Azerbaijani president pushes for a U.N. resolution on Nagorno-Karabakh
by AIDA SULTANOVA; Associated Press Writer
Associated Press Worldstream
November 22, 2004 Monday 12:03 PM Eastern Time
NEFT DASHLARI, Azerbaijan — Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev
said Monday he will push for a U.N. resolution on Nagorno-Karabakh
that reflects international recognition of his nation’s territorial
integrity.
“We will not be content solely with discussion. We want to see a new
resolution passed,” Aliev said. The United Nations’ General Assembly
is to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on Tuesday.
Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave, has been de facto
independent. Armenian-backed forces won control over the territory
in 1994. Some 30,000 people were killed and a million others were
driven from their homes in the 1988-94 war.
Despite a cease-fire, Armenian-backed forces and Azerbaijani troops
continue to face off across a demilitarized zone, and shooting
occasionally erupts.
In 1993 the General Assembly passed four resolutions demanding
the withdrawal of occupation forces and the return of refugees to
Azerbaijan. However, none of the resolutions has been enforced.
Aliev voiced hope Monday that the new resolution would help solve
the conflict.
“We are trying to increase the number of countries supporting us,
and I am convinced that the role of the resolution will be decisive,”
Aliev said.
He also accused Armenia of hampering the adoption of the resolution
and stalling negotiation efforts. Aliev said Azerbaijan would only be
too glad to see Armenia drop out of the talks and leave negotiations
to Nagorno-Karabakh.
“If Armenia suggests conducting negotiations with Nagorno-Karabakh, let
it … withdraw its occupation forces from Azerbaijan’s territory and
stop providing resources to separatists from its budget. Then we will
solve the Karabakh problem in the shortest period of time,” Aliev said.
He also expressed hope that the Council of Europe, Europe’s top
human rights body, would give “a political evaluation” to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ANM AND ORITATS YERKIR REPRESENTATIVES TO PARTICIPATE FRENCH RULING PARTY CONGRESS
PanArmenian News
Nov 22 2004
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Representatives of the former Armenian ruling
party – Armenian National Movement (ANM) and of Orinats Yerkir party,
member of the present leading coalition were invited to the congress
of French President Jacques Chirac’s party, the Union for Popular
Movement. Former Minister of National Security David Shahnazarian
will represent the Armenian National Movement at the congress.
Azerbaijan will be represented at the congress by Etibar Mamedov,
the leader of National Independence Party.

ARKA News Agency
Nov 22 2004
Speaker of Armenian Parliament asks Azerbaijani Parliament’s head and
NATO Chairman to provide security of Armenian delegates on Rose-Roth
NATO seminar
Europe could be more insistent in issues of settlement of conflict on
South Caucasus
Special anti-emergency service to be launched in Yerevan soon
Armenia and Azerbaijan should come out with constructive
recommendations on Karabakh conflict settlement, PACE insists
*********************************************************************
SPEAKER OF ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT ASKS AZERBAIJANI PARLIAMENT’S HEAD AND
NATO CHAIRMAN TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF ARMENIAN DELEGATES ON ROSE-ROTH
NATO SEMINAR
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. Speaker of the Armenian Parliament sent
official letters to the Chairman of Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan Murtuz
Aleskerov and Chairman of Parliamentary Assembly of NATO Pierre
Leluche with request to provide security of the Armenian delegates on
NATO seminar Rose-Roth. As Armenian Parliament Public and Press
Relations Department told ARKA, the letter was sent on occasion of
recently increasing violence toward Armenians in Azerbaijan and in
other countries by Azerbaijanis, as well as hindering Armenian
officers participation in NATO exercises and expulsion from
Azerbaijan Bulgarian sport commentator of the Armenian descent Eduard
Papazyan. The Armenian Parliament confirming readiness of its
delegates to work in international structures and holding a positive
stance around leaving for Baku, at the same time he expressed its
concern around providing of security of the delegates on Azerbaijani
territory and expects that relevant security guarantees will be
provide to them on Rose-Roth seminar.
Armenian parliamentarians represented by two delegates – head of
associated of Armenian delegation to NATO PA Mher Shahgeldyan and
member of delegation Alexan KArapetyan will participate on the 58th
NATO Rose-Roth seminar in Baku scheduled on Nov 25-27, 2004. T.M.
-0–
*********************************************************************
EUROPE COULD BE MORE INSISTENT IN ISSUES OF SETTLEMENT OF CONFLICT ON
SOUTH CAUCASUS
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. Europe could be more insistent in
issues of settlement of conflict on the South Caucasus, as Armenian
President Robert Kocharian said, making his speech on Berlin European
Forum. He stressed that the history of forming of the EU shows the
privileges of the regional cooperation that is the way to prosperity
and also an instrument of stability. “Based on its experience Europe
could be more insistent in the issues of the settlement of the
conflicts on the South Caucasus thru incentive to the cooperation”,
he said.
President stressed that one of the main obstacles for the settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is absence of eh regional
cooperation. He mentioned that Armenia believes in the settlement of
the conflicts thru regional cooperation, while Azerbaijan refrains
from the possible cooperation prior to the settlement of the
conflict. Among other obstacles on the way of cooperation of the EU
with the South Caucasus states he named the blockade of Armenia by
Turkey. “We think that it is not normal when the state launching the
negotiations on accession to the EU blockades the participants of the
European Neighborhood policy”, he said, adding that the EU actually
was formed due to pragmatism of its founders. “Everything began not
from parliamentary assemblies and ministerial councils, but
understanding of the common interests and compatibility of the value
systems. We would like to see something similar in the EU’s policy
toward the New Neighborhood participant countries”, Kocharian stated.
T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
SPECIAL ANTI-EMERGENCY SERVICE TO BE LAUNCHED IN YEREVAN SOON
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. A special anti-emergency service will
be launched in Armenia soon, as the Vice Mayor of Yerevan Vano
Vardanyan said. In his words, it will correspond to the US “911”.
“This program will be in accordance to the international standards.
The service employees will collect the signals received by “1-02″
service and the Emergency Management Department of Armenia”, the
official stressed. According to Vardanyan, similar cooperation of the
Department and the Municipality will allow to react operatively and
efficiently to the signals received from the capital residents. T.M.
-0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN SHOULD COME OUT WITH CONSTRUCTIVE
RECOMMENDATIONS ON KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT, PACE INSISTS
YEREVAN, November 22. /ARKA/. Armenia and Azerbaijan should come out
with constructive recommendations on Karabakh conflict settlement, as
states the published PACE report. According to the document, the
suggestions should be presented through the OSCE Minsk Group.
“Otherwise, the sides should consider the possibility of applying to
the International Justice Court attached to the UN” states the
report. Meanwhile, according to the report, the Council of Europe
should offer experts to Armenia and Azerbaijan, which would assist in
making up of the draft political status of NKR. PACE also expressed
concern regarding the fact that monoethnic territories are being
created in Armenia and Azerbaijan, “which looks a lot like ethnic
clean-ups”.
This report will be discussed at the regular plenary PACE session on
January 24-28, 2005. L.V.-0–
*********************************************************************

18 Assyrians Still Being Held Without Charges in Syria
AINA, CA (Assyrian Int’l News Agency)
Nov 22 2004
Hasaka, Syria (AINA) — Syrian authorities continue to hold eighteen
Assyrians, one Armenian and one Kurd, who demonstrated against the
murder of two Assyrians in Hasaka, Syria on October 31 (story). No
charges have been filed against the detainees and no date has been
set for their release.
Background
A personal conflict between an Arab Muslim from the al-Radhi family
and an Assyrian Christian from the Abraham family culminated in the
murder of an Assyrian man on October 16. The Arab member of the
Al-Radhi family enlisted the aid of members of his family and klan,
including an officer in the Syrian Army, Mudhar al-Radhi, to attack
and kill Naseem Abraham, a 35 year old married Assyrian man. The Arab
attackers mutilated Naseem’s body, dragged his body in the street,
and insulted the Christians in that quarter of the city.
When Naseem’s friend Yalda Yacoub, aged 25, rushed to attend to his
friend, he was prevented from do so, attacked and shot. He was
transferred to the hospital in Damascus. Yalda Yacoub died on the
same day at the hospital.
The following is a list of the names of the detainees.
Name City Court Detained
Jurisdiction Since
Mazen Ibrahim Haido Hassake Juvenile 10/31/2004
Danny Edwar Kako Tel-Jazire Juvenile 10/31/2004
John Tima Ismail Tel-Jazire Military Court 10/31/2004
Tony Shlimon Youkhanna Tel-Jazire Military Court 10/31/2004
Akram Warda Youkhanna Tel-Jazire Military Court 10/31/2004
Samir Khoushaba Iwas Hassake Military Court 10/31/2004
Joseph Mallek Ismail Tel-Tammer Military Court 10/31/2004
Khoushaba Yousif Benyamen Tel-Tammer Military Court 10/31/2004
Fouad Boulos Youkhanna Tel-Tammer Military Court 10/31/2004
Rami Sadeq Ismail Tel-Jazire Military Court 10/31/2004
Johnny Younadam Tel-Tammer Military Court 10/31/2004
Farid Boulos Youkhanna Tel-Jazire Military Court 10/31/2004
Esam Shawkat Hermiz Tel-Jazire Military Court 10/31/2004
Yousif Gabriel Chamoun Tel-Jazire Military Court 10/31/2004
Ashur Gevargis Mameh Tel-Sakra Military Court 10/31/2004
Nineb Birour Abraham Tel-Tammer Military Court 10/31/2004
Samir Ibrahim Yakhannis Tel-Sakra Military Court 10/31/2004
Sarkis Agop Shahinian(Armenian) Hassake Juvenile 10/31/2004
Yousif Abdul-Ahad 11/13/2004
Wasim Khider Mardini(Kurd)Hassake Juvenile 10/31/2004

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;
November 19, 2004
ORDINATION OF “TBIR” ACOLYTES IN ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL IN MONTREAL
Last Sunday, November 14th, 2004, faithful Churchgoers were witness to the
solemn and joyous celebration of the ordination of the “tbir”s in Montreal’s
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral, in the presence of and under
the auspices of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Canadian
Diocese as well as on the testimonial of the Church’s Pastor, Father Vazgen
Boyajyan.
The participants in this ordination entered the Church, led by His Eminence
Bishop Bargat Galstanian, accompanied by the melodious “Oorakh Ler Soorp
Yegeghetsi” hymn.
On this occasion, Bishop Galstanian directed his blessings to the
newly-ordained “tbir”s and prayed for God to bestow upon them His heavenly graces of
understanding and humble servitude, so that they may faithfully serve and perform
their duties to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Canadian Armenian
Church community, to the glory of the Holy Trinity.
During this humbling ceremony, the newly-ordained “tbir”s were bestowed both
the order of Psalmist and Sweeper, considered the first step in the liturgical
orders and ranks of the Armenian Church, as well as the four Minor Orders in
the Armenian Church. Combined, these four Minor Orders are usually referred to
as that of “tbir”.
By acceding to the rank of Psalmist and Sweeper, the candidate is received by
the Church and blessed by the Bishop, allowing him (or her) to participate in
the liturgical services of the Church as reader and cantor of the psalms and
granting the candidate the authority to maintain the Church building, its
sanctuary, court and entrance. At the beginning of this service, the Bishop cuts
four locks in the form of a cross from the hair of the candidate as a sign of
initiation.
Following this are the four Minor Orders of the Church. These prepare the
candidate for the rank of Deacon which is the first Major Order in the Armenian
Church. The first of the four Minor Orders is Doorkeeper where the candidate
receives the authority to protect everything kept under lock and key in the
Church, including the building itself. The candidate is presented with a key by
the Bishop, as a sign of this authority and honor. The second is Reader where
the candidate receives the authority to read the Holy Scriptures during Church
services. The candidate receives a Lectionary, a book containing the daily
readings of the Scripture, as a sign of this authority. The third order is
that of Exorcist which bestows upon the candidate the authority to lay hands on
the sick and renounce Satan with those who come to receive the sacrament of
Holy Baptism. The candidate receives a copy of Mashdots, the Book of Rituals.
The fourth and final order is that of Acolyte which grants the candidate the
authority to light the candles and lanterns in the Church and to prepare the
bread and the wine for Holy Communion. Symbolically, the candidate receives a
candlestick and a cruet, with which wine is blessed and served during Communion.
The following are the newly-ordained “tbir”s, who all received the five
orders: Talar Chichmanian, Hilda Tursucuyan, Sandra Afeyan, Emma Kasbarian, Alex
Palabikian, Phillip Palabikian, Avedis Salizyan, Jano Salizyan, Hagop Redjebian
and Ardak Khatchadourian.
A reception in the Church’s Hovsepian Hall followed the ordination ceremony,
where the newly-ordained candidates received the appropriate certificates from
His Eminence and many congratulations from their proud and loving community.
* * *
CANADIAN PRIMATE CELEBRATED DIVINE LITURGY IN ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL AT NEW
YORK CITY
On Sunday, November 21, 2004, His Grace Bishop Galstanian, Primate of the
Armenian Church Diocese of Canada, celebrated Divine Liturgy at the St. Vartan
Cathedral in New York City.
Upon the initiative of His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian a small group of
pilgrims accompanied their Primate at St. Vartan Cathedral. Beginning with his
election, Bishop Galstanian planned youth pilgrimages on inter-Diocesan level.
This is the inauguration towards the realization of the Primate’s project to
encourage the faithful, especially in Northern United States and Canada to move
forward and pray together, reflecting upon the challenges and difficulties
ahead.
* * *
COURTESY VISITS TO CANADIAN CHURCH LEADERS CONTINUES
On Thursday, November 18, 2004, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian visited
the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto and met with Metropolitan Archbishop
Sotirios.
Bishop Galstanian thanked the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan, for creating the
opportunity to meet and discuss many issues concerning the role and mission of
Christian Churches in Canada. The two leaders spoke extensively about the
importance of involvement and participation in the ecumenical life, and examined
the possibilities of further cooperation regarding the views of their
respective churches on various social issues.
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian invited Archbishop Sotirios to participate in an
Ecumenical Pilgrimage to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Spiritual Centre
of Armenian Christianity. His Eminence graciously accepted the invitation to
join the Canadian Church leaders and Ecumenical representatives on a
pilgrimage, organized under the auspices of Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, to the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin in August-September 2005.
* * *
THE THEOLOGICAL LECTURE IN THE HOLY TRINITY AMENIAN CHURCH
Aret Boyajian
The Christian Church Mission of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto
was honored to have Reverend Peishon Vasfy from the St Mark. Orthodox Coptic
Church in Toronto who visited the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church for an
evening seminar, on Saturday Nov 6, 2004.
The title of the seminar was called “Jesus, the Son of God” and covered a
wide range of scripture passages that proved Jesus Christ’s divinity.
Reverend Vasfy began making his statement that we (Christians) are all, in a
way “theologians”, in that we all have some basic knowledge of God through the
reading of Holy Scripture, and that we should not feel lesser than those who
have a formal training in Theology. This means that church going Christians
are responsible and are encouraged to become knowledgeable relating to spiritual
matters both through Holy Scripture (Bible) and the proper Orthodox Church
structures such as clergy and literature.
He also stressed in his lecture by saying that the heresy’s that were
circulated by Arius in the life of the early Church, concerning the divinity of
Christ, is still with us today and that they have to be dealt with seriously by
Christians. This is the reason why the Church fathers of the Orthodox persuasion
were compelled to remain faithful to the true essence of Christ by the
adoption of the Nicene Creed (Havadamk) in the year 325 AD, which affirms the deity
of the “Son of God”.
These religious misconceptions that deny the divinity of Christ can easily be
countered with basic knowledge of Scripture. One of the most compelling
passage evidences that “the Son of God” is divine is found in the book of John,
verse 3:13: “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from
heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” Clearly here, Jesus is
referring to himself on earth and at the same time being God in heaven.
The evening was adjourned with a question and answer period followed by
coffee and Armenian pastry for all the participants.
The Christian Church Mission of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church would like
to thank all the members who participated and the following individuals for
this successful evening. Dr Edward Rauf, who is the Chairman of St. Mark Orthodox
Fellowship, helped in the organization of the evening, Deacon Vrej Berberian,
who was our evenings host and last but not least Mrs. Surphui Evran, who
helped secure pastries for the evening.
* * *
THE SHARING OF A UNIQUE HERITAGE BONDS CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
It has been the vision of Our Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian to encourage
cooperative Sunday School activities such as multi school visit with the purpose
of bringing together children from all Sunday Schools in Southern Ontario.
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Sunday School in Toronto was the host for
the first visit of the school year.
As usual, the Morning Assembly at HTAAC stared with little children arriving
in their red uniforms and Bibles in hand. Mrs. Takoush Knadjian, the new Vice
principal, coordinated and guided the assembly to its scheduled events of the
day. Children sang the morning prayers, the Sunday School march and waited to
hear from the special guest speaker of the day Mrs. Georgina Sarkisian of St
Gregory the Illuminator of St Catharines Ontario. Mrs. Sarkisian is the
Director of the Department of Religious Education of the Canadian Diocese. (DRE)
Mrs. Sarkisian spoke about Remembrance Day. She asked the children if they
knew the reason for Remembrance Day and whether they knew of any Armenian
soldiers who were in the wars. The children were surprised to hear there were 22
soldiers from the Southern Ontario region who volunteered to serve our great
nation, Canada. Today, only three soldiers were living and resided in the Southern
Ontario area.
Mrs. Sarkisian asked the help of Tamar Sarkisian, a visitor from St
Catharines, to give the children red poppies to wear in Remembrance of the 22 soldiers
who were of Armenian heritage.
Following morning assembly Mrs. Sarkisian and Miss Alexia Citak, member of
the DRE from Hamilton St Mary Sunday School, toured the school visiting with the
students and teachers in their classes. The visitors found colorful artwork
and Christmas ornaments being made as an arts and crafts project. In other
classes children stood up and recited Psalms 23 in Armenian. All in all it was a
very important day for the visitors to observe first hand the activities
children participate in at HTAAC Sunday School
Later in the day, the children attended Church and took communion. On behalf
of HTAAC Sunday school we would like to thank our visitors and hope they will
return with many more children from their local Sunday schools.
The idea of cooperative School activities is an exceptional one. We hope the
next activity; the second annual Armenian Children’s Christmas on January 2,
2005, will continue to encourage children to make friends with others who share
their valuable heritage. The friends one makes as a child, last a lifetime.
* * *
MEMBERS OF CENTRAL COUNCIL DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TELECONFERENCE
Georgina Sarkisian, Director
On November 9th, 2004 the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church, Diocese of Canada
Department of Christian Education, Central council held a teleconference upon
the request of His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian. Members participating were
from Hamilton, Mississauga/Oakville, St. Catharines and Toronto.
Highlights of this conference were the completing of Sunday School logos and
colour selection for the new uniforms. A crest for all the Sunday Schools has
been established with the individual church names and colors. The upcoming
joint events were discussed further, with participation by all the Sunday
Schools, at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Toronto, on Sunday, January 2nd./04. The
Children’s Christmas Service and party will be held at this time.
Also discussed, were the plans to complete the launch on January 2nd. of the
upcoming art competition, under the jurisdiction of His Grace Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, and directed by the Very Reverend Fr. Hayrig Apegha Hovhannisian.
The theme for this competition is ‘MY VISION OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN’ encompassing
the spiritual visions of events that brought about the holiest of places in
Christendom.
Pentecost celebrations will be held in St. Catharines and an end of the year
picnic in June will be hosted by Hamilton. The summer activities of Camp
Ararat with the inclusion of Teacher Training, were very enthusiastically greeted,
as the dates and permanent location were being completed. The teleconference
ended on a very positive accord.
* * *
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Japonica & Open Society Partner on Critical Thinking Initiative
PROVIDENCE, R.I. and YEREVAN, Republic of Armenia–(BUSINESS WIRE)—-
— Mission to strengthen democracy & free enterprise in emerging democracies
with world-class program —
The Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation – Armenia (“OSIAFA”) and
The Charles & Agnes Kazarian Eternal (“C.A.K.E.”) Foundation – an affiliate of
Japonica Intersectoral – announce an agreement to partner on a critical
thinking initiative to strengthen democracy and free enterprise in emerging
democracies with a world-class educational program. The project’s main goal is to
develop an academic course entitled “Critical Thinking, Research, and Writing
Skills” for introduction into Yerevan’s higher educational institutions.
The “C.A.K.E” Foundation created Japonica Intersectoral, a global
benchmarking and best-practice research firm in Yerevan, whose mission is to strengthen
democracy and free enterprise in developing countries through global
benchmarking and best practice research. Japonica Intersectoral is one of the
largest private-sector employers of professionals with graduate degrees in the
Caucasus and expects to have approximately 50 Research Associates in Yerevan over
the next three years.
S. Michael Levin, the “C.A.K.E.” Foundation’s Chief of Staff, commented,
“For Japonica Intersectoral, the development of world-class Critical Thinking,
Research, and Writing Skills within Yerevan’s higher educational institutions
is mission-critical.”
The project is complementary to Open Society’s regional initiative that is
being led by experts at the Central European University in Budapest. The
OSIAFA has supported a number of educational initiatives in Armenia including
teacher’s training in the RWTC (Reading Writing for Critical Thinking)
methodology. According to Larisa Minasyan, Executive Director of OSIAFA, “For the
success of numerous educational initiatives in higher education, the development
of students’ ability for critical analysis and writing is instrumental.”
The course will be developed by the Center for Educational Development and
Research, NGO working directly with both organizations. Potential pilot
universities include Yerevan State Institute of Economics, Yerevan State
Engineering University, Yerevan State University, American University of Armenia, and
Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov.
About OSIAFA
The Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation – Armenia, a private
operating and grant making foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote
democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. OSI
was created in 1993 by investor and philanthropist George Soros to support his
foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
About The “C.A.K.E” Foundation
The Charles & Agnes Kazarian Eternal (“C.A.K.E.”) Foundation is a
not-for-profit organization created in 1993 by Paul B. Kazarian, Founder and Managing
Director of Japonica Partners. The “C.A.K.E.” Foundation seeks to empower
Armenians living in both the Diaspora and Armenia through education, technology,
and healthcare. Its three primary initiatives are Japonica Intersectoral,
Shepherd Technologies, and Community Micro-Finance. The “C.A.K.E.” Foundation’s
initiatives are proactively managed and measured according to “New
Philanthropy Benchmarking: Wisdom for the Passionate.”
“C.A.K.E” Foundation S. Michael Levin, 401-861-6160
11/22/2004 16:24 ET

YOUTH NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARMENIA TO RAISE ISSUE OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
DURING APRIL MEETING IN ISTANBUL IN 2005
Noyan Tapan
Nov 22 2004
YEREVAN, 22.11.04. The preliminary arrangement on the organization
of a meeting in Istanbul in April 2005 was reached between the
representatives of Greece, Armenia, Israel, Turkey and other
countries-participants during the Youth Forum held in Madrid on
November 11-13. RA MP Vazgen Khachikian, the Chairman of the Youth
National Council of Armenia, said about it during the November 18
press conference. According to him, the Armenian side is going to
raise the issue of the condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and make
it the theme of discussion.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

In pursuit of beauty? Head for Abu Dhabi
| By Kavitha S. Daniel, Special to Gulf News | 07-02-2004
Some of the finest examples of Islamic art are on display in the capital for
us to admire
Many years ago, a European gentleman of Armenian origin went about collecting
exceptional and rare pieces of art from around the world. He was lucky to
have been born into a wealthy family but the late Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was
hailed as a pioneer in the oil industry participating in the birth of
companies such as the Royal Dutch Shell and the Turkish Petroleum company.
Moreover, he’s largely credited with playing a key role in the development of
the oil industry in the Gulf and his company Partex (Participations and
Explorations Company) formed in 1938, continues to be a partner of the Abu Dhabi
Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO).
But, what is of more interest here, is the Gulbenkian’s collection of art,
put together after years of pursuing a dictum he seems to have lived by: “Only
the best suits me.” The urbane and sophisticated Gulbenkian was an eclectic
collector, his tastes ranging from 13th century rare pieces of ceramic to Kum
Kapi carpets from the famous workshop of the community of Armenian carpet weavers
in Istanbul at the end of the 19th century.
He never limited himself to a single field of art but was as fascinated by
silk and velvet fragments of cloth from the ancient Safavid period in Persia, as
he was mesmerised by illuminated manuscripts and book-bindings of yore.
This fastidious collector went on to own nearly six thousand exquisite works
of art, which finally found an immortal place in a dedicated museum after his
death. Though, Gulbenkian was born in Turkey, studied and lived in France and
England and became a British citizen, he spent the last decade of his life in
Lisbon, Portugal.
And, therefore, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is found in this Portuguese
capital, under the auspices of a foundation of the same name.
Art foundation
The Foundation was set up to promote art, education, science and human
development. It runs two museums — one for ancient and another for contemporary art,
and also owns an orchestra, a ballet company, an art library, a research
institute in biomedicine and a Portuguese Cultural Centre in Paris. The suave and
sophisticated Emilio Rui Vilar, the president of the Board of Trustees,
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation spoke to Tabloid at the inauguration of the
exhibition of the works of art from the Gulbenkian collection at the Cultural
Foundation. (This exceptional exhibition continues until February 15.)
Due to his connections with the Middle East through his involvement in the
oil industry, Gulbenkian was also influenced by the exotic nature of the objets
d’art from China, Japan, Turkey, Persia and Mughal India.
Therefore, the Islamic section is touted to be one of the Museum’s most
spectacular gallery, displaying work produced in Persia, Turkey, Syria, the
Caucasus and India between the 12th and the late 19th centuries.
The same section also includes objects from the Armenian communities in the
East, alongside pottery, tiles, carpets, manuscripts, glass and fabrics from
the Near and Middle East.
A few samples of these pieces were picked by the museum curators to exhibit
in the UAE for the first time at the Exhibition of Islamic Art in the Calouste
Gulbenkian Collection in Abu Dhabi.
The exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation houses nearly 55 pieces
of a wide range of Islamic art objects encased in glass or mounted on display
cardboard walls and horizontal stands especially erected for the purpose. The
special displays have exclusive lighting facilities.
The works of art are eclectic — reflecting the collector’s expansive range of
taste and knowledge. They include carpets, fabrics, manuscripts,
bookbindings, pottery and tiles. According to the book, especially issued for this
exhibition, these works of art dating between the end of the 12th and 20th century,
have been assembled by Gulbenkian over a period of 50 years, from 1910 to 1940.
At the entrance of this exhibition, inside a lit glass case, sits the most
outstanding piece of display — a 14th century conical-necked mosque lamp in g
ilded and enamelled glass. While the neck bears an Islamic inscription, the body
of the lamp is decorated with a profusion of Chinese-inspired floral motifs,
lotus flowers and peonies in muted shades of red, green and yellow enamels on a
blue background.
Belonging to the time of the Mamluks (1250-1517), who ruled Syria and Egypt,
this piece of work was made by a then innovative method of firing gild and
enamel on glass, introduced by the Mamluk master glassmakers.
Pretty patterns
Mosque lamps in gilded and enameled glass were commissioned by the Mamluk
sultans and emirs and hung from the ceilings of mosques as decorations.
Lovers of intricate design on cloth and garments will be in for a visual
treat from the fabrics on display at this exhibition. There are beautiful fabric
fragments, lengths and panels from the early 16th century and 17th century
Safavid period in Persia, the Mughal period in India and Ottoman in Turkey.
This section starts with a velvet fragment from Yazd, a city in central Iran,
considered to be one of the most famous producers of Persian silks and
velvets. This velvet fragment features the typical floral and zoomorphic motifs
characteristic of the Safavid time. Another Safavid sample reveals detailed work
of flowers, scrolls and leaves framed by a darker flower-patterned border and a
pretty profusion of coloured flowers on a red background in a Mughal velvet
length.
While velvet was used mainly in both Persia and India to decorate spaces,
brocaded silks enriched with gold and silver thread were used for the clothing of
princes and dignitaries. An example being the two silk coats from Persia on
display, a fashion style copied from 17th century India.
A cherry red caparison richly embroidered with polychrome silk, gold and
silver thread probably produced in Persia in the 18th century seems fit for a
king’s stables.
Silk fragments either from Bursa (the Ottoman Empire’s most important silk
producing centre in the 16th century) or from a later period from Istanbul are
studded with exquisite designs. The pieces have characteristic decorations of
oval medallions, floral motifs in shades of mainly red and gold, the ‘four
flowers’ style depicting roses, tulips, carnations and hyacinths, cord motifs, the
eight-point-star geometrical design and open carnations.
Intricate design
Carpet buyers and connoisseurs will love the carpets on display from Safavid
Persia, Mughal India and tribal Caucasians.
A 17th century wool carpet, reportedly a gift from King J. Sobieski of Poland
to Cracow Cathedral, Mughal India carpets made of fine wool, pashima and
silk, and the famous Kum Kapi carpets can be seen here. A distinctive piece in
this section is a Kum Kapi carpet bearing an Armenian inscription and created in
silk and gilded metal thread by Hagop Kapoudijian, one of the finest carpet
makers of the Kum Kapi School.
The ceramics section of this exhibition vies for attention with a book
section that features ancient manuscripts crafted in gold and bookbindings. The 13th
century Kashan footed bowl is an example of fine “minai” work, which was
discontinued in 1300. The decorative compositions show courtly scenes or
occasional episodes from the Shahnama (Book of Kings). The centre of the bowl features
a young, richly dressed prince seated on a high-backed throne with two
falcons perched on it and with peacocks, the symbol of royalty.
There’s Ottoman pottery decorated with colourful flower motifs such as lotus,
chrysanthemums and peonies in blue and white on a dark blue background. Also
on view are Chinese porcelain kendi (a sort of water-jar), Persian kendi
dating back to the second quarter of the 17th century showing landscapes, flowers,
birds and insects, a cylindrical tankard from the Ottoman empire, dishes with
pomegranate and artichoke motifs, and a truly breathtaking ewer in deep blue
with metal mounts — stunning in its craftsmanship and detail.
Book arts
The calligraphy and artwork in books or the “arts of the book” section is a
story by itself. A manuscript of the Holy Quran copied by Prince Baysubghur, a
bibliophile and a skilled calligrapher, represents one of the most brilliant
in Persian calligraphy art. Gulbenkian also acquired a selection of
bookbindings ranging from 16th century Persian bindings which later went on to influence
Renaissance Italian and French bookbinders. Lacquered bindings from the
mid-19th century are decorated with flowers and small birds on a dark background,
which is a fairly common theme in lacquered objects from the Qajar period.
Tiles may not seem appropriate in a high-level exhibition. But these are no
ordinary tiles. They come from Syria in the late 16th/early 17th century, there
are Isnik tiles from Turkey (second half of the 16th century) and a special
tile with a Quranic inscription from 14th century Persia.
The latter formed part of a monumental frieze with religious inscriptions
that decorated mosques and tombs and also frequently appeared on prayer niches.
The tile is divided into three parts. Entwining plant motifs deccorate the
upper section. A middle section contains an inscription from the Holy Quran in
relief, painted in cobalt blue against a background filled with plants and birds.
The bottom section reveals a pattern of small scrolls in compartments.
You don’t have to be a researcher of antiquity to visit and enjoy this
exhibition — just with a person with an eye for the finer and more meaningful things
in life.
THE EXHIBITION
•  The Exhibition of Islamic Art in the Calouste Gulbenkian Collection
•  Location: Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation
•  Dates: Until February 15.
•  Timings: 9am to 1pm. 5 to 8pm.
•  Admission: Open to all, free
–Boundary_(ID_ttgtbfQoOxDvxpGjQoFQcA)–

US MILITARY IN AZERBAIJAN
PanArmenian News
Nov 22 2004
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ As reported by Independent Military Observer Russian
newspaper on November 19, over 50 NATO servicemen, mostly Americans,
were quartered in the village of Chukhanly of the Salyani region
of Azerbaijan in a training center belonging to Azeri the Defense
Ministry. According to the newspaper, beginning with the next year, the
US military are going to implement in Azerbaijan a program analogous
to the one carried out in Georgia. Member of the Azerbaijani Defense
Ministry press service Ilgar Verdiyev confirmed the information to the
journalists, stating, however, that the foreign servicemen are arriving
in Azerbaijan only for the participation in concrete projects aimed at
Partnership for Peace NATO program realization. Yet head of the press
service Ramiz Melikov completely refuted the information and said that
he does not possess any data of the US instructors who are allegedly to
train Azeri soldiers. At the same time Azeri Foreign Ministry Deputy
Araz Azimov does not rule out the possibility of stationing US mobile
forces in Azerbaijan. Former high rank official of the Azeri Defense
Ministry Uzeir Jafarov holds the opinion that the Azerbaijan-NATO
cooperation long ago exceeded the limits of Partnership for Peace
program. In Jafarov’s words, the program similar to the Georgian
one is in active preparation in Azerbaijan at present and will to
all appearances be launched in 2005. However Azerbaijani FM Elmar
Mamedyarov stated that “Azerbaijan is not negotiating on dislocating
foreign military bases in its territory”. “A military base is a
stationary object that cannot be deployed during one night. Multi-stage
negotiations are needed for it”, the Minister noted. As expert of
the East-West Center of Political Research Azer Rashidoglu told the
newspaper reporter, the EU is expected to unanimously speak against
the US anti-Iranian operation. (The complete version of the article
read at ). To remind,
the hearsay on using the Azeri territories for probable US military
operations against Iran revived recently. As for stationary military
bases in Azerbaijan, according the Pentagon new military doctrine
on mobile bases, there will be no need in them. Thus, nominally,
military bases in their classical meaning might not exist.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
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11/22/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Unprecedented Conference of ARF, Affiliated Organizations Ends in Beirut 2) Armenian, Azeri FMs Meet in Berlin 3) Armenian Question at Heart of EU Debates on Turkey 4) PACE Committee Spells Out Steps to Peaceful Settlement of Mountainous Karabagh Conflict 1) Unprecedented Conference of ARF, Affiliated Organizations Ends in Beirut ANTELIAS (Combined Sources)--Delegates from five continents congregated in Antelias, Lebanon on November 18 to participate in a three-day conference of Armenian Revolutionary Federation-affiliated organizations. Organized by the ARF Bureau, the conference featured representatives of the Hamazkayin cultural organization, Homenetmen athletic and scouting organization, and the Armenian Relief Society. Hagop Der Khatchadourian of the ARF Bureau, Maro Minassian of the ARS Central Executive, Karnig Megerdichian of the Homenetmen Central Executive, and Megerdich Megerdichian of the Hamazkayin Central Executive opened the session with individual remarks, which were followed by a speech delivered by ARF Bureau representative Hrant Markarian, who stated, "to tap into our country's full potential, we must work as a united entity." Working Sessions The unprecedented conference officially opened on November 19 at the Homenetmen Aghpalian complex in Antelias. The first session, chaired by ARF Bureau member Hagop Der Khatchadourian, introduced the mission of the ARS, Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen, and their activities in various regions. ARS ARS Central Executive chair Maro Minassian presented the noble history of the organization, established in 1910 to assist the Armenian people. She gave a snapshot of activities, revealing the profile of its members, which range from the age of 18 to the 90. She detailed ARS's activities that include assistance to educational establishments, active social service centers, a kindergarten program in Mountainous Karabagh, as well as its activities within the UN. She underlined the necessity of successful implementation of programs, and the need to provide social services to Armenians of Javakhk. Minassian revealed that current priorities include assistance to Armenians in Iraq, a publication detailing the history of the ARS as it approached its 100th anniversary, and cultivating government-level ties in countries where it operates. Homenetmen On behalf of its Central Executive, Karnig Megerdichian detailed Homenetmen's mission and scope of activities, stressing the importance to establish chapters where there the need exists--specifically in Artsakh and Javakhk. Present difficulties, revealed Megerdichian, include a lack in funding, uniformity of athletic activities, and the youth's participation in decision making bodies. Hamazkayin Central Executive member Keghani Etyemezian, spoke of Hamazkayin's efforts to rework its mission and the organization's new approach to operating by its already reformed by laws. She outlined the three-year activity of the past executive, detailing the progress of its printing and publishing houses, literary periodical Pakine, schools and centers of learning, and the organization's dynamic Summer Forum that began in 1995, and has since provided an exciting environment for young students to learn a great deal about Armenian culture and heritage. The second session convened with chairman Haroutioun Kurkjian, introducing lecturer Levon Mkrtchian, ARF faction leader in Armenia's National Assembly and ARF Armenia Supreme Body member. Speaking of more effective Armenia-diaspora relations, Mkrtchian stressed that efforts must be organized for more valuable and productive results. This, he said, requires appreciation for input both from Armenia and the diaspora. He explained that not only must the general Armenia-diaspora relationship be strengthened, but that specific communities must also establish vital links with Armenia and its government. Chaired by Megerdich Megerdichian, the second and final session on Saturday included Khatchig Der Ghougassian, who addressed the general and theoretical concept of "nation," and asked, "how is it possible to be Armenian in an international setting?" Focusing on the re-establishment of the concept of "diaspora," Der Ghougassian explained that redefining the diaspora of the global 21st century, requires a mission from the past, along with a generation whose existence born outside of Armenia, grasps the concept of pan humanitarianism; this understanding therefore not only helps to preserve, but also develop our existence and individuality. Other sessions included Seta Khedeshian speaking about utilization of modern means to revamp organizational structure and to face current challenges. She specifically stressed the need to develop relations with international, as well as non-government organizations. The topic of assistance programs to Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk was presented by Pakrad Sarkisian. Albert Ajemian spoke about youth centers in Armenia, and the urgency for the ARF to create the ideal means to attract and guide youth--not only as a means to gain manpower--but more importantly, to become the ideological and political force of the future. Noura Navoyan described the history and present situation of Armenian communities in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). She spoke of population, schools, churches, and quality of Armenian life, revealing that in the CIS countries alone, there are as many as 2.8 million Armenians. Dikran Jinbashian spoke of the birth of ARF, and the three organizations--ARS, Hamazkayin, and Homenetmen--that eventually became a part of each community to assist generations of Armenians in shaping their identities and national belonging. The last and final topic presented by Hagop Havatian, addressed public relations and the accountability of organizations. At the conclusion of the conference, participants passed a declaration presented by the resolutions committee. ARF Bureau representative Markarian closed the conference saying that it served to conduct a general review and clarification of issues, and can be considered the cornerstone to tackling issues. 2) Armenian, Azeri FMs Meet in Berlin YEREVAN (Armenpress)--On Friday, November 19, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and his counterpart, Azerbaijan's Elmar Mamedyarov, met in the German capital city of Berlin to continue talks initiated at a meeting in Prague several months ago. Also present at the meeting were the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen. According to media reports, the meeting between the two ministers lasted fifteen minutes. Although no details about the meeting's results were released, a press release issued by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry stated that "the sides exchanged views on the issues that topped the agenda of the Prague talks." Following the talks, Mamedyarov left Berlin for New York to attend a November 23 UN session titled "On the Situation on Azerbaijan's Occupied Territories." Oskanian, who joined President Kocharian in Berlin, told the Berlin press that the two sides made "a number of successful and objective decisions" to continue the dialogue "based on existing realities." "Specific issues were spoken about and discussed during the talks," Oskanian noted. "We decided that we can continue the Prague process again," he added. The Friday meeting was initially scheduled for October 25, but was postponed after the Armenian side requested more time to analyze the results of the four previous meetings, all of which were held in Prague. 3) Armenian Question at Heart of EU Debates on Turkey Second 2004 European Parliament report on Turkey evokes discussion on Armenian issues; Socialist Party position misrepresented by several party members STRASBOURG--On November 15, the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) of the European Parliament examined the second 2004 parliamentarian report on Turkey´s progress towards accession presented by the young Dutch representative Camiel Eurlings. Before commencing debate, parliamentarians had a chance to review the 483 amendments listed on the brief seven-page report, which notes that Turkey's accession remains a sensitive issue. The report was criticized by some for its failure to express a clear position on the possibility of starting accession talks with Turkey. Regarding Armenian issues, the draft of the report states that the Turkish authorities "have missed an opportunity to promote good neighborly relations with Armenia" as a result of their refusal to open the Armenian-Turkish border, and moves on to note that the European Parliament "calls on the Governments of Turkey and Armenia to start a process of reconciliation in order to overcome the tragic experience of the past and requests that the Turkish government reopen its borders with Armenia as soon as possible." The amendments to the report as well as the debates focused largely on Armenian issues, including recognition of the Armenian genocide, the blockade of Armenia, as well as article 305 of the Turkish Penal Code that penalizes the affirmation of the genocide or dissident opinions on the Cyprus issue. Amendments explicitly dealing with genocide recognition and the border issue were submitted by parliamentarians representing the Communist, Socialist, Christian-Democrat (EPP), Liberal and Sovereignist groupsisolating the Greens of Europe as the only major group that unconditionally supports Turkey's EU bid. Going against official party positions, several parliamentarians offered amendments that favor Turkey's position on a variety of Armenian issues. French Socialist MP Michel Rocard led the charge with an amendment that praised "the remarkable work carried out by Turkish historians on the genocide." "In talks with Mr. Rocard and his associates, we have pointed out that in addition to being blatant lies, their affirmations actively invite the denial of acts of genocide in Europe," declared Hilda Tchoboian, Chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. A vote on the Eurlings report will be held in the Foreign Affairs Committee on November 22, 2005. 4) PACE Committee Spells Out Steps to Peaceful Settlement of Mountainous Karabagh Conflict STRASBOURG--A Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) report made public on Monday spells out a series of steps Armenia and Azerbaijan could take to fulfill their commitment to peacefully settle the Mountainous Karabagh conflict. In a draft resolution adopted at a meeting in Paris on Wednesday, PACE's Political Affairs Committee expressed concern at the creation of "mono-ethnic areas which resemble the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing," and reaffirmed the right of displaced persons from the area of conflict to return to their homes safely and in a dignified manner. The committee called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to submit constructive proposals for the peaceful settlement of the conflict via the OSCE Minsk Group, which should conduct speedy negotiations. If these fail, the parties should consider using the UN's International Court of Justice, the parliamentarians said. Meanwhile, the Council of Europe should offer the conflicting states experts to help determine Mountainous Karabagh's political status. Both countries pledged to use only peaceful means to settle the conflict when they joined the organization in January 2001. The committee also condemned the expression of hatred propagated through media, and called for a Council of Europe action plan for mutual reconciliation involving the media, schools, and universities, as well as contacts between locally elected representatives. It is proposed that the report be debated by the Assembly at its next plenary session in Strasbourg to be held on January 24-28, 2005. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets. --Boundary_(ID_DY2M8B3O1enNU7uga+2DTg)--