Azerbaijan set to buy modern artillery guns from Russia – daily
Ekho, Baku
21 Jul 04

Azerbaijan has begun negotiations with a Russian arms manufacturer to
buy a new model of artillery guns, the Azerbaijani newspaper Ekho has
said. In an interview with the newspaper, an independent military
expert welcomed Azerbaijan’s intention of buying the new model of
artillery guns and said it will help improve the training of
Azerbaijani gunners and the country will get a modern weapon of high
quality. The expert also added that Armenia is one step ahead of
Azerbaijan in updating its military arsenal and if Azerbaijan
concludes a contract with the Russians, the national army will only
benefit from this. The following is an excerpt from R. Orucov report
by Azerbaijani newspaper Ekho on 21 July headlined “Azerbaijan is
having ongoing negotiations to purchase artillery guns” and subheaded
“This can only be welcomed, a military expert thinks”. Subheadings
have been inserted editorially:
Negotiations have begun with Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is taking steps to update its military arsenal. This is
proved by the news that recently appeared on numerous Russian military
web sites. We are talking about the Expo Arms-2004 exhibition in
Nizhniy Tagil on 6-10 July. As has been reported, the Azerbaijani
presidential aide for military issues, Maj-Gen Vahid Aliyev, took part
in the exhibition. Over two days of the exhibition, experts from
various foreign delegations showed interest in the output of the
Motovilikhinskiye Zavody company (town of Perm), which is one of the
most famous manufacturers of artillery hardware in Russia, the
company’s web site says. Negotiations have begun with guests from
Azerbaijan, India, China, Cuba and some other countries.
What products did Azerbaijan show interest in? “A 120mm NONA-K towed
cannon, which is one of the enterprise’s most promising products, was
presented at the exhibition. The cannon has a unique combination of
qualities and can be used as a howitzer, a mortar or an anti-tank
gun. NONA-K attracted the attention of many experts who took part in
the Russian Expo Arms-2004 exhibition. The inventors of the 2B16
NONA-K cannon had taken Afghanistan experience into account. The
cannon is equipped with a jack to ensure its hard connection with the
surface in a gun emplacement. Unlike its self-propelled model, the
cannon’s barrel is provided with muzzle brake which absorbs up to 30
per cent of recoil energy. In line with the rules, the 120mm 2B16
cannot is towed by a GAZ-66 vehicle, but an UAZ-469 vehicle can also
cope with that task. This is a universal gun that combines a mortar
and a light howitzer. It has a low combat weight (1.2 tonnes), a small
size and matchless flexibility of fire which is characterized by a
wide firing range (from 1.7 to 12.8 km).
[Passage omitted: Other technical details of the gun]
No comment
Yesterday, Ekho managed to contact Igor Vagan, the director of the
foreign relations department of the Motovilikhinskiye Zavody
company. “Arms exports are a very delicate subject. However, what our
web site says about Azerbaijan is completely true. Indeed,
representatives of Azerbaijan’s state agencies have talked to
employees of our unit dealing with military equipment production.
However, I cannot make any comment on the current stage of the talks
and on the supposed amount of potential purchase by Azerbaijan,” Vagan
said.
He apologized for not being able to give us any details, saying that
the subject is confidential. “Unfortunately, I cannot say anything
about the price of the NONA-K cannon,” he said.
Armenia one step ahead
In any case, Azerbaijan’s well-known military expert Uzeyir Cafarov
positively regards the country’s intention of buying this universal
artillery gun. “It’s better to have few NONA-K cannons than the
cannons both Armenia and we possess. First, NONA has greater
efficiency than similar models of arms which our army is using and our
soldiers are learning to handle. The cannon’s hitting accuracy is 99.9
per cent. Previous similar models were weaker in terms of angular
deviation, wind correction and hitting accuracy. NONA is a weapon of
the latest generation. In addition, it was tested long ago,
demonstrated perfect results and can be successfully used in
hostilities. It can also be used to improve the training of
Azerbaijani gunners and mortar crew members.” If this issue ends
successfully, Cafarov said, Azerbaijan will get a modern weapon of
high quality.
According to him, “there is information which is not being divulged by
the media. Armenia is now busy updating its military potential. This
applies to artillery, light and heavy hardware. If Azerbaijan
concludes a contract with the Russian side, the national army will
only win from this – this will be of greater benefit than the hardware
we possess today.”
Taking into account that the Azerbaijani army is still equipped with
hardware invented and manufactured by the Soviet military-industrial
complex, “I think that the purchase of such weapons as NONA-K is
necessary”, he added. Over the past 10 years of independence,
Azerbaijan has not carried out a considerable replacement of various
weapons. “In terms of purchasing new hardware, we are behind
Armenia. It is no secret that the Armenians are searching the world
for new types of weapons to replenish their arsenal and are buying
them with the help of their strategic partner Russia. They are one
step ahead of us in this issue.”

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ARMENIANS AND CYPRIOTS “GREET” ERDOGAN IN PARIS
* Thousands participate in demonstration organised by Dashnaktsoutiun and
Ramkavar parties
* Cypriots demand withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus
* Armenians demand Armenian Genocide recognition
PARIS (AYFFM1/Aztagdaily.com)–Thousands of demonstrators on Tuesday
converged on the spot where Prime Minister Erdogan was expected to
give hispress conference.
Ramkavar and Dashnaktsoutiun party representatives as well as
representatives of the Cypriot and Kurdish communities of France
addressed the demonstrators. Also participating was the Dashnak
representative of Holland. That country will assume the Presidency of
the European Union in the coming months.
ARF Dashnaktsoutiun’s Papazian stated that representative of Armenian
communities would be visiting the European leaders with whom Prime
MinisterErdogan met during his tour.
Papazian also reported that on Monday Erdogan had addressed a
gathering of 3,000 Turks in France in an attempt to reorganize the
Turkish community there.
Angered Erdogan blackmails Armenians, tying the Genocide issue with
border opening
According to the Turkish Sabah newspaper, while in France Erdogan also
addressed the Armenian Genocide issue and said: “This is an issue for
the historians. The Armenian Diaspora makes a mistake by keeping this
issue high in its agenda. It is not beneficial for Armenia. As long as
this propaganda keeps going there will be no perspective for the
Armenian-Turkish relations. If they put an end to this then Turkey may
be willing to open the border with Armenia.”.
US HOUSE ADOPTS SCHIFF AMENDMENT ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
“None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the
Government of Turkey to engage in contravention of section 1913 of
title 18, United States Code, relating to lobbying with appropriated
moneys, with respect to HRes 193, Reaffirming support of the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishmentof the Crime of Genocide
and anticipating the 15th anniversary of the enactment of the Genocide
Convention Implementation Act of 1987 (the Proxmire Act) on November
4, 2003.”
— Amendment to Foreign Operations Bill prohibiting Turkey from
usingUS foreign aid to lobby against Genocide Resolution
— Rep. Knollenberg’s Leadership key to maintaining military aid
parity for Armenia and Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON, DC – In a powerful rebuke to the Turkish government’s
campaign of genocide denial, the House of Representatives this evening
adopted the Schiff Amendment, prohibiting the Turkish government from
using U.S. foreign assistance in its multi-million dollar campaign to
defeat legislation (H.Res.193) recognizing the Armenian Genocide,
reported the Armenian National Committeeof America (ANCA).
The amendment, introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), was passed by a
voice vote and added to the fiscal year 2005 foreign aid bill
(H.R.4818). The foreign aid bill was later passed by a vote of 365 to
41.
In his remarks on the House floor introducing the measure, Rep. Schiff
told his colleagues that, “today I offer a simple amendment that will
honor the one and a half million Armenians who perished in the
Armenian Genocide of the 1915 and 1923. I consider this a sacred
obligation to ensure that the men, women, and children who perished in
the Armenian Genocide are not lost to history and that this Congress
not fund shameful efforts to deny that the Genocide occurred.”
Commenting after the vote, Rep. Schiff said, “We are another step
closer to silencing those who would deny the murder of 1.5 million
Armenians,” adding that, “This amendment stands true to the memory of
the victims.”
“The passage of this amendment is a major victory,” said Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. “It clearly sends a message
that the United States House of Representatives will not tolerate
Turkey’s lobbying against the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.”
In his remarks during consideration of the measure, the New Jersey
legislator stressed that “it is time for this body to stop defending
and funding a government that continues to deny its own history, and
refuses to break with the pattern of intolerance established by past
Turkish governments which dealt with minority issues by committing
genocide against Armenians, massacring and driving Greeks from its
shores, restricting the rights of Christians to worship, and denying
the existence of its Kurdish citizens.”
“We want, first and foremost, to thank Congressman Schiff for his
tireless leadership in advancing this amendment, to recognize the
strong support of Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone and Joe
Knollenberg, and to note the pivotal role that Chairman Kolbe played
in helping this measure reach the House floor – where, as we all saw
this evening, it enjoyed overwhelming bi-partisan support,” said ANCA
Chairman Ken Hachikian.
The Genocide Resolution, H.Res.193, reaffirms U.S. support for the
Genocide Convention and cites the importance of remembering past
crimes against humanity, including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust,
Cambodian and Rwandangenocides, in an effort to stop future
atrocities. It faces intense opposition fromthe Turkish government,
which has enlisted the backing of the White House in its efforts to
block this measure from being scheduled for a vote of the full House.
The Genocide Resolution was introduced, in the House, in April, 2003,
by Representatives George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI). Its Senate companion measure was introduced, in
June, 2003, by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ).
H.Res.193 was adopted unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee
last May. Support for the measure has been widespread off of Capitol
Hill as well, with a diverse coalition of over 100 ethnic, religious,
civil and human rights organizations calling for its passage,
including American Values, National Organization of Women, Sons of
Italy, NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis, and the National Council of La
Raza.
CYPRUS PRESIDENT ADDRESSES TURKISH ANTI-OCCUPATION EVENT
Nicosia, Jul 20 (CNA) – Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said
tonight that although the non-solution of the Cyprus problem was not a
solution, the Greek Cypriot side could in no way choose a non-viable
solution, noting that if the non-solution festers the peril of
uncertainty, then a bad solution cultivates and guarantees the
certainty of a disaster.
Speaking at an event organised by the Cypriot government under the
title ”Cyprus 1974-2004, No to the occupation, Yes to reunification”
President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side does not apologise
for rejecting asolution plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan in the April 24 referendum, noting that ”our answer was right
and so was our position.”
He added that ”we want a solution urgently and we are sincerely
working for the reunification of our homeland and its people, for a
solution on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal and functional
federation, which the Annan plan can offer with the appropriate
improvements to it.”
President Papadopoulos said that lifting the Turkish occupation of the
island’s northern third could be achieved through an agreed solution,
adding that such a solution could be found on the basis of the Annan
plan.
TWO EXPEDITIONS TO SEEK NOAH’S ARK
MOSCOW (ARMENPRESS) A Russian group began an expedition of Mount
Ararat last Saturday. The organizers hope to prove that an object
nestled amid the snow and ice is Noah’s Ark. The group will present
the Turkish authorities an icon of George the Triumphant, who is
thought to be the protector of Caucasian Mountains. The expedition
marks Andrey Polyakov’s second attempt at locating the ark.
A joint US-Turkish team of 10 explorers also plan to tackle the
mountain this summer in an attempt to uncover a mammoth structure of
some 45 feet high, 75 feet wide and about 450 feet long that was
partly exposed during last summer’s European heat wave.
Explorers have long searched for an ark on the high slopes of Mount
Ararat, where the biblical account of the Great Flood places it. In
1957, Turkish air force pilots spotted a boat-shaped formation in the
Agri province. The government did not pursue the sighting,
however. The entire area, includingMount Ararat, was placed off limits
to explorers, after the USSR accused them of serving as US spies.
PYUNIK GO THROUGH… just
FC Pyunik weathered a spirited fight-back from FK Pobeda before
booking a second-round meeting with FC Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine
courtesy of a 4-2 aggregate win.
The Armenian champions, 3-1 victors in the first leg, were given a
scare after 23 minutes when Dragan Dimitrovski gave the
F.Y.R. Macedonian visitors the lead. A 2-0 victory would have put
Pobeda through on away goals, however Galust Petrosyan finally calmed
Pyunik’s frayed nerves with an equaliser 13 minutes from time.
Pobeda’s Borce Manevski was sent off in the 89th minute as the tie
slipped away from his side.
INTRODUCING YOUR BUSINESS TO GIBRAHAYER
Gibrahayer has been receiving requests from Armenian businesses, to
promote their products and services through the pages of Gibrahayer
e-newsletter. I call upon Armenian Cypriot businesses to make
donations to Armenian organisations and Charities for the advertising
space provided by Gibrahayer and urge all of you support Armenian
businesses and our advertisers ! Simon Aynedjian Gibrahayer
e-newsletter –
PAPPAGALLO CLOTHING INDUSTRY LTD. Company Profile
Pappagallo Clothing Industry Ltd are pioneers in the clothing
manufacturing industry specialising in Sportswear, Active Outerwear
and Promotional Corporate identity clothing, using silk-screen,
embroidery and transfer technology.
Products include, Polo shirts, Sweat Shirts, Jogging Suits, T-Shirts,
Athletic Attire for Sports Teams, Bodysuits, Windproof Jackets,
Parkas, Babywear, Hunting wear, Caps & Workwear.
The Pappagallo team can also customise any design of your choice and
tailor your requirements to suit your individual needs, to include
colours, sizes, ratios and quantities of your choice.
Invitation We invite you to visit our website at
and place your orders for September 2004. Contact us by email on
[email protected] call us at 22 353860.
Donation Pappagallo Clothing Industry Ltd have decided to donate
Athletic T-shirts for the AYMA football team.
NEWS IN BRIEF
– Turkey’s showcase express train derailed yesterday (Thursday )in the
northwest, killing at least 36 people and injuring about 60, after
critics warned the old tracks along the Istanbul-Ankara line could not
handle the new high-speed cars.
– At least three Armenian chess players Vladimir Hakobian, Levon
Aronian and Karen Asrian will be eligible to compete for the World
Chess Cup which is expected to begin in 2005, in a newly designed
contest organized by the World Chess Federation.
– Armenia topped its Davis Cup Group at the Europe/Africa Zone Group
IV in Chisinau, by defeating Botswana, Malta and Mauritius.
– 900 high school graduates in Karabagh participated in Stepanakert
University’s entrance examination – the only one in the country – on
July 20.
– A five-year Italian child with leukaemia was saved after her genetic
makeup matched that of 22-year-old Armenian student, Vahe
Vardanian. The bone marrow transplant operation was performed on July
6 in Italy.
– 33 million drams in emergency assistance was allocated to the
province of Syunik, which was recently devastated by strong hailstorms
and winds that destroyed tens of homes.
– According to Sevan Observatory sources, Lake Sevan is currently
situated 1897.95 meters above the sea level. Last year, the level was
half a meter lower.
-Authorities of Mountainous Karabagh Republic said that after
consultations with the International Red Cross, they handed over a
19-year old Azeri soldier that had been detained when crossing a
cease-fire line last month.
– An Armenian magazine employee Pail Peloyan’s died after being
stabbed and beaten in Moscow.
g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r
* THE TEKEYAN YOUTH MOVEMENT OF CYPRUS is organizing a unique
excursion to Armenia, 7-14 August. Participants will exclusively be
Armenian youth (ages13 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 Virab,
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.
* 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.
* The Armenian Youth Federation organised a youth gathering at Aktea
Beach in Ayia Napa for the weekend of 17-18 July. Enclosed some images
from the weekend at the
link: Once you
enter the site, click on view as slideshow on the right.
* The Armenian 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.
* CHANGE OF VENUE Khanasor and Lisbon 5 Expeditions commemoration at
Troodos Picnic site of “Loumada ton Aeton” (last year’s site and the
site of 1981-1982 AYF Camps, one mile before the American Academy Camp
site. As always follow the tricolours) Sunday July 25, 2004, organised
by AYMA, Dashnaktsoutiun Cyprus Committee, The Armenian National
Committee of Cyprus, AYF, Larnaca and Limassol Armenian Clubs,
Hamazkayin and ARS (HOM) Cyprus Chapters. Hayer hishek nviragan ayn
ore, Houlis amsoun ksanhinkin gadaretsek mer done. Commemorative
Programme begins at 12:00 noon. Speaker of the Day, President of
A.Y.M.A, Adour Karaguelian.
* A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to
Karabagh are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the
trip please contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members
immediately.
* 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.
* Armenian Radio Hour on The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation can be
heard 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).
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PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
July 22, 2004
How to Become Culturally Well-rounded Armenians

New York, NY – Where in the world would you have an internationally
acclaimed theater persona, a renowned photo-journalist, a political
lobbyist, an Armenian- American military man, and an innovative
poet-artist speak to Armenian teenagers within weeks from each to
complement an already rich academic program?

Where would one analyze Siamanto’s Terenig, learn about Vartan
Aykegtsi, the relocation plans of Shah Abbas, the current political
climate in Armenia and Karabagh, and the teachings of the Gospel in a
young people-friendly manner? All that in addition to trips to
museums, screening of the movie Ararat (by special parental
authorization), visits to the Armenian Old Age Home, discussions about
current Armenian issues, Armenian theater workshops and Jeopardy
tournaments.

One need not go far; the Siamanto Academy of the Armenian National
Education Committee (ANEC), offers that opportunity. Known for its
well-formed academic program, the Academy which holds classes at
Woodside’s St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School, exposes young
Armenians to current developments in the world of Armenian politics,
history, literature and the arts.

The accredited program encompasses instruction in language,
literature, history, current events and Christian Studies, which
covers a three-year syllabus. Christian Studies are administered by
Very Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, who with the help of guest
lecturers, has engaged the students at their level in bringing the
Word to them. The Armenian curriculum has been developed over the
years by Dr. Herand Markarian and it encompasses, language and
literature disciplines. Mr. Harout Misserlian has developed a
comprehensive syllabus that incorporate the ethnogenesis of the
Armenian people through modern times.

It is our belief that when anchored in the rich Armenian culture,
students are stronger and more confident to serve as viable citizens
wherever they may be. In that vein, the Academy was happy to invite
Major Aram Sarafian, as a guest lecturer.

Following discussion about his dual heritage, Major Aram spoke of his
military deployments to Bosnia & Croatia, Afghanistan, and Kuwait and
Iraq and about how his Armenian background provided opportunities to
interact with the local Armenian communities, officials of Armenian
descent working for the United Nations and other Armenian-Americans in
the military.

As Siamanto Academy student, Tamar Samuelian said, “I enjoyed Major
Aram Sarafian’s presentation very much. It sort of gave us an idea of
what the other soldiers are doing presently in Iraq, Kuwait and
wherever else troops are located. His presentation also taught us
that being Armenian . can be very beneficial to us . It can also help
others learn about Armenians. I also learned you don’t necessarily
have to be known throughout the world, to be important.”

Harry Koundakjian, the internationally known Associated Press
photo-journalist, was also invited to address the Academy
students. Mr. Koundakjian’s interesting selection of slides depicted
important events of the last 50 years, when he covered events in the
Middle East and especially Armenia. His travels in more than 30
countries recorded the lives of kings, presidents, our catholicoi,
famous writers like William Saroyan, singers like Charles Aznavour,
artists, dancers like Noreyev, Fonteyn as well as political and
national, religious leaders. Harry was in Armenia to record the
earthquake. Among Koundakjian’s favorite photographs is a picture he
shot of the raising of the Armenian Tricolor, at the United Nations
when Armenia was accepted as a member to the world body.
Kevork Mourad, the talented artist who had his artistic formation in
Armenia and who has exhibited extensively in the United States and
Armenia, showed a power point presentation of his technique and
works. He also gave a brief overview about Armenian art and
artists. Mr. Mourad’s interactive presentation ended with drawings by
the students.

Nora Armani, the much-anticipated, internationally acclaimed stage,
film and television personality, held a theatrical workshop for the
students. The session held in Armenian, elicited impromptu responses
and improvisations by the students. After an introduction about
Armenian and international theater, the artist showed the students
practical acting techniques.

A slide presentation “This Summer in Karabagh” and commentary by Neery
Melkonian, Founder and Executive Director of NK Arts, a non-profit
organization committed to stimulating economic growth and social
recovery in the Nagorno Karabagh Republic, was a presentation of
stunning visual overview of various NK Arts initiatives including the
production of the annual Festival of Shushi. NK Arts provides
vocational training and local jobs, introduces basic business
principles, and sets up oversight and management structures for this
emerging nation also known as Artsakh.

Armenian National Committee (ANC) New York director, Antranik
Vartanian was another welcome guest. Following a presentation of the
work engendered and propagated by the ANC one of the two Armenian
lobbying groups in Washington D.C., Mr. Vartanian showed a BBC
documentary. “Armenia: The Betrayed” was an authoritative account of
the history of the Armenian Genocide and the Turkish government policy
of its denial. Mr. Vartanian gave a historical background about the
inception of the ANC on the 50th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide. Now, 36 states have accepted the Armenian Genocide.

The Siamanto Academy sponsored by the Armenian National Education
Committee meets on Saturdays at the St. Illuminator’s Armenian School
in Woodside. All graduates of Armenian schools in the New York, New
Jersey area are invited to take this valuable opportunity to further
their knowledge of the Armenian language and culture. This year, ANEC
invited Dn. Krikor Lakissian to serve as the principal of the
Academy. Dn. Lakissian has been instrumental in transmitting the love
of the Armenian ethos to the students in addition to his role as
principal and occasional instructor. Ms Gilda B. Kupelian continues to
lend her support and active participation in the supervision and
accreditation process of the program.

‘Armenian genocide’ used in bill
Radanovich urges House GOP to vote.
By Michael Doyle
Bee Washington Bureau
July 22, 2004
WASHINGTON — Armenian-American activists are lobbying furiously to hold on
to a surprise victory they’ve won — albeit temporarily — on Capitol Hill.
With thousands of letters, the activists are urging House Republican leaders
to allow a vote on legislation that uses the phrase “Armenian genocide.”
Written by Mariposa Republican George Radanovich, the resolution so far has
remained stalled.
“The leadership is very aware that we have the votes to pass it,” Democratic
Rep. Adam Schiff of Pasadena said Wednesday, “and they are very concerned
about the Turkish reaction.”
Schiff and Radanovich represent districts with some of the largest
Armenian-American populations in the country. Along with 108 of their House
colleagues, they are pushing this year’s version of what is commonly called
the Armenian genocide resolution.
In a tactical strike that caught GOP leaders off-guard, Schiff last week
restored the genocide issue to center stage. He won House approval late in
the week for an amendment prohibiting Turkey from using U.S. foreign aid to
lobby against the genocide resolution. Schiff’s amendment is mostly
symbolic, as countries already are prohibited from using U.S. funds to
lobby. It also is almost certainly doomed, as Republican leaders have vowed
to kill it when House and Senate negotiators convene to resolve differences
on the foreign-aid bill.
“We understand the political motivation behind the amendment, and for that
reason, we will insist that it be dropped,” House Speaker Dennis Hastert,
House Majority Whip Tom DeLay and House Minority Leader Roy Blunt said in a
joint statement.
“Our relationship with Turkey is too important to us to allow it to be in
any way damaged by a poorly crafted and ultimately meaningless amendment.”
Nonetheless, the Turkish aid amendment has succeeded in reinvigorating a
debate that had seemed to fall dormant.
“It keeps the issue of the genocide resolution in front of the Congress,
which I think is good, even if the language is stripped out,” Radanovich
said Wednesday.
Several years ago, Radanovich won House approval for a similar measure that
reduced U.S. aid to Turkey by the amount that Turkey spent on lobbying. That
measure, too, was ultimately dropped from the final foreign-aid bill.
Schiff said that his Turkish aid amendment “places the House on record as
recognizing the Armenian genocide.” Still, though that was his intent, his
amendment adopted by voice vote does not specifically use the words
“Armenian genocide.” For that, he and Radanovich are still pushing the
separate resolution.
This year’s nonbinding resolution states the “the lessons of the Holocaust,
the Armenian Genocide, and the genocides in Cambodia and Rwanda, among
others, will be used to help prevent future genocide.” On its face, the
resolution commemorates the Genocide Convention Implementation Act of 1987.
Fundamentally, though, the resolution’s basic purpose is to get the House on
record as using the phrase “Armenian genocide.” That is why it is so
controversial.
“We have no intention of scheduling [it] as reported out of the Judiciary
Committee in April, during the remainder of this Congress,” Hastert and his
two top House lieutenants said in their joint statement.
Four years ago, Hastert said otherwise. Meeting with Armenian-American
leaders in Southern California, in a campaign swing designed to help the GOP
incumbent whom Schiff was challenging, Hastert promised to bring Armenian
genocide legislation up for a vote.
Hastert reneged at the last minute in 2000, citing a Clinton administration
request.
Now, it’s the Bush administration that opposes any legislation referring to
an Armenian genocide. The phrase refers to the period starting in 1915, when
Armenians were killed during the final years of the Ottoman Empire —
Armenian-American activists put the figure at 1.5 million, while Turkish
officials say the number is much lower.
Numerous historians and authors have concluded the slaughter of Armenians
meets the modern definition of genocide.
Armenian National Committee spokeswoman Elizabeth Chouldjian said Wednesday
that at least 10,000 automatically generated letters have been faxed to
Capitol Hill in recent days. The organization has also summoned the support
of leading Armenian-Americans in the swing states that will likely determine
the outcome of the presidential campaign.
Radanovich agreed that his Armenian-American constituents have been “very
good” at pressing their point with GOP leaders, and he predicted a similar
resolution will return next year.
“If the leadership follows through on its threat to not allow a vote, this
issue will not go away,” Schiff said.
The reporter can be reached at [email protected] or (202) 383-0006.

AGBU PRESS OFFICE
55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone (212) 319-6383
Fax (212) 319-6507
Email [email protected]
Webpage
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, July 22, 2004
AGBU INTERNSHIP PROGRAM A SUCCESS
NEW YORK, NY- From a large and highly competitive candidate pool, 34
aspiring professionals were selected to participate in AGBU’s 17th
Annual New York Summer Intern Program (NYSIP). The Program selection
process while difficult, focuses on individuals who have not only
demonstrated an ability to excel in their respective academic
environments, but have also balanced such scholastic success with
diverse and impressive extracurricular interests. The 2004 intern
class, hailing from Austria, Brazil, Canada, England, France,
Switzerland and the United States is no exception, and each has been
provided with a unique and invaluable opportunity to gain the
vocational experience necessary to complement their various fields of
study. The United Nations, the Mayor’s Office, ESPN Radio and Wachovia
Securities are among the organizations participating in the Program.
All this within an exciting backdrop that is New York City.
“Interning at David Scheinfeld and Associates has been an amazing
experience. I was able to gain insight as to how the legal system
operates and thus enabled me to decide if I want to pursue this as a
career in Austria.” (Bagin Hartunian-Tahmasians, Austria)
In addition to providing each intern with a ‘day job,’ the eight-week
Program itinerary includes a number of educational and cultural events
for its participants. Thus far, the interns have attended a lecture
exploring the psychological effects of genocide and trauma, presented
by Dr. Anie Kalayjian, and have been introduced to the literature of
Arthur Nersesian and Nancy Kricorian through a series of book readings
by the authors. At a Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY)
sponsored event Mr. Nersessian discussed his “Chinese Takeout, ” while
a later seminar would highlight Ms. Kricorian’s “Dreams of Bread and
Fire.”
“Growing up, I wasn’t very involved in the Armenian Community. I am
grateful to the AGBU New York Summer Internship Program for organizing
such thought provoking lectures that have enabled me to rediscover my
own identity.” (Kristina Kazarian, USA )
With a further three weeks remaining, each intern is seeking to
maximize their time in the Big Apple. While they have wholeheartedly
embraced the professional opportunities afforded to them, they have
equally made themselves available for various community service
projects. Of particular note, the Program participants volunteered
their services for the Target Children’s Day at the South Street
Seaport, sponsored by Target Stores, as part of the Downtown NYC River
to River Festival 2004, and in association with Thirteen/WNET New
York, as well as for the Sunshine for Seniors Program in conjunction
with YPGNY. Along the way, all have started on a road that will see
them maintain lasting friendships with like-minded young cosmopolitan
Armenians.
“I’ll be leaving New York… knowing that I have a wealth of
friends… who have shared my experience and culture. Best of all
though: I’ll be leaving New York as an Armenian.” (Emily Ohanjanians,
Toronto, Canada)
The AGBU New York Summer Intern Program would not be possible without
the guidance, dedication and generous support of Vartkess and Rita
Balian, founders of the Program and co-chairs of the President’s Club
since 1987, whose invaluable leadership has inspired interns from
around the world. The President’s Club, as sponsors of the Program,
have sustained and expanded the Program in order to offer Armenian
students opportunities to gain professional work experience that will
aid them in their future careers.

Armenian leader, Georgian foreign minister discuss regional development
Mediamax news agency
22 Jul 04
YEREVAN
Armenia is openly interested in stability in Georgia, Armenian
President Robert Kocharyan told today’s meeting in Yerevan with
visiting Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zourabichvili.
The sides discussed Armenian-Georgian relations and prospects for
developing the South Caucasus region, Mediamax learnt from the
presidential press service. Since economic relations between the two
countries do not correspond to the genuine potential and aspirations
of Armenia and Georgia, Kocharyan said that it was necessary to
intensify the activities of the intergovernmental commission on
economic cooperation.
The Armenian president and the Georgian foreign minister also
discussed the prospects that emerged following the involvement of the
South Caucasus countries in the EU’s New Neighbourhood policy.

Envoy in Azerbaijan denies Iran-Armenia gas pipeline construction launch
ANS TV, Baku
21 Jul 04

[Presenter Natavan Babayeva] The Armenian ambassador in Tehran has
said that Iran has started to construct a gas pipeline from Iran to
Armenia. But the Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan advises us not to
take this report seriously.
[Correspondent, over archive footage] Iran has started to construct a
100-kilometre section of the gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia across
its territory, the Armenian ambassador in Tehran, Gegam Garibdzhanyan,
has told Iran.ru news agency. According to him, the construction will
finish in spring 2006 and is being held at the expense of the Iranian
state.
The Armenian ambassador said that an Iranian company, representatives
of which had visited Armenia a few days ago, would build the
pipeline’s 40-kilometre section across Armenian territory. Although
Garibdzhanyan did not name the company, he said that the state [Iran]
is in control of this company which has the capacity to finish the
construction before the scheduled date. [Passage omitted: background
of pipeline project].
The Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ahad Qaza’i, denied the
statement by the Armenian ambassador to Iran on the construction of
the gas pipeline.

Armenian, Georgian foreign ministers discuss regional problems
Arminfo
21 Jul 04
YEREVAN
Armenian and Georgian Foreign Ministers Vardan Oskanyan and Salome
Zourabichvili have discussed bilateral relations and some issues of
regional significance in Yerevan.
Welcoming the guest, Oskanyan said that Zourabichvili’s visit and her
high-level meetings will lend a new slant to the issues on the agenda
of Armenian-Georgian relations, the Armenian Foreign Ministry press
service told Arminfo. The ministers discussed the main tasks of
bilateral relations and the region’s prospects. They voiced their
approaches to the issue of European integration and noted the
potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in terms of
strengthening relations with the European and North Atlantic
structures, such as the EU and NATO. They said that this will have
greater importance in connection with the South Caucasian countries’
admission to the Expanded Europe programme.
Oskanyan stressed the importance of developing roads and means of
transport both in the West-East and South-North directions. He said
that the proportional development of these directions will help turn
the South Caucasus into a busy crossroads. In this connection, the
parties exchanged their views on the possibility of restoring the
existing railway lines in the region, particularly the
Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway and the Abkhaz section of the
Russia-Georgia-Armenia railway.
The parties also discussed issues of supplying energy to the region
and the processes going on in this sphere. In this connection, they
touched upon the implementation of several programmes with Iran.
The regional countries’ relations with Turkey were also discussed at
the meeting. Oskanyan spoke about the current state of
Armenian-Turkish relations and the possibility of making progress on
the issue. Then the parties discussed the region’s sore points – the
Nagornyy Karabakh, Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-Ossetian conflicts,
and possible ways of settling these conflicts.

Armenian premier, Georgian minister discuss ethnic minorities’ problems
Arminfo
21 Jul 04
YEREVAN
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan and Georgian Foreign
Minister Salome Zourabichvili have discussed the strengthening of
relations between the two countries.
At a meeting held today, Markaryan voiced his satisfaction with the
high level of interstate Armenian-Georgian relations based on mutual
confidence and cooperation, and on the traditions of centuries-old
friendship between the two nations, the Armenian government press
service told Arminfo.
Armenian-Georgian relations are a component of regional stability, he
said, adding that nevertheless, these relations require attention and
discussion, especially in the economic sphere.
In this context, Markaryan noted the importance of the Georgian
Foreign Minister’s first official visit to Armenia and stressed that
the visit will promote preparations for his visit to Georgia which
will take place in several days.
[Passage omitted: Markaryan says a wide range of economic issues is to
be discussed during his visit to Georgia]
Talking about the maintenance of regional stability, Markaryan said
that Armenia is interested in stability in Georgia. At his request,
Zourabichvili briefed him on the political situation in Georgia,
particularly on the new situation in Ajaria, the tasks that exist in
Abkhazia and South Ossetia and on the country’s relations with Russia
and Turkey.
The parties also discussed the problem of Javakheti [Georgia’s
Armenian-populated Samtskhe-Javakheti Region]. Markaryan stressed that
the Armenians always show interest in the fate of their compatriots
living abroad and voiced his hope that the Georgian authorities will
keep paying attention to the Armenian population in the
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region and solve the social and economic problems
of Georgia’s ethnic Armenian citizens, their education and cultural
issues.
Markaryan reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness to assist the implementation
of programmes on the social and economic development of
Samtskhe-Javakheti.
The parties reaffirmed the readiness of the two countries’ governments
to strengthen bilateral political and economic ties and to be actively
involved in regional integration processes.

Azerbaijan to buy Pakistani weapons – paper
Ayna, Baku
21 Jul 04

Azerbaijan is interested in buying Pakistani weapons, the Azerbaijani
daily Ayna has reported. The newspaper quoted an independent military
expert as saying that military agreements may be signed during an
upcoming visit to Azerbaijan by Pakistan’s Gen Muhammad Aziz
Khan. Pakistan can help Azerbaijan form a national military-industrial
complex, he said. “Almost 10 Azerbaijani officers are studying in
Pakistan. I believe that if the talks go well and an agreement is
reached, then this number will increase many times over,” the expert
added. The following is the text of C. Sumarinli report by
Azerbaijani newspaper Ayna on 21 July headlined “Pakistan will help
form our military industry” and subheaded “Military sources say that
Azerbaijan is interested in assault rifles made in
Pakistan”. Subheadings have been inserted editorially:
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (which includes
the navy, airforce and ground troops), Gen Muhammad Aziz Khan, is to
visit Azerbaijan in about two weeks, the Pakistani ambassador to
Azerbaijan, Faiz Mohammed Khoso, told journalists several days ago.
He said that the visit will take place at the invitation of
Azerbaijan. Khan will meet Azerbaijani Defence Minister Col-Gen Safar
Abiyev and other officials. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is also
expected to receive Khan. During the meeting the sides will discuss
military cooperation.
Official military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan began in
May 2001 when Abiyev visited that country and signed a joint
declaration with Pakistani Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar. The
agreement envisaged that Pakistan will render Azerbaijan assistance in
military training, education, health, as well as technical aid.
Pakistan’s military education is one of the best in the world. For
instance, the military academy and military communications college in
Pakistan have excellent equipment and personnel. The national defence
college of Pakistan’s military academy is compared with the world’s
leading military education centres. Experts especially note the
special nature of Pakistan’s military education.
In terms of logistics and equipment, the Pakistani armed forces are
very developed and regarded as one of the strongest armies in the
world, experts say.
Talks failed in 2001
We have obtained information from military sources that the
Azerbaijani delegation and their Pakistani counterparts discussed the
purchase of weapons and military hardware in May 2001. For some
reason, however, the deal did not materialize. But chances are high
that the talks will be successful in 2004.
Currently, there are 14 military plants in Pakistan. These facilities
mainly produce small arms, grenade-launchers and machine guns. Some
work was carried out recently to start mass production of military
hardware. For this reason, Pakistan may offer its close ally
Azerbaijan military hardware and weapons at discount prices. This is
crucial for the Azerbaijani government because Armenia, which has
occupied our territories, buys weapons and military hardware from
Russia at reduced prices in accordance with the regulations of the
Collective Security Treaty Organization.
Pakistani assault rifles
Military sources say that Azerbaijan is most interested in acquiring
assault rifles made in Pakistan. They are not inferior in quality to
Kalashnikov assault rifles used by our army and are cheaper.
An independent military expert, retired Lt-Col Uzeyir Cafarov, told
Ayna in an interview that military relations between the two countries
can be described as satisfactory at the moment. “The first time the
Pakistani military visited Azerbaijan was in 1992. By now there have
been numerous meetings between Azerbaijani and Pakistani
servicemen. Khan’s visit will create conditions for signing a number
of documents. They will mainly concern the issues discussed during the
recent visit to Azerbaijan by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.”
Developing Azerbaijan’s military-industrial complex
In the near future, the relationship between the two countries will
become even more dynamic, Cafarov said. “The documents to be signed
during Khan’s visit will concern the formation of Azerbaijan’s
military-industrial complex and the intensification of exchange
programmes for military personnel. It is very important for Azerbaijan
to form a national military-industrial complex. Almost 10 Azerbaijani
officers are studying in Pakistan. I believe that if the talks go well
and an agreement is reached, then this number will increase many times
over.”
Cafarov confirmed that the Pakistani army is one of the strongest
armies in the world and there is a lot Azerbaijan can learn from
Pakistan. “The Pakistani army is mainly formed on the basis of NATO
and some local standards. They have completed a lot of military
reforms. Therefore, I believe that Azerbaijan must maintain close
military cooperation, as well an open and free exchange with
Pakistan.”
Cafarov also touched on the prospects for Azerbaijan’s purchase of
weapons from Pakistan. “I reckon that this will be done in the
future. At this stage, Azerbaijan may obtain some important military
equipment from Pakistan. In general, these two countries can establish
trade in military hardware in the future.”