Armenian electricity output up in first half of 2004

Noyan Tapan news agency
17 Aug 04

YEREVAN

In the first six months of 2004, Armenia generated 3,215.4m kWh of
electricity, which is 17.3 per cent more compared with the same period
of last year.

The Armenian nuclear power station increased its output by 150 per
cent, the hydro-electric power station by 5 per cent and the thermal
power plant by 37 per cent, the Armenian national statistics service
has reported.

[Passage omitted: minor figures]

Also, the volume of thermal energy generated during the reported
period stood at 289,500 gigacalories, which is 128.9 per cent more
compared to the last year.

Azerbaijan relies on own forces in fight against terrorism – foreign minister

Ekho Moskvy news agency, Moscow
18 Aug 04

There is still room for negotiations and the sides can achieve
progress in the Nagornyy Karabakh settlement, Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in a live broadcast on Ekho Moskvy
radio on 18 August following talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey
Lavrov in Moscow. Russia, being a mediator in the talks, is
responsible for finding a speedy solution to the problem, he
said. Terrorism is a major threat to the country, and Azerbaijan
relies in the first place on its own forces in the fight against
international terrorism, the minister said. Speaking about the
country’s oil policy, Mammadyarov said that Russian oil giant LUKoil
was an important player on Azerbaijan’s oil market. The following is
the text of the interview by Russian news agency Ekho Moskvy on 18
August; subheadings have been inserted editorially:

South Ossetia

Azerbaijan believes that the situation around South Ossetia should be
resolved within the framework of Georgia’s territorial integrity,
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has said in a live
broadcast on Ekho Moskvy radio.

“Georgia is our strategic partner and a very close trade and economic
partner, we have very similar positions on many issues in
international relations,” he said. At the same time, Azerbaijan calls
for a peaceful settlement of the conflict around South Ossetia. “War
is too a radical solution to the issue,” Mammadyarov said.

Oil

“Following the reforms to build a market economy in the country,
energy exports have acquired a commercial nature,” Elmar Mammadyarov
said. He said that increasing the volume of Azerbaijani crude
transported via the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline was discussed at talks
with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday [18
August]. But both sides understand that “this depends on commercial
costs”, Mammadyarov said.

It is not important for Azerbaijan in principle companies of what
countries work in the country’s energy sector, everything is defined
by the “tariff policy” – ” those who offer better terms get
contracts”, the Azerbaijani foreign minister said.

He also said that [Russia’s] LUKoil was still “quite an important
player on Azerbaijan’s oil market”. In particular, “joint development
of a number of fields in the Caspian” is under way.

The construction of the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline will end in the
second quarter of 2005, Mammadyarov said. He added that up to 70 per
cent of the pipeline has been built so far. He said that this was
“quite a complicated project” because the pipeline will go through
many countries.

Karabakh

“We want the Minsk Group to be more active in the settlement” of the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict, the Azerbaijani foreign minister said.

The OSCE Minsk Group “has the potential that it has to use and put
into action. We expect the co-chairs of the group – the USA, France
and Russia – to be more actively involved in the negotiations,” he
said. “These super powers should make consistent efforts to resolve
the problem,” he noted. Russia, as a co-chair of the Minsk Group, “is
responsible for finding a speedy solution to the issue,” Mammadyarov
stressed.

Speaking about the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Mammadyarov said
that there still was room for negotiations and that “we can achieve
some results if the sides wish”.

The problem of displaced persons has to be resolved within the
settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh problem, Mammadyarov
stressed. “According to available information, Armenia is settling
people on the occupied territory”, which could result in a conflict if
some progress is achieved during the talks, he said. “If Armenia is
carrying out a purposeful programme on settling people on that
territory, then it can provide support to families,” Mammadyarov
said. In any case, this issue should be solved within the framework of
international law, the Azerbaijani foreign minister said.

Terrorism

Azerbaijan views terrorism as a major foreign threat, Mammadyarov
said.

He said that this could be explained in the first place by the
country’s geopolitical position. A total of 32 terror acts have been
carried out in Azerbaijan since the collapse of the USSR, Mammadyarov
said.

At the same time, the Azerbaijani foreign minister said that
Azerbaijan and Russia stuck to similar positions in the fight against
international terrorism. However, in the fight against international
terrorism “Azerbaijan will rely in the first place on its own forces”,
Mammadyarov stressed.

Our Man in Armenia

The Virginia Gazette
August 18, 2004

By Paul Aron

WILLIAMSBURG — In 1619, “Martin the Armenian” arrived in Jamestown. The
Virginia Company sent him because of his expertise in manufacturing
silk. That venture failed, since Virginia proved better suited for
growing tobacco than mulberry trees.

The Armenian connection was renewed last week, when John Evans, who grew
up in The Colony on Lake Powell, was sworn in as the U.S. ambassador to the
Republic of Armenia. The country is in western Asia and borders Turkey,
Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Evans, who was born in 1948, attended Matthew Whaley and James Blair
before going to St. Andrew’s School in Delaware and Yale University.

His early experiences played a key role in his decision to become a
diplomat. “Growing up in Williamsburg inclined me to study history,” he
said. “And Williamsburg was a common first stop for heads of state.”

Evans joined the foreign service in 1971. He has worked at the embassies
in Moscow, Prague and Teheran. He was deputy director of the Soviet desk
at the State Department during the Carter administration.

Evans first became involved with Armenia in 1988, when he helped
coordinate American rescue and assistance efforts after a big
earthquake. He won a
humanitarian award from the Soviet Armenian government.

In 1994 he became U.S. consul general in St. Petersburg, where he got to
know Vladimir Putin, then deputy mayor and now Russia’s president.

President Bush nominated Evans for the ambassadorship in May. The Senate
confirmed him in June, and he was sworn in Aug. 11. He leaves this week for
Yerevan, the Armenian capital.

Among the challenges he’ll face are the ongoing tension between Armenia
and neighboring Azerbaijan, and the nation’s poverty. Armenia receives
the largest per-capita level of U.S. assistance of any country in Eurasia.

“The main goals of my mission will be to promote security and stability,
economic growth and the development of democratic institutions,” Evans said.

He also hopes to work with Armenian-Americans, a politically active
community.

As Evans’ work took him around the globe, his parents continued to live
here. Frank Evans, an English professor at William & Mary, died in 2001.
Margaret Evans, an artist and active member of the Williamsburg Garden
Club, died earlier this year.

,0,5933562.story?coll=va-news

Macedonia beats Armenia 3-0 in World Cup qualifying

.c The Associated Press

SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) – Goran Pandev, Artim Shaqiri and Velice
Sumulikoski each scored as Macedonia beat Armenia 3-0 in a European
World Cup Group 1 qualifier on Wednesday.

Pandev began the home team’s rout before 10,000 at City Stadium by
easily penetrating Armenia’s defense and sending a long shot past
late-reacting Armenia goalkeeper Armen Ambartsumyan.

In the 38th, Macedonia star midfielder Shaqiri used a swift pass from
the left to dribble through the defense for a solo goal.

In the second half, Armenia focused on defense, managing to repel a
barrage of enthusiastic attacks by the Macedonians – but only until
the 90th when Sumulikoski capitalized on a convenient pass from
Pandev.

Armenia captain Hartyun Vardanyan was red-carded in the 72nd. He was
trying to return the ball to his goalie when Pandev sneaked from
behind, snatched the ball and an exasperated Vardanyan pushed
him. Referee Anton Genov of Bulgaria promptly punished the captain.

Lineups:

Macedonia: Petar Milosevski, Vanco Trajanov (Aleksandar Vasovski, 67),
Goce Sedloski, Goran Stavrevski, Vasko Bozinovski, Aleksandar
Mitrevski, Velice Sumulikoski, Draganco Dimitrovski (Igor Jancevski,
46), Mile Krstev, Artim Shaqiri (Goce Toleski, 82), Goran Pandev.

Armenia: Armen Ambartsumyan, Yeghishe Melikyan, Karen Dokhoyan
(Alexander Teteosian, 80), Sargis Hovsebyan, Hartyun Vardanyan, Romik
Khachatryan (Karen Alexandyan, 46), Artur Petrosyan (Ara Hakobyan,
67), Rafayel Nazaryan, Albert Sarkisian, Artavazd Karamyan, Andrey
Movsesyan.

08/18/04 16:31 EDT

Boy, 8, in freeway accident still in coma

Pasadena Star News
Article Published: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 – 9:06:33 PM PST

Boy, 8, in freeway accident still in coma

Funeral services for other victims set

By Marshall Allen , Staff Writer

PASADENA — An 8- year-old Pasadena boy remains in a medically induced coma
after a rollover accident last week in which he was hurled from a sport
utility vehicle onto the Gold Line tracks and hit by a train.

Three women, including the child’s mother, Lena Khodaverdian, 41, were
killed and two others critically injured in the one-vehicle accident. The
crash happened about 10 a.m. Thursday on the eastbound Foothill (210)
Freeway just before the Madre Street exit.

The group of eight was from the Armenian Brotherhood Bible Church in
Pasadena. They were traveling to a picnic at the Santa Fe Dam R ecreation A
rea in Irwindale when they crashed for unknown reasons. The California
Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Only two people in the SUV, including the driver, were wearing seat belts.
They sustained minor injuries and have been released from the hospital.

Two other women remain in critical condition one at Huntington Hospital and
the other at Los Angeles C ounty- USC Medical Center said Azniv Ailanjian,
the church’s secretary.

The boy lost his foot when he was hit by the train, and he also sustained
head and chest injuries, authorities said. He is being treated at County-USC
Medical Center, where doctors are trying to diagnose any potential brain
injury, Ailanjian said.

Khodaverdian’s funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at Forest Lawn-
Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles.

The memorial service for Alice Basmadjian, 82, is scheduled for 11 a.m.
today at the Armenian Brotherhood Bible Church, 1536 Washington Blvd.,
Pasadena.

Services have not been finalized for Hrepsimi Hadadjian, 77, the third woman
killed in the accident, Ailanjian said.

Funds have been established to help the victims. Donations sent to the
Armenian Brotherhood Bible Church will go to the victims with the greatest
needs. Checks should be made out to the church.

Christ Armenian Church in La Crescenta has established a fund for the boy’s
family. Checks should be designated for “Lena’ and sent to 3857 Foothill
Blvd., Suite 158, La Crescenta, CA 91214.

Marshall Allen can be reached at (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4461, or by e-mail at
[email protected]

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
 
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]

OREGON CONGRESSMAN EARL BLUMENAUER JOINS ARMENIAN CAUCUS
Membership Jumps to 133

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly welcomed the official announcement
today that Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) has joined the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues, bringing the total to 133. The news follows an
August 10 district meeting with the Armenian Assembly held August 10 in
Portland, Oregon.

“As the congressional representative of many Armenians in Portland, I’m
proud to be the latest member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues, an ever-growing group of those of us in Congress who want to give
these issues the attention they deserve,” said Congressman Blumenauer.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues and the members of the
Armenian community in my home town and around the world on issues of
importance to Armenians,” he continued.

Assembly Western Office Director Lena Kaimian, who led this week’s meeting,
said: “We welcome Congressmen Blumenauer’s membership to the Armenian
Caucus. He brings experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the Caucus and
we look forward to working with him and his congressional colleagues on
issues pertinent to the community.”

“Assembly supporters worked closely with our Los Angeles staff to encourage
the Congressman’s membership to the Caucus,” Kaimian continued. “I would
especially like to thank activists Greg Geokjian and Les Margosian for
participating in this meeting and advocating on behalf of our issues.”

Congressman Blumenauer, who has represented Oregon’s Third Congressional
District since 1996, is a well-known supporter of Armenian-American issues.
As such, he has urged President George W. Bush to appropriately acknowledge
the Armenian Genocide, voted to maintain Section 907 of the Freedom Support
Act and supported the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act.

The Congressman also serves on the International Relations Committee and is
a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He joins fellow
Oregon lawmaker, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (D-OR) in representing
Armenian-American interests on the Caucus.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

NR#2004-073

Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:

Caption: Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR.)

Armenian National Committee of Florida
PO Box 741364
Boynton Beach, FL 33474
954-401-9787
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
August 18, 2004

Contact: Bedo Der-Bedrossian
[email protected]

ANC FLORIDA ACTIVISTS MEET
WITH KEY REPUBLICAN LEGISLATORS

— Strengthen ties with Cuban American Community

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – ANC Florida activists continued their meetings
with South Florida Congressional offices today, discussing
community concerns with six-term Republican House Member Lincoln
Diaz-Balart and senior representatives from the offices of Rep.
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. E. Clay Shaw (R-FL).

During the first meeting, participants discussed the status of the
Genocide Resolution (H.Res.193) and asked Rep. Diaz-Balart for his
support in encouraging the House Leadership to schedule a vote on
the measure. The group also urged the Representative to
participate in upcoming commemorative events marking the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, both in Washington, DC and in
his local district. ANC South Florida Chairman Bedo Der-Bedrossian
thanked the Congressman for joining with the South Florida Armenian
American community this past April 24th to mark this solemn
occasion. In turn, Rep. Diaz-Balart expressed appreciation to the
Armenian community for their solidarity on several issues of
concern to the Cuban American community. Specifically, the
Representative made reference to Armenian participation at a
protest against Communist repression in Cuba held during an
international summit in Geneva, Switzerland last year. The ANC
delegation pledged to work even more closely with the Cuban
American community on issues of mutual concern.

Participants at the meeting included ANCA Eastern Region Director
Doug Geogerian, ANCA Government Affairs Director Abraham Niziblian,
ANC South Florida Chairman Bedo Der-Bedrossian, Naomi Davityan,
ANCA intern and Florida activist Michael Toumayan, and Tony
Yaghjian as well as Armenian Assembly Grassroots Director Nancy
Hiteshue and recent Armenian Assembly intern Daniel Koushagjian.

Following this meeting, Geogerian, Niziblian, Der-Bedrossian and
Toumayan went on to discuss Armenian Genocide legislation and U.S.-
Armenia trade relations with Deborah Zimmerman, District Chief of
Staff for Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. The ANCA delegation expressed
appreciation for a key Committee vote Rep. Ros-Lehtinen had cast in
September 2000 in support of the Armenian Genocide Resolution
(H.Res.596). They went on to discuss a number of U.S. – Armenia
economic issues including continuing high levels of U.S. assistance
to Armenia, the importance of maintaining U.S. military assistance
parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan and providing U.S. assistance to
Nagorno Karabagh

During the meeting with Rep. E. Clay Shaw’s District Director Joel
Gustafson, the ANCA delegation again focused on proper U.S.
reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide as well as efforts to
strengthen U.S. – Armenia economic and political relations. The
delegation included Geogerian, Niziblian, Der-Bedrossian, Toumayan
as well as local activists Siran Der-Bedrossian and Allen
Jaknavorian.

At each of the meetings, ANCA activists encouraged Members of
Congress to co-sign a letter, initiated by Representatives George
Radanovich (R-CA), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) urging the House
Leadership to support inclusion of the Schiff Amendment in the FY
2005 Foreign Aid Bill and to schedule a vote on the Genocide
Resolution (H.Res.193). The Schiff Amendment, adopted unanimously
by the House by a voice vote, would bar Turkey from utilizing U.S.
foreign assistance to lobby against the Genocide resolution
(H.Res.193).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Glendale News Press
LATimes.com
Aug 18 2004

REEL CRITICS
‘Diaries’ sequel royally engaging

AMUSING EVENTS KEEP STORY ROLLING

Carin Kellzi, 13, of Glendale begins eighth grade in the fall at
Armenian Sisters’ Academy in Montrose.

It all started when shy, 15-year-old Mia Thermopolis’ (Anne Hathaway)
grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) came to town and told Mia
she was a princess – heir to the throne of Genovia. Furious and
skeptical, Mia agreed to take princess lessons and make the biggest
decision of her life – to leave San Francisco and her wonderful
friends and family or to live in Genovia and make a difference in the
world. That was in part one – “Princess Diaries.”

Now five years later, Mia, a college graduate, returns and faces
bigger challenges than before. Not only does Mia have to get married
in 30 days, she has to win the hearts of all Genovians over the man
who is trying to take the throne away from her.

Before I divulge more of the movie, which has a good plot, constant
laughs and other witty events that keep the movie rolling fast, I
think “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” is an incredible movie.
It’s hip, hilarious, romantic and heartwarming. It’s a movie that the
entire family would enjoy. Andrews is a wonderful actress and
Hathaway is truly a princess. On a scale of one to 10, I would rate
this awesome movie a 10-plus.

OLD AND NEW CHARACTERS ARE ENDEARING

Sareen Kellzi, 16, of Glendale will be a senior in the fall at Clark
Magnet High School. She is the sister of fellow critic Carin Kellzi.

Mia Thermopolis is no longer the awkward 15-year-old from the first
movie. She is now 21 and ready to accept her responsibilities as
queen of Genovia. There’s just one little problem – she has to get
married. So as the search for the perfect husband begins, Mia has to
decide what’s more important to her, finding true love or her
obligation to the Genovian people.

Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews reprise their roles as Princess Mia
and Queen Clarisse. Much of the original cast has also returned, to
the audience’s delight, including Heather Matarazzo as Mia’s best
friend, Lily, and Hector Elizondo as Joseph, head of Genovian
security. There are also many new faces that only add to the humor,
overall appeal and charm of the film, such as Princess Mia’s two love
interests and the palace employees.

While it could have easily been cheesy and predictable, “Princess
Diaries 2” doesn’t fall into that trap and manages to be both funny
and fresh, mostly due to Hathaway’s charming performance and Andrews’
elegant allure.

The movie is full of nonstop laughs kids and parents will both enjoy.
While I think the movie will be more appealing and enjoyable for
girls, I think brothers or dads dragged along to see it won’t be
disappointed either. It’s a great summer movie and I guarantee you’ll
leave the theater smiling.

– “Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” is rated G.

Arizona Republic, AZ
Aug 18 2004

Just 16 centuries later, we return to Olympia

Jeff Metcalfe

ATHENS – So, where did we leave off?

You remember, of course, Armenian Prince Varazdates and the spectacle
of his boxing triumph. And who can forget Zopyros of Athens,
wrestling-boxing his way to the junior pankration crown.

It seems like just yesterday, and a scant 1,611 years later, the boys
are back in Olympia. This time the girls were invited, too, and for
more than marrying off.

In the spectacle of all spectacles in the Olympics’ return to Greece,
the men’s and women’s shot put will be held today at the revered site
of the ancient Games, near where the flame for each modern Olympics
is lighted.

“It’s the lush, ancient Olympic scene,” said John Godina, the
two-time Olympic shot put medalist who now makes Mesa his home. He
and the other U.S. throwers, who could pull off a men’s medals sweep,
have been in Olympia, 210 miles southwest of Athens, since Sunday.
“It’s really getting me charged up. I have to relax myself so I don’t
waste any nervous energy. It’s exactly what you’d think it was going
to be.”

That’s the rub of being part of the emotional touchstone of these
Olympics. It’s simultaneously inspiring and draining, with as much
potential for crashing as for soaring in the personal playground of
Zeus and Hercules.

“I just want to keep it as serious as possible,” said Reese Hoffa,
who competed wearing a mask in 2003 as the Unknown Shot Putter.
“Olympia itself is enough attention right now. I don’t want to make a
mockery of the site or Olympia itself.”

Godina, Adam Nelson and Hoffa could post the first U.S. men’s sweep
since 1960. Godina places those odds at 50-50, but first priority for
the 32-year-old is to add gold to his silver medal from 1996 and
bronze from 2000.

Andrei Mikhnevich of Belarus and Janus Robberts of South Africa could
challenge the Americans, but the U.S. treasure chest of 46 all-time
men’s shot medals will almost certainly grow.

Russians Irina Karzhanenko and Svetlana Krivelyova are favorites to
become the first female champion at Olympia, where women participated
only as chariot-race owners during the ancient Games.

There was no shot put in Olympia, either. Discus and javelin were the
throws in the pentathlon, which also included long jump, running and
wrestling.

Modern style – allowing two body turns rather than three-quarters of
a turn – and distances make the discus impossible in a stadium that
is only 232 yards long. Some 45,000 crammed in for the ancient
Olympics, but attendance is restricted to a third of that today.

And unlike the ancients, today’s Olympians are keeping their clothes
on.

“Most of the fans are very thankful about that,” Godina said.

Peterborough Evening Telegraph, UK
Aug 18 2004

CRIME: Murder victim’s gravestone may be changed

THE name on the gravestone of a man brutally murdered in a field
could be changed if detectives can contact his parents.

Police have released a list of pseudonyms belonging to Hovhannes
Armirian (43), from Armenia – the name attributed to him by his
Belgian wife.

However, in the asylum-seeking community of East Anglia, Mr Armirian
was more commonly known as Sarko.

And after delving into his past, detectives have uncovered a long list
of aliases, most of which are variations of Sarkis Matewosjan.

That list has been passed to newspapers in eastern Europe, in the
hope of discovering both Mr Armirian’s true identity and his parents.

If detectives are successful, the inscription on the wooden cross in
Eastfield cemetery, Eastfield Road, Peterborough, which originally
read Male Unknown, could be changed for a third time.

The bid to find the Upton murder victim’s true identity is not a part
of the murder investigation.

A 26-year-old man, previously arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr
Armirian, whose smouldering body was found shot, stabbed and set
alight in a field, in Upton near Peterborough, remains in care,
mentally unfit to be questioned.

However, Detective Inspector Bert Deane, who has led the 20-month
investigation, said: “I feel it is necessary to find out the full
background of the victim.

“That is something we have always wanted to do, even after we found
his wife in Belgium. Whenever you have a murder victim you want to
make sure all his next of kin know what has happened to him.”