YOUTH NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARMENIA TO RAISE ISSUE OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
DURING APRIL MEETING IN ISTANBUL IN 2005

Noyan Tapan
Nov 22 2004

YEREVAN, 22.11.04. The preliminary arrangement on the organization
of a meeting in Istanbul in April 2005 was reached between the
representatives of Greece, Armenia, Israel, Turkey and other
countries-participants during the Youth Forum held in Madrid on
November 11-13. RA MP Vazgen Khachikian, the Chairman of the Youth
National Council of Armenia, said about it during the November 18
press conference. According to him, the Armenian side is going to
raise the issue of the condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and make
it the theme of discussion.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

In pursuit of beauty? Head for Abu Dhabi
| By Kavitha S. Daniel, Special to Gulf News | 07-02-2004

Some of the finest examples of Islamic art are on display in the capital for
us to admire

Many years ago, a European gentleman of Armenian origin went about collecting
exceptional and rare pieces of art from around the world. He was lucky to
have been born into a wealthy family but the late Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was
hailed as a pioneer in the oil industry participating in the birth of
companies such as the Royal Dutch Shell and the Turkish Petroleum company.

Moreover, he’s largely credited with playing a key role in the development of
the oil industry in the Gulf and his company Partex (Participations and
Explorations Company) formed in 1938, continues to be a partner of the Abu Dhabi
Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO).

But, what is of more interest here, is the Gulbenkian’s collection of art,
put together after years of pursuing a dictum he seems to have lived by: “Only
the best suits me.” The urbane and sophisticated Gulbenkian was an eclectic
collector, his tastes ranging from 13th century rare pieces of ceramic to Kum
Kapi carpets from the famous workshop of the community of Armenian carpet weavers
in Istanbul at the end of the 19th century.

He never limited himself to a single field of art but was as fascinated by
silk and velvet fragments of cloth from the ancient Safavid period in Persia, as
he was mesmerised by illuminated manuscripts and book-bindings of yore.

This fastidious collector went on to own nearly six thousand exquisite works
of art, which finally found an immortal place in a dedicated museum after his
death. Though, Gulbenkian was born in Turkey, studied and lived in France and
England and became a British citizen, he spent the last decade of his life in
Lisbon, Portugal.

And, therefore, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is found in this Portuguese
capital, under the auspices of a foundation of the same name.

Art foundation

The Foundation was set up to promote art, education, science and human
development. It runs two museums — one for ancient and another for contemporary art,
and also owns an orchestra, a ballet company, an art library, a research
institute in biomedicine and a Portuguese Cultural Centre in Paris. The suave and
sophisticated Emilio Rui Vilar, the president of the Board of Trustees,
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation spoke to Tabloid at the inauguration of the
exhibition of the works of art from the Gulbenkian collection at the Cultural
Foundation. (This exceptional exhibition continues until February 15.)

Due to his connections with the Middle East through his involvement in the
oil industry, Gulbenkian was also influenced by the exotic nature of the objets
d’art from China, Japan, Turkey, Persia and Mughal India.

Therefore, the Islamic section is touted to be one of the Museum’s most
spectacular gallery, displaying work produced in Persia, Turkey, Syria, the
Caucasus and India between the 12th and the late 19th centuries.

The same section also includes objects from the Armenian communities in the
East, alongside pottery, tiles, carpets, manuscripts, glass and fabrics from
the Near and Middle East.

A few samples of these pieces were picked by the museum curators to exhibit
in the UAE for the first time at the Exhibition of Islamic Art in the Calouste
Gulbenkian Collection in Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation houses nearly 55 pieces
of a wide range of Islamic art objects encased in glass or mounted on display
cardboard walls and horizontal stands especially erected for the purpose. The
special displays have exclusive lighting facilities.

The works of art are eclectic — reflecting the collector’s expansive range of
taste and knowledge. They include carpets, fabrics, manuscripts,
bookbindings, pottery and tiles. According to the book, especially issued for this
exhibition, these works of art dating between the end of the 12th and 20th century,
have been assembled by Gulbenkian over a period of 50 years, from 1910 to 1940.

At the entrance of this exhibition, inside a lit glass case, sits the most
outstanding piece of display — a 14th century conical-necked mosque lamp in g
ilded and enamelled glass. While the neck bears an Islamic inscription, the body
of the lamp is decorated with a profusion of Chinese-inspired floral motifs,
lotus flowers and peonies in muted shades of red, green and yellow enamels on a
blue background.

Belonging to the time of the Mamluks (1250-1517), who ruled Syria and Egypt,
this piece of work was made by a then innovative method of firing gild and
enamel on glass, introduced by the Mamluk master glassmakers.

Pretty patterns

Mosque lamps in gilded and enameled glass were commissioned by the Mamluk
sultans and emirs and hung from the ceilings of mosques as decorations.

Lovers of intricate design on cloth and garments will be in for a visual
treat from the fabrics on display at this exhibition. There are beautiful fabric
fragments, lengths and panels from the early 16th century and 17th century
Safavid period in Persia, the Mughal period in India and Ottoman in Turkey.

This section starts with a velvet fragment from Yazd, a city in central Iran,
considered to be one of the most famous producers of Persian silks and
velvets. This velvet fragment features the typical floral and zoomorphic motifs
characteristic of the Safavid time. Another Safavid sample reveals detailed work
of flowers, scrolls and leaves framed by a darker flower-patterned border and a
pretty profusion of coloured flowers on a red background in a Mughal velvet
length.

While velvet was used mainly in both Persia and India to decorate spaces,
brocaded silks enriched with gold and silver thread were used for the clothing of
princes and dignitaries. An example being the two silk coats from Persia on
display, a fashion style copied from 17th century India.

A cherry red caparison richly embroidered with polychrome silk, gold and
silver thread probably produced in Persia in the 18th century seems fit for a
king’s stables.

Silk fragments either from Bursa (the Ottoman Empire’s most important silk
producing centre in the 16th century) or from a later period from Istanbul are
studded with exquisite designs. The pieces have characteristic decorations of
oval medallions, floral motifs in shades of mainly red and gold, the ‘four
flowers’ style depicting roses, tulips, carnations and hyacinths, cord motifs, the
eight-point-star geometrical design and open carnations.

Intricate design

Carpet buyers and connoisseurs will love the carpets on display from Safavid
Persia, Mughal India and tribal Caucasians.

A 17th century wool carpet, reportedly a gift from King J. Sobieski of Poland
to Cracow Cathedral, Mughal India carpets made of fine wool, pashima and
silk, and the famous Kum Kapi carpets can be seen here. A distinctive piece in
this section is a Kum Kapi carpet bearing an Armenian inscription and created in
silk and gilded metal thread by Hagop Kapoudijian, one of the finest carpet
makers of the Kum Kapi School.

The ceramics section of this exhibition vies for attention with a book
section that features ancient manuscripts crafted in gold and bookbindings. The 13th
century Kashan footed bowl is an example of fine “minai” work, which was
discontinued in 1300. The decorative compositions show courtly scenes or
occasional episodes from the Shahnama (Book of Kings). The centre of the bowl features
a young, richly dressed prince seated on a high-backed throne with two
falcons perched on it and with peacocks, the symbol of royalty.

There’s Ottoman pottery decorated with colourful flower motifs such as lotus,
chrysanthemums and peonies in blue and white on a dark blue background. Also
on view are Chinese porcelain kendi (a sort of water-jar), Persian kendi
dating back to the second quarter of the 17th century showing landscapes, flowers,
birds and insects, a cylindrical tankard from the Ottoman empire, dishes with
pomegranate and artichoke motifs, and a truly breathtaking ewer in deep blue
with metal mounts — stunning in its craftsmanship and detail.

Book arts

The calligraphy and artwork in books or the “arts of the book” section is a
story by itself. A manuscript of the Holy Quran copied by Prince Baysubghur, a
bibliophile and a skilled calligrapher, represents one of the most brilliant
in Persian calligraphy art. Gulbenkian also acquired a selection of
bookbindings ranging from 16th century Persian bindings which later went on to influence
Renaissance Italian and French bookbinders. Lacquered bindings from the
mid-19th century are decorated with flowers and small birds on a dark background,
which is a fairly common theme in lacquered objects from the Qajar period.

Tiles may not seem appropriate in a high-level exhibition. But these are no
ordinary tiles. They come from Syria in the late 16th/early 17th century, there
are Isnik tiles from Turkey (second half of the 16th century) and a special
tile with a Quranic inscription from 14th century Persia.

The latter formed part of a monumental frieze with religious inscriptions
that decorated mosques and tombs and also frequently appeared on prayer niches.
The tile is divided into three parts. Entwining plant motifs deccorate the
upper section. A middle section contains an inscription from the Holy Quran in
relief, painted in cobalt blue against a background filled with plants and birds.
The bottom section reveals a pattern of small scrolls in compartments.

You don’t have to be a researcher of antiquity to visit and enjoy this
exhibition — just with a person with an eye for the finer and more meaningful things
in life.

THE EXHIBITION

•  The Exhibition of Islamic Art in the Calouste Gulbenkian Collection
•  Location: Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation
•  Dates: Until February 15.
•  Timings: 9am to 1pm. 5 to 8pm.
•  Admission: Open to all, free

–Boundary_(ID_ttgtbfQoOxDvxpGjQoFQcA)–

US MILITARY IN AZERBAIJAN

PanArmenian News
Nov 22 2004

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ As reported by Independent Military Observer Russian
newspaper on November 19, over 50 NATO servicemen, mostly Americans,
were quartered in the village of Chukhanly of the Salyani region
of Azerbaijan in a training center belonging to Azeri the Defense
Ministry. According to the newspaper, beginning with the next year, the
US military are going to implement in Azerbaijan a program analogous
to the one carried out in Georgia. Member of the Azerbaijani Defense
Ministry press service Ilgar Verdiyev confirmed the information to the
journalists, stating, however, that the foreign servicemen are arriving
in Azerbaijan only for the participation in concrete projects aimed at
Partnership for Peace NATO program realization. Yet head of the press
service Ramiz Melikov completely refuted the information and said that
he does not possess any data of the US instructors who are allegedly to
train Azeri soldiers. At the same time Azeri Foreign Ministry Deputy
Araz Azimov does not rule out the possibility of stationing US mobile
forces in Azerbaijan. Former high rank official of the Azeri Defense
Ministry Uzeir Jafarov holds the opinion that the Azerbaijan-NATO
cooperation long ago exceeded the limits of Partnership for Peace
program. In Jafarov’s words, the program similar to the Georgian
one is in active preparation in Azerbaijan at present and will to
all appearances be launched in 2005. However Azerbaijani FM Elmar
Mamedyarov stated that “Azerbaijan is not negotiating on dislocating
foreign military bases in its territory”. “A military base is a
stationary object that cannot be deployed during one night. Multi-stage
negotiations are needed for it”, the Minister noted. As expert of
the East-West Center of Political Research Azer Rashidoglu told the
newspaper reporter, the EU is expected to unanimously speak against
the US anti-Iranian operation. (The complete version of the article
read at ). To remind,
the hearsay on using the Azeri territories for probable US military
operations against Iran revived recently. As for stationary military
bases in Azerbaijan, according the Pentagon new military doctrine
on mobile bases, there will be no need in them. Thus, nominally,
military bases in their classical meaning might not exist.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/22/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Unprecedented Conference of ARF, Affiliated Organizations Ends in Beirut
2) Armenian, Azeri FMs Meet in Berlin
3) Armenian Question at Heart of EU Debates on Turkey
4) PACE Committee Spells Out Steps to Peaceful Settlement of Mountainous
Karabagh Conflict

1) Unprecedented Conference of ARF, Affiliated Organizations Ends in Beirut

ANTELIAS (Combined Sources)–Delegates from five continents congregated in
Antelias, Lebanon on November 18 to participate in a three-day conference of
Armenian Revolutionary Federation-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.
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 opened 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.”

Working Sessions

The unprecedented conference officially opened on November 19 at the
Homenetmen Aghpalian complex in Antelias. The first session, chaired by ARF
Bureau member Hagop Der Khatchadourian, introduced the mission of the ARS,
Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen, and their activities in various regions.

ARS

ARS Central Executive chair Maro Minassian presented the noble history of the
organization, established in 1910 to assist the Armenian people. She gave a
snapshot of activities, revealing the profile of its members, which range from
the age of 18 to the 90. She detailed ARS’s activities that include assistance
to educational establishments, active social service centers, a kindergarten
program in Mountainous Karabagh, as well as its activities within the UN. She
underlined the necessity of successful implementation of programs, and the
need
to provide social services to Armenians of Javakhk.
Minassian revealed that current priorities include assistance to Armenians in
Iraq, a publication detailing the history of the ARS as it approached its
100th
anniversary, and cultivating government-level ties in countries where it
operates.

Homenetmen

On behalf of its Central Executive, Karnig Megerdichian detailed Homenetmen’s
mission and scope of activities, stressing the importance to establish
chapters
where there the need exists–specifically in Artsakh and Javakhk. Present
difficulties, revealed Megerdichian, include a lack in funding, uniformity of
athletic activities, and the youth’s participation in decision making bodies.

Hamazkayin

Central Executive member Keghani Etyemezian, spoke of Hamazkayin’s efforts to
rework its mission and the organization’s new approach to operating by its
already reformed by laws.
She outlined the three-year activity of the past executive, detailing the
progress of its printing and publishing houses, literary periodical Pakine,
schools and centers of learning, and the organization’s dynamic Summer Forum
that began in 1995, and has since provided an exciting environment for young
students to learn a great deal about Armenian culture and heritage.

The second session convened with chairman Haroutioun Kurkjian, introducing
lecturer Levon Mkrtchian, ARF faction leader in Armenia’s National Assembly
and
ARF Armenia Supreme Body member. Speaking of more effective Armenia-diaspora
relations, Mkrtchian stressed that efforts must be organized for more valuable
and productive results. This, he said, requires appreciation for input both
from Armenia and the diaspora. He explained that not only must the general
Armenia-diaspora relationship be strengthened, but that specific communities
must also establish vital links with Armenia and its government.
Chaired by Megerdich Megerdichian, the second and final session on Saturday
included Khatchig Der Ghougassian, who addressed the general and theoretical
concept of “nation,” and asked, “how is it possible to be Armenian in an
international setting?”
Focusing on the re-establishment of the concept of “diaspora,” Der
Ghougassian
explained that redefining the diaspora of the global 21st century, requires a
mission from the past, along with a generation whose existence born outside of
Armenia, grasps the concept of pan humanitarianism; this understanding
therefore not only helps to preserve, but also develop our existence and
individuality.
Other sessions included Seta Khedeshian speaking about utilization of modern
means to revamp organizational structure and to face current challenges. She
specifically stressed the need to develop relations with international, as
well
as non-government organizations.
The topic of assistance programs to Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk was
presented by Pakrad Sarkisian.
Albert Ajemian spoke about youth centers in Armenia, and the urgency for the
ARF to create the ideal means to attract and guide youth–not only as a means
to gain manpower–but more importantly, to become the ideological and
political
force of the future.
Noura Navoyan described the history and present situation of Armenian
communities in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
She spoke of population, schools, churches, and quality of Armenian life,
revealing that in the CIS countries alone, there are as many as 2.8 million
Armenians.
Dikran Jinbashian spoke of the birth of ARF, and the three
organizations–ARS,
Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen–that eventually became a part of each community to
assist generations of Armenians in shaping their identities and national
belonging.
The last and final topic presented by Hagop Havatian, addressed public
relations and the accountability of organizations.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants passed a declaration
presented by the resolutions committee.
ARF Bureau representative Markarian closed the conference saying that it
served to conduct a general review and clarification of issues, and can be
considered the cornerstone to tackling issues.

2) Armenian, Azeri FMs Meet in Berlin

YEREVAN (Armenpress)–On Friday, November 19, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
and his counterpart, Azerbaijan’s Elmar Mamedyarov, met in the German capital
city of Berlin to continue talks initiated at a meeting in Prague several
months ago. Also present at the meeting were the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen.
According to media reports, the meeting between the two ministers lasted
fifteen minutes. Although no details about the meeting’s results were
released,
a press release issued by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry stated that “the sides
exchanged views on the issues that topped the agenda of the Prague talks.”
Following the talks, Mamedyarov left Berlin for New York to attend a
November
23 UN session titled “On the Situation on Azerbaijan’s Occupied Territories.”
Oskanian, who joined President Kocharian in Berlin, told the Berlin press
that
the two sides made “a number of successful and objective decisions” to
continue
the dialogue “based on existing realities.” “Specific issues were spoken about
and discussed during the talks,” Oskanian noted. “We decided that we can
continue the Prague process again,” he added.
The Friday meeting was initially scheduled for October 25, but was postponed
after the Armenian side requested more time to analyze the results of the four
previous meetings, all of which were held in Prague.

3) Armenian Question at Heart of EU Debates on Turkey

Second 2004 European Parliament report on Turkey evokes discussion on Armenian
issues; Socialist Party position misrepresented by several party members

STRASBOURG–On November 15, the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the
European Parliament examined the second 2004 parliamentarian report on
Turkey´s
progress towards accession presented by the young Dutch representative Camiel
Eurlings.
Before commencing debate, parliamentarians had a chance to review the 483
amendments listed on the brief seven-page report, which notes that Turkey’s
accession remains a sensitive issue. The report was criticized by some for its
failure to express a clear position on the possibility of starting accession
talks with Turkey.
Regarding Armenian issues, the draft of the report states that the Turkish
authorities “have missed an opportunity to promote good neighborly relations
with Armenia” as a result of their refusal to open the Armenian-Turkish
border,
and moves on to note that the European Parliament “calls on the Governments of
Turkey and Armenia to start a process of reconciliation in order to overcome
the tragic experience of the past and requests that the Turkish government
reopen its borders with Armenia as soon as possible.”
The amendments to the report as well as the debates focused largely on
Armenian issues, including recognition of the Armenian genocide, the blockade
of Armenia, as well as article 305 of the Turkish Penal Code that penalizes
the
affirmation of the genocide or dissident opinions on the Cyprus issue.
Amendments explicitly dealing with genocide recognition and the border issue
were submitted by parliamentarians representing the Communist, Socialist,
Christian-Democrat (EPP), Liberal and Sovereignist groupsisolating the Greens
of Europe as the only major group that unconditionally supports Turkey’s EU
bid.
Going against official party positions, several parliamentarians offered
amendments that favor Turkey’s position on a variety of Armenian issues.
French
Socialist MP Michel Rocard led the charge with an amendment that praised “the
remarkable work carried out by Turkish historians on the genocide.”
“In talks with Mr. Rocard and his associates, we have pointed out that in
addition to being blatant lies, their affirmations actively invite the denial
of acts of genocide in Europe,” declared Hilda Tchoboian, Chairperson of the
European Armenian Federation.
A vote on the Eurlings report will be held in the Foreign Affairs
Committee on
November 22, 2005.

4) PACE Committee Spells Out Steps to Peaceful Settlement of Mountainous
Karabagh Conflict

STRASBOURG–A Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) report made
public on Monday spells out a series of steps Armenia and Azerbaijan could
take
to fulfill their commitment to peacefully settle the Mountainous Karabagh
conflict.
In a draft resolution adopted at a meeting in Paris on Wednesday, PACE’s
Political Affairs Committee expressed concern at the creation of “mono-ethnic
areas which resemble the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing,” and reaffirmed
the right of displaced persons from the area of conflict to return to their
homes safely and in a dignified manner.
The committee called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to submit constructive
proposals for the peaceful settlement of the conflict via the OSCE Minsk
Group,
which should conduct speedy negotiations. If these fail, the parties should
consider using the UN’s International Court of Justice, the parliamentarians
said.
Meanwhile, the Council of Europe should offer the conflicting states experts
to help determine Mountainous Karabagh’s political status. Both countries
pledged to use only peaceful means to settle the conflict when they joined the
organization in January 2001.
The committee also condemned the expression of hatred propagated through
media, and called for a Council of Europe action plan for mutual
reconciliation
involving the media, schools, and universities, as well as contacts between
locally elected representatives.
It is proposed that the report be debated by the Assembly at its next plenary
session in Strasbourg to be held on January 24-28, 2005.

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COMMISSION WILL PROLONG THE ACTIVITY

A1+
22-11-2004

The report of Vahan Hovanisyan, Chairman of Temporary Commission on
“Studying Efficiency of Usage of Credits, Relief and Transferring
Received from Foreign States and Organizations”, was read up
in Parliament. MPs assessed it positively. Let’s remind that the
Commission had referred to the fact of receiving the grants and misuse
of them in the water sphere.

Commending Commission activity, MP Manuk Gasparyan at the same
time stated that the work won’t be productive. He bases it with the
example of Temporary Commission on Energy Issues 4 years ago. It spread
activity for 8 months, disclosed flagrant breaches, introduced them to
Office of Prosecutor but the process was frozen some time later. Only
after reveals made by Commission on Credit Usage Gagik Martirosyan,
Chairman of State Committee on Water Economy was dismissed.

Parliament Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan as well appraised that a part
of credits had been misappropriated.

Parliament intends elongating Commission activity for 1 year. Arthur
Baghdasaryan stated that the issue on extending the activity up to
June, 2005, would be discussed the following day.

According to Vahan Hovanisyan, in the future Commission will refer
to application of the means allotted by “Lincy” Fund.

Armenia Fund, Inc.
111 N. Jackson Street
Glendale, CA 91206
818.243.6222

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2004
Contact: Sarkis Kotanjian
818.243.6222
[email protected]

Telethon 2004 Entertainment Line-up – Chakmakian, Bilezikjian, Nune,
Zulal to Headline Thanksgiving Day Event

Glendale, CA (November 19) – Armenia Fund (AFI) is proud to announce
an unprecedented entertainment line-up of Armenian folk, jazz, pop,
rock and comedy performances by internationally recognized artists
during the Telethon 2004 – Make It Happen – broadcast on Thursday,
November 25, 2004 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 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. While 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 twelve-hour international event.

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 Karabakh and stories
of lives impacted by AFI initiated infrastructure development projects.

Telethon 2004, live from Glendale, California, is a 12-hour event
airing 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 Karabakh. Upon completion, the US$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.

Armenia Fund, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation,
is the US West coast affiliate of the “Hayastan” All-Armenia Fund
(HAAF). Established in 1994 to facilitate humanitarian assistance
to Armenia and Karabakh, HAAF has administered over $100 million in
humanitarian, rehabilitation and construction aid through the united
efforts of Armenian communities internationally.

###

041118

–Boundary_(ID_lw8+i2fvmWWfA6X4NBg7eA)–

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/19/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Congress Adopts Key US-Armenia Trade Provision
2) ACF Banquet Delivers Powerful Message
3) 2000 in Paris Demand Vote on Turkey’s EU Accession
4) Telethon 2004 Entertainment Line-up
5) Telethon 2004 Domestic and International Broadcast Info
6) Hairenik Association Online Radio Station
7) Tidbits From the Diner
8) WHAT’S LOVE BUT A SECOND HAND EMOTION?
9) Reverb, and Organizations’ Obligations
10) LETTERS:

1) Congress Adopts Key US-Armenia Trade Provision

Bill Granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations Status to Armenia Headed for
Presidential Signature

WASHINGTON, DC–The Senate, today, unanimously acted to permanently normalize
trade between the US and Armenia, opening the door to expanded economic
relations, new commercial opportunities, and the further strengthening of the
longstanding bonds between the American and Armenian peoples, reported the
Armenian National Committee Of America (ANCA). With the House version of the
measure adopted in October, the bill now goes to President Bush for signature.
This provision, which grants Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR)
status to
Armenia, was adopted in the final hours of the of the Senate lame-duck session
as part of the larger bill, HR 1047–the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical
Corrections Act. The bill, which has been held up due to human rights concerns
in Laos, was considered following a Senate vote to avert a filibuster of the
measure.
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) was the first to raise the
issue of Armenia PNTR in Congress. His legislation, HR 528, introduced last
year was supported by the Armenian Caucus and cosponsored by 112 other Members
of Congress. A companion bill was introduced on the Senate side by Senator
Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and cosponsored by 21 other Senators. The strong
support
for these measures paved the way for their inclusion by members of Congress
negotiating the final version of the larger trade measure.
“The ANCA welcomes the Congressional passage of the Armenia-PNTR bill and
thanks Congressman Knollenberg, Senator McConnell and all those who played a
role in securing its passage,” said Ken Hachikian, Chairman of the ANCA.
“Following Presidential signature of the measure, we look forward to exploring
new opportunities to further expand the growing US-Armenia economic
relationship.”
Over the past two years, the ANCA has worked, in Washington, DC and in local
communities throughout the country to generate bipartisan support for this
trade measure among legislators, including those serving on key trade
subcommittees. Over ten thousand pro-Armenia activists sent ANCA WebFaxes to
Congress, thousands more made phone calls in support of PNTR, and this
important issue was raised in several hundred Congressional visits, both in
District Offices and the nation’s capital. The sample ANCA WebFax letter for
activists included several reasons to support this legislation, among them:
– Increased US-Armenia trade and investment advances US foreign policy by
strengthening Armenia’s free market economic development and integration into
the world economy.
– Expanded US-Armenia commercial relations will strengthen bilateral relations
and reinforces the enduring friendship between the American and Armenian
peoples.
– Adoption of PNTR for Armenia will help offset – at no cost to US taxpayers –
the devastating impact of the dual Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades,
estimated
by the World Bank as costing Armenia up to a third of its entire GDP (as much
as $720 million annually) and half of its exports.
The Trade Act of 1974 excluded all Soviet countries from having normal trade
relations (NTR) status with the United States. One particular provision of the
Act, known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment, required the President to deny NTR
to those countries that restricted free emigration. The policy was adopted, in
part, in response to Communist government restrictions on the emigration of
Jews. According to the terms of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, when the
President
determines that freedom of emigration rights have been reinstated in a
country,
normal trade relations may be granted. To maintain NTR, the President must
report to Congress twice a year that Jackson-Vanik requirements have been met.
While successive Presidents have waived the Jackson-Vanik Amendment
restrictions on Armenia during the past decade, the passage of the Knollenberg
bill, would grant Armenia permanent normal trade relations status, without the
need for semi-yearly Presidential determinations.

The text of the Armenia PNTR provision is provided below:

Title II, Section 2001
Subtitle A – Miscellaneous Provisions

SEC. 2001. TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV OF THE TRADE ACT OF 1974 TO
ARMENIA.

(a) FINDINGS. ­ Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Armenia has been found to be in full compliance with the freedom of
emigration requirements under title IV of the Trade Act of 1974.
(2) Armenia acceded to the World Trade Organization on February 5, 2003.
(3) Since declaring its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia
has
made considerable progress in enacting free-market reforms.
(4) Armenia has demonstrated a strong desire to build a friendly and
cooperative relationship with the United States and has concluded many
bilateral treaties and agreements with the United States.
(5) Total United States-Armenia bilateral trade
for 2002 amounted to more than $134,200,000.

(b) PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATIONS AND EXTENSIONS OF NONDISCRIMINATORY
TREATMENT.
Notwithstanding any provision of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC.
2431 et seq.), the President may:
(1) determine that such title should no longer apply to Armenia; and
(2) after making a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to Armenia,
proclaim the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations
treatment) to the products of that country.

(c) TERMINATION OF APPLICATION OF TITLE IV.
On and after the effective date of the extension under subsection (b)(2) of
nondiscriminatory treatment to the products of Armenia, title IV of the Trade
Act of 1974 shall cease to apply to that country.

2) ACF Banquet Delivers Powerful Message

By Jenny Kiljian

The Armenian Cultural Foundation, along with 250 of its loyal supporters,
gathered on Saturday, November 13, at the Glendale Hilton for its 8th Annual
Banquet, under the auspices of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian of the Western
Prelacy of the United States and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western
Region Central Committee.
After a lavish cocktail hour prior to the reception, the program began with
Rima Garabedyan, who roused the patriotism of the audience with her powerful
renditions of the national anthems of the United States and Armenia.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by master of ceremonies Saro Nazarian. He
thanked those people who lovingly and wholeheartedly continue to support each
year the activities and events of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation in the
Western Region of the United States, noting that in the more than 100 years
since its inception, the ARF has always enjoyed the support of the communities
it has served. Nazarian specifically thanked ARF Bureau member, Deputy Speaker
of Parliament in the Republic of Armenia Vahan Hovhannisian, ARF Bureau member
Dr. Vicken Hovsepian, Troshag editor Nazareth Berberian, and ARF East Coast
Central Committee representative Zohrab Tazian for their presence that
evening.

Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian then led the audience in prayer, after which
guests enjoyed their dinner while listening to the delightful strains of the
Artashes Kartalyan Jazz quartet.
Following the dinner, Nazarian introduced a short film about the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation that was produced by the Armenian Cultural
Foundation.
The film began with the slogan “Hayootyan Hed, Hayasdani Hamar,” (With the
people, for the homeland), and was the perfect backdrop for the images of ARF
volunteers who fought the Ottoman Empire to defend the Armenian people against
extermination. Flags bearing the slogan “Freedom or Death,” and the ARF emblem
were proudly displayed by their battalions. The film emphasized the importance
of the ARF in the political arena at the end of World War I, and how the party
demonstrated its leadership in both the battlefield and the state rooms of
Europe.
The film also highlighted the work of the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANC)the grassroots, political lobby of the ARF. The ANC is the oldest
grassroots organization in the United States, and is founded on the principles
of the American Committee for the Independence of Armenia, started by Vahan
Cardashian. The ANC displays the face of the community, and represents issues
of importance to Armenian-Americans within the United States. The
organizations
three priorities are recognition of the Armenian genocide, education about the
genocide within school system, and political lobbying through state and local
government.
Mountainous Karabagh was also a key segment of the film. The ARF has been one
of the staunchest supporters for the liberation of the Artsakh region; the
bond
that the party has established between the diaspora and Armenia is
inextricable. The ARF has been able to turn the impossible into a possibility,
and has succeeded in giving the people of Armenia and the diaspora hope in a
future full of possibilities.
Following the film, Nazarian invited ARF Bureau member, Deputy Speaker of
Parliament in the Republic of Armenia Vahan Hovhannisian, to deliver his
keynote remarks. Hovhannisian expressed that it was a great honor and joy
to be
present that evening. He commended the audience, saying that talk of the
social
climate in Armenia, the poverty level, or whether soldiers in Karabagh are
well, were not truly pertinent to discuss that evening, because those present
continue to be involved in those matters daily, and know that the situation on
all fronts is well.
Hovhannisian reminded the audience of the ARF motto “A free, independent, and
united Armenia,” noting that the continual change in the global political
climate has often made it necessary to shift their respective priorities. In
1988, unity was the top priority, when the people of Karabagh began their
struggle, with no diplomatic solution in sight.
1991, noted Hovhannisian, brought with it the need for the independence of
Armenia. “What good was a united Armenia under a fascist regime?” posited the
Bureau member, noting that from the mid-90s until present day, the top
priority
has been to free the Armenian people from unjust and inhumane leadership.
“The most dangerous thing for Armenians would be to become disillusioned with
independence because of fundamental injustices committed against them,”
Hovhannisian said. “More people emigrate from Armenia because of injustice
rather than poor social conditions. But, we’ve survived because we continue to
fight against injustice.”
The current year, according to Hovhannisian, also brought with it a new
prioritythe freedom of Armenia. In 1918, and 1991, Hovhannisian conceded that
the Armenian people were unprepared to be given their independence. But, they
accepted it and lived under a new social climate. “It’s easy to live as a
slave
and have no decisions to make. Though you may complain and express your
dissatisfaction, you accept that you have no control and your fate is not
up to
you,” expressed Hovhannisian. “You have no responsibility to decide your fate
or the fate of your people. We must not become disillusioned because of the
difficult decisions that come part and parcel with independence.” Hovhannisian
emphasized that the determining of one’s fate is a tremendous, often
overwhelming responsibility. Though Armenia may not have been ready to be
free,
that freedom has been on the ARF platform since 1890 and that is the central
reason, according to Hovhannisian, why the ARF stands behind the government.
“In the end, we won’t lose our freedom. But, our role is to make this freedom
a reality. We can’t rest with little victories,” urged Hovhannisian. “We’ve
had
a mediocre independence, freedom, and unity. But, I can’t live in a country of
mediocrity. We need and deserve complete independence, freedom, and unity.”
Chairman of the ARF Western Region Central Committee Hovig Saliba also
addressed the audience that evening. “We are one people, and we have one
homeland. We live in different regions, under different social conditions.
But,
we’re all Armenian with one homeland,” said Saliba, echoing the opening of the
film. “There are no issues of ‘the homeland’ and ‘the diaspora.’ Rather, there
are Armenian issues that our futures are centered around.”
Saliba touted the importance of the youth in promoting the platform of the
ARF, and expressed that the Armenian culture and traditions need to be
instilled from an early age in Armenian schools. He also mentioned that
various
sister organizations of the ARF each play a crucial role in shaping the
community and the lives of the youth.
The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) imbues in young Armenians the importance
of political involvement and radical thinking; the Armenian General Athletic
Union (Homenetmen) provides an opportunity to display athletic prowess and
mastery of scouting; Hamazkayin provides a forum to learn about culture and
history; and the Armenian Relief Society demonstrates the importance of social
work and volunteerism. Saliba also regarded the work of the ANC in getting the
youth involved in genocide recognition, issues relating to the Republic of
Armenia issues, Artsakh, and within California and federal politics.
According to Saliba, however, the salient issue is the recognition of the
genocide. The 90th anniversary of the genocide is rapidly approaching, and
without more concerted efforts, admonished Saliba, Armenians would soon be
marking the first century since the Ottoman Empire tried to exterminate the
Armenians. “The genocide must be recognized once and for all. Turkey must be
forced to admit its past, and make reparations of Armenian land,” he said.
“Not
I nor any Armenian can imagine Armenia without Ararat.”
Saliba called on all organizations to work togetheron a united front without
political bias, because the genocide was committed against all Armenians
regardless of political affiliation. “We also have a responsibility in
Armenia.
If we don’t sustain our homeland, the diaspora will not survive,” said Saliba.
“We must strengthen our homeland, so that we can persuade more and more people
to return to Armenia.”
The evening closed with Armenian Radio Ensemble of Traditional and Troubadour
Music, under the direction of Tovmas Boghossian. The ensemble performed many
traditional and troubadour songs, along with their unique renditions of
Armenian Revolutionary anthems such as Verkerov Lee and Menk Angeghdz Zeenvor
Enk.

3) Paris Rally to Demand Vote on Turkey’s EU Accession

PARISOver 2,000 French-Armenians gathered at a rally Wednesday at the Palais
Bourbon, home to the French National Assembly, to demand that the country’s
Parliament vote on Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU).
Organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Armenian Democratic
League (Ramgavar party), and the Hai Tahd Committee of France, the rally
attracted 22 ministers representing 266 members of French Parliament, 265 of
which categorically oppose opening accession talks for Turkey’s EU bid.
The French National Assembly on October 14 had discussed the issue of Turkish
accessionbut did not hold a vote, despite the demand of a large number of
political parties and parliamentarians to do so.
The French governmentparticularly President Jacques Chiracopposed such a
vote,
fearing that a majority of the Assembly, including Chirac’s own party members,
might reject Turkish accession. That result would have undermined Chirac’s
authority and likely isolated France within Europe.
Wednesday’s rally took place exactly one month before the EU’s December 17
summit, which will set the date on when the EU would begin formal accession
talks with Turkey.
The vast majority of French voters are opposed to Turkey’s accession to the
European Union, and rally organizers hope to put pressure on President Chirac
to heed public opinion.
They are also seeking to make Turkey’s recognition of the Armenian genocide a
precondition for Turkish entry into the EU.
In that context, ARF’s Mourad Papazian said that in spite of difficulties,
there exists the possibility of gaining the backing of at least one European
leader or Prime minister to oppose setting a date for Turkey’s accession
talks,
unless it recognizes the Armenian genocide.
“It is impossible for French President Jacques Chirac to turn a deaf ear to
the pain and anguish of French Armenian’s,” said Harout Mardirossian, speaking
on behalf of the Armenian National Committee. “Each time that Turkey
approaches
Europe, it’s as if the dagger more deeply penetrates the Armenian psyche.”
Speaking on behalf of 78 ministers of France’s UMP party, Philippe Pemezec
revealed that he generally opposes Turkey’s EU bid, and more so considering
the
Cyprus issue and Armenian genocide recognition.
The Socialist Party’s René Rouquet, representing the 144 Socialist party
representatives in French Parliament, and on behalf of the head of that
party’s
block Jean-Marc Hérault, assured they are fully behind the party’s official
decision to set recognition of the Armenian genocide as a precondition to
Turkey’s EU entry.
According to Rouquet, after meeting with ARF and ANC representative earlier
that day, Hérault immediately demanded, from the head of Parliament, the
scheduling of a draft law that would criminalize genocide denial in France.
Rouquet also revealed that if a categoric effort is made, President Chirac
too
can be forced to change his stance on the issue.
Other ministers, including the president of the France-Armenia Parliamentary
Friendship Group François Rochebloine, also addressed the rally.
On behalf of the Armenian Democratic League, Varoujan Sirapian appealed to
European Armenians to attend the upcoming December 17 rally in Brussels to
exert pressure on European leaders.

4) Telethon 2004 Entertainment Line-up

GLENDALEAn unprecedented line-up of Armenian folk, jazz, pop, rock, and
comedy
performances by internationally recognized artists will be featured during the
Armenia Fund (AFI) Telethon 2004 Make It Happen broadcast on Thursday,
November
25 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (PST).
Armen Chakmakian, a keyboardist for the Grammy award winning band Shadowfax,
will lead Telethon 2004’s live, seven member house band with renowned oudist
and composer John Bilezikjian, while 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 twelve 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, Mountainous Karabagh, 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, California, is a 12-hour event airing
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. When completed,
the
$25 million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages to provide
crucial economic, trade, and development opportunities. Telethon 2004 will
also
provide continued assistance in 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 at
Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online.
Armenia Fund, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, is the US
West coast affiliate of the “Hayastan” All-Armenia Fund (HAAF). Established in
1994 to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Armenia and Karabagh, HAAF has
administered over $100 million in humanitarian, rehabilitation, and
construction aid through the united efforts of Armenian communities
internationally.

5) Telethon 2004 Domestic and International Broadcast Info

The following is a list of US/Canada broadcast information. All broadcast
information is listed in viewer local time. Refer to local listings for
detailed information, or call AFI at 800.888.8897.

Berkeley, CA
Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm

Boston, MA
Game Show Ch. 8pm-11pm

Denver, CO
Comcast Ch. 15 12pm-6pm

Detroit, MI
WPXD Ch. 31 4pm-6pm

Chicago, IL
WJYS Ch. 34/62 7pm-10pm

Fresno, CA
KJEO Ch. 32 8am-8pm
Comcast Ch. 14 8am-8pm

Houston, TX
KTBU Ch. 55 12pm-6pm
Time Warner 55 12pm-6pm

Las Vegas, NV
Cox Cable Ch. 48 12pm-7pm

Los Angeles, CA
KSCI Ch. 18 8am-8pm

Oakland, CA
Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm

Milwaukee, WI
Time Warner 95 7pm-10pm

Minneapolis, MN
Time Warner 99 10am-10pm

New York Tri State
WMBC Ch. 58 2pm-6pm

Philadelphia, PA
WPPX Ch. 61 4pm-6pm

Providence, RI
WPXQ Ch. 69 4pm-6pm

Salt Lake City, UT
KJZZ Ch. 14 9am-1pm
Comcast Ch 14 9am-1pm

San Diego, CA
KSCI Ch. 18 8am-8pm

San Francisco, CA
KTSF Ch. 26 12pm-6pm

San Jose, CA
Comcast Ch. 8 12pm-6pm

Seattle, WA
KBCB Ch. 24 12pm-8pm
Comcast Ch 14 12pm-8pm

St. Louis, MO
Charter Ch. 8 11am-6:30pm

Vancouver, BC
KBCB Ch. 24 12pm-8pm

West Palm Beach, FL
WHDT Ch. 59 8pm-11am

International viewers in Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and portions of
South America (Argentina) may watch and participate in Telethon 2004 via a
live
satellite feed from Armenia’s H1 TV Channel from 7:00PM to 7:00AM. (Armenia
time–Greenwich Mean Time plus three). Viewers may also watch Telethon 2004 on
both MGN/Paradise and Horizon Armenian TV via cable and/or satellite
television. Telethon 2004 will also be available in full-motion web-cast on
Internet users will be able to view and make secure
contributions online.

The broadcast will feature live entertainment, interviews with numerous
celebrities and political leaders, development and construction footage from
Armenia and Karabagh and stories of individuals
impacted by AFI projects

For more information on Telethon 2004,
call AFI at 800.888.8897 or visit

6) Hairenik Association Online Radio Station

WATERTOWNThe Hairenik Association Inc. formally launched its new internet
radio station, Hairenik Online Radio Station, which broadcasts Armenian music
and news about Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, and the Armenian diaspora 24 hours a
day.
The station began broadcasting with a music-only format on August 10, and has
since been updating its musical selection and conducting small promotions to
test the interest of listeners.
“The response from our listeners has been overwhelmingly positive,” says
Jirayr Buegekian, Programming Director. “The number of listeners is increasing
steadily and emails of encouragement are pouring in. We have regular listeners
in more than 35 countries!” A measure of that popularity was reflected in a
recent report, which appeared on the website of California’s Fresno Bee
newspaper, citing the unique programming provided by the station.
Hairenik Online Radio started broadcasting an expanded format.
“We were currently broadcasting music 24 hours a day. Based on listener
requests, we expanded the format to also include some news, interviews, and
special programs for children,” reveals Buegekian.
But the station maintains music at the heart of its programming.
Prior to launching the online radio station, the Hairenik Association worked
with Bentley College in Massachusetts to undertake a study on the viability of
launching an internet radio station. Based on those findings, Hairenik Online
Radio will reserve at least 80 percent of its airtime for Armenian music.
“Although we think our listeners will enjoy the expanded format, we remain
committed to broadcasting lots and lots of music,” stated Buegekian.
The Hairenik Online Radio can be accessed via the web site of the Hairenik
Association (), which also includes an online bookstore and
the
online versions of its two newspapers, the Armenian language “Hairenik Weekly”
and the English language “Armenian Weekly.” Hairenik Online Radio can also be
accessed at and selecting the media player of your
choice.

7) Tidbits From the Diner

By Tatul

The November snow had covered the sidewalk and the steps leading to the
entrance of the Diner. There was a chill in the New England air that seemed to
linger long after the announcement of the presidential election results. I was
pleased with the warmth that greeted me insidealong with the smell of bacon
and
Greek sausage sizzling somewhere in the kitchen. I looked around and, sure
enough, Marty was already there, sitting alone at his usual corner,
uncluttered
by his usual stack of newspapers.
“Hi, Marty,” I said, settling down across him, “Where are all the papers… and
where’s Arty?”
Without saying a word, he pushed an envelope across the table. I noticed the
Canadian postage stamp and a return address in Montreal. “I didn’t know Arty
had relatives in Montreal,” I said, handing the envelope back to him.
He doesn’t,” said Marty.
I guess he is vacationing,” I said, “They do have a great Casino…”
Nothing like that,” replied Marty, “He wants to move to Canada.”
What for?”
He says he wants to live in a civilized country. He’s convinced that the
US is
slowly retreating into the dark world of robber barons and sweat shops…”
Marty looked tired and dejected; I would have said discouraged, if I didn’t
know him better. He had seen action in Korea, as a rifleman, losing the tip of
his trigger finger in a firefight and returning home with a Purple Heart. I
knew that Arty, his junior by several years, had served in Vietnam with the
Marines, but he seldom, if ever, talked about it.
“What makes him so pessimistic?” I asked, “Is it because Kerry lost the
election?”
“Not so much that,” mumbled Marty, “I think it is the realization that more
than fifty-percent of American voters put their faith in Bush and what he
stands for…” His voice trailed off as his eyes wandered outside the window
where it had started to snow again.
“Fear is a powerful motivator,” I said, “and dangerous when it’s the sole
motivator; but in this case.”
“Greed,” he said, “Greed and fear. A twisted partnership of an overfed,
greedy
establishment and a misinformed, terrorized working class… No wonder Arty got
panicky and…”
“Don’t forget the “morality” issue,” I interjected, “It must have played an
important part, along with greed and fear.”
“What sort of morality are you talking about?” He seemed to be waiting for an
answer, but continued, “How can morality exist in a system powered mostly by
greed and fear? In this case, it is the Bible belt high-jacked by born-again
GOP radicals and used to discipline the wayward, wicked liberals.”
“Whatever happened to the separation of church and state?”
“Good question,” said Marty, pulling out Arty’s letter from its envelope.
“Let
me read what he says on that issue.”
His eyes scanned the open sheet of paper covered with Arty’s surprisingly
neat
handwriting, stopping at a point close to the bottom of the letter. “Listen to
this,” he said:
“…after fighting a stubborn enemy for a certain length of time, you begin to
resemble him. Our government has declared war against Islamic fanatics,
against
radical groups like the Hazbullahwhich translated means ‘Party of God’, POG,
for short. The party in power in Washington, the GOP, the ‘Grand Old Party’ of
the past, is slowly becoming a mirror image of POG, the Party of Godthey both
have stopped listening to the people and talk directly to Godsoon GOP will
stand for ‘God’s Own Party,’ with Bush as its prophet… So I left, before that
happens, before Homeland Security evolves into a new Inquisition, hunting down
and burning at the stake dissenters and old Vietnam war protesters, like me.
You guys are going to need help. May the gods of our forefathers keep and
protect you.”

“Amen,” I whispered.

8) WHAT’S LOVE BUT A SECOND HAND EMOTION?

By Skeptik Sinikian

Skeptik tries to find out if true love can be found through a computer

So last week I decided to venture into the world of online dating for
Armenian
singles. I must admit that I haven’t had the time to conduct this experiment
in the most scientific way possible. I had it all planned out to the last
detail last week. The goal was to register my friends on these websites,
monitor their activities, and see if online dating really works for Armenians.
My prediction is that the idea of finding love through the internet is a pipe
dream but we’ll have to wait and see the results before passing final
judgment.
Before I get into the actual details of my experiment, I have to tell my
readers that of all the columns I have written, last week’s column elicited
the
greatest response yet. I didn’t know whether to smile or cry, so I laughed
until I cried and then sat down to begin my great experiment.

Day 1: Monday, November 15, 2004RegistrationWow, it’s free!
Since there’s no cost to registering on these websites, I decided to register
on one of the many Armenian singles sites in order to do some further research
before creating my friends’ profiles. I registered as myselfSkeptik
Sinikian on
“Hye Singles” (HS). I put up the best picture of myself I could find and
began
answering the questions that HS had presented in order to determine who my
ideal match would be. After reading some of the questions which included such
gems as “If you had magical powers, how would you use them to help society?”
and “How do you feel about the ethnic Armenian separatist conflict against the
Azeri government?” I decided that this will take a little bit more thought
than
I had originally anticipated. I logged off and went to grab coffee. By the
way, I chose “Skeptik” as my HS profile nickname. So much for creativity.

Day 2: Tuesday, November 16, 2004There’s no such thing as a free lunch:
I had had a full breakfast of cold lahmajoun and an apple. I had read the
morning paper and was in a good mood. I logged onto my profile and had already
received 2 “flirts.” For those of you who don’t know what “flirts” are, they
are a method for users of HS to contact one another in what will be
interpreted
as the internet equivalent of “Can I buy you a drink.” My two “flirts” were
from individuals who thought I was apparently “hot.” Here is a sampling of the
“flirts” I received: “Hello Skeptik. Wow, you’re hot! I feel as though we have
know each other for ever. Email me! I’m waiting for you… ”
So in spite of the fact that this message gave me visions of some quiet,
innocent looking Armenian girl breaking into my apartment to boil my pet
rabbits, I decided to respond anyway. Interestingly enough, if I wanted to
send
this young, potentially psychotic girl who claimed to feel “as though we have
know [sic] each other for ever,” I would have to upgrade my membership to the
platinum level. The least expensive of these services would cost me a mere
$29.95 per month with a $29.95 initial fee. Apparently the best things in life
aren’t free. The only thing standing between me and my potentially psychotic
soul mate was a mere $59.90. I decided to continue living the frugal life and
not respond to my “flirts.”

Day 3: November 17, 2004Answering life’s difficult questions:
I finally got around to answering HS’s questions. Here’s a sampling of the
questions and my responses to them. I tried to be as honest as I could. By the
way, these are actual questions and my actual responses.

Describe the perfect evening or weekend: Mid 70s with a slight offshore
breeze.

Do you believe in love at first sight?: I believe the question discriminates
against blind people and since true love is blind, I will not answer this
question.

How do you feel about the ethnic Armenian separatist conflict against the
Azeri government?: I fully support the right of the people of Karabagh to
seek
self-determination and relinquish any ties to the illegitimate Stalinist
Soviet
borders imposed upon them.

What do your friends tease you about the most?: My friends tease me about my
punctuality. They are always making fun of me for being on time or early to
everything. They also tease me about my SARCASM!!!

Interest for using this site (to find a cyber pen pal, lover, etc.): Yes, my
motivation is to find a cyber pen pal…idiots!! What the heck is a cyber pen
pal!? Here’s the deal. I’m on this website to conduct an experiment to see if
it is indeed possible for Armenians to meet each other using this medium. For
more details on my experiment, you can refer to my blog at
I’m also seeking actors and actresses for an
Armenian Soap Opera I’m working on called “Ashkharuh Bududoomah” (As the World
Turns). Any interested aspiring actors or actresses should email me.

Okay, satisfied with my answers, I log off. I have yet to convince my friends
to create their profiles and join me in this experiment.

Day 4: Wednesday, November 17, 2004The Profile Nazi censors Skeptik:
I try to log on only to find that my profile has been suspended. I wonder
if HS
has caught on to the fact that I’m doing an experiment and not in search of
TRUE LOVE like everyone else on the sight. I begin to panic thinking my cover
has been blown and the Hye Singles Security Squad will break down my door and
take me away to re-education camp where I will learn to give more conformist
responses to questions like “What is your ideal age for marriage?” or “If you
had to identify with one animal, which would it be and why?” I start packing a
small suitcase of clothes, a sock full of change that totals $37.48 and my
passport, just in case I have to flee the country to Canada or Mexico. After
great deliberation, I decide to email the World Single Network and inquire
about the suspension. I wait an entire day with no response. Potential lovers
are being denied access to Skeptik. This is wrong on so many levels.

Day 5: Thursday, November 18, 2004Back on track:
I log on and find an email response to my previous day’s inquiry. At least
someone is working on this website every day. Sort of reassuring I suppose.
Here’s what the email said.

Hello,
As delineated in the terms section, member profiles may not be used for
commercial promotional purposes (casting calls). You may however use the
Message Boards to raise this topic.
Your profile has been reinstated. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
WS Staff

Apparently my mention of my fictitious Armenian soap opera was enough to shut
me down. I removed the information about my potential program and continued my
experiment.

Day 6: Friday, November 19, 2004One is the loneliest number:
Thus far, I have received 28 hits on my profile. I have received one email
from
a loyal reader of Asbarez and have received two more “flirts” bringing my
“flirt” total to four. I’ve received some encouraging and supportive emails
from Asbarez readersmostly women. The experiment may have hit a snag. Tomorrow
I will create the other profiles and make them appear as genuine and
generic as
possible. Where it asks the ideal age for marriage, I will put down 1925 for
women and 30-39 for men! Where it asks what animal I most resemble, I will put
down a Mercedes Benz! I will play their game and I will find out what makes
these Armenian singles tick…

End of Week 1 log.
Be sure to read next when I begin to reveal some of the more bizarre dating
experience stories that people have emailed me during the course of these last
two weeks.

Skeptik Sinikian is not a licensed relationship counselor or a psychologist.
The last experiment he conducted was adding basturmah and string cheese to a
home made Hawaiian pizza. The results were inconclusive. He can be
reached at
[email protected] or visit his blog at

9) Reverb, and Organizations’ Obligations

By Garen Yegparian

Fortune smiles upon us. A letter to the editor appeared in Asbarez a few
weeks back, containing, among some reasonable issues, the very same inane
assertions about Bush’s “largest ever” vote tally. In addition, two
letters in
the November 7 Los Angeles Times, one by a fellow Armenian, also make the same
grandiose assertion. Need I say more about the right wing propaganda
machine’s
echo chamber? They just keep screaming the same thing until nothing else is
audible and it becomes ‘truth!’
But let’s address a different, actually valid, concern raised in the Asbarez
letter, overlooking the cheap shot at our organizations marching “in lock
step”
with Democrats.
Briefly, the issue is: Should Armenian organizations consider a broad
range of
issues, not just “narrow” Armenian ones, in deciding which candidate to
support?
Do the right to life groups, NRA, Sierra Club, AIPAC, NAM, Emily’s List, etc.
make their endorsements based on a broad range of issues? Of course not. Were
they to do something that foolish, they would lose their constituencies in a
heartbeat. It’s not their job or place to do that. The people who support
these and other groups look to them for clear, concise information based on
the
area of civic life they work on. Then the “sophisticated” voter weighs all
the
political input and votes accordingly. Unfortunately, sophisticated voters
are
not the norm, YET, in the Armenian community of the United States*.
So why should Armenian organizations functioning in the American political
arena behave any differently? More appropriate, however, is to point out why
this kind of question is posed. A hidden agenda is masked by a purported
concern for “Armenian-American” needs. The very term “Armenian-American”
betrays much. Inherently, it deems us Americans with some Armenian flavor, as
opposed to Armenians who are citizens of the United States of America. It
confuses nationality and citizenship, two distinct political realities.
The real intent of those posing these “questions” is to promote their right
wing econo-socio-political goals. It is a tried and true tactic. The Soviets
even used it. By nominally espousing benevolent and necessary economic and
social programs, they masked the actual political tyranny. Such rich
ironydiametrically opposed political ideologies using identical tactics.
Though I suspect what really unites them is their cohorts’ dictatorial
inclinations.
Be alert.
*See “Armenian Electoral-Political (Im)Maturity,” February 14 Asbarez, March
27 The Armenian Weekly.

10) LETTERS:

Dear Editor:

What Now

I am a long time subscriber to Asbarez. For months I have been reading
articles
in your newspaper highly critical and, often, with insulting remarks towards
President Bush. To make matters worse, I noticed that in your post-election
issues, the diatribe against President Bush continues. Not only was I upset
with the tone of your articles, but was saddened more so by the fact that we
revealed a lack of political savvy by placing all our eggs in one political
basket once again. In Southern California (and most likely throughout the
country), our Armenian political parties took a pro-Kerry position in the
hopes
that he will recognize the Armenian genocide. As much as any other Armenian, I
also hope and pray that the Armenian genocide will someday be recognized by
the
American government; however, given the current geopolitical reality, it was
naive that our Armenian leaders believed that Senator Kerry can deliver on
this
campaign promise when as we all know, past presidentsboth Republican and
Democratunder tremendous pressure from the State Department, have refrained
from doing so.
It should have behooved our Armenian leaders (and your paper) to adopt a more
balanced policy towards the candidates. Just to remind you, most corporations
contribute money to candidates of both parties so that they have leverage with
either winning candidate. Why couldn’t we be smarter and exercise wiser
diplomacy so that no matter what the election results may be, we would have
leverage.
As the heading of this letter states, we will obviously have to work through
our friends, both Republicans and Democrats in Congress, to do fence mending
with the Bush administration. Also, those of us who have been supportive of
the
President should write letters to him, as well as to the Speaker of the House
and the Senate Majority leader, encouraging them to do what is morally right
and recognize the Armenian genocide. I for one, as a life long Republican,
will
do so. Futhermore, I hope that this may be a lesson for our leaders to
exercise
smarter diplomacy in the future. We should learn not to act through our hearts
alone, but through our head as well.

Perry Maljian

All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier
and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and
subscription requests.
(c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved.

ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for
academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through
mass media outlets.

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THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES MUST BE CLARIFIED

A1 Plus | 18:12:41 | 22-11-2004 | Official |

Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan has today met Rude Luuberse, High
Commissioner of UN’ Refugee Office. According to PM, UNO assistance
in settlement of refugees’ problems is inestimable.

Andranik Margaryan informed that solution to the social and
economic, dwelling and other problems of refugees is entered in the
Strategic Program on Poverty Reduction, implemented by the Armenian
Government. PM said unfortunately, the means of the Armenian Government
are not enough to completely solve the problems of those resettled
because of conflict.

The last registration of refugees residing in Armenia was conducted
in 1997. The number of refugees made 311.000. But taking into account
the migration processes of recent years, the figure now needs to make
more accurate.

Mr. Rude Luuberse appraised deeply the position of Armenian Government
over integration of refugees resettled by force from Azerbaijan
and settlement of their social problems. He expressed willingness
to continue cooperation with Armenian Government. Luuberse stressed
implementation of program on refugees’ registration. He said he would
make a similar suggestion to the Azerbaijani Authorities, too.

GAGIK TSARUKYAN IS THE CHAIR OF OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF ARMENIA

A1 Plus | 18:35:13 | 22-11-2004 | Sports |

The elections for the Chairman of Olympic Committee of Armenia took
place. Gagik Tsarukyan was elected for that post. He was the only
candidate in the elections. Ishkhan Zaqaryan, ex Chair of OCA put
forward the candidacy of Tsarukyan.

FORUM 18 NEWS SERVICE, Oslo, Norway

The right to believe, to worship and witness
The right to change one’s belief or religion
The right to join together and express one’s belief

=================================================

Monday 22 November 2004
TURKMENISTAN: WHY DID TURKMENISTAN LIE TO THE UN?

In a failed bid to head off a United Nations (UN) resolution, sponsored by
the European Union and the USA, and supported by Brazil, expressing grave
concern at Turkmenistan’s human rights record, Foreign Minister Rashid
Meredov has falsely claimed that there were “no cases of arrest or
conviction on political grounds or for religious beliefs”. Three
religious prisoners are known to Forum 18 News Service to be held, and
arrests continue to be made. On the day of the debate he claimed that there
was “no truth to the allegations of limits on the rights to belief,
conscience or religion,” despite overwhelming evidence to the
contrary, and the UN’s two previous resolutions critical of the country’s
human rights record. Turkmen officials and President Niyazov have a record
of making such false claims, but the country’s diplomats have refused to
discuss the issue of false claims with Forum 18 News Service. Countries
speaking in support of Turkmenistan in the debate were Algeria, Belarus,
Burma, China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Sudan, Syria,
Uzbekistan and Venezuela.

TURKMENISTAN: WHY DID TURKMENISTAN LIE TO THE UN?

By Felix Corley, Forum 18 News Service

In their unsuccessful attempts to head off a critical resolution at the
United Nations, senior Turkmen officials have lied about the state of
religious freedom in Turkmenistan. Speaking to the Third Committee (Social,
Humanitarian and Cultural) of the UN General Assembly on 9 November,
Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov claimed that there were “no cases of
arrest or conviction on political grounds or for religious beliefs”.
Three religious prisoners are known to Forum 18 News Service to be held,
and arrests continue to be made. On the day of the debate and adoption of
the resolution, 18 November, the Turkmen representative went even further,
claiming that there was “no truth to the allegations of limits on the
rights to belief, conscience or religion”.

The resolution called on the General Assembly to “express its grave
concern at the continuing and serious human rights violations occurring in
Turkmenistan, in particular the persistence of a governmental policy based
on the repression of all political opposition activities, the continuing
abuse of the legal system through arbitrary detentions and imprisonment of
persons who try to exercise their freedoms of expression, assembly and
association and continued restrictions on the exercise of the freedoms of
thought, conscience, religion and belief.” It also called for
“the Government of Turkmenistan to work closely with the Office of the
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights with regard to the areas
of concern and to release immediately all prisoners of conscience,” as
well as “to remove remaining restrictions on the activities of public
associations, including non-governmental organizations and in particular
human rights organizations.”

Those countries speaking in the debate in favour of adopting the resolution
were the Netherlands, speaking on behalf of the entire European Union and
its other sponsor, the USA, and Brazil. The Netherlands noted that the
resolution was motivated purely by concerns about the human rights
situation on the ground, stating that “improvements on paper and good
intentions alone do not suffice” and that two previously adopted Third
Committee resolutions should be implemented by Turkmenistan (see F18News 4
December 2003 ). Brazil
expected that the draft “would contribute to greater progress to the
promotion and protection of human rights in Turkmenistan” and
“hoped the draft would serve as an incentive for further
progress.”

The countries who spoke supporting the Turkmen government were Pakistan,
Iran, China, Burma, Uzbekistan, North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, Syria, Algeria,
Venezuela, and Belarus, whose representatives made a variety of statements
decrying what they said was the “politicization of the United Nations
human rights mechanism” and “the senselessness of these types of
selective processes” and calling for what they described as
“dialogue,” and “a cooperative approach and with objectivity
and impartiality.” Singapore joined those condemning the resolution,
and, with specific reference to the illegal in international law jailing of
Jehovah’s Witnesses, said that “national defence” was “a
sovereign right and where individual needs ran counter, the rights of the
State must prevail.”

Despite Foreign Minister Meredov’s protests that the draft resolution was
“biased” and “did not correspond to reality”, the
committee adopted it on 18 November with 65 votes in favour, 49 against and
with 56 abstentions.

The three known religious prisoners are the former chief mufti Nasrullah
ibn Ibadullah, as well as two Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mansur Masharipov and
Vepa Tuvakov. Nasrullah is serving a 22-year sentence handed down by a
court in the capital Ashgabad in March. Both the Jehovah’s Witnesses were
arrested in May and sentenced to a year and a half in prison, and are being
held in labour camp in the eastern town of Seydi. Despite a recent prisoner
amnesty coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, none of the three
was freed (see F18News 25 October 2004
).

In his 18 November speech to the committee, the representative claimed that
there had been “positive developments in the human rights
situation” in Turkmenistan, and added that “laws had been
adopted, and measures introduced, to register and ensure the work of
religious organisations”. He claimed (wrongly) that his country had
continued to work with the United Nations and its specialised agencies, as
well as other agencies working in the humanitarian sphere. Turkmenistan has
failed to respond to repeated communications from the UN Special Rapporteur
on Freedom of Religion or Belief and to requests to visit the country to
study the religious freedom situation at first hand (see F18News 26 October
2004 ).

False claims about its human rights record have been made by Turkmenistan
in the past. For example, in 2003 President Niyazov falsely claimed that
his country had never held religious prisoners of conscience and that it
cooperates fully with international bodies on human rights.(see F18News 24
November 2003 ).
Questioned by Forum 18 News Service, the Secretary to the Ambassador of the
Permanent Delegation of Turkmenistan to the United Nations refused to
discuss the issue, claiming, after taking 3 minutes to consult colleagues,
that there was no diplomat available.

Although Turkmenistan did amend its religion law earlier this year to
reduce the number of adult citizens needed to register a religious
community with the Adalat (Justice) Ministry, this has not made any real
practical change in the state of religious freedom, as religious
communities mostly cannot gain registration and unregistered religious
activity is still de facto criminalised – which is against
international law. Only Sunni Muslim and Russian Orthodox communities can
register freely. This year the ministry allowed the Baha’i, Adventist and
Hare Krishna communities to register, and is currently completing
registration of the Baptist Church (it still awaits the official seal it
needs to conduct any official business). However, despite having
registration the Adventist Church is banned from meeting for worship (see
F18News 4 October 2004
).

Applications from other religious communities for registration are
languishing with no response, while still more communities have decided
there is no point in even applying for registration. Among those without
registration are Shia mosques, various Evangelical Churches, including
Pentecostals and Greater Grace, Lutherans, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the New
Apostolic Church. Jews and Armenian Apostolic Christians have been unable
to resume their religious activity (see F18News 9 August 2004
).

For more background, see Forum 18’s Turkmenistan religious freedom survey
at

A printer-friendly map of Turkmenistan is available at
s/index.html?Parent=asia&Rootmap=turkme
(END)

© Forum 18 News Service. All rights reserved.

You may reproduce or quote this article provided that credit is given to
F18News

Past and current Forum 18 information can be found at

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