INTER-REGIONAL VOLUNTEER ACTION “DAYS OF GOOD WILL, GOOD DEEDS AND
GOOD RESULTS” WILL BE HELD IN CAPITAL AND REGIONS OF ARMENIA

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6. ARMINFO. From October 28th to October 29th the
Inter-Regional Volunteer Action “Days of Good Will, Good Deeds and
Good Results” will be held in Aragatsotn, Armavir, Gegharkunik,
Kotayk, Lori, Shirak and Syunik as well as in Yerevan.

The press-service of Center for Community Dialogues and Initiatives
told ARMINFO that the goal of the action, initiated by (CCDI), IFES,
NGOs, local and regional authorities, is to encourage the volunteer
movement and NGOs’ activities as effective means for bringing
communities together to solve local problems. Participating in the
“Days of Good Will, Good Deeds and Good Results”, Armenians will have
an excellent opportunity to be active citizens and to make their
contribution to the community development process, united by the
principle of volunteerism.

This year is the fourth annual “Days of Good Will, Good Deeds and Good
Results” action in Armenia. The previous three actions were held in
autumn of 2001, 2002 and 2003. All of these actions, supported by
different groups of the society, were highly successful: In total,
2,899 events were held, with 278,924 participants. The number of
events and participants increased by over 50% from 2001 to 2003.

The following events are planned for this year’s “Days of Good Will,
Good Deeds and Good Results” action: Visits to schools, museums,
scientific institutions, libraries and cinemas; Aid distribution and
book gathering for schools, museums, and libraries; Visits to the
disabled, refugees, orphanages, homes for the elderly, and hospitals;
Providing free professional consultation and services, such as
Internet access, haircuts, medical exams, and shoe repair; Gathering
and distribution of cloths, shoes, food, books and toys; Sports
events; Meetings with artists, writers and other well-known local
persons; “Round-table” discussions on local problems and how to solve
them; Various cultural events, such as free concerts, exhibitions,
puppet shows, chalk drawings on the street, storytelling to children,
and contests; Visits to state officials; Clean-up efforts at schools,
courtyards, monuments, riverbanks, and the lake shore; Community
improvement initiatives

Events have been conducted by local NGOs, city and regional
authorities, small and medium businesses, schools and universities,
libraries, museums, condominiums, sports clubs, and international
organizations, as well as by individuals and groups of
individuals. Organization committees, composed of representatives of
NGOs, local authorities, mass media, and interested individuals, are
created to lead the works. Each region has from one to five
committees.

All participation or assistance is welcome. It is possible, for
example, to organize events or take part personally in a good deed or
volunteer effort. There are sponsorship opportunities as well. During
the 2003 “Days of Good Will, Good Deeds and Good Results” action, the
organizing committees managed to involve 315 sponsors. Events
conducted within the framework of the action do not necessarily
require a large investment. Many types of sponsorship are possible: in
the past, the action has received not only financial support but also
the donation of resources. In 2002, for instance, a private company in
Abovyan donated a special vehicle for cleaning monuments. In Sevan,
one stationery shop presented stationery supplies for first grade
children, and polyclinics in Lori offered free dental treatment for
kids from local homes for children. Last year a municipality provided
free transportation for those who wanted to participate in the
volunteer actions in the regional center. Some factories provided
candies and juiced to kindergartens. The action encourages all forms
of involvement and assistance.

DESPITE PROTEST OF AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIAN DELEGATION MUST TAKE PART IN
NATO SEMINAR IN BAKU, VAHAN HOVHANNISIAN THINKS

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6. ARMINFO. Despite the protest of Azerbaijan,
Armenian parliament members must take part in NATO seminar
“Rose-Roth”, which will be held in Baku on Oct 27-29. Vice Speaker of
Armenian parliament, member of the bureau of the party ARF
Dashnaktsutiun Vahan Hovhannisian told ARMINFO.

According to him, not taking part in the Yerevan sitting of the
commission for defence and security of CIS Parliamentary Assembly,
Azerbaijani parliament members gave to understand to the Armenian
colleagues that they shouldn’t arrive in Baku for taking part in the
seminar “Rose-Roth”. But the Armenian delegation must take part in the
seminar, despite the efforts of Azerbaijan to turn their visit into a
political show. “The refusal of Armenian parliament members to leave
for Baku will be misapprehended by NATO and put Azerbaijan and Armenia
in the eyes of the international community on the same scale”, Vahan
Hovhannisian said. According to him, this time NATO will more
thoroughly follow safeguarding of security of the participants of the
seminar, and the authorities of Azerbaijan are themselves interested
in that a hair of the head of the Armenian delegation did not fall
down”.

“So, I think that the Armenian MPs must go Baku and defend the
position of Armenia in this seminar”, the vice speaker said, At the
same time, he did not exclude the possibility that the Armenian
deputies will not be given an entrance visa to Azerbaijan, as it took
place during the NATO exercises “Cooperative Best Effort 2004” in
Baku.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SETTLEMENT OF KARABAKH CONFLICT IS POSSIBLE ONLY AT RESPECTFUL
ATTITUDE TO RIGHT OF NKR FOR SELF-DETERMINATION: ANDRANIK MARGARIAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7. ARMINFO. “My position concerning the settlement of
the Karabakh problem just as the position of the Republican party,
headed by me, has been and remains unchanged and is based on certain
principles. Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margarian stated in the
interview to the newspaper Noyev Kovcheg.

According to him, the settlement of the conflict is possible only when
respectful attitude to the right of Nagorny Karabakh for
self-determination, on the basis of consideration of historical
realities. “The problem must be settlement only by peace. At the same
time Nagorny Karabakh’s subordination to Azerbaijan must be excluded”,
the prime minister said. It is necessary to ensure the guarantee of
security of NKR and Armenia, Margarian said. And the course of the
process of settlement of the conflict must be implemented by means of
negotiations, direct contacts of the cochairmen of the OSCE Minsk
group and leaders of two states with the participation of NKR
authorities at a certain stage.

sportinglife.com, UK
Oct 7 2004

DUO SET FOR ARMENIA BOW

Armenia coach Bernard Casoni has called up two new faces for the
World Cup qualifying double-header against Finland and the Czech
Republic.

The Frenchman, who took over the reins of the Armenian national team
in August, has brought in Aram Voskanian and Edel Apula Edima Bete
for Saturday’s trip to Tampere to take on the Finns and the home
clash with the Czechs four days later.

Cameroon goalkeeper Edima Bete impressed Casoni in a recent Under-19
tournament in Macedonia and has been given international clearance to
play for Armenia.

Roman Berezovski and Artavazd Karamian are injured while Albert
Sargsian is suspended for Saturday’s match but will play in Yerevan
against the Euro 2004 semi-finalists.

Armenia lost their opening two Group One clashes against Macedonia
and Finland.

Squad:

Armen Hambardzumian (Slavia Sofia), Edel Apula Edima Bete, Nikolay
Sargsian (both Pyunik Yerevan); Sargis Hovsepian, Aleksandr
Tadevosian (both Pyunik Yerevan), Karen Dokhoyan (Krylya Sovetov
Samara), Harutyun Vardanian (FC Aarau), Artur Mkrtchian (Daryda
Minsk), Romik Khachatrian (Olympiakos Nicosia); Albert Sargsian
(Alania Vladikavkaz), Artur Petrosian, Yeghishe Melikian (Metalurg
Donetsk), Karen Aleksanian (Pyunik Yerevan), Davit Grigorian (Mika
Ashtarak), Hamlet Mkhitarian (MTZ-RIPO Minsk), Rafael Nazarian
(Daryda Minsk); Ara Hakobian (Metalurg Donetsk), Arman Karamian
(Rapid Bucharest), Andrey Movsisian, Galust Petrosian, Edgar
Manucharian (both Pyunik Yerevan), Aram Voskanian (Yesil-Bogatyr).

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

October 7, 2004

ANEC PARTICIPATES IN PAN-DIASPORA CONFERENCE AT THE CILICIAN SEE

by Gilda B. Kupelian

NEW YORK, NY-” Armenia and the Diaspora must mutually complement and
strengthen each other in all spheres of our life. Otherwise, our nation will
be doomed to polarization. Resting on our laurels will lead us to stagnation
if we do not transform it to vision and commitment to forge our future.”
These were introductory remarks made by His Holiness Aram I, as he addressed
over one hundred educators in attendance at the “Armenian Education Today in
the Diaspora” conference organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia in
Antelias, Lebanon. Held in August, the conference aimed at redefining
Armenian Education vis-à-vis the new challenges and realities of the present
world.

Educators including curriculum designers, textbook authors, seasoned
principals and dedicated teachers from the Diaspora hailed from as far as
Australia, the United States, Canada, Armenia, Argentina, and for the first
time Turkey, truly representing all communities of the Diaspora.

The Pontifical message to approach the pan-Diaspora conference in “a
critical and holistic way” set the tone for the ensuing proceedings.
Evaluation of the current state of Armenian Education in the context of
pluralistic societies with diverse perspectives culminated in identifying
the emerging concerns and perspectives.

Initiated by His Holiness himself, the conference was considered a
steppingstone to developing a pan-Armenian policy on education. Vehapar
predicated that such a policy would have to critically review the present
educational methodologies, strategies and programs; take into consideration
the impact of globalization and aim to make education “more relevant and
credible”. Attending all the sessions personally, His Holiness highlighted
the merging concerns and presented his views and recommendations.

The salient points of deliberations focused on the vision for the future,
the role of the church family in forming Armenian youth; ways to prepare new
cadres of educators; how to change Armenian formation from need to a daily
challenge; the proper use of technology; the issues of textbooks, children’s
literature, pedagogical forums; the important role of the one-day school and
extra-curricular. Presentations were made at several sessions, and Gilda B.
Kupelian, Executive Director of ANEC made a power point presentation on the
latter topics.

Also in attendance at the conference were: Mrs. Hranoush Hagopian, President
of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Armenian Assembly of the Republic
of Armenia; Mr. Levon Ananian, President of the Writers Union of Armenia;
Dr. Zaven Yegavian representing the Caloust Gulbenkian Foundation; and Mr.
Yervant Pamboukian representing the Cilician Catholicosate Central Board.

The visionary and goal-oriented conference qualified as a meeting of the
minds. It was further enriched by the experiential diversity it represented
and motivated by the spirit of cooperation it exuded.

The full text of His Holiness’s opening message to the conference is on the
Prelacy’s web page,

ArmenPress
Oct 6 2004

KARABAGH RIVERS WERE CONTAMINATED BY SOVIET AZERBAIJAN, POLITICAL
ANALYST SAYS

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Few people know that apart from
the so-called Minsk group, mandated by the OSCE to mediate peace
talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno Karabagh conflict,
there is another format, including representatives of Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabagh, USA and Russia who have been meeting
regularly behind the closed doors for the last four years to seek a
conflict resolution option that would be acceptable to all.
Little information is made public about how discussions, organized
within the frameworks of so-called Dortmund Forum, go on. The final
conclusion of the Forum is supposed to be presented to the
conflicting sides and peace brokers to help them strike the peace
deal.
Samvel Babayan, a political analysts from Nagorno Karabagh, who
participated in the latest meeting, said to RFE/Rl that discussions
held in Moscow are the sole venue where Nagorno Karabagh
representatives face Azeris.
“Azeris are very sensitive about any contact with Nagorno Karabagh
and because of that the discussions are held behind the closed doors,
however I believe that they will be more open,” he said.
He said the latest meeting was the 7 consecutive but it has not
yet outlined any progress. The Azerbaijani side was led by a former
foreign minister Tofik Zulfugarov, who insist that all Azeri lands
occupied by Armenian troops must be returned, which is not acceptable
to Karabagh.
“These territories are of vital importance for Nagorno Karabagh,
making today some 60 percent of its territory, and only 6-7 percent
of Azerbaijan,” Babayan said, adding that there are other aspects of
the issue. “There are some regions that cannot be given back, such as
Kelbajar, where all Karabagh rivers originate from. During the Soviet
times these rivers were contaminated by the order of Heydar Aliyev,
resulting in drastic increase in the number of cancer cases, though
before the 1970-s Karabagh boasted of its residents’ record live
expectancy in the USSR, and we have all grounds to say that then
Soviet Azerbaijan carried out hydro-terrorism against the population
of Karabagh,” he said.
Babayan said the US and Russian moderates do not offer concrete
proposals, acting as mediators in an effort to help the sides to find
the golden mean, which they have failed so far. According to him, the
Karabagh participants of the discussions may refuse to further
participate because of Azeris stiff position.

ArmenPress
Oct 6 2004

AMBASSADOR OF BELGIUM TO ARMENIA HANDS OVER HER CREDENTIAL TO
PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS: Today, the ambassador of Belgium
to Armenia Ms. Daniele del Marmol (residence in Belgium) handed over
her credentials to president Kocharian.
Congratulating the diplomat on her new mission, the president said
that Armenia underscores both bilateral relations with European
countries and integration into European structures. Robert Kocharian
expressed his satisfaction with the current pace and effectiveness of
political and economic relations between Armenia and Belgium. In his
words, the two countries also effectively cooperate within
international organizations and European Union.
Speaking on economic partnership, the president noted that Belgium
is the main trade partner of Armenia in the EU. Belgian companies
have made good investment in the republic and the Armenian Belgian
community played its role in this regard. Kocharian said there are
good grounds to enlarge cooperation.
The president of the republic and the ambassador talked also about
regional issues, underscoring the inclusion of South Caucasus in EU
Broader Europe: New Neighborhood program.
The same day Armenian foreign minister received ambassador of
Belgium to Armenia Ms. Daniele del Marmol .

ArmenPress
Oct 6 2004

US-ARMENIA TASK FORCE HOLDS 9-TH MEETING IN WASHINGTON

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign ministry said a
government delegation, headed by finance and economy minister Vartan
Khachatrian, participated on October 5 in the 9-th meeting of the
US-Armenia Task Force in Washington. The ministry said the agenda of
the meeting was topped by issues related to coordination of
implementation of US-funded projects in view of Armenia’s plan of
actions for poverty reduction. Other issues on the agenda encompassed
economic development, banking system reform, energy, agriculture, the
process of elaboration of projects which are to be submitted to
Millennium Challenges Account (MCA) program and the fight against
terrorism.
An October 3 reception at the Armenian embassy was attended by
Paul AppleGarth, the chairman of MCA foundation, US ambassador to
Armenia, John Evans, other senior US and Armenian officials.
On October 2-3 the Armenian delegation participated in the annual
meetings of World Bank and IMF.

ArmenPress
Oct 6 2004

RUSSIA REOPENS BORDER WITH GEORGIA FOR ARMENIAN VEHICLES

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Russia reopened on October 4 its
border with Georgia at Upper Lari border check point for
Armenia-bound and vice versa vehicles. The move came after a
telephone conversation between Russian and Armenian presidents the
previous day. Armenian transport and economy ministry said
negotiations are now underway with Georgian officials for quick and
uninterrupted traffic towards Armenia.
The Russian authorities closed the border in early September
immediately after the Beslan school bloodbath on grounds that
Georgian and Azerbaijani territory is used by Chechen militants for
planning and carrying out terrorist attacks against civilian targets
across Russia.
Russia remains Armenia’s key trading partner and a large part of
their commercial exchange is carried out through the Russian-Georgian
border crossings. The protracted Russian embargo has had a heavy
affect on Armenian business and ordinary people traveling to Russia
by bus.

ArmenPress
Oct 7 2004

ACRA CREDIT BUREAU FINDS NEW PARTNERS

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS: A delegation of Armenian ACRA
Credit Bureau was in Beijing when Armenian president Robert Kocharian
was visiting China with an official visit. The Chinese capital was
the venue of two major international economic gatherings from
September 26 to September 30.
The first was organized by the Association of Consumer Credit
Information Suppliers (Europe) (ACCIS)), the Consumer Data Industry
Association (U.S.) (CDIA)) and the Chinese Huaxia International
Business Credit Consulting Co.. The goal of the first gathering was
to bring together representatives of credit bureaus worldwide to
discuss their urgent problems, exchange experience and single out
their roles in world economic processes.
Armenia was represented by Armen Vardanian, the chairman of ACRA
credit bureau, who assessed highly the gathering’s outcome, saying it
is especially important for newly established bureaus, which start
their activity basing on international experience.
He stressed the importance of an arrangement made with ACCIS that
will allow ACRA to become its member that will in turn be crucial for
presenting Armenia as a country with low-risk business environment.
Another gathering in Beijing was organized by World Bank to
discuss possibilities of a dialogue among private and state-run
credit registries, which according to Armen Vardanian is very
important for an interaction between private and state-run
registries. He said a good example of such a cooperation is the
interaction between ACRA and the Armenian Central Bank. The latter
has pledged to help ACRA develop and enhance cooperation with
commercial banks.
Vardanian said apart from presenting its activity ACRA has also
found new partners. He said he invited heads of big credit bureaus
and other lending organizations to visit Armenia in mid October to
discuss concrete cooperation issues.