Time to turn words into actions
Editorial
Yerkir/arm
November 26, 2004
Anonymous letters about a phenomenon, snitching on colleagues,
internal `investigation’ These techniques of the 30’s of the pasty
century appear to be actual today.
Recently, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s Nikol Aghbalian
Youth Organization organized a seminar on the issues of corruption in
universities. When it is about condemning corruption, everyone
including professors, students and rectors, join in. Everyone supports
the fight against it, but as it comes to actual steps against the
phenomenon, different process starts.
A student that signed the memo against corruption during the seminar
withdraws his say and condemns not the corruption but those fighting
against it. A rector investigates those who participated in the survey
that recognized his university as corrupted, trying to clean up the
name of his institution. A professor makes students write a collective
letter condemning the students who ` disgraced the reputation of their
university.’
Certainly these people have names and surnames, but it is not our goal
to give names. However, if they continue to use the repressive methods
for `keeping the honor’ of their institution, we will have to
publicize them. We will keep a close eye on this process and will
address the fight against that vicious phenomenon. Universities are
not private companies and are meant just to prepare professionals for
the country.

Unrecognized Genocide of Armenians
Yerkir/arm
November 26, 2004
The long series of political killing in the Ottoman Empire at the end
of 1890′ s prepared soil for the mass massacres of 1915-1923, which is
now called the Armenian Genocide, which resulted in killing of one and
a half million of Armenians. The start of those events is considered
the murder of a number of prominent Armenians in Constantinople on
April 24, 1915.
This is an issue that few people want to speak about except
Armenians. Often people try to use false terms like `killings of
Armenians by Turks’ or ` Armenian massacre,’ while historically it is
a real genocide.
However, up to day, many nations, including the USA, have not
recognized the genocide. During the recent US election, democrat John
Kerry promised to definitely recognize the genocide if being elected.
However, Bush’s victory means another four years of suspension of the
issue. History shows that certain economic and military conditions
always prevent from deep analysis of the issues. Obviously, great role
belongs to Turkey in the Middle East fights and policies.
As a result, the genocide continues to be silenced, which means
closing doors to the truth. This type of behavior does not suit
nations propagandizing humanism and transparency. Moreover that
nations like Argentina, Israel andthe USA have come across such
phenomena on certain occasions.
La Nacion editorial
Buenos Aires
22.11.2004
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Opposition not waiting for ex-president’s return
Yerkir/arm
November 26, 2004
Levon Ter-Petrosian’s interview after 6 years of silence has not
caused sensation with the opposition representatives: National Unity
(NU) and Justice bloc. This became clear during the parliamentary
debriefing the other day.
Secretary of the Justice bloc Victor Dallakian said the ex-president
should be left to decide whether he is going to deal with
politics. And the NU secretary Aleksan Karapetian said that
Ter-Petrosian does not see his return in pol itics even in the depth
of his soul. Karapetian reminded that Ter-Petrosian’s party, Armenian
National Movement (ANM) skipped its chance to stand next tothe
opposition during the last elections. He also made a point that the
current plight of the country is a heritage of Ter-Petrosian.
Leader of the Republican Party of Armenia Galust Sahakian said that
Levon Ter-Petrosian made a wrong start with the interview to the
press. He also readdressed the question of Ter-Petrosian’s possible
return to politics to the very ex-president. He also asserted that the
authorities had not stepped back onthe issue of Karabagh.
ARF faction leader Levon Mkrtchian said that Ter-Petrosian’s returnto
politics is a matter of time. As to the ex-president’s famous article
`War or Peace’ , Mkrtchian said that did not denounce the package
solution, but only said that Armenia does not have an opportunity for
that. `but today we do have that opportunity,’ said Mkrtchian. As to
discussing the Karabagh issue in EC, Mkrtchian expressed doubt that EC
can seriously be involved in the process with its actual voting
mechanism.
Orinats Yerkir Party representative Mher Shahgeldian also spoke about
the importance of package solution to the Karabagh issue.

Yerkir/arm
November 26, 2004
The Vernatun hall of the Armenian national library hosted Armenian
music creators and their appreciators. The event was devoted to 125th
birthday of celebrated Armenian composer, musician and person of art,
Armen Tigranian. The composer’s grandson, Armen Tigranian was also
present. He donated to the exhibition a photo of his grandfather made
in 1939.
The exhibition presented books, photos, musical notes of `Anoush,’
David Bek, ‘ `Anahit’ operas, as well as the CD of `Anoush’ opera
released in the USA. The founder of the Armenian opera was
appreciated in speeches of the National Academy of Sciences director
David Sargsian, note-musical literature department head Marina
Semionova and the composer’s grandson Armen Tigranian.

PRESS RELEASE
Mardi 30 novembre 2004
Association Suisse-Armenie
Case postale 497
3000 Berne 14
COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
Pour publication immédiate
“Grave aggression raciste contre les Arméniens de France”
Samedi 27 novembre 2004, à 16 h 30, des citoyens français
d’origine arménienne du Comité de Coordination des Associations
Arméniennes de France ont été victimes, à Valence, d’une
aggression préméditée alors qu’ils faisaient circuler une
pétition demandant que la reconnaissance du génocide arménien
figure dans les critères d’adhésion de la Turquie à l’Union
Européenne. L’aggression a été portée par une vingtaine de
jeunes d’origine turque. À la suite de cette aggression, quatre
français d’origine arménienne ont dû être hospitalisés
pour des fractures multiples et des traumatismes crniens. La police
française a fait preuve d’une préoccupante passivité.
Cet acte intervient quelques mois avant le 90è anniversaire du
génocide des Arméniens, le 24 avril 2005, qui sera
commémoré solennellement dans le monde entier, notamment en
France et en Suisse.
Le manque d’instruction des jeunes turcs quant à la réalité
historique du génocide par l’empire ottoman est certainement une
des causes de cette dérive nationaliste. Le manque de cohérence
du législateur français en est une autre. La reconnaissance
seule du génocide par la France en janvier 2001 ne suffit pas, il
faut que cette loi soit accompagnée d’une instruction
intégrée dans le programme scolaire obligatoire et d’une loi
interdisant formellement toute forme de négationnisme. La Suisse
possède déjà une telle loi (article 261bis du code pénal
interdit de nier, de minimiser grossièrement ou de justifier un
génocide). Malheureusement, depuis l’adoption de cet article, de
trop nombreux cas de négation du génocide arménien en Suisse
sont à signaler.Il reste donc à la Suisse à développer un
programme d’instruction qui permette de prévenir de tels actes.
L’Association Suisse-Arménie, profondément touchée et
scandalisée par cet acte d’une violence inouïe, condamne
fermement cette aggression à l’encontre de citoyens français
exerçant simplement leurs droits civils.
L’ASA prend acte de l’attitude contradictoire du gouvernement
français qui, ayant reconnu le génocide arménien, ne condamne
pas le négationnisme de ce génocide sur son territoire.
L’ASA souhaite que les autorités et la presse des deux pays
prennent au sérieux l’existence de courants négationnistes
violents et veillent à ce que de tels crimes soient poursuivis et
condamnés avec la plus grande sévérité.
Enfin, les députés français étant signataires de la
déclaration du 18 juin 1987, dans laquelle l’Union européenne
estimait que le refus de l’actuel gouvernement turc de reconnaître
le génocide arménien constitue un obstacle incontournable à
l’examen d’une éventuelle adhésion de la Turquie à l’UE, il
nous paraît fondamental que le gouvernement français, le
président de la République ainsi que l’ensemble des partis
politiques français condamnent fermement cette aggression et posent
comme condition préalable à toute négotiation d’adhésion
de la Turquie à l’EU – lors du prochain sommet du Conseil
Européen les 16 et 17 décembre à Bruxelles – la
reconnaissance formelle du génocide des Arméniens commis au
début du vingtième siècle.
Andreas Dreisiebner
Sarkis Shahinian
Co-présidents de l’Association Suisse-Arménie
Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter <; Contact: Sarkis Shahinian | | 079 399 16 25

Turkmen president fires his ambassador to Belgium
.c The Associated Press
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) – Turkmenistan’s president fired the
country’s ambassador to Belgium after the diplomat allegedly defected,
state media and an official said Tuesday.
If verified, this will be the fourth recent defection by a senior
Turkmen diplomat abroad, following the nation’s senior envoys to
Turkey, Great Britain and Armenia switching sides.
President Saparmurat Niyazov fired Niyazklych Nurklychev on Monday
“for serious shortcomings committed in his work,” the Neutral
Turkmenistan newspaper said. He was stripped of his diplomatic rank
and state awards he has received in his career.
The paper gave no other details and authorities declined to comment.
An official at the Foreign Ministry said on condition of anonymity
that Niyazov signed the decree after Nurklychev’s defection.
Nurklychev had been the Turkmen ambassador to Russia before moving to
Belgium in the mid-1990s.
Niyazov has led Turkmenistan since 1985, when it was part of the
Soviet Union, resisting calls for democracy and economic reforms, and
cracking down on dissent. He has established a personality cult around
and his portrait adorns the country’s currency and most public
buildings.
11/30/04 06:07 EST

PRESS RELEASE
UN Department of Public Information, Yerevan Office
14 K.Liebknekht, Yerevan 375010, Armenia
Tel.: (374 1) 560 212
Fax/Tel.: (374 1) 561 406
November 30, 2004
HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC IN THE WORLD AND REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
As of December 2004 there are about 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS
in the world, the majority of whom – 25.4 million – are from the countries
of Sub-Saharan Africa. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the
countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Armenia and other
countries of the former Soviet Union, has reached 1.4 million.
About 4.9 million people have become HIV infected in the year of 2004,
whereof 210 thousand are from our region, which tenfold exceeds the number
of new cases registered in Eastern Europe and about fivefold – the number of
new cases registered in Northern America. Our region experiences the fastest
growing epidemic in the world. More than 20 million AIDS patients have died
since the beginning of the epidemic, whereof 3,1 million have died in the
year of 2004. The proportion of children and women among new HIV cases are
growing. As of December 2004 there are 2.2 million children and 17.6 million
women living with HIV/AIDS in the world. 640 thousand children have become
infected with HIV in 2004. The same year 510 thousand children have died of
AIDS-related illnesses in the world.
According to National AIDS Center, in Armenia registration of cases of human
immunodeficiency virus infection has started since 1988:
1988 – registration of the first HIV carrier infected through
heterosexual practice;
1988 – registration of the first AIDS patient;
1989 – registration of the first death from AIDS;
1990 – registration of the first case of HIV infection in injecting
drug users;
1996 – registration of the first HIV carrier woman;
2000 – registration of the first case of HIV transmission through
homosexual practice;
2001 – registration of the first case of HIV-infection and AIDS
among children;
2001 – registration of the first case of child death from AIDS;
2002 – HIV prevalence among IDUs is in the range of 15%;
2004 – 13 cases of HIV infection have been registered among women,
which exceeds the number of cases of HIV infection registered among women in
any of the previous years;
2004 – the number of HIV and AIDS cases as well as number of cases
of death of patients with HIV/AIDS registered this year is the highest.
>From 1988 to December 1, 2004, 304 HIV carriers were registered in the
Republic of Armenia, 288 of them are citizens of the Republic of Armenia.
The trend towards increasing the number of HIV infection cases has been
observed in the country. The number of HIV infection cases registered here
in the last 4 years in the Republic of Armenia constitutes 50% of all the
cases registered in the previous years. It is worth mentioning that already
53 cases of HIV infection have been registered this year, which exceeds the
number of HIV infection cases registered in any of the previous years. Men
constitute a prevailing part in the total number of HIV carriers 224 cases
(77.8%), women represent 64 cases (22.2%). 288 reported cases include 4
cases of HIV infection among children (1.4%). Like the entire world, Armenia
also has the tendency in the growth of number of infected women. In 2004, 13
cases of HIV-infected women were registered, which is unprecedented for the
statistics of the country. The majority of the HIV carriers (77.4%) belongs
to the age group of 20-39.
The main modes of transmission driving the epidemic in the Republic of
Armenia are transmission through injecting drug usage (53.2%) and
transmission through heterosexual practices (38.5%). Besides, cases of
mother-to-child HIV transmission as well as HIV transmission through blood
and homosexual contacts have also been registered in our country.
Sixty HIV-infected individuals are diagnosed with AIDS (whereof 7 are women
and 1 is a child), whereof 30 diagnoses have been made during the last two
years. From the beginning of the epidemic 45 cases of death (the cases
include 7 women and 1 child), from HIV/AIDS have been registered. More than
one third of these cases have been registered during the last two years. The
number of cases of HIV infection (53), AIDS (17) and death from AIDS-related
illnesses (11) registered in 2004 is the highest in comparison with the
number of the cases registered in any of the previous years.
The maximum number of HIV carriers was reported in Yerevan: 143 cases, which
constitute 49.7% of all the registered cases. Lori Marz is at second place –
23 cases, which constitute 8% of all the registered cases.
However, HIV/AIDS situation assessment has shown that the estimated number
of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Republic is about 2800-3000.
************************************
Armine Halajyan
Information Assistant
UN Department of Public Information
Yerevan Office (Armenia)

[29-11-2004 ‘Armenia-Turkey’]
————————————————- ———————
IS ARMENIA CHANGING?
Source : Haberanaliz.com portal (Turkey)
Author: Yildiz Deveci
Article 11 of the Armenian Declaration of Independence, proclaimed by
the Parliament on August 23, 1990, the eastern Anatolian region of
Turkey was recognized to be `Western Armenia’. Despite the fact that
the second paragraph of Article 13 of the Armenian Constitution
describes the Armenian coat-of-arms to be featuring Ararat mountain,
Turkey is
The occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia in 1993
resulted in a process during which the relations of the two countries
were spoilt, the border was closed and the issue was transferred to
the international arena as it stands today.
In an article `The Importance of the First Step’ (`Birgyun’ newspaper,
November 18, 2004) Hrant Dink, the Chief Editor of `Agos’ newspaper
writes about how Armenian transfer the problem from the part into
present: `Armenians cannot have a secure future until they get rid of
the trauma passed down from a generation to generation. The mere
existence of this trauma means that the historical process is in a
dead-end that it cannot overcome. It is a pity that Armenians cannot
get rid of it. Of course, many people could make an objection to
this, saying: `so what, does this mean we must forget what has
happened?’ But it would have been wrong to think that getting rid of
the trauma and the normalization of relations is equivalent to
`forgetting the past’.
In his article Dink explains how exactly the problems between Turkey
and Armenia could be solved by themselves and notes that recently a
certain mildening of Yerevan’s position can be noticed: `the Armenian
question must be discussed not on the level of the parliaments of
third countries, but directly by the countries themselves’.
Statements by Kocharian inspire hope
Kocharian, who is linking the blockade of Armenia by Turkey to the
problem of Mountainous Karabagh announced that the relations between
two countries «must not be determined by the intervention of the
third one». In an interview to press Kocharian also announced that
Armenia «is not linking the development of relations with Turkey
with the problem of Cyprus». While retaining a negative attitude to
the intervention of Turkey into the Karabagh problem between Armenia
and Azerbaijan, Kocharian considers to normal to introduce the
problems of his own country to the agenda of the world community.
`The international recognition of the genocide is extremely important,
but it is not a pre-condition for the development of relations’, this
statement by Kocharian who has been unable to get international
recognition can be qualified as a first step towards the resolution.
Bilateral relations today
The mildened stance of Kocharian, actively covered by the media of
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey has various reasons. Kocharian refused
to take part in the NATO summit that was held on June 28-29, 2004,
motivating it by the failure of Turkey to recognize the alleged
genocide and made the relations between the countries even tenser by
saying `Armenia can survive without Turkey’.
In an interview to `Die Welt’ German newspaper of November 20, 2004
Kocharian said that Armenia will not be insisting on the recognition
of the `genocide’ by Turkey, which was previously posed as à
pre-condition for the start of negotiations on normalization of
relations.
The question of `Die Welt’ journalist of `Don’t you expect an apology
for hundreds of thousands of Armenian arrested, deported and killed in
1915?’ Kocharian responded: `It is very important for us that the
Armenian genocide be recognized. But it has never been a pre-condition
for the development of bilateral relations’. He also noted that the
reality of what had happened cannot be denied and added: `If Ankara
recognizes this truth, it will make a huge step towards the
normalization’.
These statements of Kocharian are contrary to those, made before the
NATO summit. It should also be remembered that Armenia has not as yet
recognized the Kars treaty of 1921, defining its borders with
Turkey. Thus, Armenia, while quoting its aspiration for rapprochement
with Turkey, does not make any steps itself, while demanding that
Turkey stop intervening in Karabagh conflict. The spokesman of the
Armenian Foreign Ministry Hamlet Gasparian announced: `The Armenian
policy directed at the international recognition of the Genocide has
not changed, this issue remains a priority of our foreign policy’.
Conclusions
As it follows form Kocharian’s statements, our neighbor who was unable
to gain ground on international arena, currently looks for
resolution. Possibly, as a response to the mildened position of
Armenia Turkey too will make steps directed at rapprochement,
particularly in the context of EU accession. The following factors
prepared ground for similar statements:
1. Kocharian has understood that his policy is futile and strives to
new tactics.
2. Armenia has understood how economically adverse the 11-year embargo
can be.
3. the possible negative impact of the closed borders with Armenia to
the international image of Turkey, particularly in the context of
Turkey’s accession to EU
4. The possible railroad Kars (Turkey)-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi (Goergia)
that nullifies the significance of the railroad through Armenia.
5. Kerry’s defeat at presidential elections in the USA and the
frustration of Armenian lobby.
But a most important point should be remembered here: no strong
relationships can be formed with a neighbor that does not recognize
your borders.
[27-11-2004 ‘Armenia-Azerbaijan’]
———————————————————————-
POLITICAL REANIMATION OF LEVON TER-PETROSSIAN
Source : “Echo” newspaper (Azerbaijan)
Author: Nurani
The possibility for Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrossian to return
to big politics becomes one of the most discussed issues in Armenia.
Everything was in full accordance with the laws of political
PR. First, Levon Zurabian, press-secretary of former president
severely criticized the policy of Kocharian’s team on Karabagh issue
at the seminar, organized by `Ter-Petrossian’ Armenian Liberation
Movement (ALM). In his opinion, the political course of First
President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrossian was directed at ensuring
long-term peace under the conditions of de facto independence of
Karabagh and Armenia’s control over Lachin corridor, connecting
Karabagh with Armenia. The administration of the First President did
their best to prove to the international community that it is a
conflict between Karabagh and Azerbaijan, in which Karabagh people
fight for self-determination. As a result of Kocharian’s policy,
Karabagh was ousted of the negotiation process, and the confrontation
came to be viewed as Armenian-Azerbaijani territorial dispute. In the
documents of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Azerbaijani
territories are referred to as under Armenian occupation. Besides, the
report of former PACE speaker Terry Davis contains a proposal on
consideration by the international court of the legitimacy of
Armenia’s control over a number of Azerbaijani territories.
Further on, ex-President himself stepped into the political
scene. Everything was arranged in an effective and intriguing
manner. Levon Ter-Petrossian, whose name for a long time did not `pop
up’ in media, got an invitation to participate in the opening of
Clinton’s library in Little-Rock town, state of Arkansas – the
homeland of 42-d President of USA. Certainly, theoretically there was
a chance for reducing the opening of the library to `the session of
exes’ club’ but in Little-Rock, Levon Ter-Petrossian managed to meet
“current” President of USA George Bush, as well as two ex-Presidents,
Bush the Senior and Jimmy Carter. Moreover, he conducted negotiations
with Hillary Clinton, who does not exclude the possibility that in
2008 she will fight for the White House… On his return, he held a
brief press conference at `Zvartnots’ airport. True, Levon Akopovich
did not say anything certain about his return to `big politics’. The
journalists, who by the way were notified in advance about the
`mini-briefing’ at the airport, had to be content with the statements
that ex-President always took part in the congresses of ALM. As for
the rest, future will show, and Ter Petrossian does not regret today
the proposal he initiated once for the candidacy of Robert Kocharian
as premier. Afterwards, he made a number of notable statements
already on Karabagh problem. Thus, Levon Akopovich did not exclude the
fact of restarting military operations, not going into details however
on who and how will start second Karabagh war. Besides, he
categorically excluded the possibility for return of the negotiations
to the point where they were in 1997, i.e. when Ter-Petrossian was
forced to leave the presidential post, and after which, according to
his press secretary Zurabian, the situation got much worse for Armenia
and Karabagh separatists.
“We will no longer be able to get what we had in 1997′ Regnum agency
cites Ter-Petrossian. `Even if God descends, it will not be possible.”
Besides, according to ex-President’s opinion, Armenia has lost `very
much’ for the past, see – Kocharian, years, `In the first place, it
lost people. For me it is the most serious loss. I mean migration. It
may become an inevitable process. Second, we lost much time in the
context of economic development, lagging behind our neighbors. All of
this is irreversible.” So-called `wise patriarch’ in politics, who
does not want cheap PR and tricks of the sort `I am the only one who
knows things’.
Armenian politicians unanimously assert that ex-President’s return to
`big politics’ is of little possibility. Anyway, head of Dashnak
faction in Armenian Parliament, Levon Mkrtchian and leader of `New
Times’ party Aram Karapetian, head of the faction of Republican Party
Galust Sahakian, Deputy chairman of the `National Unity’ party Aleksan
Karapetian, leader of Democratic Party Aram Sargsian are sure of that.
Nevertheless, in Armenia signatures are already collected in open
letters with an appeal to Ter-Petrossian for `returning’ either to big
politics or presidency. In contrast to party leaders, here the
journalists unanimously interpret the meeting of Ter-Petrossian with
George Bush as a sign of the willingness of the West to stake on the
First President of Armenia – otherwise why should Bush have talks with
Ter-Petrossian, if he met Robert Kocharian only once – during
negotiations in Key-West? Armenian newspapers already cite his famous
letter “War or Peace? Time for Thinking’, in which he, first among
Armenian politicians, spoke about the necessity for compromise with
Azerbaijan. Whereas within Armenian political “milieu” they already
openly voice the opinion that on the considerably deserted `political
field’ of Armenia, Ter-Petrossian’s ALM is in essence the only
political force, seriously resisting the authorities. Still, the next
presidential elections in Armenia are only in four years, and Levon
Akopovich thinks it premature to discuss the issue of putting his
candidacy at the elections. However, the biography of Ter-Petrossian
himself, to say nothing of the fresh lessons of Georgian `rose
revolution’, is the best proof of the fact that Presidents leave not
only during elections. One should not possess phenomenal political
intuition to understand: today Armenian political field has an acute
need for a sufficiently reputable political grouping, capable of
assuming the role or a `peace party”. On the one hand, the number of
those, exhausted by the confrontation with Azerbaijan and Turkey,
constant threat of restarting war, periodic `mobilizations’ and
increasing lag in economic development from the neighbors, grows. On
the other hand, such a party is ensured the attention of Western
political structures. Theoretically, Ter-Petrossian is a quite logical
candidate for the role of the leader of this pro-Western peace party.
[26-11-2004 ‘Karabagh Conflict’]
———————————————————————-
RESOLUTE: BOTH SIDES DETERMINED AS DRAFT RESOLUTION ON KARABAKH
ENTERS UN DEBATE
Source : ArmeniaNow.com online weekly
Author: Aris Ghazinian
With Azerbaijan on one side, Armenia on the other, and Nagorno
Karabakh where it has always been – at risk in the middle – the United
Nations General Assembly entered debate this week that could have
considerable impact on the 10-year old settlement process.
Responding to an appeal by Azerbaijan to introduce `the question of
occupied territories’ to the UN main body, the General Assembly has
been hearing arguments on why it should adopt a resolution favoring
Azerbaijan’s position in the 16-year old dispute over sovereignty of
the Armenian-populated territory.
(Azerbaijan maintains that the territory of some 13,000-square
kilometers is an illegal occupation — some 147,000 Armenians live in
the self-declared republic. Armenia argues that the region rightfully
belongs to the nearly 100 percent Armenian population there, who have
formed a de facto republic since the break up of the Soviet Union.)
The Azeris’ appeal to the General Assembly carries the support of
members of the Organization of Islamic Conference, whose votes swung
the decision for a hearing in favor of (Islamic) Azerbaijan.
The draft resolution calls for the UN to condemn Armenia for
repopulating seven territories around the disputed enclave and, the
Azeris claim, for planning to relocate 300,000 Armenians into Azeri
territories by 2010. Official Yerevan denies any such plan and says
Baku’s attention to the `occupied territories’ hampers discussions of
a peaceful settlement.
The General Assembly was expected to hold a vote on Tuesday, but put
it off after Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov withdrew his
request for a vote. Mamedyarov’s decision apparently was influenced by
a meeting he had with all three co-chairs (US, France, Russia) of the
Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe. Susan Moore, U.S. Envoy speaking for the co-chairs, said that
interference by the GA could damage Minsk Group peace efforts.
`The OSCE is dealing with the question of Nagorno Karabakh and the
shift of the problem to the level of the UN General Assembly does not
promote its solution,’ Moore said. `Anything in the direction of
building confidence and of avoiding a division of the General Assembly
is helpful.’
Mamedyarov, who was present at the session, emphasized in his turn
that: `Baku does not pursue the goal of putting the settlement of the
conflict on the agenda of the United Nations, however if the questions
stated in the draft resolution are not eliminated, it will lead to a
humanitarian disaster.’
Predictably, the Azeri initiative has drawn blusterous debate from
both Baku and Yerevan. `Azerbaijan has made a mistake, having
resorted to such a step,’ said Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
Vardan Oskanian.
Almost simultaneously, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, claiming a
victory of sorts that the discussions were even being held, was
predicting that not only would the UN side with the Azeris but: `I do
not rule out that subsequently PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe) may apply sanctions against Armenia.’
Thousands of miles away from the debate, the opposing statesmen were
engaged in their own slugfest of words . . .
Oskanian: `The process of the search for ways of peaceful settlement
of the Karabakh problem is within the competence of the Minsk Group
and this circumstance hardly needs to be reconsidered.’
Aliyev: `Putting this question up for discussion in the UN, Baku does
not seek to change the OSCE Minsk Group. We need a political
evaluation of the conflict. Discussions in various international
organizations do not impede, but on the contrary promote the common
cause.’ Oskanian: `We are not concerned over the possibility that the
resolution proper may be adopted, we are more concerned with the
settlement process. However, if the resolution is adopted, Armenia
does not see the necessity for further conducting bilateral
negotiations. Azerbaijan should deal with elected representatives of
Nagorno Karabakh.’
Aliyev: `The statements of the Armenian side that in that case
Azerbaijan will have to conduct negotiations with Nagorno Karabakh are
ridiculous. Armenia is a party to the conflict and therefore
negotiations are conducted with it.’
Oskanian: `If the resolution is adopted, the Prague process of
negotiations between the personal representatives of the presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan will be interrupted. Baku will have to put up
with the necessity of negotiating with the authorities of Nagorno
Karabakh, which does not at all mean Armenia’s withdrawal from the
negotiating process.’
Aliyev: `If Armenia wants negotiations to be conducted with Nagorno
Karabakh, let it disengage troops from the occupied territories and
stop allocating funds to Karabakh from its budget. Then we will solve
the problem much more quickly and differently.’
While the vote is pending, the General Assembly has proposed sending
a special delegation to the conflict zone to assess the claims and
counter claims of the opposing sides. The idea met with approval by
Armenia’s representative to the United Nations, Armen Martirosyan.
A decision has not been reached on whether to send a delegation, nor
is it clear when a vote might be taken on the resolution.
What is clear, is that both sides will look for advantages in the
debate, while political analysts speculate on the outcome.
`I think that the world community shares the opinion of the OSCE and
for this very reason Azerbaijan failed to carry out its intention,’
says analyst Tatul Hakobyan. `However, what was said does not yet mean
a victory for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.’
—
Yerevan Press Club of Armenia, ‘Yeni Nesil’ Journalists’ Union of
Azerbaijan and Association of Diplomacy Correspondents of Turkey
present ‘Armenia-Azerbaijan-Turkey: Journalist Initiative-2002’
Project. As a part of the project web site has
been designed, featuring the most interesting publications from the
press of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey on issues of mutual
concern. The latest updates on the site are weekly delivered to the
subscribers.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
AGBU ALEX & MARIE MANOOGIAN SCHOOL CELEBRATES 35th ANNIVERSARY OF
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND LEADERSHIP
Commitment to Education Spans More Than Three Decades
Southfield, Michigan – Marking its 35th Anniversary, AGBU Alex & Marie
Manoogian School in Southfield, Michigan, is the nation’s leading
American school that balances both the Armenian and American cultures
in their curriculum, student body and school environment.
Established as a private school in 1969, the Manoogian school was
founded to provide a solid education in a nurturing and dynamic
environment. Now in 2004, as a charter school, the institution
continues with the same commitment to those educational principles but
with an emphasis on diversity that serves the larger community.
As a testament to its 35 years of teaching excellence, the school has
more than tripled its enrollment and now boasts 370 students grades
K-12. The official anniversary commemoration took place on October 8,
2004 at the Saint John’s Armenian Church Cultural Hall and was
attended by 400 alumni, faculty members, and parents came together to
celebrate this landmark in the school’s history.
Dr. Nadya Sarafian, who has been Principal of the AGBU Alex & Marie
Manoogian school for two decades, commented on the recent anniversary.
“Without a doubt, the biggest milestone over the last 35 years was
going from a private school to a charter school in 1995. As you know,
the Manoogian School currently offers non-tuition classes for students
in grades K-12. Becoming a charter school helped remove the pressure
for families who desperately wanted their kids to have a top-notch
education, but struggled with the tuition costs that accompany private
schools.”
Dr. Sarafian added that the Manoogian School remains unique because of
its academic excellence. The school has been recognized for two
consecutive years with the prestigious Golden Apple Award, based on
the students’ performance on the Michigan Educational Assessment
Program (MEAP) test.
The last two years marked significant accomplishments for the
Manoogian School as a series of private donations allowed it to
renovate for future needs. Last summer, through the generosity of
Mrs. Louise Manoogian Simone and Mr. Richard Manoogian, the school
underwent a complete renovation, which included a state-of-the-art
media center, enabling students easy access to both print and
electronic information, a new pre-school unit, including a new
playground for younger students. This year, the Walton Family
Foundation awarded the Manoogian School a $153,000 grant based on
academic excellence. The money will be used toward upgrading the
science and computer labs.
Established in 1969, and chartered by Central Michigan University
since 1995, the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School
() follows the Michigan State of Board of Education
guidelines for all schools in addition to emphasizing the study of
Armenian language, history and culture. The result is a unique
educational program combining the Armenian and American cultures, and
fosters a strong individual identity through a well-balanced
curriculum of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies,
computer science, art, music and physical education. For more
information on AGBU and its schools, visit

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
57/5 Arshakunyats Street
Yerevan, Armenia 375026
Telephone: (374 1) 44-74-01
CREATED ANOTHER GREEN ZONE IN MALATSIA SEBASTIA COMMUNITY: THE ITALIAN
EMBASSY TO INAUGURATE THE FIRST IN THE HISTORY OF ARMENIA
`ITALIAN-ARMENIAN MEETING POINT PARK’
Over the past three years, the Embassy of Italy in Armenia and the
Armenia Tree Project (ATP) environmental organization have been
successfully collaborating on the creation of a unique `Italian
Armenia Meeting Point Park’. This new green zone is located in the
southwest district of Malatsia-Sebastia Community site and occupies a
1,000 square meter territory. Since 2001 three tree plantings have
been initiated and held at this area by the Italian Embassy together
with ATP. More than total 200 fruit and decorative trees survived due
to the high 90 % survival rate ATP achieves today. Above all, the
`newborn’ park will supply the Malatsia-Sebastia Community residents
with oxygen, shade, noise reduction and beautiful blossoming of trees
in springtime. The Italian Embassy in Armenia and ATP organized and
held similar tree plantings also in 2001, 2002 and the last one in
2004, which resulted in the establishment of the first in the history
of Armenia `Italian Armenian Meeting Point Park’.

The Inauguration ceremony will take place on December 1, 2004. The
Ambassador of Italy to Armenia, Marco Clemente, and Mrs.Clemente are
to open this noteworthy event by planting a tree as a symbolization of
friendly and flourishing relationships between these two countries –
Italy and Armenia. There’s a hope that this initiation undertaken with
such an enthusiasm and love will play a big role in both, the
political and environmental life in Armenia.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Transportation for Mass Media is provided.
For more information, please, contact Bella Avetisyan
at the Armenia Tree Project
Tel.: 44 74 01, 44 74 02 (242 – extension number)
or
Naira Ghazaryan at the Embassy of Italy in Armenia
Tel.: 54 23 35, 54 23 36 (110 – extension number)