SOME YEREVAN RESIDENTS CONTINUE PROTEST

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17. ARMINFO. The Yerevan residents moved out of their
houses have held a picket in front of the presidential residence,
protesting the Government’s decision reducing compensations for their
pulled down flats.

Three representatives of the protestants, who demanded a meeting with
the President, were invited to the reception office. They were advised
to state their demands to the President in a written form and promised
that the demands will be conveyed to the President. However, the
action participants did not believe the promises. From the
presidential residence they made for the Government, the Yerevan
Municipality and then to the office in charge of the program “North
Avenue and Cascade”, etc.. One of the action participants said that
the residents are still forced to sign contracts for purchase and sale
of lands. Government officials have violated some points of the
contract and even admit their errors. But, instead of practical
measures, they apologize to the residents and show the door to them.

Schweizerische Depeschenagentur AG (SDA)
SDA – Service de base francais
17 août 2004

28e festival de La Btie à Genève Une invitation à la découverte tous
azimuts

Genève (ats) Dans un peu plus d’une semaine et jusqu’au 11 septembre,
Genève vivra au rythme du festival de La Btie. La manifestation ne
dérogera pas à la tradition. Elle se voudra avant tout un lieu de
découverte d’artistes, un moment d’innovation, d’exploration de voies
nouvelles.

Une cinquantaine de projets, dont 13 créations, figure au programme,
ont annoncé mardi les organisateurs du festival. Ces derniers,
conscients de la difficulté d’opérer des choix dans une offre aussi
large, ont recommandé aux spectateurs de se laisser guider par leur
curiosité, d’accepter les surprises.

Bashung à la cathédrale

Les moins téméraires se contenteront de la poignée d’artistes
confirmés invitée à se produire à Genève. Alain Bashung interprétera,
avec sa femme Chloé Mons, le poème biblique “Le Cantique des
Cantiques”. Un spectacle qu’il avait créé à l’occasion de son mariage
et qu’il jouera à la cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Le festival a également réussi à faire venir Christoph Marthaler.
L’ancien directeur du Schauspielhaus de Zurich, présent pour la
première fois sur les bords du Rhône, arrive avec dans ses bagages
“O.T. eine Ersatzpassion”, sa dernière production jouée dans la ville
alémanique.

Charme de La Btie, le public pourra assister à des spectacles dans
des lieux insolites. Le duo de musiciens finlandais Pan Sonic se
produira sous les arches du Pont Butin, un construction vertigineuse
qui enjambe le Rhône. L’aéroport de Genève servira quant à lui de
cadre à une performance de Massimo Furlan.

Du noir, rien que du noir

Les amateurs de sensations nouvelles pourront assister au concert du
groupe allemand Bohren & Der Club of Gore. Cette formation de Cologne
fuit la lumière. L’obscurité est son royaume. Dans la salle de
l’Alhambra, seuls les instruments bénéficieront d’un éclairage
minimaliste, le reste sera plongé dans le noir.

Des artistes seront aussi là pour déranger. Dans ce registre,
l’écrivain d’origine argentine Rodrigo Garcia devrait tenir un rôle
central. Les deux spectacles qu’il présente à La Btie, deux
critiques sans concession de la société contemporaine, promettent de
faire du bruit avec leurs “moments de vrai liberté”.

Un ukrainien pas comme les autres

Le spectacle sera aussi dans la rue, avec une perfomance de l’artiste
ukrainien Alexander Petlura qui se balladera à travers Genève habillé
de vêtements russes historiques. La place des Volontaires, elle, se
drapera d’une ambiance arménienne, avec des sons retransmis en direct
d’Erevan, 24 heures sur 24.

NOTE: festival de la Btie, du 26 août au 11 septembre. Billetterie
en ligne sur le site ou numéro de tél 022 738 19 19.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

L’Humanité
18 août 2004

L’homme – du jour Julien Lauprêtre

Ils débarquent aujourd’hui. Cinq mille enfants, sur les plages
normandes, armés de pelles et de sceaux, prêts à dresser un mur de
l’Atlantique en ptés. De sable. S’il faut un responsable à ce
déferlement cocasse, il est le coupable indiqué. Julien Lauprêtre
dirige depuis cinquante années le Secours populaire français qui
organise cette journée à la mer. Une initiative renouvelée depuis
1979, dans le cadre de la Journée des oubliés des vacances,
échantillon de la solidarité concrète que l’homme prétend faire vivre
via son association. Une part d’humanité qu’il porte en boutonnière.
En 1998, Geneviève Anthonioz-de Gaulle, présidente d’ATD quart-monde,
la lui a agrafée au revers de sa veste. Une larme rouge, qui rappelle
son présent engagé. Mais aussi son passé. Titi parisien, fils de
cheminot, Julien est déjà vitrier quand les forces nazies prennent
possession de Paris. Avec une bande de potes, il monte un réseau de
résistants et rejoint les Jeunesses communistes. Il sera arrêté en
novembre 1943. L’anecdote est connue de beaucoup: emprisonné, il est
embastillé dans la même cellule que Manouchian et sa bande. «Mais je
ne le savais pas», précise-t-il quand il raconte l’histoire. Il ne
l’apprendra que plus tard, en voyant l’Affiche rouge. «Il faut
continuer la lutte», l’aurait encouragé le résistant arménien. Un
conseil que Julien Lauprêtre, à soixante-dix-huit ans passés, n’a pas
encore omis. Pas plus que la recommandation prodiguée par un
instituteur. «Bon, mais peut mieux faire.» Il s’en est, dit-il, fait
une devise.
M.-N. B.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

La Croix
17 août 2004

PORTRAIT. Julien Lauprêtre, un demi-siècle au service des autres. ·
la tête du Secours populaire français (SPF) depuis bientôt cinquante
ans, Julien Lauprêtre fut à l’origine de la Journée des oubliés des
vacances , créée en 1979. Cette année, celle-ci est placée sous le
signe du Débarquement. 5 000 enfants sont attendus, demain, en
Normandie.

par LAMOUREUX Marine

Cinquante ans après, c’est le même enthousiasme, la même verve
militante. Entré en 1954 au Secours populaire français comme
assistant, secrétaire général dès l’année suivante, Julien Lauprêtre
est depuis lors l’me d’une des plus importantes associations
caritatives du pays. Toujours réélu à sa tête, cet homme simple, à
l’allure bonhomme, a su développer l’organisation, qui rassemble
aujourd’hui 72 000 bénévoles, plus de 800 000 donateurs, et qui
fêtera l’année prochaine son 60e anniversaire.

Pour autant, à 78 ans, le militant n’en tire aucune gloire, si ce
n’est de rendre la société un peu plus humaine . Fils de cheminot,
apprenti miroitier au début de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, Julien
Lauprêtre a rejoint la Résistance dès l’ge de 16 ans, avant d’être
arrêté puis emprisonné en 1943. C’est là, dit-il, qu’il a puisé un
profond désir de s’engager sur le terrain social, au lendemain du
conflit. Son père, qui fut syndicaliste et élu au conseil municipal
de Paris, n’y est pas étranger.

Mais la rencontre, en prison, avec les membres de l’affiche rouge ,
dont le poète et résistant arménien Missak Manoukian, aura été
décisive pour le jeune Julien. Manoukian m’a dit : moi je vais être
fusillé, mais toi, tu vas t’en sortir, il faut que tu sois utile, que
tu rendes la société moins injuste. Bien des années plus tard, le
président bénévole du Secours populaire a le sentiment d’avoir
apporté sa pierre. Aide alimentaire, dons de vêtements, accès aux
soins mais aussi à la culture : chaque jour, plusieurs milliers de
personnes défavorisées s’en remettent à son association, qui tient
tout particulièrement à la Journée des oubliés des vacances .

· l’heure actuelle, un enfant sur trois ne part pas en vacances, car
en cas de difficultés, c’est toujours sur le budget des loisirs que
l’on rogne , rappelle Julien Lauprêtre, pour qui même une seule
journée, à la mer ou à la montagne, peut apporter beaucoup. L’enfant
a des choses à raconter lorsqu’il retourne à l’école, il n’est pas
sec devant la traditionnelle rédaction de rentrée , souligne-t-il.
Demain, à n’en pas douter, le voyage de 5 000 enfants défavorisés sur
les plages de Normandie aura une consonance particulière pour
l’ancien résistant. Qui, bien loin d’être las, après cinquante ans,
n’espère qu’une chose : pouvoir continuer encore longtemps à militer.

Georgian villagers take BP to court over pipeline damage to homes

A-Info news agency
16 Aug 04

AKHALKALAKI

Residents of the village of Minadze in Georgia’s Akhaltsikhe District,
have expressed their dissatisfaction with representatives of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

The reason for the villagers’ dissatisfaction is that grave damage has
been done to their houses, some of which are on the verge of collapse,
by vibrations caused by the movement of heavy vehicles used in the
construction of the pipeline. The villagers are demanding compensation
for the damage, but representatives of BP insist that testing was done
to determine the impact of the heavy vehicles; the level of impact was
defined and it does not have a negative effect on the conditions of
the houses.

Moreover, BP representatives believe that the village houses were on
the verge of collapse before the construction of the pipeline and this
is connected with landslides.

Having been refused compensation, residents of Minadze have gone to
court.

GIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected]
http: //gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com

RETIRED TURKISH COMMANDER ADMITS ORDERING THE DEATH OF SOLOMOU

A former Commander of the Turkish occupation forces has admitted the
ordering of a killing of a Greek Cypriot demonstrator during a protest march
in Dherynia on 14 August 1996.

According to a Turkish Cypriot opposition daily paper Halkin Sesi, retired
Turkish Army Lieutenant General Hasan Koundakci recently described in public
his part in the murder of 26 year old Solomos Solomou as he climbed a
Turkish flag pole outside the fenced city of Famagusta.

Speaking at a gathering in the village of Sinda, Koundakci was quoted as
saying the following: “I had withdrawn my soldiers into the trees…When I
saw the young Greek Cypriot (Solomou) climbing on the flag pole I got very
angry and I gave an order consisting of two words: ‘Bring him down!’ You saw
what happened afterwards.”

On evidence supplied by the Cyprus Government Interpol later issued
international arrest warrants against Koundakci and three other mainland
Turks involved in the murder. One of them was Kenan Akin, so called
‘Agriculture Minister’ of the pseudostate at the time who is seen in a
photograph firing with his pistol at Solomou from a balcony. Akin, a Turkish
settler, was an officer of the Turkish army during the 1974 invasion of
Cyprus and was later employed by the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT).

The young victim was protesting the bludgeoning to death of Tasos Isaak 22,
another Greek Cypriot demonstrator by Turkish Grey Wolves extremists and
Turkish Cypriot ‘policemen’ in the Buffer Zone a few days earlier.
After shooting Solomou, the Turks continued firing indiscriminately into the
crowd injuring 11 civilians and two UN soldiers. Both killings were
perpetrated in the presence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who was
seen taking photographs.

The notorious interview/document
Kenan Akin: Why are you making the killing of a dog sound so important?

Weekly AKTUEL (31.10.96 – 6.11.96) publishes the text of an exclusive
interview with Kenan Akin, so-called Minister of Agriculture and Natural
Resources. Under the title, “I wish I was there during the incident. I could
kill”, the interview goes as follows:
“Question: Were you there on the day of the incident?
Akin: In the morning I was there, at around 9:30 I left.
Question: Did you return after the incident?
Akin: No.
Question: Did you see your picture published in the Greek Cypriot press
which was taken from television and enlarged?
Akin: Could have. I was not there when the incident took place. But I felt
sorry for not being there. I wish I was there. I could have pulled the
trigger at least once. I wish I was there, definitely I was going to shoot.
Question: Don’t you think that this is an issue to be tackled by the
security forces? Apart from this, it is reportedly said that in your
election region you were saying that you have killed and you took the
responsibility.
Akin: No… During the incident I was on a picnic near the beach with my
wife and my child.
Question: Do you have a gun?
Akin: Yes, but I do not carry it.
Question: Following the claims against you, is there any investigation
against you by your party, by the government or by the legal organs?
Akin: The esteemed President asked me at one of our meetings. I told him I
was on a picnic by the beach with my wife and my child. There was no
investigation within the party. Only our general chairman put a question at
the party’s general assembly. He should have been convinced of what I had
said, so that he would not have considered it necessary to establish a
commission to open an enquiry.
Question: Do you envisage making any attempt to clear your name of these
claims against you by opening an inquiry?
Akin: These are Greek Cypriot lies. The other side are educating their
children with Turkish animosity. You are never writing this. Why are you
making the killing of a dog sound so important?”

WHICH ARMENIAN ISSUE ?

By Etyen Mahcupyan – Zaman, Turkey – August 7, 2004

During Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tour of France, one of the most
anticipated meetings was the one with Socialist Party leader Francois
Hollande.

Because in previous statements, the party had emphasized that it expected
the Armenian issue to be taken up in the human rights context. It seems that
the prime minister’s visit did not change the other side’s expectation. In
other words, the French Socialist Party wants Turkey to make a gesture
concerning the events that happened in 1915, which perhaps will not even
necessitate a debate on “genocide.”

That is to say, it wants Turkey to accept that these events took place. On
the other side, it is obvious that there is no such condition in terms of
the Copenhagen Criteria because these criteria were determined collectively
for all the countries concerned. Therefore, handling specific historical,
geographical or cultural problems of countries in the “human rights”
context, could turn into a sort of psychological condition according to the
disposition of the person or institution dealing with the issue. This is
extremely natural because European Union (EU) membership is both a legal and
political issue; and the political aspect of the issue cannot be independent
of the perceptions, expectations and domestic policies of the societies.

However, this situation causes historical events, like those in 1915, to be
protracted and become a natural part of today’s politics. Hence, many
different Armenian issues surface… Today, European Union (EU)
institutions, the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, the government of the Turkish
Republic as well as the state, and finally, the Armenian congregation in
Turkey, all have different perceptions of the “Armenian issue,” and the
political functions and meanings of these approaches may differ from one
other. Therefore, the critical point is how to shape the required strategy
that will make Turkey play an active role both in the EU process and in its
own geography. Here, three important factors come to the fore: The first one
is naturally Turkey’s own objectives, its responsibility before its own eyes
and its position before its own society. The second point is what the right
attitude should be when looking forward in light of the globalization
process in the world. And the third is to what extent honesty over
historical facts would be adopted…

Such an analysis cannot arise independently of the mentality you possess;
however, if being active in the future world is desired, then the probable
mentality of the future needs to be shared. What this implies is that a
solution to the Armenian problem needs to be sought with a democratic
mentality. Above all, this approach implies being open to talks, and
basically, Turkey talking to itself. For example, the fact that Turkish
historians with different approaches, still cannot come together on the same
platform, is an attitude that implies that they are dodging the truths.
Turkey taking this [positive] step will bring two advantages: On one side,
“a moment to take a breath,” that will ensure the elimination of accusations
reflected from “abroad” will be gained, and the depression caused by the
“illegitimate” attitude carried out so far will be eradicated. On the other
side, Turkey will be able to come closer to some of the “different Armenian
issues” hovering around, it will particularly be able to bring to the agenda
different aspects of this event thanks to approaches that will include
Armenians living in Turkey and various coalitions.

The distinguishing aspect of the “genocide” concept kills the debate and
makes the quest of living together more difficult. However, it is necessary
to see that the logic of mutual conflict, that reaches the point of
rejecting historical events, will not benefit any of the sides. The Turkish
Republic overlooking this fact is a burden too heavy to bear before the
international community.

‘YERKIR’ EDITOR CALLS AZERI WAR STATEMENTS ABSURD

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Responding to the recent hostile statements made
by Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, ARF- Dashnaktsoutiun Armenia Supreme Body
member and Editor in Chief of “Yerkir” newspaper Spartak Seiranian said the
appeal “to declare war on Armenia and liberate Karabagh” was made to incite
the public.

On August 5, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported that the
chief spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, Colonel Ramiz Melikov,
publicly stated that “within the next 25 years there will exist no state of
Armenia in the South Caucasus.” He added: “Modern Armenia is built on
historical Azerbaijani lands…I think that in 25-30 years’ time, its
territory will again come under Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction.” Seiranian called
such statements “absurd,” adding it is meant for the uneducated people.

According to Seiranian, if Azeris believe they have such military force that
can fight and win, one should not forget that the Armenian fighters are also
ready to die for their homeland. “The Azeri warrior isn’t ready to die for
Karabagh, as he knows very well that Karabagh isn’t his land; on the
contrary, the Armenian fighter knows that he defends his homeland, and
that’s why he will go to all lengths,” he said. Seiranian, recalling the
victory of Armenian troops in the Karabagh war, stated confidently that if
the situation recurs in the future, the outcome would not be any different.

INTRODUCING YOUR BUSINESS TO GIBRAHAYER
Gibrahayer has been receiving requests from Armenian businesses, to promote
their products and services through the pages of Gibrahayer e-newsletter. I
call upon Armenian Cypriot businesses to make donations to Armenian
organisations and Charities for the advertising space provided by Gibrahayer
and urge all of you to support Armenian businesses and our advertisers !
Simon Aynedjian
Gibrahayer e-newsletter –

AMERICAN RECORDING PRODUCTIONS are leaders in the production and
distribution of Armenian and Middle Eastern traditional music. In 1991, Ara
Topouzian founded this world music label and it has always been the
intention to create global awareness of the traditional elements of Middle
Eastern music. Currently, his music is selling around the world through our
mail order/internet division and in 2,000 major record outlets.

‘It has been an amazing business; we currently are growing at a rate of four
to five new recordings per year. As a musician (kanun player) and enthusiast
of Armenian and Middle Eastern music, I have enjoyed producing recordings
that have become popular in homes around the world. The support we have
received and compliments from our customers have been tremendous. Your
support has kept our recordings, and more importantly the type of music we
produce, alive and visible. The year 2001 marks out 10th Anniversary of
American Recording Productions and we are in the works to commemorate this
milestone anniversary.’ said Topouzian.
ARP productions have been honored in several ways over these last few years.
Borders Inc. incorporated music from FULL CIRCLE into their telephone
on-hold music; FOR THE CHILDREN OF ARMENIA and STRINGED TRANQUILITY have
been included in several collegiate plays as well as the PBS documentary
“The Armenian Americans.” ARP has also taken part in humanitarian efforts
such as donating proceeds to Armenian relief causes for children, such as
FACES OF BRAVERY. To date, ARP has over thirty releases featuring some of
the finest musician ship from around the globe. Visit them at

CD OF THE WEEK: Eastern Winds (features Ara Topouzian, Ben Temkow, Mark
Sawasky, and Doug Shimmin) From calming meditative strains of ancient folk
song to invigorating, provocative rhythms of festive dance medley, EASTERN
WINDS soar gracefully over the music of Armenia, the Mediterranean and the
Middle East. Listeners who allow themselves to be swept up in these currents
are equally rewarded and challenged. The collection of pieces on this CD
offers a faithful representation of traditional melodies with specifics
origins, yet the innovative treatment and original arrangement of the
material is a testament to the universality of the music.

Special Offer: If you mention this newsletter, ARP will give a 15% discount
on your first total order! Eastern Winds can be purchased for $16.00 USD and
add $2.00 for US shipping. Add an additional $1.00 for all foreign orders.

Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.

OLYMPICS FACT SHEET
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Trdat III Arshakuni Armenian king Varazdat Arshakuni became the champion in
boxing at 291st Olympic Games held in 385.

The philosopher Plato (427-347) was a double winner of the pankration.

The 14 articles of the Olympic regulations included an article on
corruption: any corruption of a judge or an opponent would be punished by
whipping.

Some women, who were prohibited from attending the Games, did not accept
this segregation and dressed up as men, at the risk of being thrown from the
mountain of Typaion, as stipulated in the rules.

In 1990 the National Olympic Committee of Armenia was founded to further
development of physical education and sports. At present about 60 events are
popular in Armenia, there are 32 National Federations recognized by NOC of
Armenia.

The website of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia is at

Follow the online results of the Armenian & Cypriot athletes at

VERCHIN JAM: Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis beat France’s Gregory
Carraz in the Men’s Singles First Round 5-7, 7-6 and 7-5 during 28th Olympic
Games in
Athens.;id=3D271750

NEWS IN BRIEF
– Armenian Azeri and Turkish delegations clashed at the 3rd Youth Festival
in Barcelona in which more than 10,000 youth from around the world were
participating. The Turkish and Azeri delegation demanded that the
information on the genocide be removed from the poster board; however, the
ARF Dashnaktsoutiun Youth delegation refused, resulting in commotion.

– Based on the first half results of 2004 on the GDP of Armenia (9.2%) a
two-digit growth of the economy in Armenia is expected.

– Browse Google in Armenian. Check the following site

– A hand grenade was thrown at an internet-club in 2 Paronian street in
Yerevan and the owner 42 years old Laura Mnatsakanian died as a result of
the explosion.

– Georgian troops and separatist forces in South Ossetia exchanged sporadic
shelling and gunfire clouding talks between Russia and Georgia on the status
of the pro-Russian region.

– 18 sportsmen will represent Armenia in the Olympic Games, expected to do
well in weight-lifting, wrestling and boxing. Olympic champion Albert
Azarian carried the Armenian flag during the opening ceremony which was held
on August 13, 2004 in Athens.

g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r

â=80¢ The Armenian Youth Federation completed its 17th Annual Summer Camp at the
Morphou Prelature Camp Site at Kalopanayiotis on Sunday 15 August 2004.
Pictures from Camp can be viewed in our next issue.

â=80¢ A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members.

â=80¢ The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational
Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter will take place on Tuesday September
14, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at A.Y.M.A.

The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 23 August, 2004.

â=80¢ Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can beheard
via real audio on . Broadcast times 17:00-18:00 local Cyprus
time (14:00-15:00 GMT) News bulletins at 17:15 local time on Sundays,
Tuesdays, Fridays. Armenian Cypriots can also tune in on the following radio
frequencies 91.1 FM (Mount Olympus – for Nicosia listeners) 94.2 FM
(Paralimni/Protaras/Agia Napa) 92.4 FM (Larnaca) 96.5 FM (Paphos).

â=80¢ Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues” together with Robert Camassa.
The programme which is now in its second year can also be heard on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on . A repeat
programme can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.

â=80¢ AYMA announces that the weekly practices of the football team begin in the
second week of September. Contact the AYMA Sports Committee for more
details.

Gibrahayer is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth year,
disseminating news & posting upcoming events about the Armenian community of
Cyprus, Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. The list also promotes the
discussion of issues brought forward by its members. The subscription to
this service is free. To subscribe to Gibrahayer e-newsletter, follow the
instructions at To contact the
listmaster send an email to [email protected]

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
617-926-8733
[email protected]
www.armeniat ree.org

Contact: Jeffrey Masarjian

August 18, 2004

ATP to Participate in Upcoming UN DPI/NGO Conference in New York City

WATERTOWN, MA – Armenia Tree Project (ATP) has been invited to attend the 57th
Annual United Nations Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental
Organization Conference (DPI/NGO) to be held at the UN headquarters in New
York City. The conference will be held from September 8-10 and is titled
`Millennium Development Goals: Civil Society Takes Action.’

The conference will focus on the roles of NGOs as well as civil society and
governments for implementing the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
adopted by the UN assembly during its high-level millennium session in 2000.

ATP was invited to participate in the conference in association with the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) as well as the Armenian Assembly of
America. Representing ATP will be Executive Director Jeffrey Masarjian.

The MDG target areas that ATP specifically focuses on in Armenia through its
multi-faceted environmental restoration efforts include poverty alleviation,
hunger reduction, sustainable development, and reversing the loss of
environmental resources through reforestation programs.

ATP has already begun implementing ambitious programs in the villages of
Aygut and Dzoravank located in the Getik River Valley aimed at restoring the
environmental integrity of the surrounding areas while jumpstarting the
local economic development of rural communities. Village residents are
provided economic incentives for fostering the growth of tree seedlings to
be transplanted in nearby decimated forests, thereby helping to reduce
poverty. ATP also provides resources to local schools for teaching
fundamentals about environmental protection and is also strengthening
communities by helping to create fruit and nut orchards, which will provide
greater food security and economic development. Mr. Masarjian will outline
these and other ways that ATP is contributing to the development of civil
society in Armenia during a panel discussion with representatives of two
other NGOs.

Conference delegates will attend five plenary sessions with UN agency, NGO,
civil society, and governmental leaders to assess the challenges associated
with meeting each of the goals by the target date, set for 2015. That same
date marks ATP’s goal to have planted 15 million trees throughout Armenia.

Since 1994, Armenia Tree Project has been dedicated to restoring,
revitalizing, and protecting Armenia’s environment, while simultaneously
alleviating the socioeconomic burdens facing its people. Thus far, over
531,000 trees have been planted and restored under ATP’s guidance throughout
Armenia. By 2006, ATP programs will have the capacity to produce and plant
over 1 million trees per year.

For more information about ATP, please visit

Armenian National Institute
122 C Street, NW Suite 360
Washington, D.C.  20001
Phone: 202-383-9009
Fax: 202-383-9012
E-mail: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
August 18, 2004
CONTACT: David Zenian
Phone: (202) 383-9009
E-mail:[email protected]

ANI HELPS LAUNCH EDUCATION PROGRAM ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Armenian National Institute Director, Dr. Rouben Adalian, was in London,
Ontario, August 9-10, to help launch the General Romeo Dallaire Summer
Institute on Teaching the Holocaust and Genocide.  Named in honor of the
Canadian commander of the United Nations peacekeeping mission for Rwanda,
Dallaire warned superiors of the impending genocide in the country to no
avail.  Despite UN reluctance to authorize him to take action, Dallaire, of
his own volition, took measures that saved the lives of up to 40,000
Rwandans.

Since his retirement from service, Lieutenant-General Dallaire has become an
outspoken proponent of the need for humanitarian intervention in predictable
instances of genocide and mass violence, as well as a persuasive defender of
the argument that genocide is preventable.

Dallaire was also honored by civic and other community leaders the evening
of August 9 with a public dinner at the London Convention Center where Dr.
Adalian paid tribute to Dallaire’s personal campaign to continue to remind
the world of the lessons of the Rwandan Genocide ten years after its
occurrence, while ninety years after the fact the Armenian Genocide is just
being recognized.  For his contributions to preventing crimes against
humanity, Dr. Adalian described Dallaire as “a champion of humanity.”

Spearheaded by the Association for the Elimination of Hate, the summer
institute for teachers was convened at the University of Western Ontario,
and the inclusion of the Armenian Genocide component coordinated by the
International Institute for Human Rights and Genocide Studies, a division of
the Zoryan Institute of Toronto, Canada.

Focusing on the challenges of teaching about genocide, Dr. Adalian provided
teachers extensive background to the Armenian Genocide and introduced them
to the many educational resources now available through the ANI Web site
(), including the teachers resource book newly
issued by Facing History and Ourselves Foundation.

Following Major Brent Beardsley’s presentation on the Rwandan Genocide, Dr.
Adalian compared the Armenian, Jewish, and Rwandan experiences.  Beardsley
served as Dallaire’s second in command in Rwanda.  “I was particularly
honored by General Dallaire’s participation in the session on the Armenian
Genocide,” Adalian added.  “It was an opportunity to share views on the
subject with a distinguished and courageous individual, who himself was a
witness to genocide.”

The Armenian National Institute is a Washington-based organization dedicated
to the study, research, and affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.

Montclair State University
Upper Montclair , New Jersey
*Contact: Bob Quarteroni *

Aug. 2, 2004

*Papazian named Dean of MSU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences*

* *

*MONTCLAIR, N. J*. – Dr. Mary A. Papazian of Michigan has been named
Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State
University, announced Dr. Richard A. Lynde, Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs at MSU. Papazian has been serving as Associate
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oakland University in
Michigan, where she has been employed since 1988.

Papazian’s appointment was approved at the June MSU Board of
Trustees meeting. She begins at MSU Aug. 16.

Papazian has been Associate Dean of Oakland University’s largest
academic unit since 1999. Offering more than two-thirds of all courses
at the university, the College is home to 240 full-time and 200-part
time faculty members and has a yearly operating budget of $25 million.
During her tenure, Papazian developed and gained approval for academic
programs ranging from the Ph.D. in biological communication to an M.A.
in liberal studies and bachelor degree programs in studio art and
women’s studies. She served as the university’s coordinator for the
annual Meeting of the Minds undergraduate research conference; as
ombudsman for faculty and students; and as Executive Director of the
Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, where she developed an
assessment of the current state of performing arts at Oakland and a plan
for its future. She taught English literature starting in 1988, was
named associate professor in 1994, and full professor in 2003.

“We are delighted that such a talented and visionary administrator,
teacher and scholar has joined the leadership team at Montclair State,”
Lynde said. “Mary’s guidance and vision at the largest of MSU’s
Colleges and Schools will prove invaluable as we continue our efforts to
elevate the University’s academic and programmatic offerings to the very
highest level.”

Papazian said, “Montclair State University is on the cusp of a new
era that will carry it to great heights. I am excited to have the
opportunity to assist the University, and its faculty, students and
administrative leadership team in reaching that goal. The dynamism,
enthusiasm and excitement of a University reaching its potential as a
truly great institution is contagious. I cannot wait to get started.”

Papazian was also chair of the Phyllis Law Googasian Award
Committee at Oakland University; and chair of the College of Arts and
Science’s Committee on Appointment and Promotion. In addition, she
participated in ongoing fund-raising activities; chaired the Teaching
Excellence Award Committee; and was a member of the University Senate,
Honor’s College Council and the executive committee of the university’s
affiliate of the American Council of Education Network for Women Leaders.

An active writer, researcher and conference speaker, Papazian was
editor of “John Donne and the Protestant Reformation: New Perspectives,”
published by Wayne State University Press in 2003 and has two additional
books nearly complete. She also has contributed numerous articles on
John Donne and the early modern period to books and journals such as
/Modern Philology/ and the /John Donne Journal/. In addition, she
recently was elected second vice-president of the John Donne Society.

Papazian earned her B.A. in English literature in 1981; her M.A.
in 1983 and her Ph.D. in 1988, all from the University of California,
Los Angeles. She will be moving east with her husband, Professor Dennis
R. Papazian, a long-time scholar at the University of Michigan, Dearborn
with expertise in the history of the former Soviet Union and its
successor states (particularly Armenia), and her two daughters, Ani (10)
and Marie (five).

Additional information on MSU’s College of Humanities and Social
Sciences may be found on the University’s website at
<;.

<> MSU is New Jersey’s second largest and fastest growing
university. It offers the advantages of a large university — a
comprehensive undergraduate curriculum with a global focus, a broad
variety of superior graduate programs, and a diverse faculty and student
body — combined with a small college’s attention to students.

More information on the University is available on its website:

Armenian government, telecoms operator negotiate in London

Haykakan Zhamanak, Yerevan
17 Aug 04

Text of Vahagn Hovakimyan’s report in Armenian newspaper Haykakan
Zhamanak on 17 August headlined “They’re negotiating little by little”

Representatives of the Armenian government and the ArmenTel company
have been negotiating since 9 August in London. The Armenian
government is represented by Justice Minister David Arutyunyan,
ArmenTel by the company’s chief executive officer, Vasilios
Fetsis. The parties are refusing to make any comments on the
negotiation process. However, some information is provided by
unofficial conversations.

In particular, what is most important for the government is to take
back the monopoly given to ArmenTel in the sphere of cellular
communications, which can be considered already done. The developments
showed that ArmenTel does not want to struggle for a de jure monopoly
in the sphere of cellular communications any more, as it is able to
achieve its objectives without this juridical status. Thus, it is not
a surprise that the issue of losing the cellular communication
monopoly will be discussed during the negotiations only from the point
of view of possible ways of interrelations with a new operator.

In relations with ArmenTel, the second important task is bringing the
company back under control. That is, it is necessary for the company
to take no action without the government’s agreement, especially in
tariff policy. Our sources characterize the government’s goal in the
following way: ArmenTel must obey. All the remaining issues, such as
the digitization of stations, upgrading of Internet communication and
others can be considered secondary. For example, there is no doubt
that if ArmenTel does not increase the tariff per minute of fixed
communication, the government, in its turn, can forget about an
improvement in the quality of communications for some time. In the
given case the introduction of a tariff of eight drams per minute is
in question. It is a highly explosive issue for the Armenian
government. However, there is no doubt that in this issue the
government can only gain time at best. That is, in the course of the
negotiations, the government will have to come to an agreement on
tariffs, which means that subscribers will be informed in the near
future when these tariffs, a cause of general horror, will be applied.

According to specialists, the government may only gain time up to the
beginning of next year at best. Our sources close to the government
characterize the negotiations as a “war”, i.e. if the parties have
started negotiations, it does not mean that they are going to yield
their positions, and the past week of the negotiations is evidence of
it. At the same time, it should be noted that in this period, the
negotiations have been slower and the reason is the Olympics in
Athens. However, on the other hand, it is connected with other
circumstances as well. In particular, ArmenTel wants to deprive the
government of its trump card related to cellular communications, that
is, to overcome the deficit in the sphere. Thus, it is not accidental
that ArmenTel restarted the system of prepayment for cellular
communications, the provision of Easy Cards, yesterday in
Yerevan. Thirteen service points will distribute 200 numbers daily.
Easy Cards are provided to those registered during previous
months. However, ArmenTel does not specify what it will do next after
provision of the numbers. According to unofficial data, ArmenTel
intends to make uninterrupted provision of the cards, thereby
liquidating their deficit on the market.