Big Day Out organisers continue to attract biggest and best names
TUTAKI Denise

The Daily News (New Plymouth, New Zealand)
October 14, 2004, Thursday

HI-OCTANE trio the Beastie Boys has been named as one of the headlining
acts for next year’s Big Day Out.

Tickets for the event go on sale tomorrow and promoters say the line-up
solidifies the reputation of the Big Day Out organisers to produce
a series of events that offer intelligent, quality, energetic acts.

Powderfinger is one of the biggest acts to emerge across the ditch
in the last decade and has been booked for the 2005 Big Day Out. It
will perform live off the back of its forthcoming best of compilation
titled Fingerprints.

The duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, aka the Chemical Brothers,
returns again to the Big Day Out. Arguably the first arena-sized
group in the electronic movement, the Chemical Brothers keep the
crowd moving by working through unmissable samples from familiar
guitar riffs to vocal tags to various sound effects.

System of a Down is no stranger to our shores and has a reputation
as the thinking person’s metal troupe.

System of a Down is currently working on its fourth album and over
the last eight years has revived and revitalised heavy music with
its manic brand of post-everything hardcore.

Its disparate tastes, which range from Jaco Pastorius and Slayer to
the Beatles and traditional Armenian folk music, have ensured System
of a Down will always be a band less than ordinary.

Locals The D4, Misfits of Science, Trinity Roots and Steriogram all
take to the stage, joined by Aussie heroes Grinspoon and the John
Butler Trio.

Brit-pop landed itself new heroes in the new millennium thanks to
the popularity of quartet The Music. Comprised of school chums, the
Music emerged from the suburbs of Leeds in 1999 and by 2001 it had
been hailed as the best unsigned band in Britain. It has been signed
along with one of the most innovative and audacious artists to come
out of the UK in recent years, Mike Skinner.

Skinner is the mastermind behind The Streets, whose debut Original
Pirate Material saw him tap into a potent mix of hip hop, rap, garage
and glam-inspired rock. With a follow-up released this year, A Grand
Don’t Come for Free, The Streets has received myriad critical acclaim
across the musical spectrum.

All-female rockers The Donnas have been described as a cross between
the Ramones and the Runaway. Formed in 1993, the Donnas are now
veterans, with nine albums tucked under their belts.

Donna A, Donna F, Donna C and Donna R gained a cult following and
considerable media attention in the late 90s when they scored a record
deal straight out of high school.

Other Kiwi acts the Bleeders, drum and bass outfit Concord Dawn and
Shihad have also been signed.

Tickets for the event, to be held on Friday, January 21, are available
through Ticketek or at Energy FM, Raw Music and Sounds.

A second line-up of artists will be announced next month.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected]
Website;
October 15, 2004
************************************************

THE PRIMATE PRESIDED OVER THE CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF HOLY TRANSLATORS

On Sunday October 10, Bishop Bagrat Galstanian presided over the Holy
Badarak held in St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of Montreal on
the occasion of the feast of Holy Translators, which is also designated
by the Primate as Day of Blessing of Cultural Workers. This year’s
category of cultural workers consisted of authors of books.

At the termination of the Divine Liturgy Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyadjyan,
Pastor, invited 15 authors of books to advance before the Altar,
where Primate Galstanian addressed them in the spirit of the Holy
Translators, who built up the Armenian Golden Age in the 5th century
and left the most enduring legacy of the Armenian identity. After the
authors read the Oath of Cultural Workers, the traditional ceremony
of blessing was conducted, as the Primate touched the head of each
author by his Cross.

Following the ceremonies, the congregation gathered in the Marie
Manoogian Hall, where a program dedicated to the Holy Translators
was organized by the editorial board of Pourastan, the church’s
periodical. MC. Dr. H. Arzoumanian talked briefly about the profound
changes in the Armenian people’s spiritual life that started with
St. Gregory the Illuminator in 301, embedded by St. Mesrob Mashdots
(the inventor of the Armenian alphabet) in 404, and peaked by the
Translators (5th Century), who laid the foundations of the Armenian
spiritual and cultural identity for the following thousands of years.

The first speaker was Ms. Armine Keushgerian, a scholar and author,
who reminded that October has been designated as the month of culture,
and talked about the foremost translator Yeznig of Goghpa. The
translators, she said, were not merely transferring a text from
the Greek original into Armenian, but they were also scholars,
theologians and educators. The second speaker, Mr. Nourhan Ouzounian,
a noted intellectual, spoke about different translations of the Bible,
quoting international experts who designate the Armenian translation
as “The Queen of Translations”. The speaker then deliberated on the
first printing of the Armenian Bible in Amsterdam by Vosgan Yerevantsi
in 1666, shortly after Gutenberg’s invention of the print. A short
program of three songs were rendered by the church’s children’s
choir directed by Mr. Varoujan Markarian. Fr. Vazgen thanked the
participants and Bishop Galstanian gave his blessing. A reception by
the Parish Council followed.

* * *

ART WORK POSTERS DONATED BY MR. & MRS. KERIM AND LOUISA KERIM

Long time members and sponsors of Canadian Diocese and Holy Trinity
Armenian Apostolic Church of Toronto Mr. & Mrs. Kerim and Louisa Kerim
have donated artwork posters to the Diocese of the Armenian Church. The
posters are prints of limited editions of Mr. Kerim Kerim’s artwork
called Revival of the Decorative Art of Armenian Monumental Khatchkars.

It is Mr. Kerim’s wish to give the donated posters as gifts to Sunday
School students and to the junior choir members for their regular
attendance and special achievements.

On behalf of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian we thank Mr. and
Mrs. Kerims and pray the Almighty God to grant them good health and
abundant blessings.

* * *

ARMENIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL ORGANIZED BY THE DIOCESE

Upon the directive and instructions of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada,
for the first time ever, an Armenian Cultural Festival has been
organized on the occasion of the Feast of Holy Translators. The
planned celebrations extend through this weekend.

On Friday night, the opening ceremony will be held at Marie Manoogian
hall of St Gregory the Illuminator cathedral. Mayor of the City of
Montreal. His Worship Gerald Tremblay as well as the President of
the Borough of Outremont Mr. Stephan Harbour will be the honorary
guests. Books about Armenian history, culture and art will be on
exhibition and for sale. The next day, Saturday, October 16, a
piano concert will be held at St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
in Montreal (starting 19:30) performed by Souren Barry with the
participation of “Gomidas” Church Choir directed by Varoujan Margaryan.

* * *

BISHOP GALSTANIAN MET WITH LADIES’ AUXILIARY COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES

His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian met with the Ladies’ Auxiliary
Committee for Social Services together with the pastor of St. Gregory
the Illuminator Armenian Church Rev. Fr Vazgen Boyajyan.

The meeting was held upon the request of the Ladies’ Auxiliary on
Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at the Diocesan headquarters. The committee
members asked the Primate’s views and visions regarding the mission of
the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Serpazan talked extensively on the importance
of their mission, made several suggestions to further consolidate
their services and encouraged them to keep on serving our people. They
agreed to meet on a monthly basis in order to review the progress of
the reform plan.

* * *

PRAYER REQUEST FOR MARITSA RINA LALEYAN-YEMENIDJIAN

In August 2004 the Press Office of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church
Canadian Diocese requested the faithful to pray for the health of
Maritsa Rina Laleyan- Yemenidjian.

Mrs. Laleyan was in deep coma at Sacre Coeur Hospital in Montreal. The
family, friends and many other fellow Christians sent prayer notes
and caring thoughts to the Yemenidjian family.

Today, we inform you with deep spiritual joy that Mrs Yemenidjian’s
health has started to improve. We ask once again for your prayers
for her full recovery.

The power of prayer will bring miracles to Maritsa Rina
Laleyan-Yemenidjian. She is in need of our support through this
prayer request.

* * *

HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II DEPARTS FOR MOSCOW

On October 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, during a meeting with the Brotherhood
of Holy Etchmiadzin, announced that he was departing for the Russian
Federation to join the Armenian community of Moscow as they celebrate
the 75th Anniversary of the birth of His Holiness Alexey II, Patriarch
of Moscow and All Russia, head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
During his two-day visit to Moscow, the Catholicos of All Armenians
will also offer the service of Blessing the Foundation of the new Holy
Cross Armenian Cathedral and Diocesan Headquarters for the Armenian
Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia.

In the course of the meeting, His Holiness reflected on the recent news
that the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” religious organization has received
official registration by the state authorities of the Republic of
Armenia, and expressed his concern at the registration of yet another
totalitarian cult. His Holiness stated that attempts to justify the
registration of this destructive group are unacceptable, and regards
as disingenuous and unfair the accusations that the Armenian Church
and her clergy are weak and incomplete in their pastoral ministry.
“The Holy Armenian Apostolic Church has a mission to serve, and
notwithstanding all difficulties and challenges, will bring all of
her efforts to realizing that sacred mission in the lives of our
people”, stated His Holiness. The Pontiff of All Armenians expressed
his appreciation to all faithful sons and daughters of the Armenian
Church who have displayed concern and devotion regarding this issue.

Accompanying His Holiness during his visit to the Russian Federation
are His Grace Bishop Navasard Kjoyan, Vicar General of the Araratian
Pontifical Di ocese; His Grace Bishop Arshak Khatchatrian, Chancellor
of the Mother See; and Rev. Fr. Mushegh Babayan, Staff-bearer of
His Holiness.

* * *

HOLY ETCHMIADZIN ORDAINS AN UNPRECEDENTED NINETEEN NEW PRIESTS

Sunday, October 10, was a joyous day in the life of the Armenian
Church. During the celebration of Divine Liturgy, the vast St. Gregory
the Illuminator Mother Cathedral of Yerevan was filled with faithful,
family and friends, as nineteen deacons of the Armenian Church
were anointed and ordained into the Holy Order of Priesthood by
His Grace Bishop Arshak Khatchatrian, Chancellor of the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness, Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during this unprecedented
historic event. This marked the first occasion in memory that so many
faithful sons of the Armenian Church were ordained to the priesthood
at one time. In order to accommodate this large number of ordinates,
the ordination service was moved from the Mother Cathedral of Holy
Etchmiadzin to St. Gregory. Six of the deacons are graduates of the
Gevorkian Theological Seminary, one is a graduate of the St. James
Theological Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and
twelve are the first graduates from the Accelerated Academic Course
for the Priesthood, under the auspices of the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin.

The Accelerated Academic Course for the Priesthood was a new program
in stituted by His Holiness more than two years ago to select
individuals with higher educations who wished to bring their service
to the Armenian Church and Nation as priests. The Course had strict
and difficult entrance requirements: The candidates must have the
recommendation of their Diocesan Primates, a minimum of a bachelors
degree from an institution of higher learning, and passed the entrance
and subsequent exams, maintaining exemplary grades throughout the
two and a half year program. The main target of the program was to
reach out to the rural villages and settlements that are in dire need
of priests. The first twelve graduates who became priests were among
the most highly educated of the students. Among them are an architect,
a physicist, a composer, a psychologist, an accountant, a historian,
scientists and instructors.

On the evening prior to the ordination, a public examination of the
candidates’ profession of faith was conducted in the Mother Cathedral
of Yerevan. The sponsoring priests testified for the spiritual and
religious training and virtues of the candidates. The candidates
unanimously rejected and anathematized the heretics and schismatics
and vowed to follow the true faith of Jesus Christ, the Apostles and
the Armenian Patriarchs. As a sign of their orthodox faith, they
recited the dogmatic creed of the Armenian Church, written by St.
Gregory of Datev, and vowed to remain faithful to the hierarchy of
the Armenian Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The following morning, during the Divine Liturgy, the candidates
ascended to the Holy Altar of the Cathedral with the recitation
of psalms. Rev. Fr. Vardan Navasardian, assistant to the Grand
Sacristan of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, had organized
a team of deacons to assist their brothers in their vesting. After
removing their stoles from each individual deacon, they were placed
back around the ordinates necks, and turning westward to the faithful,
they raised their hands as a sign of their renunciation from secular
life and devotion to a spiritual one. The ordaining bishop anointed
the foreheads and palms of both hands of each new priest with Holy
Chrism (Muron) and gave them new names. The faithful present awaited
each new name in hushed yet eager anticipation.

Deacon Artur Hovhanissian became Father Aristakes;
Deacon Hovhannes Baghalian became Father Vrtanes;
Deacon Ararat Nurijanian became Father Husik;
Deacon Arman Shahnazarian became Father Nerses;
Deacon Mher Ghahramanian became Father Gyut;
Deacon Arman Simonian became Father Norayr;
Deacon Husik Hayrapetian became Father Babken;
Deacon Hovhannes Vahanian became Father Moushé;
Deacon Gagik Babayan became Father Mashtots;
Deacon Haik Petrosian became Father Ghazar;
Deacon Artur Sargisian became Father Smbat;
Deacon Artur Dravants became Father Matteos;
Deacon Arayik Mkrtchian became Father Manuel;
Deacon Vahan Andreasian became Father Tovmas;
Deacon Karlen Ghazarian became Father Arakel;
Deacon Vladimir Galsdian became Father Yeznik;
Deacon Garnik Arakelian became Father Simeon;
Deacon Hovhannes Sargisian became Father Pavstos;
Deacon Vachagan Babayan became Father Anania;

Following their anointing, His Grace Bishop Arshak presented the
chalice used to prepare Holy Communion to the newly ordained priests,
transferring to them the power and right to celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and distribute the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ to
the faithful. While the kiss of peace was joyfully being distributed
among the thousands of faithful, His Holiness Karekin II led the
procession of bishops, members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin,
and visiting clergy from a number of dioceses, as they ascended
the bema and conveyed their congratulations by kissing the anointed
foreheads and hands of the new priests. In attendance for the service
were Their Eminences Archbishop Datev Sarkissian and Archbishop David
Sahakian of the Mother See; Archbishop Grigoris Buniatian, Primate
of the Armenian Diocese of the Ukraine; Archbishop Mesrob Krikorian,
Pontifical Legate to Central Europe; His Grace Bishop Arakel Karamian,
Primate of the Diocese of Kotayk; Very Rev. Fr. Derenik Davitian, Locum
Tenens of the Diocese of Gegharkunik; Rev. Fr. Archpriest Yeghishé
Sargisian, Dean of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary; Rev. Fr.
Mkrtich Proshian, Dean of the Vaskenian Seminary of Lake Sevan;
members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin; visiting Armenian
priests from the United States and Europe; visiting clergymen from
sister Churches and denominations; deacons and seminarians.

Also in attendance for this special occasion were benefactors of the
Mother See, Mr. and Mrs. Haroutiun Arslanian, from Beirut, Lebanon,
as well as the “Holy Etchmiadzin Ladies Society” of Beirut, Lebanon.

* * *

“Jews Believe That It’s Right To Spit At Servants Of Other Religions”

Samuel Avitar Assures

Azg/am
16 Oct 04

A group of young Jews attacked an Armenian clergyman during a
religious procession in Jerusalem on October 10. One of the Jews spat
at Archbishop Nurhan Manukian leading the procession then slapped him
and threw his mitre on the ground. Archbishop Nurhan hit the rogue
back and as a result a scuffle began.

It’s interesting that the Israeli police guarding the procession
was there while this mean assault took place. Police even detained
archbishop saying that he hit the attackers back. The fact rose
Jerusalem’s Armenian community’s indignation.

Palestinian Wafa news agency immediately responded to the assault
(more details in Azg Daily October 13 issue). The Israeli Haaretz
touched open the issue on October 12 and Istanbul’s Nor Marmara
Armenian newspaper on October 13.

The Haaretz notes that not only the youth but also older Jews spit at
Christians and that Greeks and Armenians alike put up with this fact.

Hence, those rogues, young and old, aim not at Armenians but all
Christians. But still the attitude towards Armenians is unique. Daniel
Rasing, head of the Center of Christians’ and Jews’ Reconciliation,
says in the Haaretz that Armenian clergymen do not dare to look out of
their homes during days of Jewish Purim. Samuel Avitar, ex-counselor
of Jerusalem’s mayor on Christian affairs, defined this attack as a
“disgrace” and added: “I try to do something but all in vain as Jews
are sure that clergy is created to be spat at”.

Though archbishop Nurhan informs Nor Marmara saying that “Armenian
clergy of Jerusalem are accustomed to such an attitude and try to
ignore it, they cannot ignore this last incident”. In this case the
only alternative is to leave the Holy City.

Having this perspective in their minds, Jews go even further. This was
not the first time Armenians were attacked. Still in January archbishop
Torgom Manukian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, complained deputy
interior minister of Israel Abraham Porazi that “the Jews rail and
spit at Armenians when they walk down the streets”. Porazi tried to
find out “why government doesn’t take measures to hold extremist Jews
back from abasing the Armenian patriarch and Armenians?” “We don’t
have enough means to guard every priest”.

Haaretz covered this issue on January 13. Jerusalem’s
Patriarchate again turned to the minister of interior in April but
vainly. Apparently the minister had no means to provide the police
with, as the attacks still occur. We can understand that the ministry
may falls short of means but what should we think about the policemen
guarding the procession of October 10? What was their mission if not
securing the clergy?

There may be only answer: police backs those attacks on the Armenian
Patriarchate, Armenian clergy and community in order to win interior
minister’s approval. We may conclude that those rascals are encouraged
by the state and that the attacks are organized on a state level.

What can we expect of a state citizens of which think that it’s right
to spit at servants of other religions?

By Hakob Chakrian

LEVITIN: CLOSED BORDER

Azg/am
16 Oct 04

Armenians Suffering Because of Russia’s “Anti-Terrorism” Actions in
South Ossetia

Igor Levitin, co-chairman of Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental
Commission on Economic Cooperation and Russia’s transport minister,
stated at the October 14 press conference that the Russian-Georgian
border will remain closed 30-40 more days. He said that Russia takes
measure for an effective anti-terrorism fight.

Levitin noted that the Russian-Armenian trade potential is not fully
used because of Georgia’s non-constructive policy. After a joint
press conference with Armenia’s defense minister, Levitin suggested
that Armenia may transfer its goods via Astrakhan and Enzel Iranian
harbor in Caspian Sea, then via Agarak-Meghri-Kajaran land route,
till Upper Lars remains closed.

Levitin also underscored that this route is more preferable to the
Upper Lars crossing point from economic point of view. “We should only
arrange with the Iranian side on several issues”, he said. Armenian
companies engaged in good conveying think that the Iranian route
will cost demand additional $1000-2000 for each truck. Besides,
Meghri-Kajaran route like Upper Lars becomes impassable for
transportation.

Russia’s transport minister emphasized that Upper Lars hasnâ^À^Ùt
closed for ever, and if there are more car congestion in the coming
weeks they will have to take up necessary measures. Levitin meant the
opening of the crossing point for a day allowing trucks and people
cross the border.

Levitin noted that civilians shouldn’t suffer as a result of
anti-terrorism activities.

Russians suggest Armenians crowded at Upper Lars to use Inner
Chamarag crossing point of the Russian-South Ossetian border. But
the Georgian side keeps declaring that it doesn’t recognize South
Ossetian checkpoint.

Later Tbilisi send a green light to Armenian vehicles to cross the
border at the South Ossetian site, suggesting meanwhile to find other
ways to cross the border and no to rely on Inner Chamarag crossing
point. It has been few days today that people are again crowded at
border. 100 citizens of Armenia are in uncertainty, Regnum news agency
informs. There are at least 12 children 4 of whom were send to the
Tskhinvali’s hospital. Eduard Kokoyti, president of South Ossetia
visited Armenians yesterday.

Georgian press writes that Russia intended to set Georgia and Armenia
against each other by sending Armenian citizens to the South Ossetian
border.

“Russian side told us that the border will remain closed for a while
and suggested the South Ossetian route. Armenia and Georgia alike are
against this route as the situation there is so wobbly that we cannot
secure our goods. Then Ilyichevsk’s and Astrakhan-Iran-Meghri-Kajaran
routes were suggested”, MP Andranik Margarian told Haykakan Zhamanak
in an interview.

Poti-Novorisiysk sea route has also been unavailable since September
12. Russia reason the harbor closing by a cargo ship repair. The
repair was supposed to take only 2 weeks but the harbor remains closed
today and will allegedly open on October 18.

On October 14 Levitin left for Azerbaijan and then to Georgia where
he is going to talk authorities into opening of the railway. Russian
minister was so confident speaking of the Abkhazia-Armenia-Azerbaijan
railway opening as though he was unaware of the conflicts battering
the region. He didn’t forget to mention of the high level of
Russian-Armenian relations.

By Tatoul Hakobian

PARUYR HAYRIKIAN: RUSSIA DECLARES POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC WAR ON ARMENIA

YEREVAN, October 15 (Noyan Tapan). Russia has declared a political
and economic war on Armenia, so the Armenian_Russian relations
need to be reviewed. Paruyr Hayrikian, Chairman of the “National
Self_Determination” Union, made this statement at the October 15 press
conference. According to him, the blockade policy against Armenia
implemented by Russia now does not differ at all from the continuing
blockade by Turkey. Hayrikian believes that thousands of Armenia’s
citizens are subjected to terrorism in Russia under the pretext of
fighting terrorism. “Even morbid Russophiles must confess that Russia
demonstrates an undisguised hostile attitude towards Armenia,” he
noted. Accoding to the Chairman of the “National Self-Determination”
Union, this measure taken by Russia is conditioned by the fact that
the Armenian nation’s potential is starting to manifest itself, and
Russia has for centuries implemented the “We need Armenia without
Armenians” strategical program. In Hayeikian’s view, Armenia should
have given adequate responses to the Russian “audacious challenges”:
during the first three days the Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister and
finally President should have tried to settle the antagonism in a
friendly way, but then Russia should have received an ultimatum. The
Ministry of Finance should have calculated and presented to Russia
the material damage caused to Armenia. And finally, the Armenian
ambassador to Russia should have been called back, while the Russian
ambassador to Armenia should have been asked to “pack his things”,
and the RA President should have invited the OSCE ambassadors and,
after informing them about his intention to freeze the relations with
Russia, he should have asked support from their governments. Hayrikian
also considers it necessary to publish decrees to start the process of
nationalizing the national property provided to Russia in return for
debts, as well as to stop the Russian symbolic military presence, etc.

The independent pursuit of freedom

The readers’ editor on … a conference of European press councils in Cyprus

Ian Mayes
Saturday October 16, 2004
The Guardian

Last week I went to the annual huddle of the Alliance of Independent
Press Councils of Europe (AIPCE) to speak about the still fairly rare
form of self-regulation that we try to practise at the Guardian. I
was invited by the hosts, the Cyprus Media Complaints Commission,
and we met in the divided city of Nicosia. Unless you are involved in
the self-regulation of the press you are unlikely to have heard of
the AIPCE, a useful and, deliberately, fairly informal association
of self-regulation bodies that began meeting about six years ago at
the joint suggestion of the British Press Complaints Commission and
its counterpart in the Netherlands.

In the relatively short period that it has been in existence, it
has become a major forum for exchanging ideas, sharing experience,
and in particular, most recently, for the support and encouragement
of the press councils that are emerging in eastern Europe – in the
former Soviet Union, in former Yugoslavia, and in countries such as
Bulgaria. Half of the independent press councils in the world have
been formed since 1990, and a third since 2000. The growth among
members of the European alliance reflects that pattern.

The new European members have found among their colleagues in the
older established bodies – such as the PCC in Britain – a ready
response to requests for help and advice. The PCC has, in fact,
provided consultative services since not long after its foundation
in 1991. An assistant director, William Gore, coordinates its work
overseas. He says: “It is important for us to get involved when and
where we are wanted, if our help is sought.” The director of the PCC,
Tim Toulmin, is keen on this work, like his predecessor, Guy Black.

The PCC has had a direct involvement in, for example, the establishment
of a press council in Bosnia-Herzogovina where it went, initially,
at the invitation of a European commission agency there. The former
acting chairman of the PCC, Professor Robert Pinker, having gone
there as a consultant, became the first international chairman of
the Bosnian press council, a post to which he expects a Bosnian to
be elected in May next year.

Prof Pinker told me, “The Bosnian press council could not have started
under more difficult circumstances. Now it is fair to call it one
of the truly national bodies. We are in the process of extending the
range of members to make it even more representative.”

The PCC has also been quick to put its experience, on request, at the
disposal of projects initiated by others. I have personal experience
of one of these, a programme to establish press and media councils in
two pilot schemes in Russia, one in Nizhny Novgorod, to the east of
Moscow, and the other in the south at Rostov-on-Don. I visited both
places with PPC representatives when the project was just beginning.

The guiding hand has been provided by the Programme in Comparative
Media Law and Policy at Oxford University. It has worked with the
Moscow Media Law and Policy Institute and local people over the past
three years and – as the Russian delegates reported at the Cyprus
conference – the scheme is now showing positive signs of success. I
hope to report on that more fully later this year.

The problems faced by the media in this and other areas represented
at the conference are daunting. There is something chastening to
see the dedication and courage being brought to the task of trying
to develop and protect a press free from state interference and
corruption. These efforts are often taking place in a context in
which there is no tradition of the principal elements in society even
meeting and talking, let alone trusting each other.

The key requirement that any press council must fulfil to be worthy
of the name, in the opinion of members of the European alliance,
is independence – it needs great effort in many countries to carry
it beyond aspiration.

Delegates in Cyprus came from, among other places, Albania, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Ukraine, and, as I have
already mentioned, Russia and Bosnia. The struggle they are involved
in provides a reminder that self-regulation, with the long and often
difficult process of agreeing an editorial code that usually precedes
it, promotes and protects a free press against repression. It is easy
to forget this as we pick over the imperfections of our own system.

· Ian Mayes is vice president of the Organisation of News Ombudsmen.

Thursday, October 14, 2004
************************************
A prominent French philosophy (Gilles Deleuze) once said, what mankind needs more urgently than anything else is an objective and thorough analysis of human stupidity, “against which even the gods cannot compete” (Goethe).
*
When he runs for a second term, an American presidential candidate may have to defend or misrepresent or cover up four years of mismanagement and blunders. Imagine, if you can, a bishop or an imam defending centuries of intolerance, not to say, lies, sometimes even wars and massacres that have claimed millions of innocent lives.
*
We cannot explain the incomprehensible, neither can we describe the invisible, and god is both.
*
Truth is an endless search. He who claims he has found it, lies.
*
Truth, like god, is beyond our reach. The best we can do is move closer, and the only way we can do that is by exposing and discarding lies, especially the ones that say, god or truth is within our grasp.
*
A wise man once said: “I am willing to worship a man who says he is searching for the truth; but I will be glad to kill him if he says he found it.”
*
When presidential candidates debate, they come very close to calling each other hypocrite and liar. I dread to think what bishops and imams will call one another if they ever debate.
*
Religion is something between you and your god. You don’t need a mosque or cathedral in which to pray. Neither do you need a bishop or an imam who tells you he knows better because he speaks in the name of god.
*
He who says he understands the incomprehensible, lies. And he who says he can describe the invisible, is a fraud.
#
Friday, October 15, 2004
******************************
Imagine the following scenario: a clergyman in an isolated hicktown somewhere in America (remember DELIVERANCE) is caught torturing and burning at the stake those he views as heretics. Accused of serial killing, he is arrested and tried in a court of law. His lawyer pleads insanity even though the clergyman did what he did because he was following the dictates of his faith just as his medieval predecessors had done. Will the jury’s verdict be guilty or not guilty?
*
As far as I know, no serious historian has ever ascribed the Inquisition to insanity. Which may suggest that there is no such thing as a clear and universal definition of insanity, insanity is relative, and insanity is in the eye of the beholder or an extension of the zeitgeist (spirit of the time).
*
I disagree. We can’t adapt definitions to suit our prejudices even if these prejudices are ascribed to religious faith – especially to religious faith. I maintain there is rational conduct and irrational conduct, and the irrational becomes criminal when it claims innocent victims.
*
One reason I view religious insanity much more dangerous than individual insanity is that, individual insanity may lead to murder, but collective insanity may lead to war and massacre – remember Voltaire’s dictum: “Since it was a religious war, there were no survivors.”
*
Throughout history man (who is “wolf to other men”) has always found a way to legitimize murder (or the crocodilian fraction of his brain) in the name of this or that higher principle.
*
Which is why to this day the Turks find it difficult to plead guilty to the charge of genocide. They did what they did because they were following their faith, they believed in the authority of their sultan (who spoke in the name of Allah) and his successors. The Sultan was to them what the Pope is to Catholics, and what English monarchs (“defenders of the faith”) are to Brits.
*
If we justify religious insanity, or the crimes committed in the name of faith, then we must also agree with the Turks that our so-called genocide is a figment of our collective imagination. Or, the murder of innocent victims is not murder if it is committed in the name of God.
*
To those who say, we are not Asiatic barbarians and we no longer live in the Middle Ages, I say, in the eyes of jihadist Muslims, we are worse than that: we are degenerate giaours and riffraff who deserve to be exterminated.
#

“Gay scandal” in Armenian politics

Messenger.ge, Georgia
Oct 15 2004

According to the newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets, a ‘gay scandal’
is being kindled in Armenia, and MPs frequently accuse each other of
homosexuality. Accusations of a ‘non-traditional’ sexual orientation
have become the subject of serious arguments. MPs do not know who is
gay and who is not; but this did not stop a special briefing at the
Armenian National Assembly being held on the issue of the presence
of gays in the political elite.

MP from the party “Public MP” Akop Akopian publicly called the deputy
chair of the party “Orinats Erkir” and Head of the Defense and Internal
Affairs Commission Mger Shakhgeldian homosexual, saying that he can
prove this allegation in court if necessary. Shakhgeldian denied the
allegation, however, and promised to speak with Akopian like a man.

Some MPs have announced they are ready to present a full list of gays
in power. MP Armen Avetisian threatened to publish the “blue list”
of Armenian ministers, while Ombudsman Larisa Laverdian entered the
fray in the defense of gays, stating that no one has the right to
abuse a person’s biological status and to use it in his own interests.

Azeri newspaper Ekho.Baku also reports that opposition parties have
promised to publish a list of ministers of ‘non-traditional’ sexual
orientation. The newspaper says it is not always easy to distinguish
between politics and political parody, especially in a country like
Armenia, where there is absolute stagnation in economic and social
development, and the number of political parties exceeds one hundred.
It is hard to understand who is in the majority in the Armenian
parliament.

PRESS RELEASE
Bible Society of Armenia
6/26 Zakiyan St.
Yerevan 375015, Armenia
Tel: (+374 -1) 58.55.09, 56.49.06
Fax: (+374 – 1) 54.24.39
E-mail: [email protected]

October 15, 2004

HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II, CATHOLICOSS OF ALL ARMENIANS VISITS THE BIBLE SOCIETY
OF ARMENIA

YEREVAN – On Saturday, 17 September, 2004, His Holiness Catholicos
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, paid
an official visit to the Bible Society of Armenia. For the BS it was
a rare privilege and a great honor to receive the blessed visit of
His Holiness Karekin II to the Bible Society of Armenia.

His Holiness was welcomed by His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrossian, the
Chairman of the BS Board; Archdeacon Hratsch Sarkissian, the General
Secretary of the BS; and Arshavir Kapoudjian, Board Secretary. On
behalf of the Board and the staff His Grace Bishop Y. Petrossian
expressed his joy for this unique opportunity to receive the visit of
His Holiness at the BS office. Archdeacon H. Sarkissian presented to
His Holiness the main objectives, the activities and the new projects
of the BS and asked the blessing and the support of His Holiness for
the realization of the new projects.

The Supreme Patriarch, after meeting with the staff and being
introduced to the projects, expressed His joy for the fulfillment of
activities. His Holiness also highly appreciated the BS to continue its
mission and to reach to the needs of the churches, the schools and the
faithful stating: ^ÓWe need further cooperation between the Mother See
and the BS to enlighten our people^Òs life by the Word of God.^Ô The
Catholicos gave some instructions and proposed to put these meetings
on regular basis and blessed the Staff and the work done by the BS.

The Bible Society of Armenia was established in 1991, when the late
Catholicos Vazgen I and representatives of the United Bible Societies
signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the translation,
publication and dissemination of the Holy Bible in Armenia. The Bible
Society of Armenia is committed to the widest possible meaningful
and effective distribution of the Holy Scriptures in languages and
media which meet the needs of people, at a price they can afford.
The Board of Trustees of The Bible Society of Armenia consists of
representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic
Church and the Union of Armenian Evangelical and Baptist Churches.

For further information on Bible Society of Armenia and its
activities, call (3741) 58-55-09 or 56-49-06; fax (3741) 54-24-39;
e-mail [email protected]

U.S. ambassador: Russia need not fear NATO in Caucasus

Messenger.com.ge, Georgia
Oct 15 2004

News in brief

The U.S. Ambassador to NATO Nicolas Barns told a reporter from Mediamax
that activity of NATO in the Caucasus should not disturb Moscow.

“Thanks to the Council NATO-Russia, the members of the Alliance and
Russia protect the common interests and resist to the common threats,”
he said as quoted by Prime News.

“Terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 stimulated closer cooperation
between NATO and all members of the program ‘Partnership for Peace’
as we collide with new common threats. Participation in this program
also can help to remove tension in this region. It is natural that
Armenia wants to become the active part of ‘Partnership for Peace,'”
Ambassador Barns was quoted as saying.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress