BBC News, UK
Aug 1 2004
Iraqi Christians’ long history

Iraq’s Christians comprise many rites
Christians have inhabited what is modern day Iraq for some two
thousand years, tracing their ancestry to ancient Mesopotamia and
surrounding lands.
Theirs is a long and complex history.
Before the Gulf War in 1991, they numbered about one million, but
that figures is now put at 650,000 and falling.
Under Saddam Hussein, in overwhelmingly Muslim Iraq, some Christians
rose to the top, notably the Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, and
the Baathist regime kept a lid on anti-Christian violence.
Biblical city
In the wake of the 1991 Gulf War and the imposition of sanctions,
many Iraqi Christians, who had lived in relative harmony with their
Muslim neighbours for decades, left to join family in the West.
The secular government of Saddam Hussein largely suppressed
anti-Christian attacks, but it also subjected some communities to its
“relocation programmes”.
For Christians this was particularly marked in the oil-rich areas,
where the authorities tried to create Arab majorities near the
strategic oilfields.
Christians live in the capital, Baghdad, and are also concentrated in
the northern cities of Kirkuk, Irbil and Mosul – once a major
Mesopotamian trading hub known as Nineveh in the Bible.
Most Iraqi Christians are Chaldeans, Eastern-rite Catholics who are
autonomous from Rome but who recognise the Pope’s authority.
Chaldeans are an ancient people, many of whom still speak Aramaic,
the language of Jesus.
Monasteries
The other significant community are Assyrians, the descendants of the
ancient empires of Assyria and Babylonia.
After their empires collapsed in the 6th and 7th Centuries BC, the
Assyrians scattered across the Middle East.
They embraced Christianity in the 1st Century AD, with their Ancient
Church of the East believed to be the oldest in Iraq.
Assyrians also belong to the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Chaldean
Church, and various Protestant denominations.
When Iraq became independent in 1932, the Iraqi military carried out
large-scale massacres of the Assyrians in retaliation for their
collaboration with Britain, the former colonial power.
Their villages were destroyed, and churches and monasteries torn
down.
In recent years, however, some places of worship were rebuilt.
Other ancient Churches include Syrian Catholics, Armenian Orthodox
and Armenian Catholic Christians, who fled from massacres in Turkey
in the early 20th Century.
There are also small Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic communities,
as well as Anglicans and Evangelicals.

Tehran Times, Iran
Aug 1 2004
U.S. Military Officers To Be Stationed Near Azerbaijan-Iran Border
Tehran Times Political Desk
TEHRAN (MNA) — Azeri military forces are stationed near the borders
with Iran will come under the command of U.S. military officers, a
news website reported on Sunday.
According to an agreement between the Azeri army and the NATO
military alliance, U.S. officers will be stationed in one out of four
prominent border posts near the Azerbaijan-Iran border, the Baztab
said in a report posted on its website.
Most of the Azeri army officers being stationed on the
Azerbaijan-Iran borders have been given special training by NATO.
In every selected border post four U.S. officers will be stationed;
each of the officers are trained in border, intelligence, security,
and military affairs. Some of the officers are members of the U.S.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The stationing of officers near Iranian borders is taking place as
the Republic of Azerbaijan imports modern warfare equipments aiming
to regain Karabakh from Armenia.
The military equipment will be delivered to Baku following
negotiations between Azeri diplomatic delegation with Turkish, and
U.S. officials.

Tehran Times, Iran
Aug 2 2004
Iran Installs Wind Turbines In Armenia
TEHRAN (PIN) — Managing director of Sanir Company said Iran will
start installing wind turbines in Armenia as of next year.
Alireza Kadkhoda’i added that necessary studies have been carried out
and suitable location has been chosen.
`Wind farms are usually built on small scale and low capacity. The
Armenian wind farm would comprise four units with total capacity of
2.6 MW which can be developed to 20 MW,’ he noted.

Agence France Presse
Aug 1 2004
Frenchman Casoni Named As Armenia’s New Coach
AFP: 8/1/2004
MARSEILLE, France, Aug 1 (AFP) – Former French international defender
Bernard Casoni has been named as coach of Armenia.
Casoni, 43, said he had signed a one-year contract with the Armenian
football federation with the “aim of helping to structure Armenian
football, currently on the rise.”
Casoni, who has previously coached Marseille from 1999-2000,
Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel and Cannes, will be assisted by fellow
former international and close friend Bernard Pardo.
Casoni heads to Armenia on Thursday for preparations for the national
team’s first qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup, a game against
Macedonia on August 18. Armenia is currently ranked 118th in FIFA’s
world rankings.

Baghdad, 6 July 2004 (RFE/RL)
Iraq: Tiny Ethnic-Armenian Community Survived Hussein, Making It In Postwar
Times
By Valentinas Mite
The ethnic Armenian community is one of the smallest in Iraq. It is not
involved in the country’s political life and is doing its best to survive
the country’s postwar hardships. The community has learned the art of
survival and keeps a low profile amid the strife engulfing Iraq’s other
ethnic and religious groups. RFE/RL correspondent Valentinas Mite visited
with members of the ethnic Armenian community in Baghdad and filed this
report.
Baghdad, 6 July 2004 (RFE/RL) — The Armenian Apostolic Church in Baghdad’s
Al-Jadirya district is full of worshippers on a recent Friday morning. The
faithful pray to God to bring them peace and security and to give them
strength to survive these difficult times.
Nareg Ishkhanian is a pastor at the church. He tells RFE/RL that the
Armenian community in Iraq is small and spread across the country.
“We are more than 20,000 Armenians, starting from Zakhu [a town on the
border between Turkey and Iraq] to Al-Basrah. Zakhu, Mosul, Baghdad,
Al-Basrah, and Kirkuk — in each place, we have a priest. Most of the
Armenians are living in Baghdad — about 10,000 to 12,000 Armenians [are]
living in Baghdad.”
Armenians began arriving in Iraq several centuries ago from Iran, first
settling in the south and gradually moving to Baghdad.
Armenians began arriving in Iraq several centuries ago from Iran, first
settling in the south of the country and gradually moving to the capital,
Baghdad. The biggest wave came at the start of the 20th century when ethnic
Armenians fled Turkey after a massacre by Turkish soldiers in the final
years of the Ottoman Empire. Armenia claims as many as 1.5 million people
were killed, a figure that Turkey disputes.
Now, many ethnic Armenians in Iraq work as — among other professions —
merchants, doctors, engineers, goldsmiths, and photographers. The tiny
Christian community is not involved in Iraqi politics.
Says Ishkhanian: “We, as a small community, agree with everything, and we
say to everybody, ‘Salam Alaikum’ (Peace be upon you).”
He says Armenians do not suffer from sectarian problems in predominately
Muslim Iraq. However, they suffered under the regime of Saddam Hussein, as
he says all Iraqis did.
Two decades ago, Karabed Agoub Gidigain — who is in his 80s — was one of
the richest traders in Baghdad. His company imported timber, plastics, and
clothing. In 1992, after the regime ran out of money after the first Gulf
War, Gidigain says he was ordered to give all of the money he had in his
foreign accounts to the Hussein government. When he refused, he says he was
tortured and that most of his company’s assets were confiscated.
Gidigain says he is too afraid and too old now to start everything anew.
Making even one rich man poor is a blow to such a small community. However,
behind the low profile the community keeps there is a variety of activity.
Ishkhanian says the Armenians in Baghdad have four cultural and sport clubs.
But he says such activities as singing folk songs and dancing or theater
performances have temporarily stopped because of security concerns.
Other activities — such as teaching the Armenian language — have never
stopped. Ishkhanian says every Armenian in Iraq learns the native language
from early childhood.
He notes that Armenia itself offers little assistance to the Iraqi
community. The community hopes to receive aid from Yerevan, but nothing is
available at the moment.
“We had good contacts with Armenia. [Armenia] had an embassy in Baghdad, and
they left in March 2003. Until now, they are not back. And the house of the
embassy belongs to the Armenian church. We gave it [to Yerevan] free of
charge.”
Ishkhanian says it is a pity the ethnic Armenian community in Iraq does not
enjoy more support from Yerevan. He says some financial support trickles in
from Armenians living in the West — in the United States, Britain, or
Germany.
Ishkhanian says the main achievement of the ethnic Armenian community in
Iraq is that it has managed to keep its language alive and maintain strong
solidarity. He says the community never leaves its members in trouble.
Gladys Boghossian is the president of the Armenian Women’s Association for
the Relief of the Poor in Iraq, an organization that works closely with the
Armenian Apostolic Church. The association was founded in 1927.
Boghossian says the numbers of those in need in Iraq is greater now than
ever before: “Now, we have too much [work] to do because of this war. We
started to give them food and medical treatment.”
She says the association is taking care of some 300 families — almost 1,000
people. Among the benefits, Boghossian notes that every poor Armenian can
get free medicine in pharmacies serving the community.
Eglantine Simon Geloian works for the association. She says that when her
own family was in need, it received significant assistance from the
association.
“We are a very poor family,” she said. “The church has provided work for my
husband. He works in the church. Not only me — any person who asks the
church for help is given help. The church never hesitates to give help.”
On the surface, life in the ethnic Armenian community in postwar Iraq seems
fairly comfortable. However, some members of the community — speaking on
condition of anonymity — say it is only a facade that hides deep divisions.
They say some Armenians cooperated with the former regime and lost trust
among the people but remain in leading positions. Armenians in Iraq also
bitterly accuse their leaders of corruption, especially in dealing with
financial help coming from abroad.

The Union Leader
News – August 1, 2004
Trade: Risks go with growth opportunities
By JERRY MILLER
Sunday News Correspondent
NEWINGTON – Armenia, Kyrgystan, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Georgia.
These are the once captive nations of the `Evil Empire,’ the name given to
the former Soviet Union by President Ronald Reagan.
Their part of the world is known as `Eurasia,’ because these countries lie
between what is now Russia and China.
When the U.S.S.R. and communism fell in 1990, these nations, along with what
is now Russia, were left with virtually nothing except the desire to get out
from under the yoke of the government that repressed their rights and
desires for more than a half century.
The fall of communism brought with it severe economic dislocation. The
ruble, the Soviet Union’s common currency, was deemed worthless and the
banking systems were as worthless as the currency.
Jobs, once guaranteed by the government, disappeared en mass, with the
wholesale closing of government-owned factories, leaving millions with only
their wits to survive.
The elderly, once assured of government pensions, learned there was no money
to make good on the promises.
The industrial infrastructure, about which Soviet leaders boasted about
incessantly – Nikita Khrushchev once bragged `We will bury you’ – was left
in deplorable condition.
The legal system, which favored the state, had to be replaced.
For these countries, the transition to a more market-oriented economy has
certainly been harsh.
Initially, governmental bureaucracies, which controlled the economy, were
all that was left.
Fourteen years later, these nations, with hard to pronounce names, are still
in an economic struggle to survive.
Banking systems have been slowly recreated and new business laws have been
passed.
Industrial infrastructure is being built, a difficult task, given the
problems in getting international credit.
The ruble crisis, which began in 1998, is still a factor in several places.
Money, know-how
Perhaps the region’s greatest need is for investors, not only for the hard
currencies they bring, but also for their business expertise.
One way to attract investors is to engage in trade – and that’s why
representatives from Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Ukraine were in New
Hampshire last month at the International Trade Resource Center looking for
trading and joint venture partners.
`These countries are now all independent. They’re trying to make their way.
They’re in the process of transitioning to market economies and toward
democracy,’ said Ellen House, an international trade specialist with the
U.S. Department of Commerce Business Information Service for the Newly
Independent States in Washington, D.C.
`They’re all struggling with economic development and are trying to create
environments attractive to investors.’
The challenges
Getting to where they want to be hasn’t been easy. Old habits die slowly, if
at all.
In a few countries, what’s left of the former Soviet bureaucracy is still
sucking out the air, although in some places the sucking sounds are less
audible than in others.
Taxes are often confiscatory, while Soviet style corruption is alive and
well.
Banking systems remain weak, credit is limited and financing is hard to come
by, while accounting systems are often basic, if not rudimentary, when
compared to the West.
The demise of government controlled economies and the often painful
transition to market economies have also seen many nations’ Gross Domestic
Product figures plummet. In Moldova, the GDP is only one-third of what it
used to be
A middle class, critical to building consumption, is also hard to come by.
And in other places, there is double-digit inflation, draining what little
disposable income the people have.
The risks
Getting paid can also present challenges for U.S. businesses, according to
House.
`It can be a problem. You should be very cautious. It’s an issue that
requires a lot of attention.’
Some of these countries are still experiencing `political instability,’
according to House. However, there are no major separatist movements in the
region.
Asked about privatization, House responded, `It varies from country to
country.’
However, there is a good amount of progress being made, especially among
small and medium sized operations. Still, there is `some reluctance’ to
privatize major industries, including telecommunications, transportation and
oil and gas. Agriculture has also been slow to privatize.
In at least one nation, Belarus, little if any effort has been made to adopt
democratic principles or a market oriented economy, while Turkmenistan was
characterized by House as being `even worse.’
Why try?
So, in light of these difficulties, why do business in Eurasia? The answer
is simple. On the one had, they need everything. On the other hand, they
have a lot to sell.
The region also boasts an inexpensive yet well-educated workforce,
especially in the sciences, many of whom speak English, while literacy is
nearly universal.
American companies now do little business in the region. Between 1992 and
2003, U. S. investments in Moldova amounted to only $790 million.
In Kyrgyzstan, last year, foreign investments totaled only $157 million,
most of it coming from Russia, its largest trading partner, with smaller
amounts from Switzerland, Germany, England and China.
`This may not be the first region you might look at, but there are good
opportunities for experienced exporters who are looking for new markets,’
said House, whose duties include serving as country manager for Armenia and
Georgia. `They have a lot of needs, but not a lot of money.’
Hydro opportunties
`Our imports always exceed our exports,’ said Asel Sulaimanova, who works
for BISNIS in Kyrgyzstan, a nation with 5 million people wedged between
Russia and China, which is looking for places to ship locally made products.
Sulaimanova said her country is actively seeking hydropower investors, given
its number of rivers and the importance of hydroelectricity for
infrastructure development.
Kyrgyzstan is also hoping to attract tourists from the United States and
Europe.
Moldova, a country with 4.3 million residents, sandwiched between Romania
and Ukraine, is putting priority on its infrastructure and is seeking
joint-venture agreements with building equipment suppliers.
`Building equipment is very hot,’ according to Iulian Bogasieru, the BISNIS
representative there.
In Ukraine, a nation the size of Texas, once known as the Soviet Union’s
`bread basket’ because of its rich farm lands, opportunity areas include
agribusiness, food packaging, medical equipment, computers and building
materials.
Andriy Vorobyov, the BISNIS rep working in the capital city of Kiev, said
parts of the Soviet legacy remains. `There is much bureaucracy. It is
strong.’
There is also an `underdeveloped’ legal system that makes it difficult for
foreign investors to protect their interests, according to Vorobyov.
Still, international investments are growing in the Ukraine, led by American
and British companies, followed by The Netherlands, Germany and Russia. An
American chamber of commerce chapter now boasts more than 300 members.
`Business confidence in general is good, especially among small and medium
sized companies,’ Vorobyov added.
Ashland company
While the Granite State remains largely unrepresented in Eurasia, at least
one company, HydroSource, is giving the region a look. The Ashland-based
operation explores for and develops high yield ground water sources,
critical to agricultural, industrial and infrastructure development. Its
clients are primarily foreign governments and U.S. cities and towns.
Joe Ingari, a principal in the company, said while he has concerns about
political stability, worker safety and crime, the region, given its
industrial, agricultural and infrastructure needs, presents a growth
opportunity.
With experience in places such as Trinidad and Tobago, Montserrat, Antigua,
China, Sudan, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates – countries that include
significant Muslim populations – Ingari said it’s best to `keep a low
profile and don’t announce yourself.’
Given the threat of terrorism directed at foreign workers in several Muslim
nations – as well as Muslim annoyance at this nation’s invasion of Iraq and
its pro-Israeli foreign policy, Ingari said, `In general, we take more
precautions. We must make sure we know what’s going on, before we leap in.’
Risks, opportunities
Despite concerns, Ingari said for any company looking to boost its bottom
line, overseas work – including projects in places less than friendly to
American workers – is vital.
`If you want to find work,’ he said, `you run the risk of encountering
problems.’
Ingari said the former Soviet republics represent new areas for American
companies and, at least for now, may offer serious challenges some are
unwilling to take.
`I would think there would be reluctance on the part of many to go there,
especially if you have markets elsewhere. For us, it’s an opportunity to get
into another area of the world that we’re not yet in.’

Maltamedia Daily News, Malta
Aug 1 2004
Malta wins bronze medal in Women’s Promotion Cup
By MM Sports
Aug 1, 2004, 10:53 CET
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The Women’s National team made history once again by winning the
first ever medal at senior level at a Promotion Cup. The team won the
bronze medal in the 9th edition of the Promotion Cup in Andorra after
beating Armenia 69-61.
The result does not show the superiority that Malta had throughout
the match as it was only in the last session were the team was
administrating the game that the Armenians managed to make the result
more respectable.
This win means that Malta won four out of its five games played in
Andorra, and has by far got the best ever result in a Promotion Cup.
The scores in the four sessions were: 17-14 18-16 26-14 8-17. Top
Scorers for Malta were Lucienne Bezzina 25, Irene Farrugia 20,
Dorianne Galea 9.
The team will arrive back in Malta on Monday early morning.

Chicago Tribune , IL
Aug 1 2004
Insurer settles with Armenian families
Items compiled from Tribune news services
LOS ANGELES — A judge on Friday formally approved a $20million
settlement in a class action lawsuit between New York Life Insurance
Co. and the descendants of Armenians killed nearly 90 years ago in
the Turkish Ottoman Empire.
The landmark legal agreement approved by U.S. District Court Judge
Christina Snyder is thought to be the first ever in connection with
what Armenians say was genocide but what Turkey describes as civil
unrest.
Snyder granted preliminary approval for the unpaid death benefits
earlier this year.
Many of the policies languished because heirs could not be found, the
firm said. The company has located about one-third of the
policyholders’ descendants to pay benefits.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanArmenian News
July 31 2004
PRESIDENT’S PRESS OFFICE REFUTES HEARSAY ON TRANSPOSITIONS IN
ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT AND RESIGNATION OF MAYOR OF YEREVAN
BAKU AUTHORITIES DID NOT SANCTION RALLY AGAINST ARMENIAN OFFICERS’
ARRIVAL IN AZERBAIJAN
HEARINGS ON COMPENSATION PAYMENT TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS BEGAN
IN CALIFORNIA
*********************************************************************
PRESIDENT’S PRESS OFFICE REFUTES HEARSAY ON TRANSPOSITIONS IN
ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT AND RESIGNATION OF MAYOR OF YEREVAN
31.07.2004 13:54
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President’s press office refuted the
reports of the local media about the forthcoming transpositions in
the Armenian government and the resignation of the Mayor of Yerevan.
As President’s Press Secretary Ashot Kocharian told Armenpress
agency, such rumors do not correspond to reality.
*********************************************************************
BAKU AUTHORITIES DID NOT SANCTION RALLY AGAINST ARMENIAN OFFICERS’
ARRIVAL IN AZERBAIJAN
31.07.2004 13:53
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Baku City Administration refused to give sanction
to the protest actions of the United Front Party of Azerbaijan (UFPA)
against the arrival of the Armenian servicemen for the participation
in NATO exercise this September. To remind, UFPA activists intended
to picket the Embassies of NATO member-states in early August. The
press release of the party states the City Administration’s deed as
“gross infraction” of the law on Freedom of Meetings. According to
Echo Baku newspaper, the final decision on the planned rally is to be
taken by UFPA leadership on August 2.
*********************************************************************
HEARINGS ON COMPENSATION PAYMENT TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS BEGAN
IN CALIFORNIA
31.07.2004 13:51
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The final hearings of the case “victims of the
Armenian Genocide against New York Life Insurance Company” began in
the Californian Court on July 30. The Court is expected to decree on
the payment of $20 million to the heirs of thousands of Armenians,
who insured their lives in American Insurance Companies and then fell
victims of the Genocide in Ottoman Turkey. To remind, the company
officially recognized the validity of about 2300 insurance policies.
According to the lawyers, Liberty reports, the moral factor in this
case is more important that the material one, since the fact of the
Genocide is for the first time to be recognized in legal form.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GIBRAHAYER
e-newsletter
[email protected]
http: //gibrahayer.cyprusnewsletter.com
ART OVER POLITICS
The Armenian cultural invasion on Turkey
July 30 ( ): While diplomacy seems at a stalemate in
relations between Turkey and Armenia, exchange of culture shows more signs
of reaching understanding.
Last month, the 12-member Armenian Navy Band returned from Turkey after a
successful tour. Earlier in the spring, the Sundukyan National Academic
Theater performed there. And at about the same time, dudukist Jivan
Gasparyan toured Turkey.
The Sundukyan Theater had success in Turkey.
`Artists have recently made serious steps in Armenian-Turkish relations and
probably we can obtain successes there where diplomats fail,’ says Sundukyan
art director Vahe Shahverdyan.
Over his long career, Gasparyan has seen some softening of cultural borders.
During Soviet times, he was invited to play in Turkey with a Russian
ensemble. But the only way he could get a visa is if he changed his surname.
Of course he refused.
But in 2000, he finally got the chance to play there on the invitation of
Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider.
`When I got off the plane I was alone in a foreign and, significantly, in
the country of my â=80=98enemy’. I had never been so excited,â=80=9D Gasparyan recalls.
`Suddenly I saw a Turk with big piece of paper with â=80=98Gasparyan’ written on
it approaching me. They took my passport for putting entry visa on it. In
two minutes they returned and without even a customs check I left the
territory of the airport. Outside the airport a limousine was waiting for
me. Then I was taken to luxurious five-star hotel.’
The duduk player was surprised with the special attention he received,
including a standing ovation.
`My performance was a part of Vollenweider’s concert program and before
announcing the names of artists audience didn’t know who performed except
Vollenweider at the concert. When my name was announced silence fell in the
concert hall for a moment and suddenly the audience burst into applause,â=80=9D
says Gasparyan, still excited by the moment.
Arto: “Citizen of the planet”
His concert with Vollenweider led to four solo tours and several recordings
in Turkey.
This spring’s concerts included conversations between the audience and the
artist, including sensitive political topics.
Turkish media highlighted Gasparyan’s responses: `We artists don’t want to
be involved in politics. We make efforts to strengthen relations between
nations with the help of our art. There is no nation to wish a war and Iâ=80=99m
glad that with my music I contribute to establishment of kind and good
relations.’
On the eve of his concert, Gasparyan attended the concert of Turkish singer
Sezen Agsu. When Agsu saw Gasparyan sitting in the hall she left the stage
and hugged him. Then standing on the stage she said: `A perfect musician is
now in this hall. I’ve been listening to his works for 20 years andevery
time I’ve been touched with them.’
The Sundukyan Theater felt similar appreciation during two tours this year,
including participation in the Festival of Black Sea Countries, in Trabzon.
People’s Artist Lorents Arushanyan says the festival was a serious test for
them, during which they managed to overcome years of barriers. `Of course,
even if they carried us in their arms we would never forget our judgment,
our ancestors’ judgment, but with such cultural cooperation we in some
measure will probably contribute to a solution of political problems,â=80=9D he
says.
The spring visit was the third time the Armenian Navy Band has played
Turkey.
It’s founder, Arto Tunchboyajyan was born in Turkey, but maintains a
universal attitude concerning nationality, often expressed in ANB
performances:
I am a citizen of the planet earth and with my art I’m finding waysof trust
towards everyone despite their nationality. Of course, it doesn’t mean I
forget about history. I know better than anyone about our bitter days,â=80=9D
Tunchboyajyan says.
Gasparyan: “I had never been so excited.”
Saxophonist David Nalchajyan says art is very strong and powerful tool. And
in the case of ANB, it is complemented with comments by Tunchboyajyan about
regional relations that sometimes are controversial.
`Our concerts are very free. Often they are full of conversations and during
concerts Arto has dialogues with Turkish audience and tells about their
defects and other things,’ says Nalchajyan.
Nalchajyan says some people walked out of the hall. `But young people have
free approaches and even they ask about Armenian questions. They simply don’
t know anything as they were told a completely different story and that is
what should be changed.’
Political analyst Slavik Minasyan regards such Armenian-Turkish cultural
developments to be diplomatic progress, which can contribute to friendship
without violating national dignity and without burying history in oblivion.
But, he recalls that, although Armenian artists have been received in
Turkey, there has been no reciprocation. In fact, even a Turkish film was
banned from `Private Look’, an international festival here two years ago.
Many people criticize artists for going to Turkey. But these people wear
Turkish clothes and use different goods of Turkish production,’ he says.
`Why shouldn’t we import our art. Let them see that despitethat their
ancestors committed genocide, Armenians continues to live.’
ARMENIAN MEDIEVAL SHIP MAKES FIRST STOP AT SOCHI
The Armenian medieval trade ship Kilikia put to sea on July 14 sailing from
Poti, Georgia to Sochi, Russia. Armenian Ambassador in Georgia Georgi
Khosroev hoisted the Armenian tricolor on the ship and with the blessing of
Bishop Arakel Kilikia started its historical journey.
Captain Karen Balayan reported that the reproduction ship’s two-daymaiden
voyage was filled with difficulties. Two oar wheels were broken by strong
winds and heavy waves and the 12-member crew was stuck by sea sicknesses.
Once docked in port at Sochi, members of the Ayas Sea Exploration Club were
met by members of the Armenian community who took them in and fed them.
Writer and publicist Zori Balayan has joined the journey (which can be
followed on the club’s website at ).
Weather conditions permitting, Kilikia’s next stop will be Novorosiysk,
Russia.
TURKEY: ARMING OR DISARMING ?
During the third week of July – coinciding with the 30th anniversary of its
invasion – Cyprus witnessed a massive influx of military hardware and
personnel (documented by images from the local press), from mainland Turkey.
During the same week military aircraft violated Cyprus airspace and a
massive military show was put on during the military parade for the
“peace-keeping operation ” in Cyprus that turned 200,000 people refugees,
killed thousands and keeps three decades later, hostage the one third of the
island.
It is during this week that we come across a report from Reuters dated July
23, 2004 about Turkey disarming by scraping four army brigades.
Turkey to scrap four army brigades
ANKARA, July 23 (Reuters) – Turkey’s military General Staff plans to abolish
four brigades, cutting the size of NATO’s second biggest army by 18,000 in a
drive to improve efficiency and flexibility, the Referans daily said on
Friday.
Those to be scrapped are the 33rd armoured brigade near the Bulgarian and
Greek borders, the 7th mechanised brigade on the Armenian border, the 10th
infantry brigade on the Iranian border and the ninth armoured division in
central Anatolia, it said.
The report said the General Staff also aimed to scrap its Aegean army next
year in a move seen as underlining much-improved ties with Greece, a NATO
ally but traditional rival with which Turkey almost went to war as recently
as 1996.
The General St aff declined to comment on the report.
The cuts could save cash-strapped Turkey about 65 trillion Turkish lira
($44.29 million), the report said, adding that they had been authorised by
the head of the General Staff, General Hilmi Ozkok.
The report, written by Lale Sariibrahimoglu, who is also Turkey
correspondent for the respected British-based Jane’s Defence Weekly, said
Ozkok had initially intended a more radical shakeup, slashing the land
forces from 400,000 to 280,000. Turkey’s Defence Ministry statistics show
Turkey’s defence budget for 2004 stood at 9,880 trillion lira, about 3.4
percent of gross national product (GNP).
But these figures do not include substantial extra-budgetary funds, for
example, an estimated 2,400 trillion lira allocated to the gendarmerie, or
military police, and the coast guard.
Under reforms sought by the European Union, which Turkey aims to join,
Turkey recently agreed to allow full parliamentary scrutiny of all future m
ilitary spending.
The armed forces have a special place in Turkish society and see themselves
as the ultimate guardian of the country’s secular
democracy, but they are having to accept a big reduction in their political
influence as Turkey moves closer to the EU.
Turkey has a total of 800,200 people serving in its armed forces, the bulk
of them conscripts, making it second in size only to the United States in
the 26-nation NATO alliance. ($1=3D1467500 Turkish Lira)
GUL ON ARMENIA AND CYPRUS
Armenia: We wish them well
“Such an issue (relations with Armenia) cannot be left frozen while all
other issues are being solved. We are trying to settle that problem, too.
Armenia is beset by economic troubles in many ways. We would not want the
people of a neighboring country to be wracked by troubles regardless of
which country might be in question. We would want to help. Yet there are
circumstances restricting our ability to proffer help. At a time when some
20 percent of Azerbaijani territory is under [Armenian] occupation … There
are difficulties created by this situation. We feel responsible about this
matter and we are trying to play the role of catalyst for the settlement of
this problem. I cannot say that we have gone a long way toward achieving
this purpose yet during the Istanbul meeting, all three countries at least
expressed their determination to hold talks about the problem and work on
it. There is a need to be courageous.”
Cyprus: Our gain is worth more than any amount of money
There are two important topics in the Cyprus issue: first, the future of
Turkish Cypriots, second, the incredible problems being created for Turkey
by those using Cyprus as an excuse. A crucial turning point regarding both
matters was reached sometime ago. This issue used to be exploited as a
flimsy pretext to conduct an incredible propaganda campaign and create an
unfavorable international image for Turkey. By being represented as a
quarrelsome country trying to achieve certain military interests, unable to
comprehend Europe’s culture of compromise, entirely incapable of t alking
peace, and always relying on crude force, Turkey was forced to pay
incredible political prices. Our latest polices and the results of the
Cyprus referenda have relieved Turkey. From now on, nobody can exploit
Cyprus to Turkey’s detriment. Not only have the obstacles placed before
Turkey by those abusing the Cyprus issue been removed through our policies
but they have also turned into pluses for Turkey. It has been proven that
Turkey supports peace and compromise. This is a gain worth more than
billions of dollars.
DASHNAK LOBBY GROUP ENDORSES KERRY FOR PRESIDENT
–Â Cites Senator Kerry’s Long Record of Support on Armenian American
Issues, President Bush’s Retreat from his Pledge to Recognize the Armenian
Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC – In a move expected to impact electoral outcomes in key
presidential election swing states this November, the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA), the nation’s grassroots Armenian American
organization, today announced its endorsement of the Kerry-Edwards ticket.
“For Armenian Americans, the clear choice is John Kerry,” said ANCA Chairman
Ken Hachikian. “Senator Kerry has been a friend of the Armenian American
community for over twenty years, with a proven track record of fighting hard
for issues of concern to Armenian Americans across the nation. He faces an
incumbent, President Bush, whose record on Armenian issues has grown
progressively more disappointing throughout his tenure in the White House,
beginning with his broken campaign pledge to recognize the Armenian
Genocide, including his Administration’s attempt to end military aid parity
between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and up until this week, with his
Administration’s strident attacks on legislation recognizing the Armenian
Genocide.”
John Kerry welcomed the ANCA endorsement, stating that, “John Edwards and I
would like to thank the ANCA for its endorsement. We are looking forward to
working with all Armenian Americans to create a stronger America, more
respected in the world.”
“We call upon Armenian Americans to compare the respective records of
Senator Kerry and President Bush, to weigh the importance of their ballot
for the future of U.S.-Armenian relations, and to cast their vote for the
Kerry-Edwards ticket on November 2nd,” added Hachikian.
The ANCA endorsement follows closely in the wake of the Bush
Administration’s forceful attack on the Schiff Amendment, a provision
adopted last week by the U.S. House that prevents Turkey from using U.S.
foreign aid to lobby against the Genocide Resolution. Armenian Americans,
particularly those in key swing states such as Pennslyvania, Ohio, and
Florida, are positioned to play a decisive role in what looks, by all
accounts, to be a hotly contested election.
KEF for Kerry / Armenstock 2004 is a campaign rally in celebration of John
Kerry’s nomination for President — in the form of a day-long Armenian music
festival at Camp Haiastan.  Combining a celebration of music with political
activism, it brings together some of the best Armenian musicians from both
coasts to help kick-off a nationwide voter mobilization and
get-out-the-Armenian-vote campaign for the fall of 2004.
The festival will feature a wide range of Armenian musical styles,
including, Armenian Jazz, Progressive KEF, Traditional Folk, Alternative
Folk and Armenian Pop. There will be a host of informational tables and
merchandise booths set up around Camp, manned by an array of Armenian groups
and organizations. Traditional picnic food will be available throughout the
day at our “Kebab for Kerry” pavilion.
Armenians for Kerry is a bipartisan group of Armenian Democrats,
Independents and moderate Republicans who’ve rallied to elect John Kerry as
President of the United States.
EDITORIAL
Wish we were wrong
( )Â To join the European Union, Turkey is ready to fulfill
any precondition, to meet any requirement put forward by the civilized world
except admitting the Armenian Genocide. This is neither a news, nor a result
of an analysis. This is a fact that should bee seen and taken into account.
This reality is not a dead-end: at least for us, Armenians. It is only
dead-end for Turkey and those who play — or sponsor– “conciliation” games.
There was nothing new in the statements made by the Turkish prime minister
in Paris.
A while ago, Turks were trying to mislead the international opinion by
insisting that it is the Dias pora Armenians who are in the way of
establishing relations between Armenia and Turkey because the Diasporans, on
the contrary to the then leaders of Armenia, demand the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide.
Now Turks accuse all Armenians. For hours, they are ready to speak about the
benefits of border trade with those who serve the interests of the
above-mentioned thesis of Turks, who encourage them.
Those Armenians who speak of the “mutually beneficial” trade do not
realize – or do not want to realize – that before offering an economic
trade, Turkey is offering us a moral trade: economic benefits in exchange of
abandoning the demand for the international recognition of the Genocide. The
Turks have already said a “welcome.” It is expected that those in this side
who are ready to collaborate, will become more active. Wish we were wrong.
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES
NEWS IN BRIEF
– A number of Armenian environmental organizations demand that the current
and former mayors of Yerevan, former chief architect, as well as Government
officials, who contributed to mass destruction of green zones in Yerevan, be
held responsible for their actions.
– In the first half of 2004, the average price of 1sq. meter of housing in
Yerevan was 214.3 USD, a 34.8% increase as against the first half of 2003,
and a 14.1% increase as against the second half of 2003.
– Days of Armenian Culture will be held in Strasbourg in Sept 2005, with
traditional and jazz music concerts, Armenian cinema shows, exhibitions and
ancient book presentations.
– Baku TV reports that Armenian military units fired fr om assault-rifles
and machine-guns on the Azerbaijani positions in the village of Qizil Hacili
in Qazax District from their positions in Ichevan.
– Russia has begun to cut off gas supplies to the Georgian capital of
Tbilisi, amid escalating tensions with its neighbor over the pro-Russia
separatist region of South Ossetia.
– With a picketing outside the Turkish Embassy in London, and organised by
The National Federation of Cypriots in Britain, Greek Cypriots chanted
”Turkish troops out of Cyprus” demanding and end to the Turkish invasion
and occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus territory.
– A project proposal to the government of Cyprus by a Cypriot architect for
the construction of a Formula 1 race truck was submitted last week.
– Armenian-French archaeological group have started examining the gorge of
the river Vorotan in the region of Syunik. They will study rocks where there
may be traces of activities of the paleoli te man.
g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r
â=80¢ VERCHIN JAM The Armenian community of Cyprus is being informed bylocal
radio stations and media that a Dance Group from Gyumri – Armenia is in
Cyprus, performing in local festivals. They have been invited to spend two
weeks in Cyprus by the Xylotympou Cultural Society and will be performing
with the following schedule.
Friday 30 July: Xylotympou Festival at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday 31 July: Platres Festival at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday 1 August: Ayia Napa Festival in the evening
* Why is it that noone in our community knows that a Dance Group from
Armenia is here?
* Why is it that we are being notified about their performances through the
local media?
* Are we on permanent hibernation? Or we simply don’t care?
* Didn’t anyone from Armenia get in touch with community representatives?
* If they did, who did they contact?
* Why are we not organising a community gathering for the Dance group and
providing the opportunity to our youngsters to meet their brothers and
sisters from Armenia?
â=80¢ THE TEKEYAN YOUTH MOVEMENT OF CYPRUS is organizing a unique excursion to
Armenia, 7-14 August. Participants will exclusively be Armenian youth (ages
13 to 35) from all over the world. The one-week programme is specially
organized to include an optimum amount of sightseeing, led by expert guides.
Trips to Shushi, Stepanakert, Noravank, Gladzor, Lake Sevan, Dilidjan, Barz
Lidj, Khor Vi rab, St. Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots, Sartarabad, Garni, Keghart,
Dzidzernagapert are included in the meticulously prepared programme. Lodging
will be at the “Lousakert” Hotel, 20 kilometres North of Yerevan, ideally
situated in an orchard. The hotel rooms are fully equipped with all the
necessary facilities. The price of the WHOLE PACKAGE, including FULL BOARD,
all the excursions, transfers from and to the airport, return air fare from
Cyprus and visa to Armenia is only 335 Cyprus pounds. Those interested
should immediately call 99747798 or 99929343, as availability is very
limited.
â=80¢ The Armenian Youth Federation is organising its 17th Annual Summer Camp at
the Camp Site of Morphou Prelature at Kalopanayiotis from 9-15 August 2004.
A rich educational and fun programme including Martial Arts, Swimming,
Trekking, Treasure Hunt, and Kisherayin Arshav. To receive more information
or to register please contact the following: Nareg Tavitian 99488926, Nora
Sarian 99439956 or Simon Aynedjian 99437073.
â=80¢ The Armenian Youth Federation organised a youth gathering at Aktea Beach
in Ayia Napa for the weekend of 17-18 July. Enclosed some images fromthe
weekend at the link:
Once you enter the site, click on view as slideshow on the right.
â=80¢ THIS SATURDAY ON THE BEACH The Ar menian Youth Federation is organising
Beach Party on Saturday 31 July, 2004 from 7:00 p.m. at The Fig Tree Bay in
Protaras Beach. Skiing, snacks, drinks, music, dancing and midnight swim.
Special package: All-inclusive participation to the Beach Party,
accommodation and breakfast at Aktea Beach in Ayia Napa for only 17.00.
Contact Jirayr Sarkissian 99445018, Hagop Ipdjian 99476305, Bedo Mouradian
99319415 and Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian 99839768 for more details.
â=80¢ Khanasor and Lisbon 5 Expeditions commemoration took place on Sunday July
25, 2004, at “Loumada ton Aeton” in Troodos. Images from the event in the
next issue of Gibrahayer.
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¢ 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 d iaspora communities. Trips to Karabagh
are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the trip please
contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members immediately.
â=80¢ POSTPONED The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter has been postponed for
Tuesday September 14, 2004.
The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 25 July, 2004.
JOURNEY TO ANATOLIA 2004 13th. August 2 004 – 28th.August 2004
– Flights
         Istanbul â=80`Kayseri (2004-08-13)
         Kars   - Istanbul (2004-08-28)
Airport Transfers*Boat Transfers*Package of Excursions*All Entrances for
Museums & Sights*Guide Interpreter*Overnight stay in 4 star Hotels with
breakfast (only double rooms)
Price: EUROÂ 1150 – Inquiry:
Alfrant Bedros Tel.: 0049-173 90 26 590 Email: [email protected]
Journey details (details are posted, as sent to us by the organiser)
ABOUT GIBRAHAYER
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