reservations call 22873888.

* Bible Study Group organised by The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus. The Group
meets at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church on Armenia street, Nicosia. To
receive further details please call Father Momik Habeshian on 99 307966 or
at the Prelature office on 22 493560 email [email protected] The next
meeting is on Wednesday 24 November at 7 p.m.

* The English School Old Boys and Girls Association is holding its 2004
Annual General Meeting at the ClubHouse on Wednesday December 8 at 7:00 p.m.
A reception will follow. Contact Yiannos Ioannou on 22316861 email
[email protected]

* AYMA Annual Ball at Hilton Park on January 8, 2005 featuring ANDRE.
Reservations a MUST! Book early.

* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can be heard
via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus
time (14:00-15:00 GMT) New s bulletins a t 17:15 local time on Sundays,
Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on the following radio
frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia listeners) 94.2 FM
(Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca) 96.5 FM (Paphos).

* The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 28 November,2004

* Pentataktylos – Halevka – Buffavento Castle Cycle Ride by MICROMANIA.
Sunday November 28, 2004. Meeting point: Ledra Palace, Turkish checkpoint
Meeting Time: 9.00 am – Bus leaves : 9.30 am – Arrival at Besparmak
Restaurant: 10.30 am – Riding tim e: 2.5 hours – Riding distance: 16 or 28
km (two routes) Bring with you: passport, water, helmet. Cost of bus and
food: approx =C2=A38:00 per person. Bus leaves Besparmak: 2.30 pm. Bus arriv=
es
back: approx 3.30 pm. Level of competence: average Age limit: 12 + Contact
Baret (Duke) Bedelian on 22-661517

* Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues”. You can also hear it on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on A repeat program
can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.
* Listen to Hairenik Association’s online Armenian Radio Station. A variety
of Armenian music online, 24 hours a day, combined with news and other
interesting information about the Armenian community in the US, Armenia,
Artsakh, Javakhk and the Armenian Diaspora.
=C2=A0 24 Hours of non-stop armenian music and programs on the internet
. . . . . News . . . . . ANC hour . . . . . Song dedications . . . . . Youth
discussions . . . . . Game Shows . . . . . Interviews . . . . . Religious
programs . . . . . Cultural programs . . . . . History . . . . .

Launch Hairenik Radio in your preferred Player,launch Hairenik in your life

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SEARCH FOR MISSING EX-ZOO EMPLOYEE

Star of Mysore, India
Nov 25 2004

Mysore, Nov. 25 (MRS)- The Police, for the first time, have went on
record to say that they suspect the role of a dismissed employee in
the recent deaths of animals in the City Zoo.

Police Commissioner Mr. Praveen Sood, while participating in the
interaction with the media persons yesterday, said that the Police were
searching for the dismissed employee, who is missing since two weeks.

He said till date 31 staff members of Mysore Zoo had been
interrogated. Of these, nine have been subjected to polygraph test.
The findings of the tests were awaited, he added.

But he said the tests finding were subjective evidence and not
conclusive.

The second report sought from the Forensic Science Laboratory over
the cause of death of Komala, the Armenia-bound 8-year-old jumbo,
is awaited. Since investigation is based on scientific reports,
it will take time to unearth the cases of animals deaths, he said.

With regard to the death of Komala, he said they were open-minded
and that they were neither ruling out sabotage nor negligence on the
part of doctors and staff. As a worst-case scenario, Police have
collected samples of Gajalakshmi, another elephant, that suddenly
took ill sometime ago.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Putin visits EU amid Ukraine poll tension

Reuters, UK
Nov 25 2004

THE HAGUE (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting
European Union leaders in The Hague for a summit that is expected to
focus on strained ties over Ukraine’s disputed presidential election.

The Union has called on Ukrainian authorities to investigate complaints
about the elections, which it said fell short of international
democratic standards. Russia has accused Europe of meddling and
inciting violence in the former Soviet state.

Putin was welcomed to the Dutch seat of government on Thursday by
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, who holds the EU’s rotating
presidency. The two men shook hands, smiled and waved at photographers
but did not address waiting journalists.

Mass protests over the Ukraine vote have entered their fourth day
and pro-Western opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko has called for a
general strike to protest at official results showing Prime Minister
Viktor Yanukovich won the election.

Moscow backed Yanukovich throughout the campaign and congratulated
him on his victory before official results.

The Netherlands, speaking on behalf of the EU presidency, demanded
in a statement late on Wednesday that irregularities reported by
international observers be rectified and has said it is sending a
special envoy to Ukraine to meet political leaders.

“The EU has noted that the second round of the presidential elections
last Sunday has fallen far short of international standards for
democratic elections,” it said. “The EU does not believe these results
reflect the will of the Ukrainian people.”

Relations with Russia were already tense before the Ukraine crisis
over the EU’s desire for greater engagement with countries that Moscow
sees as in its sphere of influence.

The bloc expanded in May to take in 10 new members, most of them in
the former communist east, and wants to promote democracy and human
rights in countries now bordering it, and help resolve conflicts in
Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Moscow resists this, fearing a further loss of prestige it has suffered
since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Following EU enlargement, Russia now sends 55 percent of its exports
to the bloc, while the EU in turn is heavily dependent on Russian
energy. But increased economic cooperation has so far not been
reflected in closer political ties.

The Tehran New York Express; Andranik Eskandarian
By Irankicks correspondent Nader Jahanfard

Irankicks.com (Iranian Soccer news)
Nov 25 2004

In Iran the strikers feared him, in Argentina they respected him and
in New York they cherished his style of play. His name is Andranik
Eskandarian and he is one of the most treasured defenders in Iranian
football history.

After Playing for Poolad and Ararat FC of Tehran, he moved to one of
the most famous clubs in Asia called; Taj FC of Tehran (now Esteghlal
FC). He was physical, speedy, smart and fearless.

For many years he played for the Iranian national team as a defender
and he helped Iran reach her first World Cup Finals in 1978
(Argentina). The same year he moved to United States and joined the
star studded football team New York Cosmos.

Andranik or “Eski” as they call him here in United States, is now 53
and he owns his own sports store in New Jersey. I had the honor of
interviewing this man who served his country on the pitch, Iranian
football owes him a lot of admiration for that matter.
I presented Andranik with a series of short questions and he answered
all of them meticulously.

Nader,
Iran?

Eskandarian,
I miss my country. I left Iran in 1978 to come and live here in the
United States. It’s all like a dream now.
We (Armenians) are a small minority in Iran but we are so close to
that soil. We have been living in Iran for centuries and they have
always counted us as one of their own.
People of Iran always respected me, I will never forget my people.

Nader,
Daei?

Eskandarian,
Daei is a good friend of mine. Any time he comes to New York area we
get together and dine. He is one of the greatest football players in
our history, unfortunately I never had the chance to watch him play
in person but I have seen many of his games on TV.

Andranik laughs and says; He is aging like me now!
In Argentina 78 we could have used Daei’s services. Hassan Roshan was
playing with injury and the teams we played against were great on
air. We needed some one to dominate that area for us and Daei could
have been awesome for that position.

Nader,
How about Ghafoor jahani?

Eskandarian,
Ghafoor was a very good player, I don’t want to take anything away
from him. Naturally a team has to have a good chemistry and coaches
are responsible for making that chemistry work for them. Our team had
this advantage.

To give you an example; my son Alecko who plays for D.C.United team
was benched last year because their coach believed in having a
“Target” striker. He told Alecko that he was too small for that role.
This year however, Peter Novak (D.C. United Coach) believed in Alecko
and as result my son became the MVP!
It’s all about the team and believing in players’ potentials.

Nader,
Alecko Eskandarian?

Eskandarian,
They ask me a lot of questions about Alecko these days. I always
advise Alecko on how they treated us in Iran. He was born here in
United States but my wife and I always talk to him about our
homeland.

We have told him that someday we will go back to visit and see Iran
because it is important that he gets to know Iran and feel that
emotion!
Alecko played for the U.S. Olympics team when he was only 15 years
old and so far he has played 20-25 games for the U.S. side.

Because of the international rules and regulations of FIFA he cannot
play for Iran.
Here in New Jersey area he grew up with many Iranian friends, he is
real proud of his heritage, he is proud to have an Iranian
background, he has a great future and I am proud of him.
Believe it or not they even asked me if he could play for the
Armenian national team!

Nader,
Given the chance, what would you like to do for Iran and its
football?

Eskandarian,
First of all let me tell you that I am proud of our fans in Iran, I
will never forget their kindness, I have a lot of great memories. I
would love to play a friendly in Iran with the veteran’s team,
unfortunately no one has ever invited me!

There are many games that are organized for different causes and I
like to be a part of them. Last week here in New Jersey they invited
me to play in a game, they were raising money for a good cause. We
can do the same thing in Iran.

Why don’t we invite the players who played in 1978 World Cup, arrange
a friendly and raise money for the “Bam” or cancer victims for
example?
I want to be part of something like that and help my people.

Nader,
In your opinion, who are Iran’s best players of the past three
decades?

Eskandarian,
Since I have not been living in Iran, I cannot judge everyone. I have
not seen many of our great players’ performance; it would not be fair
to many.
On the other hand, I have to say that our legionnaires have done so
much for our football.
We should applaud them all.

Nader,
What are our chances to make it to the World Cup in Germany 2006?

Eskandarian,
We shouldn’t even use the word “Chance”!
We are still above everyone else in Asia, if sometimes we don’t get
good results it’s because of the internal problems in our football.
No other team in Asia has as much talent as we have in Iran.
We should make it to Germany with ease.

Nader,
Hejazi or Abedzadeh?

Eskandarian,
Hejazi.
I like Nasser Hejazi, he was my roommate, I will never forget him.
In general you have to have special qualities to be a goalie.
Anytime I hear someone wanting to be a goalkeeper I ask him or her;
“Are you crazy enough to be a goalkeeper?”

There is a certain attitude that goes with being a great keeper and
Hejazi had that, he was the ultimate goalie in my book.

Nader,
Who was the toughest forward you ever faced in Iran and abroad?

Eskandarian,
In Iran I played as a sweeper.
We always had problems playing against Persepolis forwards.
Behzadi, Kalani and Iranpak were among the toughest.
I miss the rivalry.

When I played for Cosmos they placed me in different positions,
because I was the only one who could deal with tough situations.
I remember the very first game with Cosmos I played as the right back
against the legendary George best.
The following week they changed my post to left back and I had to
face the great Cubillas from Peru (Cubillas scored three goals
against Iran in Argentina). The third week I went back to the right
position to face the well-known Johan cruyff of Holland.
It was like this every week right to the end of the season.

Nader,
Talk about your best memories?

Eskandarian,
Every game has its own story. But the memory of winning the “Takhte
Jamshid” championship with Taj FC stands above the rest.
Winning the Asian Cup was also real sweet.

Nader,
What is your message for the young players in Iran?

Eskandarian,
Most of us who play football don’t think about the future, the sports
life of a football player is very short. They have got to think about
their future, this can be achieved through education or business
investment.

When I hear things about financial circumstances of some of the
players who have done so much for our football in the past I get
emotional.
I hope that our youth learn their lesson and don’t take things for
granted.
Nothing is everlasting!

Nader,
Mr.Eskandarian, it was a pleasure talking to you.. I wish you and
Alecko the greatest success in the future. Iranian football will
never forget its sweet defender.
I am proud to be your countryman.

Acknowledgments:
Many thanks to Mr.Manook Khodabakhshian and Mr.Hassan Alesafar who
made this interview possible.

By Irankicks correspondent Nader Jahanfard, San Jose California

International film jury looks at young directors

Kathimerini, Greece
Nov 25 2004

Thessaloniki cinema festival gears up for last days of events and
parties

The 45th Thessaloniki International Film Festival runs to Sunday.
By Christine Sturmey – Kathimerini English Edition

THESSALONIKI – It is all starting to come together here as the
Thessaloniki International Film Festival enters its second half and
the bitter cold of the weekend gives way to the welcoming November
sun.

After a rather sluggish start, the beautifully renovated port complex
that houses the festival’s headquarters and where most of the films
are screened is starting to buzz with cinema lovers and artists — now
arriving in droves to attend the awards ceremonies — as well as
special events and parties being organized for the last four days of
the festival.

Of the 186 films that have been shown in total at the Thessaloniki
International Film Festival this year, there are 12 that cinema buffs
are keeping a close eye on to see who will walk away with the
festival’s top prizes: The Golden Alexander, with a 37,000-euro
purse, and the Silver Alexander, worth 22,000 euros — a substantial
boost for directors in the International Competition, all of whom are
presenting their first or second feature film.

The decisions rest in the hands of a strong international jury, this
year presided over by a formidable director, the groundbreaking
Hungarian auteur Miklos Jancso, who tackled Monday’s press conference
with humor, reluctant to give out too many tips as to how he sees the
competition.

On the matter at hand, Jancso said, “We have the power to judge young
directors, but we cannot. My young colleagues are very talented. I
see all these films and scenarios and find that the young directors
are really fantastic.”

Other members of the panel include the celebrated Italian painter
Valerio Adami; internationally acclaimed Canadian-Armenian actress
Arsinee Khanjian, who is best known for numerous collaborations with
her husband; director Atom Egoyan; the esteemed Greek film critic
Yiannis Bakoyiannopoulos; American film director Alexander Payne (his
first feature film “Citizen Ruth” won Best Screenplay at the 37th
Thessaloniki International Film Festival); producer Donald K.
Ramvaud, whose credits include “Farewell My Concubine” and “City of
God,” and lastly, film critic, alternate director of the cinema club
of New York’s Lincoln Center and editor-at-large at Film Comment,
Kent Jones.

One of the main issues at the panel’s press conference was that of a
European cinema identity. Jones argues: “It would be very difficult
to talk about European cinema as a whole, because there are many
different trends. But in opposition to American cinema, which has
flooded the world, I am always thankful that there are films being
made in a different way without an emphasis on the technology, the
financial machine you see in the United States.”

Expanding on the subject of the global domination of American films,
Payne, an American himself, provided a different point of view. “You
have to remember one thing: In America, we don’t really have films
about Americans, American films. We also suffer from not having films
truly about people. I think that one thing that is kept alive in
European cinema is that which is about human beings.”

Septuagenarian painter Adami explained the hold cinema exercises over
people, especially the early generations of cinema-goers, and also
addressed the issue of a European cinema identity. “My generation was
bred on the cinema. It was a generation that grew up during the war.
It was a generation that learned everything from cinema. In my time,
the cinema was dubious. If we brought a young lady to the cinema, she
was compromised. Cinema was new, without memory, and at the time, we
were looking for stories without memories. European cinema remains
one that relies on the story of images, on allegory and metaphor.”

Khanjian, the only woman serving on the jury, commented on the
“indisputable femininity of cinema,” going on to discuss how films
made by women are often referred to as “feminine cinema.”

“We make this distinction. It is a very generous effort to put it
that way, but still, the fact that we do talk about it that way, as
if it is altogether another activity, remains very strange to me.”

The issue of American studio domination over international film
production and distribution, effectively a form of cultural hegemony,
however, is where events such as the Thessaloniki International Film
Festival step in. Their role is an educational one, as they bring
films that rarely see domestic distribution to audiences and organize
events and activities to help the public understand art cinema
better. On the other hand, the festival acts as a mediator, boosting
art-house filmmakers so that they may one day insinuate themselves,
and their ideas and style, onto the international arena of cinema.

“If you look at the catalogs of the festival’s history, the films
that went through the competition stage, new films, by young people,
you will notice that many of the directors are today established
internationally and the awards they got here represented their first
steps along that course,” said Greek critic Bakoyiannopoulos.

On an optimistic note for Greek cinema, producer Ramvaud said that
the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Greek Film
center are helping Greek films to develop an international
reputation.

–Boundary_(ID_7/JyVFBV8zUXlU0cjUDovA)–

Mark Thatcher’s Trial in S. Africa Delayed
By ELLIOTT SYLVESTER

The Associated Press
11/25/04 03:54 EST

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) – A South African court on Thursday
postponed Sir Mark Thatcher’s trial for allegedly helping finance a
foiled coup attempt in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea until April 8 for
further investigation.

Thatcher, the 51-year-old son of former British Prime Minister Margaret
Thatcher, appeared smiling and relaxed during the brief hearing. He
was not asked to plead.

Magistrate Awie Kotze granted the delay at the request of
prosecutors. He also extended Thatcher’s bail conditions, which require
that he remain in the Cape Town area and report daily to police.

Thatcher, who has lived in South Africa since 1995, was arrested at
his suburban Cape Town home on August 25 and charged with violating
this country’s anti-mercenary laws.

He also faces charges in Equatorial Guinea, where 19 other defendants
are already on trial in connection with an alleged plot earlier this
year to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who has ruled
Africa’s third-largest oil producer for the past 25 years. Officials
there have said they will seek Thatcher’s extradition from South
Africa.

On Wednesday, the Cape High Court ruled Thatcher must answer questions
under oath sent by Equatorial Guinea.

Thatcher’s lawyer, Alan Bruce-Brand, said Thursday the legal team had
not yet decided whether to appeal. Earlier, he told The Associated
Press that his client would most likely answer the questions before
a magistrate on Friday.

Equatorial Guinea alleges Thatcher and other, mainly British financiers
worked with the tiny country’s opposition figures, scores of African
mercenaries and six Armenian pilots in a takeover attempt foiled in
March. Thatcher maintains he played no part in the alleged conspiracy.

Simon Mann, a former British special forces commander accused of
masterminding the plot, was arrested and convicted with 67 accused
accomplices in Zimbabwe on weapons and other minor charges. Three
others later pleaded guilty to violating South Africa’s Foreign
Military Assistance Act as part of a plea bargain under which
they agreed to give evidence in court against other alleged coup
participants.

LEVON TER-PETROSSYAN ANSWERING JOURNALISTS’ QUESTIONS

A1+
25-11-2004

Armenian former president Levon Ter-Petrossyan answered the questions
journalists put to him in Zvartnots airport Thursday upon his arrival
in Yerevan after his journey to the U.S.A.

A few years ago you said people will need you and ask to come back
to political activity.

I’ve never said this.

You said “if you ask, I’ll be back”.

Not a bit of it. In 2001 I was asked if I want to run for the third
term I refused saying it would be contrary to the Constitution. Then I
joked and said if people wouldn’t ask me I wouldn’t return. My words
was distorted and turned to a legend.

Today your article War or Peace is being published again and
again. What do you think, why?

I am glad that eventually it attracted proper attention and serious
consideration. What I said in my article didn’t lose its up-to-date
significance. It became more urgent nowadays, as there is no any
progress in Karabakh issue and even negative consequences are already
seen. It became more difficult to solve the issue.

Do you think war can resume?

I don’t rule it out.

Can you return where you was, or there is no way back?

I think no. We can’t reckon on the same what we could get in 1997.

Even in the event of your return to power?

It is impossible under any circumstance.

What can be done in present situation?

This is the current authorities’ duty, not mine.

Didn’t you regret that once called Robert Kocharyan to Armenia.

I don’t regret, because I invited him as a prime minister. It was
perhaps the only my step that received unanimous public approval.

But now people are unhappy about that.

It is easy to tell history in conjunctive mood.

Armenian MPs denied entry to Azerbaijan for NATO seminar – agency

Mediamax news agency, Yerevan
25 Nov 04

Yerevan, 25 November: The Armenian deputies will not take part in the
NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s seminar which starts in Baku today, as
the Azerbaijani authorities did not provide the Armenian delegation
with security guarantees.

The chairman of the standing parliamentary commission on defence and
security, Mger Shakhgeldyan, who must have left for Baku with another
deputy Aleksan Karapetyan, said this in an interview with Mediamax.

Mediamax recalls that several days ago Armenian National Assembly
Speaker Artur Bagdasaryan sent a letter to his Azerbaijani counterpart,
Murtuz Alasgarov, and the leadership of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
and expressed hope for providing the Armenian deputies with security
guarantees.

The non-admission of the Armenian military to Baku for taking part
in NATO-led exercises [in September 2004], as well as the recent
deportation of a Bulgarian citizen of Armenian origin from the
Azerbaijani capital have become the reason of this letter.

[Armenian MPs Mger Shakhgeldyan and Aleksan Karapetyan have arrived in
Baku to attend the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Rose-Roth seminar, the
Azerbaijani radio station ANS reported at 0600 gmt on 25 November 2004]

Azeri Speaker unruffled by Armenian MPs’ absence from NATO seminar

Lider TV, Baku
25 Nov 04

[Presenter] The Rose-Roth seminar of NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly
opened in Baku today. Azerbaijani Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov said that
Armenian MPs did not join the seminar.

[Alasgarov, speaking to microphones] Ask the NATO secretary [as heard,
actually secretary-general of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly], why
they have not come. I have not invited them and I am not interested
in their visit to Azerbaijan. They do not tell us [about this]. This
is not our business. Ask the organizations which have granted visas
and invited them. So, they did not come. Very well.

[Passage omitted: reported details]

[Presenter] Speaker Alasgarov spoke about the Nagornyy Karabakh
problem at the Rose-Roth seminar. He informed the participants in
the seminar of the OSCE’s inactivity [in settling the conflict].

Azeri foreign minister, OSCE mediators discuss Karabakh in USA

ANS Radio, Baku
25 Nov 04

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, who is on a visit
to the USA, has met the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen [from the USA,
Russia and France], Steven Mann, Yuriy Merzlyakov and Henry Jacolin
in New York. The meeting, which was also attended by the Azerbaijani
president’s special envoy on the Nagornyy Karabakh problem [and deputy
foreign minister], Araz Azimov, was held behind closed doors.

The sides focused on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Elmar
Mammadyarov conveyed to the co-chairmen official Baku’s concern
and dissatisfaction with the recent mass resettlement of Armenian
families on Azerbaijan’s occupied territories with financial support
of the Armenian leadership. The minister stressed that, in doing so,
Armenia violated the UN Security Council resolutions and international
humanitarian law. He added that this posed danger to the peace talks
held with the OSCE mediation. During the meeting, the Azerbaijani
side shared its views about the establishment of an independent
expert group to find the facts with regard to Armenia’s policy of
resettlement on occupied Azerbaijani territories.