Armenian foreign minister downbeat on Europe’s Karabakh report

Arminfo
23 Nov 04

Yerevan, 23 November: Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said
in Yerevan today that he regarded the draft project drawn up by the
rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
[PACE] on Nagornyy Karabakh, David Atkinson, as an “ordinary report”.

The Armenian foreign minister said that in the view of the Armenian
side, the draft report contains wording that does not exactly reflect
the essence of the conflict.

“However, it is necessary to understand that it is a normal political
process when Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives are trying to
make the report meet their interests in full”, Oskanyan said. At the
same time, he noted that the Armenian delegation at PACE managed to
get certain provisions of David Atkinson’s document amended.

“The struggle is continuing at this and other fronts”, Armenian
foreign minister said.

Oskanyan noted that the discussion of the issue at PACE does not at all
mean that the settlement of the conflict is gradually being transferred
to the Council of Europe. He recalled that the Karabakh conflict was
also recently discussed by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Oskanyan
said that “we take all resolutions and reports calmly as they do not
attempt to predetermine political status for Nagornyy Karabakh that
would be unacceptable to us”.

ROW OVER ELECTORAL REFORM SPLITTING ARMENIAN COALITION

Emil Danielyan

Eurasianet
11/23/04

An increasingly bitter dispute over election rules for future
parliamentary elections could cause a split within Armenia’s governing
coalition.

The Republican Party (HHK) of Prime Minister Andranik Markarian is at
loggerheads with its two subordinate coalition partners, the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and the Orinats Yerkir (Country of
Law) party. The dispute centers on the composition of parliament,
or, more specifically, how MPs are elected.

According to the existing law, 75 of the 131 members of the National Assembly
are elected under the proportional system, with voters choosing a list of
candidates fielded by a party or bloc. The remaining 56 seats are distributed in
single-mandate constituencies under the first-past-the-post, or “majoritarian”
system prevalent in the United States and Britain.

The vast majority of the Armenian lawmakers elected under the majoritarian
system are wealthy government-connected individuals. In the overwhelming number
of instances, these individuals wield immense economic influence within their
respective constituencies, and are widely believed to have secured victory at
the polls through bribery and manipulation. Many of them are affiliated with,
or backed by the HHK — a key reason why Markarianâ~@~Ys party has the largest
parliament faction and controls most local governments. The HHK is certainly
Kocharianâ~@~Ys most influential supporter.

The junior coalition members would prefer to do away with first-past-the-post
constituencies, and base future elections entirely on the proportional
system. At the very least, they want to reduce the number of majoritarian seats
in
the legislature. The ARF, also known as Dashnaktsutiun, has warned that it
could quit the coalition if the HHK continues to oppose a move to increase the
number of parliamentary seats determined under the proportional system.

“Dashnaktsutiun reserves the right to reconsider its participation in the
coalition government in the event of a breach of the goals spelled out in the
[June 2003] memorandum on its [the coalitionâ~@~Ys] creation,” warned Armen
Rustamian, one of its leaders. He said expansion of the proportional system was
one of
the key terms of the coalitionâ~@~Ys power-sharing accord.

The coalition cabinet has been beset by internal wrangling ever since its
creation following the May 2003 parliamentary elections, which were marked by
widespread accusations of fraud. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive
]. The ARF has regularly expressed its dissatisfaction with the slow pace of
economic improvement, persisting government corruption and what its leaders
characterize as the “power of money” in the impoverished country. The
influential
nationalist party, which has branches in Armeniaâ~@~Ys worldwide Diaspora,
toughened its rhetoric in early November after the HHK torpedoed its efforts at
electoral reform.

The two sides have tried unsuccessfully in recent weeks to bridge their
differences. Tigran Torosian, a deputy parliament speaker and an HHK leader,
said
on November 23 that the Republicans will make a final attempt to strike a
compromise deal later this week. Their failure to reach agreement would set the
stage for Kocharianâ~@~Ys personal intervention in the row, which has already
proven
debilitating for the governing coalition. Keeping all of his major allies
happy will be a difficult task, observers in Yerevan say.

Despite the recent rise in heated rhetoric, HHK leaders have been quick to
shrug off the threat of an ARF departure. “Let nobody think that we become very
concerned and nervous every time they talk about leaving [the coalition],”
Markarian said in a recent newspaper interview.

Of all the other Armenian parties only Orinats Yerkir, which is led by
parliament speaker Artur Baghdasarian, did reasonably well in individual races
in
the 2003 parliament elections. Yet it too wants a greater share for the
party-list seats. Proponents of the proportional system say that it would spur
the
development of political parties. Increased political competition, in turn,
would
make it more difficult for one party to get away with voting irregularities.

In a bid to prevail in the dispute, the rival camps have turned to other
political groups for support. The Republicans are strongly backed on the issue
by
the Peopleâ~@~Ys Deputy group of non-partisan lawmakers. Orinats Yerkir and the
ARF, meanwhile, have enlisted the support of the United Labor Party (MAK), a
small pro-Kocharian group also represented in the current legislature.

MAK leader Gurgen Arsenian claimed on November 18 that “new realignments”
could occur both inside the parliament and the government. He said opponents of
the majoritarian system are prepared to take “drastic steps,” which he declined
to specify. “Time will tell whether or not there will be a change in the
coalition format,” Arsenian told reporters. “I donâ~@~Yt rule that out.”

The existing balance of forces in parliament favors the HHK, the most
powerful government faction. Together with the Peopleâ~@~Ys Deputy group, they
hold about
60 parliament seats compared to less than 40 seats controlled by their
pro-presidential opponents. However, the junior coalition members could end up
winning the electoral rules debate if they gain the support of the 23 lawmakers
representing Armeniaâ~@~Ys two main opposition groups, the Artarutiun (Justice)
alliance the National Unity Party (AMK).

Whether the opposition parties are willing to join forces with the junior
coalition members on the electoral rules issue is uncertain at this point.
Artarutiun and the AMK are both known to be strong advocates of proportional
representation, but they have boycotted parliament sessions since February 2004.
The
boycott is linked to the pro-presidential parliament majorityâ~@~Ys refusal to
consider a “referendum of confidence” in Kocharian. [For background see the
Eurasia Insight archive].

The opposition refuses to recognize the legitimacy of Kocharianâ~@~Ys victory in
the 2003 presidential vote. For more than a year after the election, the
opposition pursued a popular protest strategy against Kocharian. That effort,
however, failed to attract a sufficient following that could exert pressure on
the
president to either change political course, or step down. [For background see
the Eurasia Insight archive].

Since abandoning the protest strategy, opposition leaders have kept a low
profile, waiting for an opportunity to capitalize on the renewed government
infighting. They may now believe such an opportunity is at hand and try to stoke
the intra-governmental tensions by openly backing the electoral reform
championed by the ARF. All of which makes the fast resolution of the coalition
dispute
even more urgent for Kocharian.

Editorâ~@~Ys Note: Emil Danielyan is a Yerevan-based journalist and political
analyst.

–Boundary_(ID_mfgWO/sJCL6o5V4fBWfeQg)–

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/23/2004
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1) Meeting with President Arkady Ghoukasian
2) Public Official and Former “Azadamard” Editor Mousegh Mikaelian Passes Away
3) Azeri Officer Admits Killing Armenian With Ax
4) Armenia Criticizes Atkinson Report on Karabagh

1) Meeting with President Arkady Ghoukasian

Among the many issues discussed between an Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(ARF) delegation and Mountainous Karabagh Republic President Arkady Ghoukasian
on Monday, were the upcoming Armenia Fund telethon, national dues for
Karabagh’s advancement, as well as steps to resettle the population of
Karabagh. Joining President Ghoukasian were the Representative of MKR in the
United States Vardan Barseghian, and Karabagh Archbishop Barkev Mardirossian.
A lengthy political discussion included means to counter Azerbaijan’s latest
anti-Armenian policy, and the Karabagh peace process.
The ARF Western Region delegation was composed of co-chair Avedik Ismirlian
and Hovig Saliba, along with Vahe Bozoian, Hrair Der Krikorian, and Anahid
Stepanian.

2) Public Official and Former “Azadamard” Editor Mousegh Mikaelian Passes Away

YEREVAN (ARF Bureau Press Office)–The distinguished career of Mousegh
Mikaelian came to an end on Monday, November 23, when the accomplished
official
passed away in the capital city of Yerevan.
Born in the Talin region of Zovasar in 1948, Mikaelian graduated from the
“Sasnashen” school and shortly after gained entry into Yerevan State
University’s Philology Department.
Having served as a staff member of several publications, including “Karoun,”
“Avantgard,” and “Sovetagan Hayastan,” Mikaelian moved on to establish the
weeklies “Ourpat,” and “Azadamard,” and the monthlies “Varoujan,” “Midk,”
“Zankag,” and “Asbarez.” During his prolific career, Mikaelian also authored
four books.
He joined the Armenian Revolutionary federation in 1989, and served as the
editor-in-chief of the party’s official publications “Azadamard” (1991-94),
and
“Yerkir” (1998-99).
In 1999, he was elected to Armenia’s parliament and served as a member until
2003, when he was appointed as the country’s Deputy Minister of Education and
Sciences.

3) Azeri Officer Admits Killing Armenian With Ax

(Reuters)–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, Hungarian news
agency MTI reported.
“It was not my plan to be so cruel, savage,” 27-year-old Ramil Safarov told
the court. When asked why he almost severed the head of the victim, he said,
“because they did the same to 8,000 people of ours.”
In February, Safarov entered the Armenian’s room, stabbed him several times
with a knife, and struck him repeatedly with an axe, almost severing his head.
Both were participating in a NATO Partnership for Peace English language
course.
Safarov was charged with committing premeditated murder with extreme cruelty,
and faces possible life imprisonment if found guilty, a Budapest Capital Court
press official told Reuters.

4) Armenia Criticizes Atkinson Report on Karabagh

YEREVAN (Armenpress)–National Assembly Vice-speaker Tigran Torosian
criticized
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) rapporteur on
Mountainous Karabagh David Atkinson, for failing to consult with the OSCE
Minsk
Group, tasked to find a resolution to the conflict, and establish ongoing
contacts with Armenian and Azeri delegations before presenting his report
during PACE’s November 17 session in Paris.
According to Torosian, who heads Armenia’s delegation to PACE, Atkinson’s
recent report on Mountainous Karabagh had not changed greatly from its
September 14 report. He also said that while the draft resolution is improved,
it does not contain all proposals put forth by the Armenian delegation.
Concerned that Azerbaijan is increasingly being perceived in Europe as the
victim of the conflict, he said Armenian authorities must revise their
practical approach in order to counter Azerbaijan’s aggressive policy in
international organizations–especially in light of Turkey’s increased
backstage efforts to find a resolution.
The PACE report does call on both Armenian and Azeri officials to meet in
Strasbourg to decide on Karabagh’s future status. It also calls on the
conflicting sides to withdraw their troops and refrain from military
activates.
Torosian stressed the necessity for Armenia to intensify efforts in the
international arena, and refrain from a policy of mutual accusations and
“behind-the-scene” talks in parliament.

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California Courier Online, November 25, 2004

1 – Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can’t Be Under Azeri Rule

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
3 – Ron Mortanian’s Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
4 – Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
5 – Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon ’04
6 – Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
7 – Commentary
Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
*************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can’t Be Under Azeri Rule

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Karabagh Armenians keep telling the world that Azeris abused them so much
and for so long that they can never go back to living under the yoke of
Azerbaijan again. Armenians provide documented evidence of the trampling of
their most basic rights by Azeri officials during the Soviet years. Most of
these arguments, regrettably, fall on the deaf ears of insensitive world
leaders who care more about Caspian oil than Armenian blood.

A scandalous incident at the Baku airport last week came to demonstrate
what Karabagh Armenians have been saying all along. A prominent Bulgarian
journalist, Edward Papazian, who is the sports editor of “24 Hours,” the
largest daily newspaper in Bulgaria, had flown to Azerbaijan along with
Bulgaria’s soccer team to cover a friendly match between the two countries.

Upon arrival at the Baku airport, the Bulgarian soccer players and their
entourage quickly made it through passport control and were allowed in the
country except for one passenger — Papazian. His sole guilt was that he
had an Armenian last name. Even though the government of Azerbaijan was
notified in advance of the list of the travelers accompanying the soccer
team, as soon as Azeri border guards saw Papazian’s last name in his
Bulgarian passport, they began yelling “Armenian, Armenian!” They
immediately took him in for questioning. They asked him how long he had
been a citizen of Bulgaria. Papazian told them that he was born in
Bulgaria, as were his parents and even grandparents. He told them that he
had traveled around the world, both in civilized and uncivilized countries,
and never had this kind of trouble. The border guards were angered by
Papazian’s implied reference to their country as being uncivilized. They
told him that all Armenians were barred from entering Azerbaijan,
ostensibly because their security could not be guaranteed! One of the
airport officials told Papazian that he was being harassed because of
Karabagh. Despite his vehement protests, the journalist was forcibly put
back on the same plane that he had just arrived in and unceremoniously
deported from the country.

In the meantime, Bulgarian officials, through their Ambassador in Baku, had
made every effort to secure Papazian’s entry into Azerbaijan. The
journalist’s deportation was not only discriminatory, but also offensive to
the government of Bulgaria. This incident had a chilling effect on
relations between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry
subsequently delivered a diplomatic note of protest to the Embassy of
Azerbaijan in Sofia.

The Bulgarian press widely covered this scandalous event. “24 Hours” quoted
Papazian as saying: “I thought we lived in the 21st century rather than the
Middle Ages. I am proud of my heritage and my family and I am not going to
change my name just because of Azerbaijan.”

Rather than apologizing for their shameful and racist behavior, Azeri
officials tried to cover up this incident by insisting that it never took
place and no person named Papazian had tried to enter Azerbaijan.

This appalling episode leads us to the following conclusions:

— Azerbaijan has declared an all-out war not only against Karabagh, but
also against all Armenians, regardless of their country of origin;
— Azeris resort to all possible means to demonstrate their hatred of
Armenians, including lying and covering up not only historic events but
also incidents that occurred just a few days earlier;
— By barring all Armenians from entering Azerbaijan, the Azeri authorities
are basically confirming that Karabagh Armenians are no longer considered
to be citizens of Azerbaijan, (which is exactly what the Karabagh Armenians
want);
— If the anti-Armenian hostility and hysteria in Azerbaijan is such that
even a third generation Bulgarian of Armenian ancestry cannot go to Baku to
cover a soccer match, how could more than 150,000 Karabagh Armenians risk
their lives believing that they can live in peace under Azeri rule?

A whole new generation of Armenians have been born and raised in Karabagh
since its separation from Azerbaijan. These youngsters have only known life
under a free and independent Karabagh! Putting them back under Azeri rule
would be as unnatural and unacceptable as returning the 13 U.S. colonies to
the British, Louisiana to the French, and Alaska to the Russians!

The Azeri officials, by their hateful action, proved once again that
Armenians couldn’t even visit Azerbaijan, let alone live there. Karabagh
Armenians are perfectly happy not to be associated with such a country!
**************************************************************************
2 – Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
BURBANK, CA – The Second Sanahin Institute of the Western Diocese was held
Sept. 23-26 at the Armenian Church Camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Institute is a project of the Christian Educational Council (CEC) of
the Western Diocese. Its mission is to train participants to know about
their own faith through the study of Scriptures, the Sacraments, the
liturgies, the spiritual tradition and the history of the Armenian Church.
There is also training in the principles of faith development and teaching
methodology.
Topics covered this year were: Old Testament: Genesis, taught by Fr. Perry
Kavoukjian of the St. Paul Newman Center of Fresno; Scripture: Development
of the Armenian Canon of the Bible, Fr. Arshen Aivazian, St. Paul Armenian
Church, Fresno; Introduction to Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation, Fr.
Sarkis Petoyan, St. John, San Francisco; New Testament: Gospel of Mark,
taught by Michael Danks Fergusen, San Joaquin Memorial High School; and
Methods of Religious Education, Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian, Fresno.
The Sanahin Institute Committee is headed by Sarkis Hardy. Yn. Sirarpi
Aivazian is the project coordinator, and Maral Cingoz is the project
administrator. Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian is the Committee Secretary and the
chairperson of the Christian Educational Council.
The Committee thanks the St. John Garabed Ladies, Society, San Diego; St.
James Ladies Society, Los Angeles; St. Paul Ladies Society, Fresno; Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Ladies Society, Reedley, and St. Andrew Ladies Society,
Cupertino for their assistance. Their contributions assisted the CEC in
completing another successful year for this project.
For more information about the Institute and plans for 2005, contact the
Western Diocese – Armenian Church Office or Maral Cingoz, project
coordinator at (510) 847-4362.
***************************************************************************
3 – Ron Mortanian’s Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
FRESNO – Ron Mortanian’s class made it big recently. A Subway sandwich,
that is. In fact, so big, it is due to be listed in the Guinness Book of
World Records as the largest Subway sandwich in the United States – over
200 feet, according to organizers’ records.
“I always like bigger, better and the first,” says Mortanian, whose Reach
for the Stars program, which benefits special needs students, organized the
event at Fresno’s Tehipite Middle School on Oct. 16. Mortanian is a Special
Education Teacher. His Language Arts Program “Reach for the Stars” enables
his students with writing skills.
The event brought out employees and owners from 18 Subway franchises to
build the monster sandwich.The sandwich was sold in $5 sections with chips
and soda. Part of the proceeds went to the Reach for the Stars program, the
rest was distributed between departments at Tehipite for teachers’ use.
More than a dozen sandwich artists worked 25 minutes to create the sub,
which included 204 feet of bread, 108 pounds of turkey, 120 pounds of roast
beef, 72 pounds of hand and 72 pounds of lettuce and stretched on a table
almost the full length of the grass field behind the school.
Moving away from the typical was important for organizers, who were tired
of seeing t he standard fund-raising fare.
“It’s book sales and candy sales, says Martin Viramontes, a Subway
franchise owner and event organizers.”We wanted to do something unique, so
we thought, “Why not do this?'”
They brought in several local organizations for the event, including the
Fresno County Sheriff’s Department – that flew in their helicopter – and
the Fresno Fire Department, which had a fire engine on display.
There was also music, dancing and more than 30 prizes given away. In all,
more than 50 local organizations and businesses took part.
Also participating in a big way was actor Max Gail, famous for playing
Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz on the Barney Miller television show.
Hands gloved in latex, a knife in one hand, and a loaf of bread in another,
he asks: “Are we making this to go?”
***************************************************************************
*********************
4 – Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) last week announced that
she has selected Tom Bohigian as her State Director. Bohigian has been on
Boxer’s staff for more than 11 years, serving as Acting State Director for
the past 10 months.
Boxer, who was reelected to a third term on November 2nd, said, “I am
delighted that Tom Bohigian will stay on as my State Director. He is a
great asset to our staff and to the 35 million Californians we all serve.”
As State Director, Bohigian is responsible for supervising Boxer’s
California operations and her six state offices, which are located in
Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San
Diego. He will continue to be based in the senator’s Fresno office and
travel widely throughout the state.
Bohigian has worked for Senator Boxer since 1993, the year she entered the
U.S. Senate. He has previously held the positions of Field Representative,
Northern California Director, and Deputy State Director. Before joining
Boxer’s staff, he served as a Fresno city councilmember (1989-1993) and as
a field representative for Assemblymember Bruce Bronzan (1982-1989).
A lifelong resident of Fresno, Bohigian attended local public schools and
holds a degree in Journalism from California State University, Fresno.
**************************************************************************
5 – Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon ’04
GLENDALE – Several internationally-recognized Armenian entertainers from
the folk, jazz, pop, rock and comedy worlds will perform during the
Thanksgiving Day Telethon “Make it Happen,” organized by the Armenia Fund
on Nov. 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Armen Chakmakian, a keyboardist for the GRAMMY® award winning band
Shadowfax, will lead Telethon 2004’s live, seven-member house band with
world renowned oudist and composer John Bilezikjian. Zulal, the acclaimed
New York City-based a cappella folk trio of Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian
and Anais Alexandra Tekerian, will perform numerous sets throughout the
12-hour international broadcast.
The all-star entertainment line-up also includes live performances by Aram
Asatryan, Shushan Petrosyan, the Garni Folk Ensemble, Gor Mkhitarian, duduk
ensemble Winds of Passion and Nune Yesayan, as well as two monologues by
comedian Vahe Berberian.
The broadcast will feature interviews with celebrities, AFI supporters and
political leaders from Armenia, Karabakh and the Diaspora as well as
construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh and stories of lives
impacted by AFI initiated infrastructure development projects.
Telethon 2004, live from Glendale, Calif., will air throughout the United
States, Europe, South America, the Middle East, the CIS and Armenia.
Telethon 2004’s goal is to raise funds to complete the remaining 52 miles
of the North-South “Backbone” Highway in Karabagh. Upon completion, the $25
million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages and provide
crucial economic, trade and development opportunities. Telethon 2004 will
also provide continued assistance in the areas of health care, education
and infrastructure development in the Republic of Armenia.
Detailed domestic and international viewing/broadcast information is
available at or by calling 800.888.8897. Telethon 2004
will also be available in full-motion web-cast on
Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online.
**************************************************************************
6 – Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
OAKLAND, Calif. – On December 1-3, Facing History and Ourselves will host a
global online conversation for educators, scholars, and university and
graduate students focusing on the difficult choices individuals, groups,
and nations have confronted – and continue to struggle with – in the face
of genocide.
The forum will build upon the issues explored in Facing History and
Ourselves’ newest resource book, Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization:
The Genocide of the Armenians, as well as examine the work of contemporary
human rights activists and scholars who challenge indifference and believe
that prevention of genocide is possible.
Facing History and Ourselves staff will facilitate this three-day online
forum with the participation of leading human rights and Armenian Genocide
scholars, including Chair of Modern Armenian History at UCLA Richard
Hovannisian. Smith College Professor and human rights activist Eric Reeves,
a frequent writer and commentator on the genocide in Sudan will also join
us along with Helen Fein, the executive director of the Institute for the
Study of Genocide and the International Association of Genocide Scholars.
The online forum is free of charge, Interested individuals can RSVP online.

For more information, go to
***************************************************************************
*

7 – Commentary

Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
By K. George Najarian and
Carolann S. Najarian, M.D.
We would like to relate a sad, but true account of what we have experienced
within Armenia’s legal system over this past year.
Let us first introduce ourselves: our humanitarian efforts in Armenia and
Artsakh have spanned nearly 16 years. Our projects began after the
earthquake and during the Artsakh liberation war and continue through
today, with more than 50 trips to Armenia, the delivery of millions of
dollars of medical supplies to both regions; the establishment of the
Primary Care Center in Gyumri (1994) and the Arpen Center for Expectant
Mothers in Artsakh (1995); hospital renovations; and many other efforts,
including the rebuilding of Tsitsernavank, the 4th c. basilica in Kashatagh
(Lachine corridor), assistance to villagers, invalids, veterans, orphans,
and schools. Our work has been carried out through the Armenian Health
Alliance, Inc. and its supporters as well as through our own private funds.
In response to the Armenian government’s pleas to the Diaspora to invest in
Armenia, George undertook a project with a young man whom he met after the
earthquake and with whom he subsequently became a friend. (We even brought
him to Boston to have surgical correction of his infertility for which we
paid; he now has two children, thanks to us!)
In 1996, after a year of prodding George to finance a business venture,
they opened a photo shop as partners – he did the work and George paid for
everything. He also introduced George to various people with other business
propositions. One introduction led to our purchase of two parcels of land
in the Ethnographic Center at Tzorakugh with spectacular views of Ararat.
Throughout this time this ‘friend’ presented himself to us as an honest
person, thankful for the assistance we had given to him and wanting to help
George in whatever way he could.
This ‘friend’ was George’s representative, not partner, in the development
of these two parcels of land. Thus, he had Power of Attorney to represent
George in his absence. However, he used this Power of Attorney to
fraudulently privatize in his name these lands and our two newly
constructed buildings, in effect expropriating our substantial investment.
When we understood what he had done, with the hope of
avoiding a legal battle, we tried to negotiate with him for the return of
the properties. This failed, despite offers of significant sums of money.
Without any other recourse open to us and based on the advice of legal
experts in Armenia, we filed a criminal case against him, first with the
Yerevan City Prosecutor’s Office (September, 2003) and later with the
Prosecutor General of Armenia’s office (March, 2004).
We had assumed the facts in the case were obvious — “open and shut”–
given the evidence of scores of witnesses, bank documents, receipts, etc.
We had not anticipated that our ‘friend’ would enlist the help of
well-connected persons in the government who could influence the case
through bribes and whatever other means available to them, including
intimidating witnesses and threatening lives. In December, 2003, after a
long but superficial investigation, the Yerevan City Prosecutor’s Office
dismissed the case and referred us to civil court. (We suspected the
prosecutor had been bribed but could not prove it.) On appeal, the case was
reopened at the Prosecutor General level. This time prosecutors agreed we
were the victims of fraud. They also found that the ‘friend’ was guilty of
tax evasion. Attempts were again made to hijack the case through dismissal
at this point but failed. While the Yerevan City Prosecutor who previously
dismissed the case admitted during a meeting at the General Prosecutor’s
Office, in George’s presence, that he made a mistake by dismissing the
case, the current prosecutors said that the evidence was too powerful to
dismiss, and sent the case to the next phase within the criminal process —
that of acquiring evidence for the trial.
Two investigators were assigned the task of preparing the evidence for
trial: witnesses were repeatedly called and subjected to hours of
interrogation; George returned to Armenia again to testify – this time for
more than 40 hours; and, documents were requested and provided by us for a
third time. Again, the investigation dragged on for months and despite
mountains of evidence supporting our claims, and little on the other side
supporting his claim of ownership, the two investigators doing the work
dismissed the case! Their decision, a shabby, crude, and even absurd
document completely ignored or marginalized important
evidence supporting our claims and falsified facts –openly. We were again
referred to civil court. We had information that these investigators were
following orders from persons within the government who stand to benefit
from expropriating these properties from us.
Prominent legal minds in Armenia, including experts within the government,
have advised us that this is a criminal case of fraud punishable under
Armenian law. Similar cases, with less evidence, have been fully prosecuted
by the Prosecutor General’s Office. The attempt to move us into civil court
is an attempt to kill the case completely. Under Armenian law, we have no
civil case because there is no partnership agreement between the parties –
we were not partners with this ‘friend.’
It pains us to tell you we did not find an objective, fair justice system
in Armenia, but instead we have seen the inside of a system wrought with
deceit and corruption that crushes even their own when they try to resist.
During this past year, in addition to our direct appeals, others, including
a high ranking member of the Armenian government, have appealed repeatedly
for a fair and objective hearing of our case to persons within the judicial
system and to President Kocharian himself.
The US Embassy is fully aware of the circumstances of our case as are a
number of US congressmen who have written to the Armenian ambassador in
Washington expressing concern over the conduct of our case – judicial
processes must be open and fair otherwise investors will be leery of
undertaking investment risk in Armenia.
It is impossible to recount all that we have been through this past year.
It has been an emotional roller coaster as we faced the fact that persons
within this government would participate in this humiliating and base fraud
against us. It appears due process of law and the protection of rights and
investments are still fragile concepts for the government of Armenia. As we
understand other Diasporans have encountered similar problems and have been
treated in this same manner. We hope with our case being made public there
will be a willingness to discuss these critical issues, and the Armenian
government will take the necessary steps to clean up corruption: the
judiciary should not exist to guarantee people in power wealth. It is no
way to build a country!
Writing about our ordeal is a very painful step taken reluctantly after one
year of struggling to get a fair hearing of our case. Although we are still
in the appeal process, we understand that our property – including the
place where we anticipated living out our retirement years – has been taken
from us. What you are not seeing, though, are the tears we have shed over
knowing that we may never be able to return to Armenia, to live and
continue our work, and knowing not only has our property been expropriated,
but we as people who have loved and worked for the good of Armenia and its
people have been so dishonestly treated.
The pain goes very deep.
***************************************************************************
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–Boundary_(ID_rl/8ADsd2oEqTp4UKiAcRQ)–

AMERICAN LEGISLATORS ONCE AGAIN STOOD UP FOR ARMENIANS

PanArmenian News
Nov 23 2004

The US Congress has decided not to curtail the aid provided to
Armenia

The House of Representatives has accepted the proposal of
Subcommittee on External Appropriations to provide Armenia military
assistance in sum, which is four times as much as the one
administration insisted on. The legislators considered the initiative
of the White House to provide Azerbaijan in 2005 8 million dollars
and Armenia with 2 million with a view of strengthening the military
forces baseless. The Congressmen have agreed to the arguments
provided by the Armenian Assembly of America and Armenian National
Committee and have decided to equalize the military assistance
provided to the two warring countries. Yerevan and Baku will get 8
million and 750 thousand dollars each.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian lobbyists also succeeded in the case
of “regular economic aid.” It has been decided to provide Armenia “at
least 75 million dollars” which exceeds the sum suggested by the
administration by 13 millions. The first years of independence the
USA provided Armenia 90 million. It had been possible to keep the
scale of the aid at this level only due to the Congressmen. The White
House tried to curtail the moneyed assistance to Yerevan all the
time. In spite of the efforts made by the Armenian lobbyists and
their partners the administration succeeded in cutting down the aid
provided to Armenia to 75 millions in 2001. But G. Bush even this
considered a lot. Last year the executive power suggested cutting
down the aid provided to Armenia to 50 million, but the Congressmen
could fight for the previous amount.

This time the administration suggested providing Armenia 62 million,
Azerbaijan – 38 million and Georgia – 72 million.

This initiative has been already blocked while being under the
consideration of Subcommittee on External Appropriations. The members
of the Subcommittee decided that Armenia would be provided “at least
65 million dollars” as it was written in the passed budget project.
On the next stage the Armenian lobbyists succeeded in returning to 75
millions. It is extremely important that the Congressmen decided to
continue the direct provision of financial aid to Nagorno Karabakh.
In spite of the will of American administration, Stepanakert will
receive funds from the USA for realization of humanitarian projects
in this time too. It is a question of 3 million dollars, but the
important point is not about the amount but about the fact of the
direct aid. Azerbaijan is indignant with this decision and it is
going to be discussed during the Parliamentarian sittings. They also
may adopt a resolution condemning the activities of the American
Congressmen. In Baku they suppose that the provision of the direct
aid to Karabakh is an indirect recognition of the autonomy of
unrecognized republic.

Now there is almost no doubt that the project is to have a power of
law. The consideration in Senate is coming soon. If no moot points
arise between these two houses, the case will appear on G. Bush’s
desk and he will be obliged to sign the document containing figures
which he didn’t approve.

CIS, CSTO DEFENSE MINISTERS TO MEET IN MOSCOW

RIA Novosti, Russia
Nov 23 2004

YEREVAN, November 23 (RIA Novosti’s Gamlet Matevosyan) – A regular
session of the council of defense ministers of the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS) will be held in Moscow on November 25.

The concept of the CIS military cooperation and further prospects
of cooperation in this sphere, the formation of a common system of
disclosing radiation, chemical and bacteriological situations and the
abolition of some previous decisions of the council are on the agenda,
Colonel Seiran Shakhsuvaryan, press secretary of the Armenian Defense
Minister told RIA Novosti.

According to him, the introduction of amendments to the 1992 Tashkent
agreement on the rules of flights of warplanes of the CIS countries,
the 5th games of the CIS armed forces dedicated to the 60th anniversary
of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, interstate financial and
industrial activities and a number of personnel and organizational
issues will be considered, as well.

On November 25 Moscow will also host a regular session of defense
ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Mr.
Shakhsuvaryan added.

In his words, the military-political situation in the CSTO zone,
military-technical cooperation, the results of the first stage of the
Channel-2004 international anti-drug operation, training of military
personnel and the plan of the CSTO Joint Staff work for 2005 will be
on the agenda.

Moreover, the ministers will discuss the agreement on the conditions of
the CSTO Joint Staff staying on Russian territory and the organization
of its activities and will coordinate a number of documents aimed at
further development and effectiveness of the CSTO military constituent,
Mr. Shakhsuvaryan said.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization comprises Armenia, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan.

KLO Insists on Preventing Armenians’ Visit to Baku

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Nov 23 2004

The radical Karabagh Liberation Organization (GLO) insists on
preventing the planned visit by Armenian parliament members to Baku
to attend the NATO Parliamentary Assembly 58th “Rose Roth” seminar
due on November 25-27.

The KLO will organize protest demonstrations in Baku, Lankaran,
Barda, Nakhchivan and Ganja in case Armenians visit Baku, chairman of
the organization Akif Naghi said.

The radical group appealed to the Milli Majlis (parliament) Speaker
Murtuz Alasgarov and MPs on Monday. The appeal recalls the Armenian
parliament’s decision on annexation of Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia.

“There is no difference between an Armenian military officer, who has
murdered Azerbaijanis and an Armenian parliamentarian, who had
approved annexing Azerbaijan’s lands to Armenia,” the appeal says.

In the appeal, the KLO called on the parliament speaker and MPs to
prevent the intended visit by Armenian parliamentarians to Baku, act
according to national interests and not to allow Armenian thugs to
play with the nation’s feelings.

The radical group also warned that the leadership of the country,
including the Speaker and MPs, will bear responsibility for any
incidents to happen.

JOINT STATEMENT CONDEMNS CAR BOMBING

A1 Plus | 21:58:32 | 23-11-2004 | Politics |

As it was reported earlier, Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper-owned car
was set on fire Monday night. Police said the car exploded because
of technical problems.

Armenian journalists have learned to take police statements
skeptically, as all assaults on journalists remained undisclosed.

Yerevan Press Club and the Committee for Press Freedom Protection
issued a statement demanding to conduct fair and objective
investigation and calling for drastic steps to stop violence in
the country.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY MISSION PARTICIPANTS TOUR ARMENIA, NKR
See First-Hand Affects of Assembly Projects, Initiatives

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America led its ninth annual
Mission to Armenia, October 10-22, giving more than 60 of its Trustee
members the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and realities
of life in their ancestral home.

Led by Board of Directors Vice-Chair Annie Totah, the Assembly’s
Mission has grown increasingly popular with members who are
given access to high-ranking government officials and treated
to expert-guided tours of Armenia’s historic sites and off-beat
attractions.

“The Mission is a highly unique experience and we were extremely
pleased that this year, more than 20 percent of the group were return
participants,” said Totah. “Our members were able to see the
Assembly’s ongoing contributions in Armenia and learn first-hand the
latest economic, social and political developments through meetings
with President Robert Kocharian’s cabinet and talks with President
Arkady Ghoukasian and other officials. In addition, participants
thoroughly enjoyed Armenia’s rich cultural life by attending musical
performances and visiting many of its museums.”

The 12-day excursion began on October 10 in Vienna, Austria where
participants were treated to a dinner reception at the home of
Assembly supporter Arshalous Tcheknavorian-Asenbauer. Ambassador Jivan
Tabibian, a diplomat whose portfolio includes ambassadorships to four
countries and two international organizations, addressed the gathering,
urging supporters to remain politically active upon their return to
the U.S.

The following day, the group, which also included Board of Directors
Vice-Chair Lisa Esayian, Development Co-Chair and Associate Trustee
Lu Ann Ohanian and Deputy Executive Director Peter Abajian, arrived
in Yerevan. They were met by Assembly Country Director for Armenia
and Nagorno Karabakh Arpi Vartanian, who assisted in planning and
leading the trip. During their first full day there, travelers took
a driving tour of the capital, stopping along the way to take in
their surroundings. That evening, they were joined by Assembly
Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian for a dinner at Old
Erivan Restaurant. Hovnanian, in his welcoming remarks, said:
“I commend all of you for your commitment to the Assembly and our
homeland, which brought you here today.”

While in Armenia, the group was briefed by Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian and the Speaker of the National Assembly Artur
Baghdasarian. They also met with U.S. officials, including Ambassador
to Armenia John Evans, who along with his senior Embassy staff,
hosted a private reception in honor of Assembly participants.
Evans also provided a briefing on U.S.-Armenia bilateral relations.

Oskanian, for his part, thanked the Assembly group for their
significant contributions to the development of U.S.-Armenia relations
and discussed with them Armenia’s foreign relations achievements,
including recent developments in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and
relations with neighboring Turkey.

During an optional two-day trip to Nagorno Karabakh, participants
also met with President Arkady Ghoukasian and Chairman of the
National Assembly Oleg Yessayan. Ghoukasian began by expressing
his gratitude to the Armenian Assembly and its members by saying,
“Thank you for supporting us. This is our common homeland.” He also
discussed the benefits of U.S. assistance for the people of Karabakh
and addressed the need to improve the standard of living and create
jobs. Mission participants asked Ghoukasian for a status report on
the NK negotiations, to which the President remarked, “We believe that
negotiations are the only way to resolving the issues.” And added:
“We are ready to discuss any issue but Azerbaijan advances only those
issues which it considers the most significant for itself.”

Karabakh travelers also visited Gandzasar and received a briefing and
demonstration of the HALO Trust’s current landmine removal projects.

In Armenia, the group visited the Genocide Museum and Memorial at
Tsitsernakaberd, where they laid a wreath to commemorate the victims
and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. They also visited Khor Virab
and attended mass at Etchimiadzin. Mission participants also attend
the rededication of the St. Gayane Church which was renovated through
the generosity of Assembly member and retired California Supreme Court
Justice Armand Arabian and his wife, Nancy. While there, the group
had a sit down dinner with His Holiness, Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians.

Additional trip highlights included a visit to the future site of
the Gerard L. Cafesjian Museum of Contemporary Art. Other stops
included the American University of Armenia and the Gyumri Center
for Aesthetic Education, where mission participants enjoyed a special
concert by the KOHAR Symphony Orchestra and Choir led by Maestro Sebouh
Apkarian. During their last night in Armenia, the group gathered for
a farewell dinner at Yerevan’s Ararat Restaurant.

“As we toured the country, I noticed an overwhelming amount of emotion
and pride among those in our group,” said Esayian. “Each of them
realized the part they have played, and continue to play, in Armenia’s
and Karabakh’s development through their involvement and support of
the Assembly.”

Ohanian echoing Esayian, said that participants expressed their
appreciation for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. “As a result
of this trip, the Assembly is planning to add a Mission for the next
generation of leaders which will include families with children,
intern alumni and young working professionals. We hope many of our
members will take part in this trip early next summer.”

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#2004-099

Photographs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following
links:

ss/2004-099/2004-099-1.JPG

CAPTION: Armenian Assembly Mission participants commemorated the
victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide during a visit to the
Genocide Museum Memorial and Complex in Tsitsernakaberd.

CAPTION: During a visit to the HALO Trust, a mine-sniffing dog and his
handler demonstrated the removal of dangerous landmines as Assembly
delegates looked on.

CAPTION: Assembly supporter Arshalous Tcheknavorian-Asenbauer,
who hosted a reception for Mission participants at her Vienna home,
invited the group to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a school
she renovated in Armenia in her father’s name.

CAPTION: Assembly Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian with
Mission Leader Annie Totah, center, and Fellow Trustee Nancy Arabian
at the rededication of the St. Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin.

CAPTION: Mission 2004 participants during a stop at the Cascade,
an entire hillside turned into a massive stair and known for its
beautiful views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat.

CAPTION: Clockwise from top: Fellow Trustee Veronia Heath, Affiliate
Evelyn Daly, Associate Trustee Mrs. James Mukjian, Life Trustee
Mrs. Michael Ohanian, Life Trustee Mrs. Deran Hintlian and Development
Co-Chair Lu Ann Ohanian enjoy their first evening in Yerevan while
dining at Old Erivan Restaurant.

CAPTION: Seated L to R: Mission Leader Annie Totah, Board of Trustees
Chairman Hirair Hovnanian and his wife, Anna Hovnanian listen to a
report from U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans.

CAPTION: Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vartan Oskanian reviewed
the country’s foreign relations achievements and explained recent
developments in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Seated next to Oskanian
is Mission Leader Annie Totah.

CAPTION: Life Trustee Mrs. Michael Ohanian, along with her family,
participated in the Armenia Tree Project’s (ATP) inauguration of the
Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Center in Karin. Ohanian,
planted a ceremonial tree and spoke about her husband’s relationship
with Stephen Mugar and his daughter, ATP founder Carolyn Mugar.

CAPTION: Trip participants took part in a guided-tour of the CS
Media facilities, a state-of-the-art media complex in Yerevan.

####

–Boundary_(ID_LTndaARiGH7XqjP/iy7eHw)–

Children’s Hospital

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
23 Nov 04

For three years construction works have been going on at the republic
children’s hospital on the means of the charity “Aida a l’Armenie”
of France. The director of the organization French pediatrician,
Armenian by origin Stepan Berberian was in Stepanakert recently. He
visits Karabakh once or twice a year to follow the reconstruction
works, bring into being larger programs and therefore organize actions
of donations in France. Along with the repairs medical services are
provided as usual, without any obstacles. We had a talk with the chief
physician of the hospital Armen Khachatrian and vice chief physician
Karine Tarkhanian. According to Armen Khachatrian, the roof of the
building was repaired, a boiler house was built. The pipes connecting
the boiler house to the hospital building were installed. A new
surgery department and theatre was built. Reconstruction works
go on at the department of reanimation and intensive therapy,
which will be finished by the end of the current year. According to
A. Khachatrian, during his last visit the head of the charity Stepan
Berberian was satisfied with the quality of work. During the meeting
an arrangement was made between the hospital and the benefactors to
start reconstruction works at the department of pediatrics. “We hope
that in 2005 the repairs of the first, second and third floors of the
hospital will be finished,” mentioned A. Khachatrian. He said that the
repairs cannot be completed in several months as the charity also has
financial difficulties (the means are raised from donations regularly
made in France). After the repairs of the interior of the building
they will pass to the exterior. The charity “Aida a l’Armenia” has
its permanent representative in Yerevan. Mr. Grigor spends most of
his time in Stepanakert and follows the works. According to Karine
Tarkhanian, new surgeries were opened in the hospital. Because of
the lack of special equipment children with hearing problems are
sent to Yerevan. Not long ago the apparatus â~@~Audiomediaâ~@~] was
delivered from Yerevan owing to the NKR president, which makes the
services available in Stepanakert. â~@~Our doctor who is the chief
specialist in this sphere in the republic is passing retraining. After
the end of the course he will treat both children and adults,â~@~]
mentioned K. Tarkhanian. The specialized surgery of echocardiography
has been operating for more than a year. Children with congenital heart
diseases were formerly sent to Yerevan hospital of Nork-Marash. Now
there are no problems, and the special medical equipment was delivered
by the same hospital. The surgery of endocrinology was opened in the
hospital where a young specialist, graduate of the Medical University
of Yerevan is appointed who is also included in the list of doctors
carrying out medical examination of children studying at the secondary
schools of Stepanakert. Karine Tarkhanian mentioned that the hospital
needs specialists in gastroenterology and allergy. According to her,
currently enteric diseases, especially infectious diseases among
children. First medical care to people with such diseases is performed
and later care is provided at the childrenâ~@~Ys isolation department
out of the medical institution. According to her, medical treatment,
both out-patient and in-patient is free of charge for children under
15. Formerly the inflow of humanitarian medicine was very large. The
international charities â~@~ Medecins Sans Frontiersâ~@~], â~@~Family
Careâ~@~], â~@~Red Crossâ~@~] provided regular humanitarian aid. Now
medicine is provided by the Red Cross mainly. Besides, medicine is
acquired on state means.

NVARD OHANJANIAN. 23-11-2004

–Boundary_(ID_P0+wGDgv3zdEGrOUvXt+Kg)–