EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT HOSTS ARMENIAN ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION

ArmenPress
Sept 28 2004

BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: The Forum of Armenian Organizations
of Europe launched at the European Parliament on September 27 an
exhibition, titled Armenian Architecture Heritage in the South
Caucasus and Middle East. Armine Grigorian, the chairwoman of the
Forum, told Armenpress that the opening ceremony was attended by
members of the European Parliament, European Commission, members of
the Belgian government and foreign diplomats.

Four sections of the display feature Armenian architectural monuments
in these regions as they go through different historical periods and
aims also to predict their future.

The main focus is on Armenian architectural monuments scattered across
Turkey, a great majority of which was also subjected to “genocide”
alongside with annihilation of Armenians in 1915 and later. The major
objective of the exhibition is to draw European officials’ attention
to what a country desires to join their ranks.

The exhibition will be displayed in different European parliaments
to be timed with the 90-th anniversary of the genocide in 2005.

Russian Gazprom to participate in Iran-Armenia gas pipeline project

IRNA, Iran
Sept 27 2004

Moscow, Sept 27, IRNA — Inter-parliamentary commission of Russia-
Armenia in economic cooperation is to consider next month the
participation of Gazprom firm in construction of the gas pipeline
between Iran and Armenia.

An informed source in Armenian government told Interfax News Agency
on Monday that the Russian Gazprom company intends to offer its
cooperation for construction of 41 kilometers of the pipeline in the
Armenian territory.

According to the aforementioned source the expenditure of construction
is around 30 million dollars which will be financed by a loan from
Iranian Bank of `Export promotion `.

Interfax News Agency said Iran and Armenia signed an agreement
on May 2004 to establish a consortium to provide gas for Armenia.
According to the agreement Iran will provide 36 billion cubic meters
of gas for Armenia in 20 years period.

Meanwhile, it is possible that the agreement be renewed for another
5 years and the amount of gas be increased to 47 billion cubic meters.

The construction work in Iran side started in mid-July and in Armenia
side will start by the end of October.

BRITISH COURT FOLLOWS AZERBAIJANI LAWS

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
28 Sept 04

The numerous cases of imposing control by Azerbaijan on the foreign
guests visiting Karabakh recently has underwent a slight change in
nature. It turns out that official Azerbaijan is now attempting to
control also the Armenians who want to receive citizenship in foreign
countries. Thus, it became known that two Armenians Artur Barseghian
and Arsen Avanessian who hardly saved from repression in Baku and
sailed to Great Britain through Turkey now face deportation. By the
results of the trial these people, as well as many other refugees in
the same situation must be returned to Azerbaijan as former citizens
of that republic. Meanwhile no British judge is interested in the
political developments around Nagorni Karabakh and does not even
imagine what the return to Baku means for those Armenians against
the background of the Karabakh conflict, the murder of the Armenian
officer in Budapest and the failure of the NATO training in Baku
for the reason that the Armenian officers were not allowed to enter
the territory of Azerbaijan. The leader of the “Organization for
Liberation of Karabakh” Akif Naghi stated, “Their return will turn into
a bloody tragedy for them.” If in Baku the security of the Armenians
is not guaranteed even within the framework of NATO then what about
the ordinary Armenians whom the British court decided to deport to
Azerbaijan. While the Armenian refugees try to prove to the foreign
judges that the way to Baku is closed for them, the anti-Armenian
moods in the capital of Azerbaijan are extremely tense. Even the Mili
Mejlis of Azerbaijan addressed to NATO protesting against the visits
of Armenians to Baku. The anti-Armenian propaganda in Azerbaijan
reaches an extremely high level, and this fact is already admitted
by not only the defenders of human rights but also journalists.

AA. 28-09-2004

Armenia interested in China’s economic presence in region
By Tigran Liloyan

ITAR-TASS News Agency
September 28, 2004 Tuesday 5:25 AM Eastern Time

BEIJING, September 28 — Armenia is “sincerely interested” in China’s
economic presence in the region, Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
said here on Tuesday. He finished talks with Chinese chairman Hu
Jintao during his state visit to China.

According to Kocharyan, Armenia is ready to serious cooperation with
China. He noted that the range of bilateral economic relations is
quite wide. “It should be taken into account that both countries
do not have disputable economic problems, and their approaches are
close on many topical international issues,” the Armenian leader
emphasised. “Armenia is very interested in the Chinese experience
and successes of economic reforms,” he pointed out.

According to the president, “it is also important for bilateral
economic cooperation that Armenia and China are members of the World
Trade Organisation and have the similar trade regime.”

As an example of successful bilateral economic relations Kocharyan
cited the setting up of the joint production of synthetic rubber
in China with the equipment and technologies of the Yerevan-based
research-and-production amalgamation Nairit.

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PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, September 28, 2004

AGBU GENERATION NEXT CONCLUDES THEIR YEAR WITH TWO AUGUST EVENTS

Los Angeles-Last month, AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program
concluded yearlong series of events with two very special days to
wind down and reflect on a busy year: a discussion with guest Tony
Lore and the annual graduation celebration.

On August 1, 2004, AGBU Generation Next gathered at the Los Angeles
County Arboretum for an event with guest speaker Tony Lore who
addressed issues of closure, an issue relevant for many of the mentees
ending their participation in the program this year. For students and
mentors continuing their work together next year, this was a chance to
reflect and set goals for the future. Those who will not be continuing
were given the opportunity to say thank you to each other and to the
program, remembering all the things they learned along the way.

On August 29, 2004, the AGBU Generation Next graduation took place at
the AGBU Pasadena Center. Master of Ceremonies Mike Patatian opened
with words of welcome and invited Chairperson Susanna Sahakian to
the stage to say a few words.

Ms. Sahakian spoke about the growth each member experienced through
the program and highlighted a very insightful essay written by one
of the mentees during a December group activity on Inner Beauty. She
used the essay to discuss the achievements of the program and gave
those in attendance some words for thought to reflect on their own
lives and their work with AGBU Generation Next.

After Ms. Sahakian, mentors and mentees were invited to approach
the microphone and express themselves, which many did by thanking
their mentors or mentees for a wonderful year of commitment and
support. Program Coordinator Nora Ayvazian recognized Chairperson
Ms. Sahakian for her hard work and dedication to the program. She also
acknowledged the presence of a special guest, Psychologist/Counselor
and Project G.R.A.C.E. Program Manager, Arlette DerHovanessian, who
attended the ceremony. The event concluded with the presentation of
the Commitment Awards to all AGBU Generation Next participants that
have demonstrated a commitment to others and the larger community.

Administrators of the program have already begun preparations for next
session’s program slated to begin October 2004. The AGBU Generation
Next Mentorship Program is currently seeking dedicated, qualified
young adults to mentor the Armenian youth of Southern California.

AGBU Generation Next is a mentorship program whose mission is to serve
the Armenian youth of Southern California by providing guidance. Adult
volunteers from the Generation Next Mentorship Program act as positive
role models and provide friendship and guidance to Armenian youth. This
mentoring relationship introduces young Armenians to new experiences
and alternatives, enabling them to become responsible, self-sufficient,
and independent adults.

To receive more information about the program or to request an
application to become a mentor, please call 626-794-7942 or email
[email protected].

++++
PHOTO CAPTIONS:

GenNextArboretumw.jpg: Program members enjoy a moment of relaxation
at lunch before entering the gates of the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

Complex exercises launched at NPP in Beloyarsk
By Georgy Letov

ITAR-TASS News Agency
September 28, 2004 Tuesday 1:11 AM Eastern Time

YEKATERINBURG, September 28 — Rosenergoatom Concern, that operates
numerous nuclear power utilities across Russia, launched complex
exercises at the Beloyarsk nuclear power plant near Yekaterinburg
at 8.00 Moscow time on Tuesday. Over 500 people take part in the
two-day exercises.

Observers from the United States, France, China, Ukraine and Armenia
will monitor the exercises. The top managers and personnel of the
Beloyarsk NPP, specialists from the Rosenergoatom crisis-management
centre and experts of the group for assistance to NPPs in emergencies,
as well as means and forces of the Ministry for Emergency Situations
and the Russian Defence Ministry take part in them.

The objective of the exercises is to improve operational interaction
and information exchanges in the course of clean-up operations after
possible emergencies at nuclear power plants and to test special
hardware and means of communication.

One reactor of the BN-600 series is now operational at the Beloyarsk
nuclear power plant. It is the world’s most powerful fast-neutron
reactor. Rosenergoatom specialists plan to use the spent nuclear fuel
imported into Russia in the fast breeders of the BN-600 type. The
design service life of Power Generating Unit 3 at the Beloyarsk NPP
is 30 years, and it runs out in 2010.

The Beloyarsk nuclear power plant is now building its fourth power-
generating unit that will use a BN-800 breeder with s capacity of
800 megawatt. It will be commissioned in 2009.

ARMENIA ACCENTS REALIZATION OF HUMANITARIAN ACTIONS AND PROGRAMS IN IRAQ

PanArmenian News
Sept 28 2004

28.09.2004 18:30

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian Foreign Minister Deputy Ruben
Shugarian received Iraqi FM’s advisor Tariq Mohammad Yahya. In the
course of the meeting the interlocutors underscored that Armenia always
abided by balanced policy on the Iraqi crisis and was for the soonest
and peaceful resolving of the problem accentuating the realization
of humanitarian actions and programs in the post-war period. Mustafa
Jaf, the Director of Novruz Group Holding, who was also present at the
meeting, expressed readiness to develop trade-economic relations with
Armenia and to found an Armenian-Iraqi joint venture and a bank, as
well as to export Armenian commodities to Iraq. The Iraqi party also
pointed out to the importance of launching Yerevan-Baghdad-Yerevan
direct air flights.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI OPPOSITION PARTY CALLS TO EXPEL AZERBAIJAN FROM COUNCIL OF EUROPE

PanArmenian News
Sept 28 2004

28.09.2004 18:43

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “The Great Creation” Azeri opposition party intends
to request the Council of Europe (CE) to expel the country from the
organization. The party took the decision to draw up an appeal to the
PACE sitting, which will discuss Azerbaijan’s fulfillment of the
commitments to the CE on October 5. In the opinion of the party
members, being governed by means of “feudal” methods, Azerbaijan,
where even deputies are subjected to tortures, cannot be a CE member.

Azerbaijanis in Moscow protest against occupation of Garabagh

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 28 2004

Ilgar Gasimov, chairman of the Movement for Azerbaijan held a news
conference on Monday to elaborate on a protest action by Azerbaijanis
held on Teatralny Ploshad square in Moscow on September 25 under the
slogan of “There is not Azerbaijan without Garabagh”.

Gasimov noted that during the action, attended by hundreds of
Azerbaijanis from Moscow, Kaluga, Tula and Kostroma provinces of
Russia, protesters condemned Armenia’s policy of aggression against
Azerbaijan and stated that Azerbaijan won’t have aggressors appropriate
its lands.

The protesters adopted an appeal to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

The appeal to President Aliyev reads that the Movement will support
the Azerbaijani President’s all steps to liberate Garabagh, including
his radical decisions.

In the appeal to Russian President Putin, the Movement condemns the
tragedy committed in Beslan, North Ossetia and urges Russia to take
an unbiased position towards the Garabagh issue.

The Mayor’s Office of Baku didn’t sanction the rally that the Movement
was scheduled to hold in the capital on September 25.*

ARKA News Agency
Sept 28 2004

Group of advisors for consultations on insurance payments to
descendants of genocide victims created in RA Ministry of Justice

The healthcare sector is paid special attention in Armenia

Armenian and Turkish Ministers of Foreign Affairs discuss the issues
of bilateral relations

NKR Foreign Minister receives Director of Usage Resources NGO

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

GROUP OF ADVISORS FOR CONSULTATIONS ON INSURANCE PAYMENTS TO
DESCENDANTS OF GENOCIDE VICTIMS CREATED IN RA MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

YEREVAN, September 28. /ARKA/. Group of advisors for consultations on
insurance payments to descendants of Genocide victims created in RA
Ministry of Justice, the Ministry told ARKA. The group created on Sep
27 provides citizens necessary consultations in given issues for
proper protection of their interests. Besides, the Internet site is
also active since today –
New York Life American insurance company will pay about $11 mln to
the descendants of victims of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey.
The decision was made by the US Federal Court on July 30, 2004. New
York Life insurance company worked in 1875 to 1915 Ottoman Empire and
insured the lives of many Armenians to various sums. They have
studied 90 – year-old archives of New York Life and revealed that the
insurances given to 2300 Armenian remained unused. The cost of the
agreement between the insurance company and attorney firms makes $20
mln., of which about $11 mln will be paid to descendants of the
Armenians, $4 mln will be paid to attorney firms, $2 mln will make
the administrative costs, and $3 mln will be distributed among
benevolent organizations. L.D. –0–

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

THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR IS PAID SPECIAL ATTENTION IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, September 28. /ARKA/. The healthcare sector is paid special
attention in Armenia, as RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan stated
during the meeting with the participants of the international forum
organized for neurologists and dedicated to the 75th anniversary of a
birth date of a famous neurologist, Academician of RF Medical
Sciences Levon Badalyan. According to RA NA Press Service Department,
the Speaker noted that scores of laws were developed to regulate the
sector, and the laws are worked at and being brought in line with the
standards of the developed countries. Baghdasaryan stated to
neurologists that a Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Health Care
and Environment operates in RA NA, and that a Council on Health Care
headed by RA NA Speaker is formed. According to him, nowadays
transition toward strengthening of the institute of a family doctor
and medical insurance takes place. The Speaker attached importance to
the forum aimed at discussing modern neurology and exchanging
experience, as well as to making a step forward in the sphere of
medicine. Agreement to make the forum traditional was achieved in the
course of the meeting, and Baghdasaryan promised to render support to
scientists. A.H.-0–

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

ARMENIAN AND TURKISH MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DISCUSS THE ISSUES
OF BILATERAL RELATIONS

YEREVAN, September 28. /ARKA/. Armenian and Turkish Ministers of
Foreign Affairs Vartan OSkanian and Abdullah Gul discussed the issues
of bilateral relations and regional problems at the 4th meeting in
New-York. According to RA MFA Press Service Department, the Minister
of Armenia Oskanian, who arrived in New-York to participate in the
work of the 59th session of UN General Assembly, also met the
American co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group Steven Mann, the Lebanon
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Jean Obeid. During the
meeting of Oskanian with the Deputy State Secretary of the USA Mark
Grossman the issues of bilateral relations were discussed, including
the coming meeting of the Armenian-American economic commission and
issues relating to “Millennium Challenge” program.
According to the press release, the speech of Oskanian in the UN
General Assembly to take place on September 29. A.H.–0–

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

NKR FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF USAGE RESOURCES NGO

STEPENEKERT, September 28. /ARKA/. Nagorno Karabakh Republic Foreign
Minster Ashot Ghulyan received Director of program on Caucasus of
British NGO Usage Resources Jonathan Coen and Elena Cook, Coordinator
on South Caucasus of project “Audio-diaries” implemented by that
organization.
As NKR Foreign Ministry Press Service told ARKA, Jonathan Coen
informed Ashot Ghulyan that Usage Resources that is a part of UK and
USA NGO Consortium implements thru the mass media programs in the
regions aimed at creation of confidence atmosphere between peoples
involved in conflicts. He particularly mentioned that “Audio-diaries”
project, presentation of which was held on the eve in Stepanakert,
envisages exchange between radio-diaries in various regions of
Caucasus containing stories of common peoples. Jonathan Coen
expressed a hope that the realization of the project will help in a
certain degree to relax the tensions in the parties of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict.
In his turn, Ashot Ghulyan assessed positively desire of
representatives of Usage Resources to establish contacts between
parties of Karabakh conflict. At the same time, he mentioned that
without establishing confidence and mutual understanding between the
sides of the conflict, implementation of projects will become
problematic. NKR Foreign Minister pointed out to the fact that
Azerbaijani side not only avoids any contacts with Nagorno Karabakh,
but also strongly focuses on anti-Armenian propaganda that makes
extremely difficult re-approchements of the conflict parties. In this
regard Minister favored the necessity of working out by NGO
Consortium of UK and USA a clear activity program on South Caucasus.
On September 27 there was held a presentation of “Audio-diaries”
project organized by Usage resources British NGO.
As Elena Cook, Coordinator on South Caucasus mentioned on the
presentation, it is already half a year that a group of Georgian and
Abkhaz journalists work in that genre and other regions of South
Caucasus joined the project. She said that the best audio-diaries,
written in each region are translated to several languages so that
they can be listened to by the residents of the whole Caucasus and
beyond it.
In her words, audio-diaries is an original genre of broadcasting, an
example of “people’s broadcasting” that was born on BBC since the
beginning of 1990s and since then traveled all over the world. Its
aim is to permit expressing to the simple people – teenagers,
disabled, former prisoners, refugees, representatives of various
minorities etc, whose voices are rarely heard on radio. Diaries are
not political genre, sincere stories of simple people about their
life allow overcoming stereotypes, destroy image of enemy in
societies suffered a conflict. As a whole, on Caucasus region,
audio-diaries will be broadcasted circa 20 channels in all countries
of the region.
In Nagorno Karabakh “Not invented stories” will be broadcasted on
local frequencies “Pace”, “Youth Channel”, “New wave” and Public
Radio. T.M. -0–

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

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress