ARKA News Agency
Nov 18 2004

Presidents of Armenia and Germany discuss bilateral relations

Quantity of transactions by plastic cards makes AMD 159510 in
September 2004 in Armenia, given the volume at AMD 9 bln

During 2004 trade turnover between Armenia and Germany grows by 40%

Amendments are made to the initial resolution on PACE report on NKR

*********************************************************************

PRESIDENTS OF ARMENIA AND GERMANY DISCUSS BILATERAL RELATIONS

YEREVAN, November 18. /ARKA/. Presidents of Armenia and Germany
Robert Kocharian and Hurst Keller discussed bilateral relations, RA
President’s press office told ARKA.
RA President also met with representatives of business circles of
Germany and discussed perspectives of increase of Germany investments
in Armenia. L.D. –0

*********************************************************************

QUANTITY OF TRANSACTIONS BY PLASTIC CARDS MAKES AMD 159510 IN
SEPTEMBER 2004 IN ARMENIA, GIVEN THE VOLUME AT AMD 9 BLN

YEREVAN, November 18. /ARKA/. The quantity of plastic card
transactions made 159510 in September 2004 in Armenia, given the
volume at AMD 9 bln, according to the official CBA monthly reference.
As compared to previous month, the volume of transactions reduced by
2,37%, and the quantity of transactions grew by 5,73%. At that, the
83,29% fell to the share of ATM transactions in September 2004 in the
overall volume of plastic card transactions and 78,32% of the total
quantity of transactions. 124929 transactions to the sum of AMD 7,5
bln were carried out by ATMs in Armenia in September 2004. As
compared to August, the quantity of ATM transactions grew by 10321,
the increase of the volume being by AMD 27 mln. As of end of
September, 97774 plastic cards were in circulation in Armenia; their
quantity grew by 4665 in one month. As compared to September 2003,
their quantity grew by 52216 (almost by 2,2 times). ($1 = AMD
502,71). L.V. –0–

*********************************************************************

DURING 2004 TRADE TURNOVER BETWEEN ARMENIA AND GERMANY GROWS BY 40%

YEREVAN, November 18. /ARKA/. During 2004 the trade turnover between
Armenia and Germany grew by 40%. As Armenian President Press Service
told ARKA, this was said by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder told
on his meeting with the Armenian President Robert Kocharian, arrived
in Berlin with three-day visit. Schroeder said that Armenia and
Germany do not have political problem and both countries are linked
with friendly relations.
Yesterday evening Kocharian attended the festive concert dedicated to
his visit.
To mention that according to the Armenian National Statistical
Service, eth trade turnover between Armenia and Germany in Jan-Sep
20004 made USD 104479.3 thou. At that the export volumes made USD
52160.9 thou., while the import – USD 52318.4 thou. T.M. -0–

*********************************************************************

AMENDMENTS ARE MADE TO THE INITIAL RESOLUTION ON PACE REPORT ON NKR

YEREVAN, November 18. /ARKA/. Amendments are made to the initial
resolution on PACE report on NKR, as stated by the Vice-Speaker of
the Parliament Tigran Torosyan, according to RA NA Press Service
Department. As he said, PACE Commission on political issues made
amendments to the 7th and 11th points of the resolution, according to
which there is no more necessity for Court of Justice to determine
the fact of violation of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Also,
similar assessments by Mass Media of RA and AR related to the
propaganda of mutual hatred are eliminated from the document.
Besides, according to Torosyan, one suggestion on making amendments
to the resolution was made by PACE reporter on NKR David Atkinson.
According to Torosyan, by the amendment, against which was only
Atkinson, PACE appeals to the Azerbaijani authorities to create terms
to discuss the status of the region with the political
representatives of Armenian and Azerbaijani communities of NKR, with
possible participation of representatives of Armenia. According to
Torosyan, during the session of the PACE Commission on political
issues it became evident that representatives of some countries were
ordered to vote for Azerbaijan, which actually made possible to lock
3 suggestions by the Armenian side on making amendments. In
particular, according to him, the suggestion to withdraw the term
`separatist powers’ from the initial text of the resolution received
equal number of votes, so it was not accepted. In this regard, he
noted that compared to the variant of resolution submitted to the
commission, the initial resolution was perfected, however not all the
points concerning which the Armenian side made its suggestions, were
reviewed. A.H. – 0 –

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
57/5 Arshakunyats Street
Yerevan, Armenia 375026
Telephone: (374 1) 44-74-01
Fax: (374 1) 44-74-26

PRESS RELEASE

Nov 17, 2004

UMCOR-ARMENIA TO CELEBRATE ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY BY GREENING
MALATIA-SEBASTIA ALONG WITH ARMENIA TREE PROJECT

Yerevan — In celebration of a decade of United Methodist Committee On
Relief (UMCOR) activities in Armenia, the international organization
will mark its 10th anniversary with a tree planting in the `Motherhood
Park’ at the Malatsia Sebastia Community Site, on Friday, November 19,
2004 in cooperation with the Armenia Tree Project (ATP).

UMCOR has donated a total of 1,000 trees to this park. A portion of
which has already been planted and the remained part will be planted
on this special day by the heads and members of UMCOR, ATP and other
guests at the event. Among them are thujas, ashes and junipers, that
will serve as a beautiful gift from UMCOR to the local community,
ensuring future generations with a flourishing dense green park, in
place of the site’s current deserted land.

The celebration and tree planting is scheduled to begin at 2.00 p.m.

Invited to participate in the ceremonial tree planting are
representatives from UMCOR’s partners and friends, the Ministries of
RA, and over 55 local and international organizations who have shown
support for the Armenian transition over the years. Expected attendees
include the US Embassy, World Vision, Jinishian Memorial Foundation,
Eurasia Foundation, UNDP, USAID, OSCE, and UNHCR.

Following the welcome speeches planting will commence supervised by
agriculture specialists from ATP, who will explain and demonstrate the
methodology of tree planting in order to secure the survival of each
and every seedling. Recently, the seedlings of sites managed by ATP
produce a survival rate of approximately 90%, considered to be well
above average.

The hope of this event is to foster community awareness of the urgent
environmental need to restore disappearing green areas. Furthermore,
the event will establish a basis for further UMCOR-ATP collaborations
with respect to community outreach and poverty reduction programs
throughout the city.

`UMCOR believes that improving the environment is something that will
have a lasting effect on the families that live in Armenia and we are
honored to support such an important initiative in commemoration of
our ten years of service to Armenia’, – says Warren Harrity, the Head
of Mission of UMCOR.

UMCOR and ATP already have had an opportunity to collaborate with each
other. It was in June 2000, when 3 volunteers through UMCOR’s `Global
Justice Volunteer’ program joined ATP staff doing volunteer work in
ATP’s programs. These volunteers were hosted by ATP employees’
families and they spent their time helping and supporting ATP in its
daily activities.

The greening of Armenia is an important initiative that UMCOR seeks to
support, and will do so through a coordinated effort with the Armenian
Tree Project.

United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR)

UMCOR was formed by the United Methodist Church in 1940 to alleviate
the human suffering caused by World War II. In subsequent decades, it
became UMCOR’s mission to assist people in need resulting from natural
or manmade disasters, addressing three fundamental areas: emergency
response, hunger and poverty, and refugee concerns. UMCOR works in the
United States and approximately 90 other countries. Nowadays UMCOR
also initiates programs geared towards development and capacity
building, addressing the roots of hunger and poverty, and provides
beneficiaries with the opportunity to become self-reliant. UMCOR
headquarters is located in New York City.

The NGO Unit of UMCOR was established in 1993. It operates as a
professional humanitarian agency and is funded largely through grants
from US and European government institutions, the United Nations and
private donors. The NGO Unit has offices in New York, USA and Vienna,
Austria. At present UMCOR directly implements programs in eleven
countries worldwide, including Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in the
Caucasus region.

In the aftermath of an earthquake, regional conflict and economic
distress, UMCOR established an office in Armenia in August
1994. Initially the office focused on the distribution of
pharmaceuticals to health institutions and clinics. Gradually the
organization transitioned from relief to more developmental activities
including the provision of medium-size agricultural loans,
micro-credit and the provision of agricultural inputs.

This year UMCOR-Armenia celebrates its 10th anniversary.

UMCOR responds to natural and manmade disasters worldwide. It
alleviates human suffering by providing relief and development
assistance without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender,
social status or political affiliation. The whole UMCOR membership
believes in human dignity, that all people have a right to a life in
which their basic needs are met. In Armenia, UMCOR assists the young
and the elderly; men and women; the vulnerable and the poor; the
healthy and the handicapped; those residing in the city and the
countryside.

On November 19, 2004, UMCOR Armenia will plant 1,000 trees in one of
its final 10th anniversary commemorative activities. A park in
Yerevan, known as `Motherhood Park’, will receive the trees and
provide a wonderful green area for the surrounding of high-rise
buildings, secondary school, and children’s polyclinic hospital.

For more information, please, contact Warren Harrity,
Head of Mission, UMCOR Armenia office
Tel.: 24 81 41, 28 29 77, 24 92 15
Address: 16 Karapet Ulnetsu St., Yerevan, 375115,
Armenia
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

Armenia Tree Project (ATP):

Armenia Tree Project was founded in 1994 during Armenia’s darkest and
coldest years with the vision of securing Armenia’s future by
protecting Armenia’s environment. Funded by contributions from
diasporan Armenians, ATP has by now planted and rejuvenated 580,000
trees at more than 468 sites ranging from Gyumri to Goris.

ATP planted over 19,000 trees at 51 churches in Armenia in 2001 to
commemorate the 1700th anniversary of accepting the Christianity as an
official religion in Armenia.

ATP’s Community Tree Planting (CTP) devision plants and tends more
than 40.000 trees each year, and the amount of planted and rejuvenated
trees grows sharply monthly. We are partnering with communities,
schools, orphanages and other institutions to plant and tend trees
that deliver a range of tangible benefits.

Our 3 nurseries (in Karin, Khachpar villages and Vanadzor, Lori)
provide high quality, drought resistant indigenious trees for
community tree planting. The Michial and Virgian
Environmental-Educational Center in Karin serves as a research and
training center for tree nursery technology. Many students from
Agriculture Academy have already participated in the classes led by
ATP specialist and experts from other countries.

ATP creates a village-based model of poverty reduction and
reforestation. ATP seeks to become `partners in development’ and
inspire villagers to become agents of reforestation via tree-related
micro-enterprise in remote Armenian villages.

For additional information, please, contact Bella Avetisyan, ATP
Public Outreach Coordinator Assistant at:

Tel.: 44 74 01, 44 74 02
Fax: 44 74 26
Address: Arshakunyats 57/5
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

prnewswire.com
Nov 18 PRNewswire

The US is Safer Than Ever

But US Businesses Abroad Face a Variety of Threats

Control Risks Group Publishes RiskMap to Forecast
Opportunities and Trouble Spots for 2005

LONDON, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Control Risks Group, the international
business risk consultancy, today launches RiskMap 2005, its annual study and
forecast of political and security risks across the globe.
Although the headlines in 2005 will continue to be dominated by the
ongoing ‘War on Terror’, the report argues that successful action against
al-
Qaida’s leaders, tightening of anti-terror financing laws and the continuing
restructuring of intelligence and law enforcement agencies have made the
United States safer than at any point since 9/11. The organized matrix of
international terrorism has been shattered and replaced by a new paradigm
that
sees small, decentralized cells of local militants attacking Western
interests
abroad.
While acknowledging the role that this type of terrorism plays in risk
management for business, RiskMap 2005 highlights other risks to business,
which will play as great a part in the success or failure of business as
terrorism. Longstanding political uncertainties such as coup threats,
regional economic instability, or civil unrest are all critical risks that
will affect business operating globally. Only by analysing the local as
well
as global threats will business be best prepared for the coming year.
The risks to a number of critical countries are detailed below.

MIDDLE EAST
Iraq:
* Insecurity in Iraq reached unprecedented levels towards the end of
2004 and looks set to continue.
* The US and Iraqi governments remain determined to hold elections
in
January 2005, regardless of the security situation.
* The severe restrictions on the abilities of companies to carry out
reconstruction work in 2004 will continue throughout 2005.

Iran:
* Iran’s nuclear programme will continue to dominate its
international
relations in 2005.
* Effective UN sanctions remain unlikely, which may force the US or
Israel to take decisive action, possibly involving air strikes
against nuclear sites in Iran.
* However, full-scale military action against the regime is not in
prospect.

Saudi Arabia:
* After more than a year of fierce battles against Islamic
militants,
the government appears to be gaining the upper hand, but further
large-scale terrorist attacks remain possible and small-scale
targeted killings of Westerners are probable.
* The wave of terrorist attacks has brought a broad consensus on the
need for far-reaching changes and Saudi Arabia’s rulers have a
rare
chance to define a positive agenda for the country’s future.
* Political and economic reform could limit the recruitment of
extremists among the burgeoning population of under-employed young
men.

AFRICA
Nigeria:
* Crime and corruption will continue to pose the main risks to
companies operating in the country.
* President Olusegun Obasanjo will continue to face challenges, but
opposition groups will not be able to threaten his position.
* Militant groups and community demands will continue to affect
business in the oil-rich Niger delta.

AMERICAS
Brazil:
* Investors will remain watchful for any sign that President Luiz
Inacio da Silva is moving away from business-friendly policies
towards more leftist, labour-orientated policies.
* Violent crime will remain the key security concern for business
personnel, especially in urban areas.
* Any Colombian guerrilla activity will remain restricted to border
areas in Amazonas state.

Venezuela:
* President Hugo Chavez, emboldened by his 2004 referendum victory,
is
likely to adopt a more confrontational approach, bringing greater
state intervention in the economy.
* Any fall in the oil prices would cause serious problems for the
government.
* The main security concerns are the risk of renewed political
violence and rising crime.

ASIA & PACIFIC
China:
* The government’s main priority is to avoid an economic hard landing
following several years of over-investment.
* The operating environment will continue to improve, with new
measures to deregulate the labour market and roll out legal system
improvements.
* Foreign investors’ enthusiasm for China will be boosted by the
build-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and related infrastructure
projects.

India:
* Key crisis points will include three state elections — in Bihar,
Jharkhand and Haryana — and the 2005-06 budget, all due in
February
2005.
* Economic policy will be broadly reformist, offering attractive
opportunities to foreign investors in many sectors.
* Growth in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector will slow in
a tightening labour market.

Indonesia:
* New President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will attempt far-reaching
policy reform, but will face difficulties in parliament.
* The convoluted regulatory system and corrupt judiciary will continue
to act as strong deterrents to investment.
* Following a number of counter-terrorism successes, the Islamic
extremist Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) could seek to adopt cruder tactics,
such as individual assassinations.

EUROPE & FORMER SOVIET UNION
Russia:
* President Vladimir Putin will continue to strengthen his rule and
his advisers will begin to prepare public opinion for the
possibility of a constitutional amendment to allow him to remain
in
power beyond 2008.
* The government will play an increasingly active role in the oil
and
gas industries, and deals reached without consulting the
authorities
will be subject to political risk.

For further information contact:
Nicola Hudson in London on +44 20 7970 2103 or via email
[email protected]

RiskMap is available to purchase at a price of 150.00 pounds Sterling.

Notes to Editors
Control Risks Group is an international business risk consultancy. Since
its foundation in 1975, Control Risks has worked in more than 130 countries
for more than 5,300 clients — including 86 of the US Fortune Top100
companies. Control Risks’ mission is to enable its clients to succeed in
complex or hostile environments. RiskMap 2005 is based on extensive
analysis
of 195 countries.

Data Sample
RiskMap 2005 includes Control Risks’ security risk ratings forecasts,
which identify the projected level of business risk in various countries
around the globe. Areas listed below have been classified as EXTREME or
HIGH
risk. The forecasts are followed by an explanation of the security risk
levels identified.

Ratings categories and countries/regions
Countries marked in bold refer to the whole country. Countries not in
bold refer to just the region in brackets.

EXTREME POLITICAL RISK
Russia (Chechnya region), Somalia.

EXTREME SECURITY RISK
Iraq, Somalia, Tajikistan (Afghan border area, Garm, Tavildera regions).

HIGH POLITICAL RISK
Afghanistan, Belarus, Bolivia, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Georgia, Guinea
(Conakry), Haiti, Iraq, Israel (Palestinian Authority (PA) areas), Liberia,
North Korea, Philippines, Serbia and Montenegro (Kosovo region), Somalia
(Somaliland), Tajikistan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.

HIGH SECURITY RISK
Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia (Azerbaijani border areas), Azerbaijan
(Armenian border areas, Nagorno-Karabakh), Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon
(major cities), Central African Republic (north, north-western regions),
Colombia, Congo DRC, Cote d’Ivoire, Eritrea (Ethiopian, Sudanese borders),
Ethiopia (eastern areas towards Somalia, towards Kenyan border, along
Eritrean
border), Georgia, Guatemala (Guatemala City), Haiti, Jamaica (Kingston and
Spanish Town), India (Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Tripura and Nagaland),
Indonesia (Aceh, Papua, Central Sulawesi and Maluku), Israel (PA areas),
Kenya
(northern areas towards Somalia and along Ethiopian borders), Kyrgyzstan
(Tajik and Uzbek border areas), Laos (Xaysomboune Special Zone and Xieng
Khouang Province), Liberia (border with Cote d’Ivoire), Macedonia
(north-west
region), Moldova (Transdniestr), Nepal, Nigeria (Niger delta), Pakistan,
Panama (Darien Province on Colombian border), Papua New Guinea (Port
Moresby,
Lae and Mount Hagen), Peru (Upper Huallaga, Apurimac, Ene and Perene
valleys),
Philippines (south-central, west Mindanao), Rwanda (border with Burundi),
Russia (Dagestan, Ingushetia and North Ossetia), Saudi Arabia, Serbia and
Montenegro (Kosovo, southern Serbia), Somalia (Somaliland), Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan (Tajik border areas, Fergana valley), Venezuela (Colombian
borders),Yemen, Zimbabwe.

MEDIUM POLITICAL RISK
Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Congo DRC, Croatia, Cyprus (TRNC),
Djibouti, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon,
Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,
Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives,
Mauritania,
Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco (Western Sahara region), Mozambique, Nepal,
Niger,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe,
Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri
Lanka,
Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania (Zanzibar archipelago), Thailand, Turkey,
Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zambia.

MEDIUM SECURITY RISK
Albania (north-east regions), Algeria (Sahara region), Angola, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Benin (Nigerian border), Burkina Faso, Cambodia,
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, East Timor, Ethiopia,
Fiji,
France (Corsica, Les Landes, Alpes Maritimes region), Greece (Athens,
Thessaloniki), Guinea (Conakry), Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Israel, Italy
(Calabria, Sicily, Milan, Rome), Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon,
Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Moldova,
Mongolia, Mozambique, Niger (borders with Algeria, Libya), Nigeria, Oman,
Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands,
Sri Lanka (north, north-eastern regions), Swaziland, Tanzania (Zanzibar
archipelago, Rwanda border areas), Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Uganda (northern areas affected by LRA insurgency), Ukraine, United Arab
Emirates, United Kingdom (Northern Ireland and London), Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe
(central urban areas).

Definition of Security Risk Levels

EXTREME
The severity of security risks to assets or personnel is likely to make
business operations untenable. There is no law and order; conditions may
verge on war or civil war. Companies must strongly consider withdrawal.

HIGH
There is a probability that foreign companies will face security
problems;
special measures are required. Assets and personnel are at constant risk
from
violence or theft by state or non-state actors OR there is a high risk of
collateral damage from terrorism or other violence. State protection is
very
limited.

MEDIUM
There is a reasonable possibility of security problems affecting
companies, but there is no sustained threat directed specifically against
foreign companies. Targeted crime or violence poses some risk to foreign
assets and personnel OR they are at risk from violence by terrorists or
unrest.

LOW
Assets are generally secure and the authorities provide adequate
security.
Companies and personnel face only infrequent exposure to violence from
terrorists or criminals; companies are unlikely to be systematically
targeted
for asset theft.

INSIGNIFICANT
Assets and personnel are not at risk except from isolated incidents or petty
crime. Levels of violent crime are low, the authorities provide effective
security and there is virtually no political violence.

Definition of Political Risk Levels

EXTREME
Conditions are hostile to/untenable for business. There is no investment
security. The following conditions may apply: the economy has collapsed;
law
and order has broken down and state bodies ceased to function; there is a
state of war or civil war; non-state actors cause suspension of operations;
or
the state is actively hostile to foreign business and expropriation of
assets
is likely.

HIGH
Business is possible but conditions are difficult or likely to become so
in the near future. Political institutions effectively do not function, the
regulatory framework is poor and judicial decisions are arbitrary. There is
little security for investments. Business may be exposed to the following
risks: economic and political conditions may become rapidly unstable;
international sanctions are possible; non-state actors actively target
business; or there is a risk of contract repudiation or re-negotiation by
state actors.

MEDIUM
Foreign business is likely to face some disruption from state or
non-state
actors OR long-term investment security cannot be guaranteed. There is a
risk
for business of exposure to some or all of the following: corruption; strong
and hostile lobby groups; absence of adequate legal guarantees; restrictions
on imports or exports; weak political institutions; and capricious policy-
making. In some Medium risk countries there is a latent threat of military
or
other illegal intervention.

LOW
Business can operate with few problems. Political institutions are
stable
but there is some possibility of negative policy change. Legal guarantees
are
strong but business may face some regulatory or judicial insecurity. Non-
state actors may occasionally hamper operations.

INSIGNIFICANT
The environment for business is favourable and likely to remain so.
Government policy is stable and the economy is secure. Business faces no
legal or regulatory disadvantages. There are no significant non-state
threats
to operations.

SOURCE Control Risks Group
Web Site:

The New Zealand Herald
Thursday November 18, 2004

Soccer: Ukraine stun Turkey in World Cup qualifiers

18.11.2004 2.00 pm

LONDON – Andriy Shevchenko scored twice as Ukraine won 3-0 in Turkey on
Wednesday to put them in with a great chance of qualifying for the soccer
World Cup for the first time.

Their impressive victory over the 2002 semifinalists was the highlight of
the evening’s 13 European qualifiers, which also included good wins for
Portugal, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro and the Czech Republic.

Ukraine have yet to qualify for a major tournament since gaining
independence in 1991 but can count themselves unlucky, having lost in the
playoffs for the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and Euro 2000.

Now they are well placed to advance directly from Group Two after moving to
11 points, five clear of the Turks, Albania and Denmark.

Midfielder Oleg Gusev put Ukraine ahead after nine minutes, Shevchenko
doubled the lead and the AC Milan forward sealed an emphatic victory with an
acrobatic finish a minute from the end.

Shevchenko’s Milan team mate Jon Dahl Tomasson also found the net twice to
put Denmark ahead in Tbilisi but Georgia hit back for a 2-2 draw to stay in
contention on five points.

European champions Greece are also on five after collecting their first win
of the campaign, 3-1 at home to Kazakhstan.

Striker Angelos Haristeas, scorer of the Euro 2004 final winner, grabbed the
first two and Costas Katsouranis completed the win.

It was also a night to remember for captain Theodoros Zagorakis, who became
the first Greek to reach 100 international caps.

Portugal made it 20 goals in five games as a 5-0 away rout of Luxembourg
took them clear at the top of Group Three.

Pauleta scored two and there were also goals for Luis Boa Morte, Cristiano
Ronaldo and Maniche as Portugal, who thumped Russia 7-1 in their previous
game, moved to 13 points, three ahead of Slovakia.

Russia rebounded well with a 4-0 home victory over Estonia that left both
countries on seven points.

Russia took command with three goals in nine minutes midway through the
first half from Andrei Karayka, Marat Izmailov and Dmitry Sychev, and Dmitry
Loskov added a 67th-minute penalty.

Latvia are also on seven points after a 3-1 win in Liechtenstein.

Romania’s flying start in group one was halted in Yerevan where they were
held to a 1-1 draw by Armenia, the home side’s first point of the campaign.

Romania, hit hard by injuries and suspensions, led with a 29th-minute
Ciprian Marica goal but Armenia upped their game and were rewarded when
Karen Dokhoyan equalised midway through the second half.

The result enabled the Netherlands to join Romania at the top on 10 points
after goals by Philip Cocu, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder beat Andorra
3-0 in Barcelona.

The Czech Republic are a point back on nine, alongside Finland, after two
goals in the last three minutes secured a 2-0 win in Macedonia.

Substitute Vratislav Lokvenc and Jan Koller both netted headers to make it
three wins in a row for the Euro 2004 semifinalists.

Israel joined Ireland and France at the top of Group Four on eight points
after a 2-1 victory in Cyprus.

An 86th-minute Avi Nimni goal sealed Israel’s win 11 minutes after their
goalkeeper Nir Davidovich had brilliantly saved a Michael Constantinou
penalty.

Belgium have qualified for the last six World Cup tournaments but that run
is in jeopardy after losing 2-0 at home to Serbia and Montenegro to remain
on one point after three games in group seven.

Goals by Zvonimir Vukic (7) and Mateja Kezman (60) took the Serbians clear
at the top on 10 points.

Lithuania are second on eight after scraping a 1-0 win at San Marino.

– REUTERS

GIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected]
http: //gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com

The largest circulation Armenian online e-newsletter on the WWW

SHOOTING PRACTICE AT AKHTAMAR CHURCH BY TURKISH HUNTERS
Brussels, 11/11/2004 Armenian Assembly of Europe: The correspondent of the
Milliyet newspaper alerts from Van that the marvellous carvings of the 10th
century church of Akhtamar on Lake Van are regularly being used as targets
for shooting practice by visitors. The newspaper published also a photo
where one can see the state of carvings after such visits. The correspondent
reports that the church is protected by a guard in the summer time only
during the working hours. During the rest o f the day the visitors entertain
themselves by shooting on the carvings of the Akhtamar Church, and some of
them even try to find some treasure. Pr. Veli Seckin, professor at the
archaeology department of the University of Van says that there are rumours
among the population that there is treasure cached in the island of
Akhtamar. Even the guard of the Church was arrested while he was `hunting
for treasure’.
Already in May 2004 the newspaper Zaman alerted that the famous church of
the Holy Cross of the Akhtamar Island in Lake Van was almost in ruins. The
church, which is visited by many foreign tourists, is badly neglected and
close to ruins. The church has been neglected and harmed by treasure hunters
and is at risk of collapsing. Both its foundation and ceiling have cracks
and holes.

ARMENIANS INTEND CLAIM AGAINST AZERBAIJAN AT EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

12.11.2004 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Association Shahumian-Getashen in
statement, says that “Residents of Shahumian and Getashen regions, who were
deported by force, intend to claim against Azerbaijan at the European Court
of Human Rights.” The matter concerns territories, which are today
controlled by the Azerbaijani troops. The suit will specifically claim
against violation of the right of the deported residents for property
protection and respect of habitation. The Union has expressed readiness to
defend in authoritative international instances the interests of thousands
of Armenian families, who suffered from Azerbaijan’s aggression in 1991.
November 11, 2004
* Human rights in Turkey
* Haunted by the past
* A human-rights commission embarrasses the government

….. In a footnote, the law deems “anti-national” anyone who advocates
withdrawing Turkish troops from Cyprus, or terming “genocide” the killing of
hundreds of thousands of Armenians in 1915. If the aim was to stifle
discussion of this second issue, it failed: at a conference in Venice last
month, historians from all countries involved took a broader, more
cool-headed look at the 1915 tragedy than would be possible in Turkey-now
or, it seems, any time soon. And what about the 100,000 Tur kish-Cypriots
who voted (vainly) in April for a UN plan that would have removed most
Turkish troops from Cyprus: was that a crime?
The Economist is asking for a fee to read the article, but you can read the
complete article for free on

Due to unfortunate circumstances which were completely out of our control,
we were very sorry to announce that the HYE party on Friday, 12th November
has been cancelled.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Due to this inconvenience, we are throwing a free party on Friday, 7th
January 2005.
HYE Events U.K. [email protected]

This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage awareness
and interest toward our community’s everyday happenings.

QUALIFIER MARCOS BAGHDATIS WINS BRATISLAVA
Nicosia 17 November, 2004 – Gibrahayer: Limassol-born former Boy’s world
number one has won his second tournament on the men’s world tour in the less
than a month.
After winning the Open in England at Bolton, he conquered the $100,000 Tatra
Bank Tournament in Bratislava as a qualifier, topping seed number one
Dominik Hrbaty 7-6(4) 7-6(3) in front of his home crowd.
En route to the final Marcos also beat the fastest server in the world Marc
Rosset 6-2, 7-6. Armenian top seed Sargis Sargissian lost in the second
round against Fransesco Aldi of Italy.
With this win Baghdatis – who spent most of 2004 injured – leaped 53
positions and will be making the main draw of all major tournaments of 2005.
Turkish businessmen are expected to visit Georgia’s Armenian-dominated
region Samtskhe-Javakhk on Nov 25 to discuss the related to cooperation with
local businessmen.
Armenia drew with Romania 1-1 in Yerevan and Cyprus lost to Israel 1-2 in
Nicosia for the qualifying rounds of The World Cup 2006 which will be held
in Germany.
President Robert Kocharian and Estonian counterpart President Arnold Ruutel
decided to bolster commercial contacts during an official meeting in Yerevan
on Monday.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry immediately dismissed allegations that
members of a Kurdish rebel group arrested in southern Netherlands, were
planning to be sent to Armenia to fight for the PKK following their training
session.
Thanks to Hay Tad Committee’s long years of work, the government of
Argentina presented a 44-page book on the Armenian Genocide which has been
jointly prepared by the Buenos Aires Department of Human Rights. The book
was published in 5,000 copies and was delivered to libraries and teachers of
600 public schools.
The ARF Dashnaktsoutiun conveyed its condolences to the Palestinian Fatah
Movement on the death of Yasser Arafat. In its letter, the Dashnaktsoutiun
Bureau expresses profound sympathy to the Palestinian people and leadership,
and hopes that they achieve victory by building an independent Palestinian
state.

PRESENTING SINGER / SONGWRITER ADRINA THORPE
Armenian Singer/songwriter and pianist, Adrina Thorpe, is a refreshing sound
in adult alternative pop, a genre dominated by the guitar. Her style,
although reflective of other female singer/songwriters such as Sarah
McLachlan, Tori Amos and Dido, is altogether unique. Adrina’s delicate piano
melodies and lush vocals weave in and out of each other, drifting amid the
punchy bass and drum lines. Like paper-thin china, like sunrise on the grey
ocean waves…Adrina’s melodies captivate listeners with their distinct
beauty. Listen to her songs on, rinathorpe
Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.

g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r
* Traditional Preparation of Madagh on Saturday 20 November, 2004 starting
from 4:00 p.m. at Nareg School’s Canteen. Hyourasiroutiun to follow. Open
for all. On the occasion of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church Day, you can make your
donations by calling the Armenian Prelature on 22 493560 or emailing
[email protected]

* Aghorhnek at 4:00 p.m. and Hsgoum at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday 20 November
2004.

* Holy Mass and Madaghornhnoutiun on Sunday 21 November 2004 on the
celebration day of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church in Nicosia. Karoz will be
delivered by His Grace Archbishop Nourhan Manoukian of the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem.

* Annual General Meeting of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) on Sunday 21
November 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at AYMA

* 8th Exhibition of Armenian Books, unde r the auspices of Archbishop
Varoujan Hergelian, organised by the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus, with the
participation of Moufflon Bookstore. Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 17
November 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at Vahram Utudjian Hall of the Armenian Prelature
in Nicosia. You can visit the Exhibition every day from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
& 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. except weekends. The exhibition will also travel to
Larnaca and Limassol.

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

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

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

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

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

* Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian sings @ Champs every Friday at at 9:30 p.m. For
reservations call 22873888.
Bible Study Group organised by The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus. The Group
meets at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church on Armenia street, Nicosia. To
receive further details please call Father Momik Habeshian on 99 307966 or
at the Prelature office on 22 493560 email [email protected]

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

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

* The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 28 November,2004
Pentataktylos – Halevka – Buffavento Castle Cycle Ride by MICROMANIA. Sunday
November 28, 2004. Meeting point: Ledra Palace, Turkish checkpoint Meeting
Time: 9.00 am – Bus leaves : 9.30 am – Arrival at Besparmak Restaurant:
10.30 am – Riding time: 2.5 hours – Riding distance: 16 or 28 km (two
routes) Bring with you: passport, water, helmet. Cost of bus and food:
approx £8:00 per person. Bus leaves Besparmak: 2.30 pm. Bus arrives back:
approx 3.30 pm. Level of competence: average Age limit: 12 + Contact Baret
(Duke) Bedelian on 22-661517

* Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues”. You can also hear it on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on A repeat program
can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.

* Listen to Hairenik Association’s online Armenian Radio Station. A variety
of Armenian music online, 24 hours a day, combined with news and other
interesting information about the Armenian community in the US, Armenia,
Artsakh, Javakh k and the Armenian Diaspora.24 Hours of non-stop armenian
music and programs on the internet
. . . . . News . . . . . ANC hour . . . . . Song dedications . . . . . Youth
discussions . . . . . Game Shows . . . . . Interviews . . . . . Religious
programs . . . . . Cultural programs . . . . . History . . . . .

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 12-18, 2004

HIGHLIGHTS:

PERSPECTIVE
LEVON GRIGORIAN: “THEY TRIED TO KILL ME FOR BEING A JOURNALIST”

FOURTH “PRESS CLUB” SHOW

JOURNALISTS AND POLICEMEN GATHERED AT A ROUND TABLE

CHANGES AT “YERKIR-MEDIA”

PERSPECTIVE
LEVON GRIGORIAN: “THEY TRIED TO KILL ME FOR BEING A JOURNALIST”

On April 12, 2004 the demonstration and rally by the National Assembly
organized by the opposition political forces in Yerevan ended with a
dispersal of the participants. At about 00:30 the street illumination was
switched off in Baghramian avenue, and at 2 o’clock in the morning the
sit-in of the demonstration participants was dispersed by the power
structures using special devices – water jets, explosive bags, rubber
bludgeons, electroshockers. Among those injured were four journalists who
were covering the events. Criminal proceedings were instituted on a number
of incidents that happened to the media representatives. Seven months have
elapsed, but to this day no one has been punished for beating journalists.
Moreover, attempts are made to throw the events of that notorious night into
oblivion or to present them from a lighter perspective. This is the reason
why we decided to give a detailed narrative of what happened to cameraman,
currently acting head of the bureau of the First Channel (ORT) in Yerevan
Levon Grigorian, as he tells it himself.

– The First Channel TV company assigned me to prepare a report about the
night rally. 15-20 minutes before the start of the well-known events I
arrived closer to the place of the sit-in and started to shoot. The
situation was so calm that I thought it was about to be over. Then I felt
the silence come down – a very strange kind of absolute silence. And I saw
that the one layer of barbed wire is being removed. I thought, thanks
Heaven, if they are removing it, it means it is truly over. Then a water jet
came up to the first line of enclosure with no sound and threw a mighty
water stream on people. People certainly got mad; they stood up and started
throwing stick and plastic bottles at the car behind the barbed wire. The
car went on with its job, undisturbed. I thought again that this should be
the end: being soaking wet, the people would disperse. And then soldiers
started to appear from two sides. Again, no one expected any provocation,
since they remained behind the wire. Suddenly they started throwing
explosive bags, and from the side of the pass desk of the National Assembly,
that is, the side that the rally participants were on, within an instant
special troops jumped out, electroshock devices in their hands, blocking the
whole street. People became actually trapped, there was only a narrow
passage left on the opposite part of the sidewalk. And the massacre started.
I was standing with my camera by the first line of the enclosure and was
shooting what was happening, then I crossed the street and started to
retreat towards the Opera House with the crowd. Then all of a sudden four
civilians attacked me out of the crowd and tried to snatch my camera away.

– Had they addressed you before that in some way, like saying “stop the
shootings, do not shoot”?

– No, they simply attacked me from behind, and it was unclear who these
people were. The special troops were wearing either helmets, or red caps. As
a war cameraman I went through practically the whole war in Karabagh, and so
among the red-capped troopers I saw a couple of guys I knew: they advised me
to get away as soon as possible. But these four civilians were simply trying
to take my camera away from me, a scuffle started. I was holing the camera
with one hand, and was trying with my leg and my other arm to fight them
back. But it is very difficult to fight back four people when you are alone
and are carrying a heavy professional camera on your shoulder. One of these
four, a short one, came from behind and gave me as strong a punch on my nose
as he could. It started bleeding, I lost my sense of direction but still did
not let the camera go. Then these four dragged me out to the roadway, where
the special troops were operating. People in helmets ran up to me, I think,
there were six or seven of them, and they started to punch me with
electroshockers all over.

– You did not faint?

– No, but you know, when you are stricken with electroshock on your arms,
sides, legs, these parts of your bodies get paralyzed for some time. These
special troop guys did see some civilians attack me – a person with a
professional camera bearing a label of the First Channel, dressed in a
cameraman’s jacket, and they exerted no violence against these civilians but
started to beat me instead. I fell down, the civilians took the camera and
left, while the special troopers continued to beat me. They were in helmets
with visors and I could not see faces. They continued beating me on the
asphalt by bludgeons and legs, paralyzed as I was. When the effect of the
electroshock started to weaken, I was trying to rise, they again used the
shockers, preventing me from doing so, and went on beating me again with
bludgeons and legs.

– Were they telling you anything?

– I only heard one voice, who was shouting all the time: “Do not look at
me!”, then they threw my jacket on my face. And the kept swearing because
my blood was spilling on their clothes. Besides someone was constantly
spraying gas into my eyes for me not to see anything. I do not know how long
it all lasted, but then I heard someone say: “OK, that’s enough, he is about
to kick off, leave him alone.” And they took me by my shoulders, dragged me
on the sidewalk like a piece of rug and left under a tree. When the pain
became somewhat duller, I thought – I don’t have my camera, I don’t have my
mobile phone, I do not have my things. And I started to look for my things
crawling on my knees.

What makes me all the more insulted is that having gone through all of
Karabagh war as a war cameraman, when the country is at peace, I was simply
doing my job, I was not making public disorder or anything else, yet, I was
beaten, and not simply beaten – they were trying to kill me. They were not
really choosing some spots that would be less painful or less vital, they
were striking wherever they could, without giving much thought to it. I have
stripes left by the bludgeons. What for?

– Could they be trying to kill you simply because you were a journalist?

– I have no other explanation to this now.

– What happened next?

– Then the ambulance arrived. You know, I am a Caucasian, and I took all
that happened as an insult. I could have properly resisted, if attacked by
one person, face-to-face, but when you are assaulted like this… I was so
mad that when the ambulance stopped – apparently someone said there was a
dead body lying under the tree – and the doctor came up to me, I remember
starting swearing at him. He said: “Say whatever you feel like saying, but
let me examine you.” I looked like a jumble of flesh and blood. They
provided the first aid to me, then looked for my things with me and put me
into the car. There were several people sitting in the ambulance, I remember
a woman who was stricken on the leg with a bludgeon so hard that she could
not walk. I refused to go to the hospital and asked to be taken to our
office to be able to contact Moscow. My clothes were shred into pieces, I
had blood and water all over me, and my clothes, as if to spite me, were
brand new on that day. And here I probably made a huge mistake. When I was
visited by my colleagues from “A1+” TV company in my office, I did not allow
them to shoot me looking like that. I was embarrassed. But the life came to
prove again that it is purely a show, and one must act by its rules. If I
had allowed the shootings, no questions would arise later. I only allowed
shooting my jacket. I made a call to Moscow, told them what happened, that I
was deprived of the camera, the tape, everything and I have no story to send
them in the morning. Then I went home, had a shower, came back to the office
and in an hour or so I felt bad. I was taken home. I could never imagine
that one can swell because of beatings, and here I started to swell myself.
In the morning I could not move at all. I called the Arabkir Police
Department and reported the incident. I introduced myself immediately,
saying I am a staff member of the First Channel. In some 15 minutes three
policemen came to my place and filed a charge-sheet. They said I had to
undergo forensic examination. And, as far as I remember, I managed to go for
an examination with the help of my friends. I was X-rayed, and so on. It
appeared my nose had been broken, my right arm, with which I was holding the
camera during my fight with the civilians, was seriously injured. I had some
other numerous injuries, too.

– Were you given the official results of the forensic examination?

– No, I was told that no such document can be given to the injured party, it
is included into the case, and only an extract from it can be obtained from
the Prosecutor’s Office. Luckily, I have the copies of the papers I got when
I was being examined. I knew who I was dealing with and I made copies for
myself just in case.

On April 14 I was telephoned from the Arabkir Police Department and was
told: “Your camera has been found, it is at the press-center of the RA
Police.” The camera was broken, it certainly had no tape. The whole problem
started because of the tape. I had the camera on all the time when attacked
by civilians.

– Were you given explanations as to how the camera had been found?

– What I was told sounds like a joke. I was told that several unknown people
had found the camera in the bushes and handed it over to the police. A
professional camera that costs several thousands of dollars… Anyway… I
am grateful that my camera was found so fast, my mobile and other things
were found and returned, too. I was probably luckier than my other
colleagues who were injured, as far as I know some of them had been returned
nothing to this day. I was lucky in terms of being a Russian correspondent,
because of which special attention was given to my case. The Interior
Minister of Russian Federation sent a paper to the Russian Foreign Office
for my case to be undertaken urgently. A representative of the Russian
Embassy in Armenia had a meeting with me.

>From the very start, when I addressed the Arabkir Police Department, the
charge-sheet on what had happened was made on three pages, but then, when
the case was transferred to the General Prosecutor’s Office and was taken
under the personal control of the General Prosecutor, a detailed report was
produced. The investigation was conducted in a very polite manner, with no
pressure. I was repeatedly summoned for testimony. This is understandable, I
told them everything just like I am telling you now.

– Have you been asked, say, to identify those four civilians?

– Certainly. But I cannot identify them. They were very sudden in attacking
me, they came from behind, I can only remember vaguely that the one who
punched me on the nose was short, and one of them was fat, wearing a black
jacket and a black cap. I remember nothing more. But look what happens here.
If they were civilians, it means they possibly were the rally participants.
But why would they hand me over to the special troops?! I cannot identify
the guys from the special troops, either: their faces were hidden. I was
called afterwards from the President’s Office and from the Parliament, I was
asked whether I could identify anyone. The investigators say, if only you
could identify anyone, because there is actually no one specific to be
charged. So it looks like my case is a dead-end? I am telling them – guys,
who is going to compensate the material damage, the camera is expensive. I
am not even speaking about the moral damage, one can hardly consider it in
our state. The answer is – our task is to find those guilty, and if we do
find them, the court is to decide who is going to compensate the damages.

– What do you know about the progress of the investigation today?

– Almost nothing. I made an official enquiry with the General Prosecutor’s
Office. They told me that the investigation is underway.

– So the case has not been dismissed, the investigation continues.

– It looks like that. But who is responsible for all this? I do not know.
But I am very insulted to be treated like that in my country, at peace,
when doing my work. I am often told – you are lucky not to be killed.

– How probable do you think the disclosure of the case is?

– The probability is equal to zero, there are no chances whatsoever. Because
I am asked: “Can you recognize their faces?” No. So if I cannot identify
anyone that is how it should be?!

– Is it possible that if no specific people responsible are found, the guilt
will be placed on the structure they are affiliated with?

– Of course no. What happened is outrageous, it is outrageous that
journalists can be treated like that. There are many ways to prohibit the
work of a journalist. Just come up, say, you cannot shoot here, take the
tape away, but not killing me simply for making shootings…

– During the days that followed the events in April one high-ranked official
said it was necessary for journalists to wear special uniform to be
distinguished from the crowd, so that in similar situation the law
enforcement bodies were able to differentiate journalists from other people.
Let us assume, even though it sounds like science fiction, that those who
were beating you, both the civilians and the special troopers, did not
realize you were having a professional camera, did not see the label of the
First Channel on it. If you had a uniform on, that would not leave any
doubts that you are a journalist even at night, you would not be treated the
same?

– I am more than sure that I would. Those who were beating me, I heard them
say – so you are shooting for Moscow, we’ll show you how to shoot. And the
paradox of the situation is that my TV company, the First Channel, is
extremely sympathizing with the Armenian authorities, and they were trying
to kill me, the representative of this channel.

– What can be done to protect the journalists from violence?

– Look, on April 5 cameras were broken, the next time they started a
massacre. What comes next? We have had broken cameras, we have had beaten
journalists. Do killed journalists come next? I was very moved by the
attention of my colleagues on those days. There were phone calls from
everywhere… But if all the journalists, regardless of what media they work
for, simply as people united by this profession would stand up and say for
even one day: we are stopping our work protesting against being killed,
maybe something would change.

– Do you believe such solidarity is possible in Armenia?

– Unfortunately not. Although I would very much like to believe in it. But
similar incidents can happen to anyone else tomorrow. And to prevent it, we
probably need to be united. You know, I do not want to say some loud words,
I am not a public person. I am not used to giving interviews, I am used to
being on the other side of the camera. But dismissing one case, then the
other, we will come to the third case. It will surely be more terrible that
the previous two, ending, thanks God, without deaths. If we leave all this
unpunished, this third case, when the hands are completely untied, will be
awful.

– Aren’t you scared to go on working?

– Not at all. The words “facing the death” may sound too pompous, but I went
through all the Karabagh war from the very start and I really did face
death. I covered events in Georgia, the whole rose revolution, all the
events in Ajaria. That is, I have huge experience in working at “hot spots”.
But to be caught like that, to be abused like that in your own country… It
is not a matter of being hurt, I feel very insulted.

PS. Cameraman Levon Grigorian or Leva the Big, as his friends and colleagues
call him for his height and powerful stature, was born in 1957 in Yerevan.
He has been working for television since 1980. Throughout his almost 25-year
career Levon Grigorian worked for the only state television during the
Soviet times, then – for the first private TV company “A1+”, collaborated
with “Vesti” newscast of the Russian RTR channel, with BBC, SkyNews, CNN. He
has been employed by the First Channel since 1993.

The fist “hot spot” in his life and profession was Karabagh. “In 1988, when
the conflict was just starting, I registered as a member of volunteer
troops. But I soon understood that it was not for me, I cannot kill people.
I came back to Yerevan, took the camera and since the earliest days of the
war I worked in Karabagh. I started with the coverage of situation in
Shahumian district. It was sieged at that time, and it was there that
Azerbaijanis started to use “Grad” bombing emplacements at night for the
first time. We thought it very important to shoot what was happening as a
prove that a full-scale war had started. And you now, none of us then
thought of making money, we simply wanted the world to know the truth.”

Elina POGHOSBEKIAN

FOURTH “PRESS CLUB” SHOW

On November 15 on the evening air of the Second Armenian TV Channel the
fourth “Press Club” show was issued. The cycle is organized by Yerevan Press
Club under “Strengthening Democracy in South Caucasus by Free Expression”,
implemented jointly with “Article 19” international organization with the
support of Open Society Institute.

The show participants, the heads of the leading media and journalistic
associations of Armenia, discussed the issue of journalists’ accountability
for libel and insult. The second topic was the inner political situation in
the country and the inter-party relations – the problems most actively
raised in the Armenian press recently.

JOURNALISTS AND POLICEMEN GATHERED AT A ROUND TABLE

On November 17 “Femida” NGO held a round table, in which representatives of
Armenian media and the police took part. The event was organized under “Role
of Press in Establishing Rule of Law in Republic of Armenia” project,
implemented by “Femida” with the financial assistance of European
Commission. At the round table the participants discussed the issue of
overcoming the mutual lack of trust between the journalists and law
enforcement bodies that will allow to provide more up-to-date and reliable
information to the public about the criminal situation in the country.
“Femida” plans to hold such meetings regularly.

CHANGES AT “YERKIR-MEDIA”

The administration of “Yerkir-Media” TV channel has recently been changed.
Due to the resignation of Rubina Ghazarian, since November 12 the
responsibilities of “Yerkir-Media” Director were assumed by the head of news
programs Gegham Manukian. The new Chairman of the Board of the TV company is
businessman Norayr Melkonian, who replaced Harutiun Harutiunian in this
position.

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
375007, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 1) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 1) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

November 18, 2004

Armenian Genocide Resource Center
5400 McBryde Ave
Richmond, CA 94805
(510) 965-0152
Contact: Richard Kloian

Armenian Genocide Educational posters now on the Internet

After four years of research and two years in production by a
dedicated artist in Portland, Oregon, a set of five instructional
posters on the Armenian Genocide has just been released and is now
available for viewing and free download on the web.

The posters were recently unveiled at an educator workhop in Oakland
California where the largest professional teacher training
organization in the U.S, Facing History and Ourselves, announced to
San Francisco Bay Area teachers and members of the community attending
their availability and endorsed the use of the posters in its national
teaching program on the Armenian Genocide.

The set of five theme oriented instructional posters teach about the
Armenian Genocide and provide a visual overview of key events related
to the genocide, its prelude, methodology, and aftermath.

Each illustrated poster measures 19″x25″ and includes photographs,
text, graphics and a chronology, allowing teachers and students to
easily conceptualize and grasp essential facts related to each theme,
and provides teachers with a template for further instruction,
exploration and study.

The posters have been teacher-tested and endorsed by Facing History
and Ourselves,which will be using them in its six regional offices. A
teacher study guide prepared by FHAO will be forthcoming soon.

Please see the following website for a detailed description of the
posters and information on how to obtain hard copies. A description of
the posters is below:

—————————————————————-

PANEL 1: Prelude to Genocide
A brief chronology of Ottoman history from 1502 to 1913 revealing the
myths and realities of Ottoman History and a list of major historical
events that led up to the Armenian massacres of 1894-96, 1909 and the
genocide of 1915. Includes an overview of the corrupt Ottoman
taxation system and the failed treaties that sought to protect the
Armenian minority in the Ottoman Empire against increasing abuses and
usurpations.

PANEL 2: Decapitation of a Nation
Includes a chronology of monthly events from Feb 1914 to May 1915
leading up to the genocide, the decision by Turkish leaders for the
genocide and their justification for it, the Turkish methodology to
first destroy Armenian leaders and intellectuals, the reaction to the
genocide by the Allies who for the first time warned Turkish leaders
for their “Crimes against Humanity” setting a legal precedent for a
concept used in future war crimes tribunals.

PANEL 3: Deportation
A chronology of monthly events from May 1915 to Feb 1916 showing the
deportation as a ruse for destruction of the Armenians. The full
U.S. State Dept translation of the Official Proclamation of
Deportation by the Young Turks showing the demonization of the
Armenians and the authorization for the genocide. Observations and
statements by Swiss, German and American eyewitnesses attesting to the
intent of the Turkish government to destroy the Armenians. Includes
photographs of the deportations, deportees, and survivors.

PANEL 4: Extermination
A chronology of monthly events from Oct 1916 to March 1918 with quotes
by major figures from the period describing in detail the deliberate
destruction of the Armenians and listing the growing reaction by
public figures in the U.S. and elsewhere to the genocide. Includes a
map showing the deportations and massacres, photographs of the victims
and refugees, many taken under threat of death.

PANEL 5: Aftermath
A chronology of related monthly events from May 1918 to July 1923
describing the fate of the survivors, Armenian women sold in slave
markets or taken in Moslem harems, the forced Islamization of
children, scenes of starvation and destitution with hundreds of
thousands of refugees seeking food, shelter and relief, the continued
destruction of Armenians in 1920 by Turkish Nationalist forces, a
discussion of treaties that first sought to atone for the injustices
upon the Armenians and then relegated their plight to the backwaters
of history thus giving impunity to the Turkish state and paving the
way for the denial that continues to today. Includes a map and
photographs of the refugees.

A1 Plus | 14:48:08 | 18-11-2004 | Social |

HEALTH CONDITION OF CHILDREN AT SPECIAL SCHOOLS IS ALARMING

Children with special needs placed at special/boarding schools in
Yerevan face myriad health and development problems, according to the
Assessment of Health Condition of Children with Special Education Needs
conducted upon the request from the Ministry of Education and Science of
the Republic of Armenia by the Children’s Health Care Association with
UNICEF’s support.

The study which provides an in depth analysis of health and development
problems of children was carried out at Nubarashen No. 1 and 11 schools
for children with mental retardation, school No. 9 for children with
hearing impairments and Nubarashen No. 18 special school for children
with behavioral problems.

The objective of the study was to assess health condition of children,
identify whether children are placed in a proper special school and meet
new admission criteria recently adopted by the Ministry of Education and
Science.

Out of 514 children registered in the surveyed schools, only 391 (76%)
were available for screening. Over 60% of children were from Yerevan,
while the rest were from neighboring regions.

The screening revealed that along with children with special educational
needs, schools also accepted their siblings without such needs solely on
the basis that they belonged to the same socially vulnerable families.
On the average for 16% (62 children) of the surveyed children the
schools that they were placed in were not appropriate. However, the
reintegration of those children into mainstream education is already
impossible.

According to the study findings, poverty (50% of children) and family
problems (62 % in Nubarashen No. 18 special school) are major causes for
placement of children in a special school.

Many of the children suffer from chronic diseases, including cases which
require immediate medical intervention. In particular, up to 17% of the
surveyed children have hearing problems caused by chronic tonsillitis
and otitis. In many cases, however, school administrations were not able
to provide relevant medical assistance to the children due to the lack
of qualified medical personnel and absence of legal power to authorize
specialized medical intervention.

In addition, the study indicates that out of 391 children 28 (7%) were
subjected to physical violence within their families, whereas 9 children
(2%) were subjected to violence at the schools.

The assessment once again brings up the importance of regular medical
checkups of all children in special schools as well as the need to
revise curriculum in those institutions. Moreover, the development of
the state policy on early identification of childhood disability and
early intervention will lead to timely integration of children with
disabilities into the society, thus preventing many children from being
placed in special schools.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

November 18, 2004

Armenian Genocide Resource Center
5400 McBryde Ave
Richmond, CA 94805
(510) 965-0152
Contact: Richard Kloian

ONLINE FORUM – LESSONS FROM THE PAST: THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE,HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS

December 1-3, 2004

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 the University of California, Los Angeles, 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, please go to

Calls for Iordanescu’s resignation after draw in Armenia

.c The Associated Press

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) – Amid calls for the resignation of Romania’s
soccer coach after a humiliating draw against Armenia, soccer
federation boss Mircea Sandu said Thursday he also was considering
alternatives to replace Anghel Iordanescu.

Romania, one of the favorites in World Cup qualifying Group 1, drew
1-1 Wednesday in Yerevan, losing critical points in a tight battle for
supremacy with the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Finland.

Romania is currently second in the group, behind the Netherlands.

In Armenia, Romania missed 10 of its top players and several regular
substitutes due to injuries or suspensions.

Fans met the team at the airport Wednesday night, calling for the
coach’s resignation. The calls were echoed in the media and by sports
celebrities, who criticized Iordanescu’s selection of players.

Daily newspaper Ziua wrote that a “sorry coach and a team of losers
shamed us in Yerevan”.

A front page headline in sports newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor said
“Dead,” while another sports newspaper, Pro Sport, wrote “God
punished you!” referring to Iordanescu’s well-known mysticism. The
coach is known for being extremely superstitious and bringing crosses
to games.

Iordanescu told the media Wednesday night that he will stay on as
national team coach.

But on Thursday, the two sports newspapers reported on their Web sites
that Iordanescu is stepping down. The reports cited sources in the
Romanian federation.

The soccer federation has not confirmed the resignation, but issued a
statement saying its executive committee has scheduled a meeting with
the coach for Sunday, when “Iordanescu will present the activity of
the technical staff”.

“Until Sunday, there will be no comment on the situation,” the
statement added.

11/18/04 11:43 EST

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress