Israeli police arrest four after brawl at sacred Christian site
Agence France Presse — English
September 27, 2004 Monday 2:41 PM GMT
JERUSALEM Sept 27 — Israel police arrested four orthodox Christian
worshippers at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old
City on Monday after a brawl during a church service.
At least five people were injured as Greek Orthodox worshippers came
to blows with members of the Franciscan order over “the opening of
a door during a church service”, police spokesman Gil Kleiman told AFP.
“Several Christians were lightly injured during the fight, and when
police turned up to separate them, several police officers were also
lightly wounded,” he said.
Situated deep within the Old City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
is built on the presumed site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection and
is widely considered as the most holy shrine in Christianity.
Several rival denominations share custody of the church and jealously
guard their own section. They include Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic,
Armenian Orthodox, Ethiopian, Egyptian Copt and Syrian Orthodox.
The Franciscan order is part of the Roman Catholic church.
In order keep the peace over opening and closing of the church,
two Muslim families have guardianship of the key.

California Courier Online, September 30, 2004
1 – Commentary
US Suffers From Credibility Gap
In Accusing Sudan of Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
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2 – Academic Year Begins at Merdinian
3 – DSA Ships 3 Ambulances
In Containers to Armenia
4 – AIWA’S Fourth International
Conference to be Held in Geneva
5 – Manjikian, Krekorian, Boyajian Named to
Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board
6 – Armenian Agribusiness Conference
Scheduled in Yerevan, Oct. 28-30
7 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
8 – Author Peter Balakian to Begin
National Book Tour in October
9 – UAF’s 130th Airlift Delivers
$3.7 Million of Aid to Armenia
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
US Suffers From Credibility Gap
In Accusing Sudan of Genocide
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
Over the years, various American officials have made so many self-serving
and politically expedient statements that they have lost all respect and
credibility both at home and abroad.
In early September, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell told the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee that the United States viewed the killings in
the Darfur region of Sudan as genocide, and called on the United Nations to
take urgent action. The White House then released a statement by Pres. Bush
making public his determination that the violence in Sudan amounted to
genocide. Furthermore, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution declaring the
massacres taking place in Sudan to be genocide.
It is interesting to note that Pres. Bush, Secretary Powell, and the
congressional leaders, who have fought tooth and nail to block the most
innocuous resolutions on the Armenian Genocide, are so eager to qualify the
killings in Sudan as genocide. The U.S. tried to push through the UN
Security Council a strongly-worded resolution on the killings in Sudan. The
measure was finally adopted, but not before it was watered down after
objections from China, Russia, Pakistan and Algeria. The UN did not accuse
Sudan of genocide. Instead, the Security Council decided to appoint an
international commission to determine “whether or not acts of genocide have
occurred.”
Here is the ironic situation the United States government finds itself in.
In the case of Sudan, because it suits its political interests, Washington
first qualifies the killings as genocide, and then votes for a resolution
that asks the UN to study if genocide had occurred. On the other hand, due
to opportunistic political agendas, U.S. officials are reluctant to
recognize the Armenian Genocide even though 20 years ago a UN human rights
panel, following a lengthy investigation, classified the mass killings of
Armenians by the Ottoman government as genocide.
Such immoral political behavior, however, does not go unnoticed by the
international public opinion. Officials in various countries have pointed
out the political considerations involved in the Bush administration’s
pre-occupation with the killings in Sudan on the eve of the U.S.
presidential elections. It is no secret that the United States has opposed
the authorities in Khartoum for many years. Pres. Clinton even ordered a
missile attack on a Sudanese factory, claiming that it produced a dangerous
chemical that turned out to be a harmless pharmaceutical substance.
The sad part in all of this is that a truly great human tragedy is
unfolding in Sudan right now that may indeed qualify as genocide. However,
successive US governments, by their cynical behavior, ignoring the worst
crimes of their friends and condemning the slightest violations of their
foes, have undermined their own credibility in the eyes of the world, to
the point that even when their assessments are accurate, no one believes
them anymore.
To regain its credibility as well as the respect of the world, the US
government has to make a principled stand towards its friends and foes
alike.
TARC Moderator is about to Lay a Big Egg
I disclosed several months ago in this column that the moderator of the
infamous Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission, David L. Phillips, was
busy writing a book on his misadventures with a few duped Armenians and
several wily Turks.
At the time of making that announcement, I had commented that since
Phillips had committed scores of factual errors in his brief anti-Armenian
opinion column published in the Wall Street Journal, how many more mistakes
would he make in a much longer writing? We are about to find out. I, for
one, can’t wait to take apart this soon to be published book: “Unsilencing
the Past: Track-Two diplomacy and Turkish Armenian Reconciliation.”
The publisher, Berghahn Books, in seeking pre-publication orders for this
$40 volume, states that Phillips, a Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of
the Center for Preventive Action at the Council on Foreign Relations,
undertook to bring Armenians and Turks together and “to work with them
towards a peaceful resolution of the enmity that had made any contact
between them taboo. His lively account of the difficult negotiations makes
fascinating reading; it shows that the newly developed ‘track-two
diplomacy’ is an effective tool for reconciling even intractable foes
through fostering dialog, contact and cooperation.”
It would be fascinating to see how Phillips manages to present his
miserable failure at TARC as a brilliant success!
**************************************************************************
2 – Academic Year Begins at Merdinian
SHERMAN OAKS, CA – Smiling faces, full of anticipation, greeted the new
academic year on the Merdinian campus on Sept. 7. The flag ceremony took
place on the playground, followed by a special Chapel Service in the hall.
The new Principal, Hovsep Injejikian, welcomed Rev. Joe Matossian, Minister
to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Dr. Hrair Atikian,
Board Chairperson, Harout DerTavitian, Board member, faculty/staff,
parents, and students. Victoria Abrahamian-Elyasi, Music teacher, led the
students in singing the Armenian national anthem followed by Armenian and
English songs. The students then recited Psalm 23 led by Hermine Abajian,
Religion teacher.
Following this, the Principal invited Rev. Matossian to deliver his opening
remarks to the students and parents. Rev. Matossian emphasized the teaching
of Christian values at Merdinian within the framework of the Armenian
heritage and stressed the importance of God’s words in daily spiritual and
physical lives. He extended his best wishes to the new Principal for a
successful academic year and concluded with a poem about the Armenian
family, church, and school working together to maintain beliefs, values,
and traditions.
The Principal then invited Dr. Atikian to address those in attendance. Dr.
Atikian welcomed the new Principal and students to the school and
encouraged the teachers to pursue their mission in educating the children
entrusted to their care by parents. He also thanked the PTO and Women’s
Auxiliary for their invaluable contributions to the school.
Injejikian thanked Dr. Atikian for his encouraging words and he also
stressed the importance of cooperation and the involvement of all concerned
groups to achieve the goals set forth for the upcoming year. The uniqueness
of Merdinian School lies in the fact that the school provides good academic
education, as well as a solid religious education. Injejikian said that
recently, even in Armenia, Christian education has become part of the state
curriculum. The Principal then presented the faculty and staff members and
wished them well in their mission.
Founded in 1982, Merdinian School is accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges. The school nurtures children from preschool
through middle school by offering a strong academic program, emphasizing
Christian and ethical values for the development of sound characters, and
teaching Armenian and American traditions. For information, contact the
school office at 818-907-8149.
**************************************************************************
3 – DSA Ships 3 Ambulances
In Containers to Armenia
LOS ANGELES – The Board of Directors of DSA (Developmental Services for
Armenia) met recently to review the status of their projects in Armenia and
the donations to be shipped to Armenia in two containers. Chairman George
Dunaians reported that members of the Board will be in Armenia during
September and October and will view the containers upon their arrival.
Dunaians stated, “We are grateful for the donations we have received which
enabled us to send much needed ambulances, equipment and supplies, valued
at approximately $125,210.00.”
The containers will take three ambulances, two motorized wheelchairs,
regular wheelchairs, medical supplies, walkers, weight scales and clothing.
The shipment will also include 50 computers and five printers, 50 new
tables and chairs from IKEA to set up computer labs at five schools, toys,
stuffed animals, digital cameras, sporting goods, two IV pumps by Abbot,
sutures, needles, tapes, paddings and other miscellaneous syringes.
The containers also included supplies for use in the dental bus that
reaches outlying areas. Dental supplies and equipment were also sent for
the 12 teacher dental clinics that has a National Institute of Health
residency program for training post graduate dentists in cooperation with
Loma Linda University that is supplying a teaching resource. Coordinating
the distribution and monitoring of all the activities is being done by DSA
Project Director Gegham Minasyan.
Board members discussed the status of ongoing projects in Armenia and
focused their efforts on the following: Installation of a heating system in
the social hall at Liejashen School which was to be completed by Sept. 10;
roof repair and installation of metal doors at School #154 (completed);
renovation of the roof at Kindergarten #33 (completed); renovation of the
gym at School #106-Vardanantz Aspetner, $3200 was funded by the Homenetmen
Glendale Ararat Chapter (completed July 25); Kharberd Orphanage continues
to receive $300 a month for assistance, plus renovation of the visiting
quarters for parents which it is anticipated will be completed by Sept. 15;
Kharberd Orphanage received funds to convert their mini-bus to propane,
cost and rehabilitation equipment was also provided; DSA donated funds to
the Mekhitar Sebastatsi Hamaleer Youth Center; DSA continues to assist the
Nubarashen Orphanage by providing $300 a month; the #1 Trauma Hospital
received equipment for their ambulance; and Seven Psychological Hospital
received $1,965.00 for food costs.
The Board members, including George and Flora Dunaians, Elizabeth Agbabian,
Hermine Janoyan, Charlene Asdourian, Roubina Begoumian, Dr. Gary Kevorkian,
and Dzovinar Zeitlian, will visit these projects while in Armenia and
assess what needs to be done.
Developmental services for Armenia is a 501 ©(3) tax exempt organization.
“In lieu of flowers” donations have been requested by many of DSA’s
supporters and contributors. For further information or to make a
contribution, call 626-445-4749.
**************************************************************************
4 – AIWA’S Fourth International
Conference to be Held in Geneva
LOS ANGELES – Armenians from all over the world will be attending the 4th
International Women’s Conference being hosted by the Armenian International
Women’s Association at the Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. The theme of this
year’s conference – “Armenian Women Shaping the Future” -will examine the
evolving status of Armenian women. The conference will begin on Oct. 24
with a welcome reception and will feature renowned speakers and women
leaders who will discuss women’s issues such as health care, domestic
violence, role in politics and government, and achievements of women
leaders and entrepreneurs.
The chair of the conference, Lily Ring Balian, generated much excitement at
the last conference planning meeting in Los Angeles when she announced that
the keynote address would be delivered by Aimee Emile Lahoud, First Lady of
the Republic of Lebanon. Other noted guests and speakers will include
Susana Margaryan, wife of the Prime Minister of Armenia, and Anna
Baghdasaryan, wife of the Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly. Other
highlights of the conference will include the opportunity to attend a
special session at the United Nations and receive a tour of the UN complex
led by Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakian, Armenia’s representative to the United
Nations (Geneva). The attendees will also be treated to a concert at Le
Conservatoire de Geneve.
“As with AIWA’s past conferences in London (1994), Paris (1997), and
Yerevan (2000), we will offer the opportunity to interact with Armenian
women from around the world,” said Joan Quinn, AIWA’s United Nations
Representative and Liaison. This conference furthers AIWA’s statement of
purpose: To unite Armenian women worldwide and to address the critical
issues facing them everywhere.
For more information about the conference, call Lily Balian at (310)
472-2454. Accommodations are available in several hotels in Geneva,
including the Hotel des Bergues and travel arrangements can be handled
through Travel by Savey at (818) 956?8455.
**************************************************************************
5- Manjikian, Krekorian, Boyajian Named to
Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board
SACRAMENTO – Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced three
appointments to the Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board. The board was
created to oversee the settlement of claims against New York Life Insurance
Company as directed in the settlement of a class-action lawsuit on behalf
of heirs and descendants of policyholders who were killed during the
Armenian Genocide more than 90 years ago.
The board members, Viken Manjikian, Paul Krekorian and Berj Boyajian, will
evaluate claims and determine which are to be paid pursuant to the terms of
the settlement agreement. The board’s decisions will be final with no right
of appeal.
“I am honored to appoint these three accomplished, capable and fair
individuals who will further the pursuit of justice for heirs and
descendants of victims of the Armenian Genocide,” Commissioner Garamendi
said. “This is an important step to help bring closure to the victims and
their families.”
Early this year, Garamendi, after long negotiations, was able to secure a
$20 million fund to help fund the payment of claims in the case. New York
Life compromised in order to reach a detailed agreement that will benefit
both the survivors of the policyholders as well as the Armenian community.
Of the $20 million fund, at least $3 million will be put into the
‘Unclaimed/Heirless Fund,’ which will be contributed to court-approved
charitable organizations – as set forth in the settlement agreement – whose
activities advance the
Court-approved charitable interests of the Armenian community.
Manjikian, of Lancaster, is Director of Inpatient and Emergency Radiology,
and Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Antelope Valley
Hospital. He has extensive credentials in the field of radiology and earned
his medical and undergraduate degrees at UCLA.
Boyajian, of Beverly Hills, operates Boyajian and Associates in Los
Angeles. His practice specializes in business and toxic torts, and he has
extensive experience in litigation on behalf of individuals and workers
exposed to toxic substances.
Krekorian, of Burbank, is a founding partner of the law firm Fisher &
Krekorian in Los Angeles. His practice specializes in representation of
business, charitable organizations and individuals in matters
involving trademark, copyright and commercial disputes.
Potential claimants in the Armenian Genocide case have been informed via
Notice by the Court and published statewide. The Department of Insurance
consumer hotline will also be able to direct potential
claimants to the settlement Web site. Or, call the Department’s hotline at
800-927-HELP (800-927-4357).
**************************************************************************
6 – Armenian Agribusiness Conference
Scheduled in Yerevan, Oct. 28-30
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles and the Fresno-based
Armenian Technology Group, Inc. (ATG) invite individuals and firms to an
“Armenian Agro Forum” Agribusiness Conference in Yerevan, Oct. 28-30.
The conference is organized by Armenia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the
United Nations Development Project (UNDP), the Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO); the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development
(EBRD) and ATG.
The conference will discuss investment opportunities, evaluate prospects
for growth in Armenian agribusiness, and discuss ideas on Armenian farming
and food-processing, as well as interact with producers, handlers,
marketers, and investors from Armenia and elsewhere. Visitors will also
have an opportunity to visit farming, processing, and storage facilities,
as well as historical and cultural landmarks
For more information, call: the Armenian Consulate at 1-310-657-6102, or
the Armenian Technology Group, Inc. at 1-559-224-1000.
Registration deadline is October 15.
**************************************************************************
7 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
By Seda G. Marootian
LOS ANGELES – The grand dining hall of USC’s Town and Gown was the venue
for USC Friends of Armenian Music when it recently celebrated its 25th
anniversary. On its brief quarter-century, USC Friends has established a
sizable music library, scholarship programs to Armenian students and
Armenian classes in the curriculum of USC Thornton School of Music.
A capacity audience of members and guests was entertained to a concert
performed by past and presenty USC scholarship winners and accomplished
artists from Los Angeles, Armenia, Bulgaria and Syria.
Opening remarks were offered by Diana Artunian, USC Friends president,
Christopher Samson, Associate Dean for New Initiatives of the Flora
Thornton School of Music and Fred Mickaelian, Jr., reviewing the
committee’s mission and accomplishments.
Past president Artemis Bedros moderated the program and introduced flutist
Zevart Joulhaian, who performed Khachaturian’s “Masquerade Waltz,” “Saber
Dance,” and Derbashian’s “Prelude.” Pepron Philibosian, scholarship
recipient, accompanied on the piano.
Tenor Leon Makasjian, in his second appearance for USC Friends’ audiences,
rendered two Neapolitan favorites, accompanied on the piano by Michael
Galloway.
The ever-popular violin-piano duo, brother/sister Sarkis and Aroussiak
Baltaian, both recipients of Friends’ scholarships, premiered their
father’s composition, “Nocturn in D Minor.”
The senior Baltaian, Garo and his wife Arsine, residents of Plovdiv,
Bulgaria, were in Los Angeles visiting their children. It was fortunate
that their visit coincided with the Friends’ celebration. Garo, a composer
and violinist, is present of the Armenian Arts and Culture Society in
Bulgaria, and has recently been appointed by the Minister of Culture to sit
on the Inter-Regional Committee for the Spiritual Unity in Bulgaria.
Soprano Salbi Mailyan, originally from Armenia, accompanied by maestro
Levon Abrahamyan, whose an Italian aria, and two Armenian pieces, Sayat
Nova’s Bulbuli Het,” and Ayvazyan’s “Arax.”
The program’s finale was a dramatic and powerful performance with a
piano-string trio, cellist Garik Terzian, and the Baltaians performing Arno
Babadjanian’s “Trio in F Sharp Minor.”
Past president of the Friends were also acknowledged, beginning with the
first, Dr. Jirire Boyajian in 1979, followed by Eric Avazian, Audrey
Gregory (two terms), Fred Mickaelian, Jr. (two terms), Elise Tashjian, Rose
Ketchoyan, Manush Simonian and Artemis Bedros.
Also recognized was the anniversary celebration committee: Diana Artunian,
Lisa Ayvazian, Artemis Bedros, Audrey Gregor, Maro Makajian, Seda
Marootian, Dalita Meketarian, Anne Mills and Sossi Sarafian.
Generous anniversary donations to the USC Friends were made by Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Stein, Vaughn Gregor, Zave Akian, Joth Ketchoyan, John Mills, Normal
Sarafian, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Meketarian, Arousiak Bedrossian, Dr. and
Mrs. William Kaloostian, Navasart Kazazian, Charles Parker and Vahe
Meghrouni.
**************************************************************************
8 – Author Peter Balakian to Begin
National Book Tour in October
NEW YORK – The National Book Tour schedule for Peter Balakian and his
critically-acclaimed book “The Burning Tigris,” will take the author to
several US cities for book signing and lectures from October through
November, 2004.
The paperback publication of “The Burning Tigris,” the most widely read
book on the Armenian Genocide, provides Armenian Americans with an
opportunity to see that the history of the Armenian Genocide becomes a
permanent part of the curriculum in every high school and college in the
country.
With the publication of the paperback edition (revised and slighted
expanded), there is a call for every Armenian American to adopt a school or
school system and work with teachers and administrators to make sure the
Armenian Genocide is taught in all appropriate history classes.
Author Peter Balakian has noted that “any course dealing with World War I
must include the Armenian Genocide; it is as essential to understanding
World War I as the Holocaust is to understanding World War II.”
Furthermore, courses dealing with twentieth century global history, middle
eastern history, history of
human rights and genocide should incorporate the Armenian Genocide. The
Armenian Genocide was the template for all modern genocide that has
followed; it is a seminal event for modernity.
The tour begins Oct. 5 in Ithaca, New York, and will end Nov. 14 in Los
Angeles.
Cities and institutions included in the book tour include Cornell
University, Atlanta’s Emory University, Albany, New York, Watertown, Mass.,
Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee, Ann Arbor, Mich., Detroit, New
York City, St. Louis, Denver.
California dates include San Francisco, Nov. 9 and 10; Los Angeles, Nov.
12, Near East Foundation/USC Armenia Institute (Venue to be announced);
Glendale Public Library/Borders Bookstore, Nov. 13; Museum of Tolerance,
Los Angeles, Nov. 14.
For more details, contact: [email protected] or 212-580-9730
*************************************
9 – UAF’s 130th Airlift Delivers
$3.7 Million of Aid to Armenia
GLENDALE, CA – The United Armenian Fund’s 130th airlift arrived in Yerevan
on Sept. 25, delivering $3.7 million of humanitarian assistance.
The UAF itself collected $3.2 million of medicines and medical supplies for
this flight, most of which were donated by AmeriCares ($1.7 million); the
Catholic Medical Mission Board ($935,000) and MAP International ($542,000).
Other organizations which contributed goods for this airlift were: Nork
Marash Medical Center ($150,000); Dr. Stephen Kashian of Illinois
($53,000); Fondation Semra of Switzerland ($38,000); Armenian Missionary
Association of America ($28,000); Harut Chantikian of New Jersey ($27,000);
and the Armenian American Medical Society of California ($24,000).
Also contributing to this airlift were: Gil Harootunian of New York
($21,000); Women’s Guild Central Council ($21,000); Armenian Relief Society
($18,000); Helmer Labs ($15,000); and the Armenian American Health
Association of Greater Washington ($11,000).
Since its inception in 1989, the UAF has sent $391 million of humanitarian
assistance to Armenia on board 130 airlifts and 1,103 sea containers. The
UAF is the collective effort of the Armenian Assembly of America, the
Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Missionary Association of
America, the Armenian Relief Society, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the
Lincy Foundation.
For more information, contact the UAF office at 1101 North Pacific Avenue,
Suite 301, Glendale, CA 91202 or call (818) 241-8900.
**************************************************************************
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA STARTS RATIFICATION PROCESS OF 26 UN CONVENTIONS
ArmenPress
Sept 28 2004
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS: Armenian labor and social affairs
minister Aghvan Vardanian and Pauline Barrette-Reed, the visiting
director of the International Labor Organization’s Bureau for Eastern
Europe and Central Asia discussed today preparation of a cooperation
agreement between Armenia and the UN and bringing Armenia’s relevant
legislation in line with international requirements.
The minister was quoted by his press office as saying that Armenia
has started the process of ratification of 26 UN conventions.
The minister said the focus in cooperation with the UN will be on
analyzing the labor market and organization of training courses
for workers.

TURKEY HAS TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, THOUGH IT WILL HARDLY
CONDITION ACCESSION TO EU
PanArmenian News
Sept 27 2004
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Official Ankara recognizing the Armenian Genocide
will hardly be a condition for Turkey’s accession to the European
Union, Vice-President of the Assembly of West European Union Marco
Zakera stated at a press conference in the Embassy of Italy in Armenia
today. At the same time he noted that Turkey has to recognize the
Armenian Genocide and reminded that in its time the Italian Parliament
passed a resolution, which mentions the massacre of Armenians in the
Ottoman Empire as genocide. In M. Zakera’s words, he is personally
for Turkey’s membership in the EU in case of fulfillment of certain
EU criteria.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS MUST PARTICIPATE IN NATO PA ASSEMBLY
SEMINAR IN BAKU
PanArmenian News
Sept 27 2004
27.09.2004 17:36
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian parliamentarians must participate in NATO
Parliamentary Assembly Rose-Roth seminar in Baku,” Armenian National
Assembly Vice-Speaker Vahan Hovhannisian stated in an interview with
Armenpress news agency. The organizers of the seminar will have to
seriously take care of securing the Armenian deputies, he said. In
the Vice-Speaker’s words, “if the Azeri party does not provide
entry permits, the NATO will have to continue the chosen practice by
canceling the seminar, too.” Everything might have been in a different
way, if such extremist approaches “were not under the auspices of
the top leadership – the country President,” he stated, adding the
Parliament will consider the question within the coming three days. It
should be reminded that the NATO leadership canceled Cooperative Best
Effort – 2004 exercises due to official Baku refusing to issue entry
visas to Armenian officers, who were to participate in the maneuvers.

THE IRAN-ARMENIA PIPELINE: FINALLY COMING TO LIFE
By Hooman Peimani
CENTRAL ASIA – CAUCASUS ANALYST
Wednesday / September 22, 2004
After about three years of its signing in 2001, the Iranian and
Armenian governments have finally initiated the process to implement
a 142-km gas pipeline agreement. Accordingly, Armenia will receive
1,500,000 cubic meters of gas from Iran per day once the pipeline goes
on stream. Two Russian energy companies (ArmeRuss Gazprom and Gazprom)
have started a feasibility study on the project for which a group of
their engineers visited in August the Armenian region through which
the pipeline will pass. As stated in July by Armenian President Robert
Kocharian, the project is of great importance to Yerevan.
BACKGROUND: Being surrounded from three sides by hostile or
unreliable neighbors, the operational pipeline will meet Armenia’s
gas requirements from a friendly neighboring supplier, while
significantly increasing Iran’s gas exports now mainly limited to its
uncertain exports to Turkey. The pipeline, which could be extended
to Georgia and Ukraine, could go even farther to reach Central and
Western Europe via Ukraine. If fully implemented, this will not only
increase Iran’s gas exports substantially, but it will drastically
boost the importance of Armenia and Georgia and, by default, the
South Caucasus, as a main export route for fossil energy to supply
the European economies. Armenian-Iranian relations have been on the
expansion track since Armenia’s independence in 1991 for various
reasons. Against a background of historical ties and the existence
of Iranians of Armenian origins who have kept a degree of contact
over centuries between the two nations even during the Soviet era,
political realities, economic imperatives and security considerations
have inclined Yerevan and Tehran to seek close relations. Being a
landlocked country, Armenia’s surrounding by two hostile countries
(Azerbaijan and Turkey) to its east and west and an unreliable
neighbour (Georgia) to the north makes its southern neighbour (Iran)
the only reliable outlet for accessing the open seas and regional and
international markets, added to its need for importing fossil energy
from a secure supplier. Concerned about the resumption of war with
Azerbaijan over the disputed Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno Karabakh
with a possibility of dragging Turkey into the conflict, Armenia also
needs Iran’s close and friendly relations as a regional power to deter
such scenario. As for Iran, close and cordial relations with the three
Caucasian states have been important as, besides economic interests in
the Caucasus, the region provides a land link between Iran and Europe,
a necessity for the Iranians to reduce their heavy reliance on Turkey
for that matter. Preventing the region’s domination by hostile America
has also been another incentive for Tehran to forge friendly ties with
the regional countries. Given the extensive and growing relations,
including military ones, between Washington and Baku and Tbilisi,
close ties with Yerevan, which has sought strong relations with both
Tehran and Moscow while having friendly relations with Washington,
is of special importance for the Iranian government.
IMPLICATIONS: Against this background, the interest of both Armenia and
Iran for constructing a gas pipeline is quite understandable. Lacking
any significant fossil energy resources, Iran is the most logical
long-term supplier of gas and oil for Armenia whose exports to that
country does not require the consent of Armenia’s other neighbours. The
possibility of the pipeline’s continuation to Georgia and Ukraine –
both of which have already expressed an interest in the scenario
– creates an additional motivation for the Armenians who could
economically benefit of such scenario by providing a major, and
potentially the major, route for Iran’s gas exports, while creating
stakes for Georgia in maintaining good ties with their southern
neighbour. Moreover, its potential to become a pipeline to supply
the European Union (EU) with Iranian gas makes its construction even
more interesting for the Armenians. The EU has been keen on importing
gas from Iran as a means to secure adequate number of suppliers for
its increasing gas requirements, to diversify its gas suppliers and
thus to reduce its heavy reliance on Russia and certain North African
countries for its gas imports. Brussels has given serious thoughts,
including a feasibility studies undertaken over a year ago, about
connecting the existing Iranian-Turkish gas pipeline to Europe via
Greece and/or Bulgaria. Various factors, including Ankara’s twice
closure of the pipeline since its inauguration in 1993 because of
its disputes with Tehran over the amount and pricing its gas imports,
and Brussels’ political considerations, have prevented the project’s
realization. In the absence of those considerations and provided the
prevalence of durable peace in the Caucasus, the Caucasian export
route could have a better chance to become a reality if the current
Turkish-Iranian disagreements on gas exports continue.
CONCLUSIONS: The recent enthusiasm of Yerevan and Tehran for
constructing the gas pipeline and the involvement of two Russian gas
companies in the initial phase of its implementation are good signs as
they create hope for its actual construction. However, in the absence
of a firm construction schedule, it is still a little too early to
consider the recent developments as a clear sign for the project’s
implementation. There is no question that both the Armenians and the
Iranians are determined to make this happen, while having the blessing
of the Russians as reflected in the mentioned involvement of their gas
companies. Russia’s potentially troublesome ties with Georgia make it
an unlikely long-term supplier of gas and oil to Armenia as it can only
access the latter via Georgia, given the hostile state of relations
between Azerbaijan and Armenia whose future is anyone’s guess. This
explains Moscow’s backing of the project. Nevertheless, the recent
positive developments are still inadequate factors for the project’s
rapid implementation as demonstrated in the shelving or long delays
in the implementation of many energy projects in the Caspian region
such as those involving Iran and its neighbours. Developments in the
next few months, including clear announcements on the availability of
funds and a construction schedule, will certainly reveal whether the
Caucasus will become a potential major route for Iran’s energy exports
or the Iranian-Armenian gas pipeline will turn into a pipe dream.
AUTHOR’S BIO: Dr Hooman Peimani works as a Senior Research Fellow
for the Centre for International Cooperation and Security (CICS),
University of Bradford, UK.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA News Agency
Sept 27 2004
RA Ambassador to US and Rector of University of Connecticut discuss
perspectives of cooperation in the sphere of education
Training courses for local doctors held in Stepanakert
Information openness must contribute into struggle against corruption
RA NA Vice-Speaker: role of mass media in fight against corruption
not powerful enough
*********************************************************************
RA AMBASSADOR TO US AND RECTOR OF UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT DISCUSS
PERSPECTIVES OF COOPERATION IN THE SPHERE OF EDUCATION
YEREVAN, September 27. /ARKA/. RA Ambassador to US Arman Kirakosian
and Rector of University of Connecticut discussed perspectives of
cooperation in the sphere of education, RA MFA told ARKA. Kirakosian
stated on his assistance to the project of implementation of program
of Armenian Studies in the University of Connecticut. He noted the
important role of this project not only for traditional Armenian
studies, but also in strengthening of cooperation of Armenian and
American experts and scientists from this field. Kirakosian also read
a lecture called “Present Condition and Perspectives of
Armenian-American Relations”.
At present administration of University of Connecticut discusses
issues on creation of regular chair of Armenian Studies. University
created special committee, one of which goals is to involve science
potential of Yerevan State University in given process. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
TRAINING COURSES FOR LOCAL DOCTORS HELD IN STEPANAKERT
STEPENAKERT, September 27. /ARKA/. Training courses for local
doctors, organized by National Institute of Healthcare of Armenia,
are being held in Stepanakert. As Zoya Lazaryan, NKR Healthcare
Minister told ARKA, during current visit of delegation of Armenian
Healthcare Ministry headed by Norayr Davidyan to NKR it was achieved
arrangement on organization of mobile training courses for Karabakh
doctors. “It was decided to hold these courses in Stepenakert and
then in future a number of doctors will be trained in Health
Institute of Armenia. “It is important to mention that these courses
are implemented in the frames of the state order”, NKR Healthcare
Minister told. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
INFORMATION OPENNESS MUST CONTRIBUTE INTO STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION
YEREVAN, September 27. /ARKA/. Armenia must define for itself if the
information openness must turn into an integrated part of it national
interests, as Konstantin Petrosov, Director of ARKA New Agency stated
on Seminar “Role of mass media in struggle against corruption –
transparency of state bodies’ activity and availability of
information” held in Tsakhkadzor. In his words, Armenia does not have
system approach to information by the state power. “It is fashionable
to talk about the struggle against corruption, however at the same
time many forget that corruption and economic crimes – the most
important problems faced by the state, and the information openness
can contribute into the solution of these problems”, Petrosov said.
He mentioned that if the state officials are forced to report to the
society (publication of income declaration of officials, obligatory
reporting on budget implementation, tenders, inspections and decision
taken by the state officials etc.) and this even is not to stop
corruption processes, at least it will strongly restrain them.
Director of ARKA Agency also mentioned other directions of the state
policy, implementation of which is impossible without information
openness. Particularly, building of a civil society is impossible
without society’s confidence to the state, authorities, public
institutions and mass media. Also, in his words, unsatisfactory
openness of our society hinders Armenia’s entering into the world
information society, creates distorted impression on economic
processes and reforms in the country. In Petrosov’s opinion, the
information openness is possible only when the authority bodies
clearly understand this necessity and promote it in all possible
ways. “For this it is necessary to develop national industry of
information services and raise efficiency of use of state information
resources”, he mentioned. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
RA NA VICE-SPEAKER: ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH
YEREVAN, September 27. /ARKA/. Te role of mass media in fight against
corruption is not powerful enough, as stated Vahan Hovhannisyan, the
RA NA Vice-Speaker at the seminar dedicated to the role of mass media
in fight against corruption held in Tsakhkadzor. He said that a
newspaper of a 2-thou-edition cannot lead the people, cannot mobilize
the society for a solution of a serious problem. According to
Hovhannisyan, “our people are not used to a single unified struggle,
being individualists”. He said that everyone receiving a ruling
position forgets about the fact that he should be under control and
be transparent in his activities in front of the society, thus
becoming “an infected part of the political elite, which considers
itself beyond the people and refuses them to avoid control”. The base
for fight against corruption Hovhannisyan sees in changing the
mentality of the people so that everyone considers himself a part of
a whole. He is also confident that a civil society cannot be formed
without mass media. He said that if any information is not considered
secret by the law, it should be available for everyone. The fight
against corruption should include “simultaneous system changes and
blows on the targets”. L.V. -0–
*********************************************************************

The sounds of a musical legend
By Sarah Ryan
The Jordan Times
Monday, September 27, 2004
AMMAN – The clock ticks. Eight-thirty passes. The restless crowd of
3,500 people in seats at the Arena begin clapping, sporadic at first,
then insistent that Fairouz take the stage. Nine-fifteen passes. The
clapping takes on a thunderous note as the international singing
legend takes centre stage.
“She’s an angel, I think,” said Laila Sabbagh, a 16- year-old who
has seen Fairouz four times. “Her music is the food of my soul,”
added Sabbagh
Fairouz’s set-list at the Sept. 25 concert reflected her musical past
as well as her recent influences.
She played many of her standards composed by Assi and Mansour
Rahbani as well as more recent music influenced by her son, Ziad
Rahbani. Some of the big hits she sang included, `My home,’ and
`Last days of summer.’
“It’s a concert for a new generation,” said 25-year-old Samer Nahhas,
who has been listening to Fairouz for the past 10 years.
“It was amazing, literally amazing,” he said.
During the song, `I loved you in summer, I loved you in winter,’
Fairouz added a reference to the Jordan River to the cheers of the
crowd. Lighter flames dotted the Arena during the quieter moments of
the concert.
Wafa Jabour travelled all the way from Nazareth to see Fairouz sing
for the second time.
“You feel everything she says. If she speaks about love, you live
it. If she speaks about war, you feel it,” said Jabour.
During the entire concert Fairouz stood straight and proud, almost
immobile, in contrast to the orchestra conductor who had the musical
rhythms running through his veins.
Fairouz had no words for the audience, only songs.
Fairouz, who is approaching 70 years of age, sang an average of three
songs in a row, followed by two instrumental and choir songs while
she was backstage.
A 20-minute interval divided the concert into two parts. When
Fairouz walked on-stage after the intermission, she had traded in
her long black sparkling gown for a white dress, which glittered in
the spotlights.
The Lebanese icon came out for two encores to the delight of the entire
arena, displaying their appreciation with deafening roars and whistles.
The first encore had the crowd on their feet with a rendition of the
Lebanese national anthem.
Fairouz has been in Amman for the past five days rehearsing with her
orchestra from Syria, Lebanon and Armenia.
This was Fairouz’s fourth concert in Jordan. She sang in the musical
play `Petra’ in 1973, the Jerash Festival in 1983 and at the Arena
in 1999.
Fastlink sponsored the event and all proceeds from the concert will
go to the charity “Promise,” which gives scholarships to Jordanian
students in financial difficulty.
Monday, September 27, 2004

ARMENIA THIS WEEK
Monday, September 27, 2004
NEW TURKISH LAW TO CRIMINALIZE GENOCIDE AFFIRMATION
The Turkish parliament last Sunday passed a new Criminal Code, including
articles that would severely restrict freedom of speech on matters seen as
“insulting national dignity,” Turkish media reported. The new Code has come
on the insistence of the European Union (EU), which Turkey seeks to join,
and EU officials have yet to comment on new restrictions that are due to
come into force next April.
Article 306 of the new Code would punish individual Turkish citizens or
groups that confirm the fact of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey or
call for the end of the Turkish occupation of Northern Cyprus with up to
fifteen years in prison. Bekir Bozdag, a member of the Turkish Parliamentary
Committee on Legal Affairs from the ruling Justice and Development Party
(AKP), said the article was added on the insistence of the opposition
Republican People’s Party (CHP).
Turkey continues to deny the Genocide of some one and a half million
Armenians during World War I and pressures other countries to avoid the
issue. In addition, the Turkish government refuses to establish diplomatic
relations with Armenia or open its border for trade, unless Armenia
pressures its Diaspora, largely descended from Genocide survivors, not to
seek affirmation or reparations.
Turkey has largely ignored calls from the United States and EU officials to
lift its blockade of Armenia. Most recently, the EU Commission President
Romano Prodi suggested last week that the issue might become one of the
conditions for Turkey’s accession to EU. Armenian and Turkish officials have
held repeated talks on ways to move ahead in bilateral relations, with
Armenia ready to establish ties without preconditions. Turkey, after hinting
at a change of policy last year, has reverted to the old line. The two
countries’ foreign ministers are due to meet this week, although no imminent
progress is anticipated.
Citing “national security” concerns, Turkish courts have already prosecuted
citizens who have spoken in favor of recognizing Armenian Genocide or
against Ankara’s policies of denial. An ethnic Assyrian priest was charged
in October 2000 and seven high school teachers were prosecuted last year for
questioning the Turkish government’s demand that schoolchildren be
instructed on denial of Genocide. However, the new law would specifically
target what is known in Turkey as the “Armenian issue” while providing for
more severe punishments.
Despite continued Turkish hostility, Defense Minister Serge Sargsian last
week confirmed Armenia’s support for Turkey’s accession to the EU. Most
Armenian observers hope the accession process would help Turkey change its
intransigent attitude. There appears to be growing recognition in Turkey
that its policy towards Armenia has been unsuccessful. The blockade has
hampered Turkey’s own economic interests, while Armenia is developing
despite closed borders. (Sources: AP 12-21-00; AFP 7-1-03; Armenia This Week
1-16, 30, 5-21; Mediamax 9-20; Radikal 9-20; Arminfo 9-24; Anadolu 9-28;
9-27)
ARMENIA ISSUES FIRST LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS
The Armenian Finance Ministry issued the country’s first long-term bonds
last week. The first $3 million batch of bonds repayable in seven years was
met with great demand by local banks and financial organizations and sold in
less than a day. The move is seen as reflecting growing confidence in the
government’s fiscal policy and another milestone in Armenia’s economic
development.
Armenia first began issuing bonds with one-year maturity in 1995 as a way to
generate funds for the country’s cash-strapped treasury. Since 2000, the
government switched to treasury bills with one to five years maturity. These
short- to medium-term bonds had yields averaging as high as 60 percent in
the late 1990s, but decreased to under six percent in recent years.
At a press conference last week, Chairman of the Central Bank Tigran
Sargsian argued that Armenia was entering a “new cycle of economic
development.” Sargsian claimed that recent strengthening of the national
currency, the Dram, was a reflection of growing financial infusions through
direct investments and cash transfers, as well as ongoing economic growth.
The Dram traded at about 510 to $1, down from 570 at the beginning of 2004.
Sargsian said that the Bank so far plans no intervention into the national
currency’s rise, urging Armenia’s exporters to focus on improving the
quality of their products rather than expect government “subsidies” through
a weaker Dram.
The National Statistics Service reported last week that Armenia’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) was up 9.6 percent in the first eight months of the
year, with the country on track for the fourth consecutive year of
double-digit growth. Increases in construction, agriculture and electricity
output ranged between 12 and 18 percent so far this year. Industrial
production and exports were up three percentage points each. Western
Europe, Russia, the United States and Israel remain Armenia’s main trading
partners.
Over the same period, the population’s incomes and expenses have on average
increased by 17 percent, with an average monthly salary up more than 30
percent to about $80, without purchasing power factored in. (Sources:
Armenia This Week 8-3; Arminfo 9-20, 22, 23; Noyan Tapan 9-20, 23, 24;
RFE/RL Armenia Report 9-22, 23)
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Les Echos
27 septembre 2004
Sarkozy demande un référendum sur l’entrée de la Turquie en Europe…
par CÉCILE CORNUDET
La question de l’entrée de la Turquie dans l’Union européenne est en
train de brouiller, si besoin en était, le débat sur la Constitution
européenne. Jeudi, la Commission européenne a semblé être prête à
donner le feu vert à l’ouverture de négociations avec Ankara,
suscitant l’inquiétude non dissimulée des partisans du « oui » à la
Constitution européenne, notamment à droite, qui craignent que les
deux questions ne se percutent.
Pour sortir de cette difficulté, Nicolas Sarkozy a proposé hier une
solution de compromis en souhaitant que le président de la République
organise un référendum sur l’entrée de la Turquie, « afin de
connaître l’opinion des Français ». Il est vrai que si Jacques Chirac
reste favorable à l’ouverture de négociations avec Ankara, ne
serait-ce que parce que l’entrée de la Turquie n’interviendrait pas
avant dix ou quinze ans, la droite dans son ensemble, UMP comme UDF,
y est très réticente. Le Premier ministre lui-même a émis la semaine
dernière de sérieuses réserves. « Ce n’est pas parce que c’est un
pays musulman, mais parce que cela représente l’équivalent de
l’adhésion de dix nouveaux pays d’Europe de l’Est », a estimé hier
Nicolas Sarkozy lors du Grand Jury RTL-« Le Monde »-LCI. Au Parti
socialiste, officiellement favorable à l’entrée de la Turquie sous
certaines conditions – droits de l’homme, reconnaissance du génocide
arménien -, la question est également très sensible. Laurent Fabius,
partisan du « non » à la Constitution européenne, a affirmé la
semaine dernière qu’un élargissement à la Turquie ne serait « pas
raisonnable ». « Il serait démocratique que l’Assemblée nationale se
prononce prochainement, avant que le chef de l’Etat ne le fasse au
nom de la France », a-t-il déclaré vendredi dans un entretien à «
Ouest-France ».