Charles Aznavour made commander of Legion of Honour
Expatica, Netherlands
May 14 2004
PARIS, May 14 (AFP) – Charles Aznavour, the 80 year-old French singer
of Armenian origin, was on Friday made a commander of the Legion of
Honour by President Jacques Chirac.
“Among the 1,000 songs you have written and composed more than 100
are in the pages of the anthologies,” Chirac said in a ceremony at
the Elysee palace.
“It is to a man of infinite generosity, sincere, an incomparable
and uncontested artist, a marvellous ambassador for French song
and language that I am profoundly delighted to present this award,”
he said.
There are some 1,250 commanders of the Legion of Honour, the order’s
third highest rank.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 14 2004
FOREIGN MINISTER PARTICIPATES COE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS 114TH
SESSION
[May 14, 2004, 16:16:38]
A delegation of Azerbaijan led by Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov took part in the 114th session of the
Council of Europe Committee of ministers held in Strasbourg on May
12-13.
Prior to the session, Minister E. Mammadyarov met with COE Secretary
General Walter Schwimmer. During the meeting, the Minister signed a
protocol on changes in anti-terror Convention of 1977, the parties
discussed fulfillment by Azerbaijan of its commitments to the Council
of Europe and continuation of CE’s assistance to the country in this
sphere. The Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan updated the COE Secretary
General in detail on the activity aimed at settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.
The Minister further met with members of the Committee Minister’s Ago
monitoring group to discuss Azerbaijan’s fulfillment of the
commitments to COE, measures taken in country for implementing
democratic reforms, and perspectives of the Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict resolution. Pointing to the positive results of Azerbaijan
President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the Council of Europe, the Minister
emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the
organization.
In accordance with the session’s first day agenda, Minister of
Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov delivered a report on political
issues and reformation of the European Court on Human Rights. On the
point “current political issues”, he stressed the importance of the
Council of Europe in creation of the United Europe without
borderlines, expressed Azerbaijan’s position towards this process.
The Minister also touched upon the bitter consequences of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict hampering development of South Caucasus
region, initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan for elimination of
these problems. He also drew the meeting participants attention to
the exceptional role of the European Human Rights Court in protection
of human rights and freedoms, and stated that Azerbaijani supports
the new 14th protocol of the European Human Rights Convention aimed
at reformation of the Court and improvement of its efficiency.
Later on the same day, Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenian
held meeting in presence of the OSCE Minsk group co-Chairs at the
office of he permanent representation of France to the Council of
Europe.
On the 13th of May, the 114th session of the Committee of Minister
continued its work. During the meeting presided by new Chairman of
the Committee Jan Petersen, Minister Elmar Mammadyarov supported the
idea of conducting 3rd Summit of the Council of Europe underlining
the importance if inclusion of topical issues, particularly that of
conflicts settlement, in its agenda. He noted that consequences of
the conflicts have a negative impact upon realization of the European
values in developing countries.
Speaking of the combat against terrorism, Mr. Mammadyarov stated that
he supports COE related efforts, particularly, preparation of the
general anti-terror convention, told of the terrorist acts committed
by Armenia against Azerbaijan and their bitter consequences, and
emphasized the need to intensify the combat against aggressive
separatism. The Minister, however, noted that Azerbaijan attaches
great importance to the values common to all mankind and dialogue
between cultures.
In conclusion of the session, the Foreign Ministers of the COE member
state adopted final official statement of the 114th session, and
Statement on advanced experience in the sphere of elections to the
effect that the unsolved conflicts pose threat to security,
territorial integrity and stability in the member countries, and pike
fear into their populations.
Another document adopted by the Ministers and concerning the results
of the Committee Minister’s Chairman says that the Committee welcomes
the three Azerbaijan President’s decrees on pardon, and supports
continuation of the way of national reconciliation and democratic
reforms.
It also welcomes the fact of continuation – parallel with the session
of – of the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan under the
trusteeship of the OSCE Minsk Group, and reminds the commitments to
the Council of Europe assumed by both countries in entry.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with PACE
rapporteur on Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict Terry Davis to exchange
views on the current situation.
Beside, COE Secretary General Walter Schwimmer held a meeting with
Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia to discuss the
fulfillment of obligations on the conflict’s resolution assumed by
the member states, and the relevant contribution of the Council of
Europe.
On the same day, Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia met in
presence of the Minsk group co-Chairs at the office of he permanent
representation of France to the Council of Europe.
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov had a separate meeting with the co-Chairs
as well.

MARDIN HOSTS ABRAHAMIC RELIGION AND PEACE SYMPOSIUM
Cumhuriyet, Turkey
May 14 2004
Mardin yesterday hosted a seminar on “Religion and Peace in Light
of the Prophet Abraham” organized by the Intercultural Dialogue
Platform. Among those attending were Interior Minister Abdulkadir
Aksu, Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos, Istanbul Chief Rabbi Ishak
(Yitzhak) Haleva, Eastern Orthodox Cardinal Ignace Moussa Daoud,
Turkish Armenian Patriarch Mesrob II and Religious Affairs Directorate
deputy head Muhammed Sevki Aydin. The symposium started with the Muslim
call to prayer and continued with hymns sung by a chorus with Muslim,
Jewish and Christian members. /Cumhuriyet/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenia’s FM terms Iran as a major regional partner
IRNA, Iran
May 14 2004
Moscow, May 14, IRNA — Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan in
a meeting with Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh in Yerevan Friday
referred to Iran as a major partner of his country in the region.
In the meeting, Oskanyan said that the agreement signed between
the two countries on sale of gas to Armenia is in line with Iran’s
political will to expand the mutual friendly ties.
He further underlined Iran’s decisive role and stance in the region.
Turning to the significance of Iran’s balanced regional policy, he said
that bilateral cooperation under the framework of North-South Route
and construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline are of great importance.
For his part, Zanganeh expressed pleasure over the finalization of
the contract on transfer of gas from Iran to Armenia on the basis of
exchange with power as a major development.
The minister noted that the materialization of the project marks
sustained and long-term collaboration between Iran and Armenia.
Referring to the pace of the global economic growth, he reiterated
the need for economic development in Caucasus, in particular in the
coming years.
On the first day of his visit to Armenia on Thursday, Zanganeh met
President Robert Koucharian, prime minister, energy minister, head
of presidential institution and the Armenian chairman of Iran-Armenia
Economic Commission and discussed matters of mutual concern.
The two sides signed an agreement on transfer of gas from Iran to
Armenia and a memorandum of understanding on collaboration in the
field of energy on Thursday.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
May 14 2004
SPEECH OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV AT SUPREME MAJLIS OF
NAKHCHIVAN AR
[May 14, 2004, 20:30:39]
Dear meeting participants!
Today is the second day of my staying in Nakhchivan. This is my first
visit to Nakhchivan after being elected as President, and what I have
seen today gives me a great pleasure. Great constructive work in
being carried out in Nakhchivan.
Nakhchivan is the land, which is living under very hard conditions.
The indivisible part of Azerbaijan is under blockade. Nakhchivan has
no communication with the greater part of Azerbaijan but airway.
Considering the situation, under the instruction of our esteemed
president, people’s nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev, the
international airport has been built and put into operation here in
Nakhchivan.
The basis for the work done in Nakhchivan within the past years was
laid in early 90s. That was the time when Heydar Aliyev came to
Nakhchivan. The people of the Republic elected him as their leader,
and intensive activity began here. Today, Nakhchivan is experiencing
the period of his revival.
Social and economic showings are very high in Nakhchivan. The
Republic’s GDP is growing from year to year, industrial potential and
local production are also increasing, important social problems are
being solved.
Azerbaijan as a whole is now the rapidly developing country, which
are realizing world-scale economic projects, and whose international
prestige has considerably increased. In other words, Azerbaijan has
strengthened its positions in the region.
A special decree has been issued recently to intensify social and
economic development in Azerbaijan, At the same time, the state
program on development of Azerbaijan’s provinces has been adopted.
However, opening of several works here during these two days shows
that the program has been launched in the Autonomous republic much
earlier.
One of the main problems of Nakhchivan is electricity supply. In this
connection, we are going to realize new projects to fully satisfy the
Republic’s needs in electric power. Gas supply is also on the agenda.
If Nakhchivan and the rest of Azerbaijan had communicated, there
would not be a problem to supply gas to the Republic. So, we are
searching for other ways to solve the problem. I hope we will achieve
the goal.
Although our economy is built on market base, the greater part of our
budget is spent on solving social problems. It indicates that solving
these problems, in other words, showing concern about people, is a
focus of attention. However, there are still a lot of people in
Azerbaijan whose living conditions are very hard: refugees and
displaced people. Measures for improvement the situation are in
progress. You know that on the initiative of our nationwide leader
Heydar Aliyev, $70 mln were allotted from the state Oil Fund for
construction of modern houses, apartment buildings and settlements
for them. And they have already been constructed in several regions,
and this course will be continued.
However, this is not a resolution of the problem. It may be
considered as solved when Armenian armed forces are withdrawn from
our lands and the refugees and IDPs return to their native places.
Huge efforts have been taken in this sphere, and I hope it will
manage to reach fair peace treaty based on the international legal
norms.
We support peaceful settlement of the conflict, but at the same time
we must be ready to solve the problem at any moment resorting to
other methods. Economic potential of Azerbaijan is increasing from
year to year, and the country is getting stronger. I am sure the
Azerbaijani lands will be released, and its territorial integrity
restored.
Dear friends!
I know and you know how much Heydar Aliyev wanted to see the results
of the projects he once initiated here, and to attend their openings.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be impossible for him to see that.
I also know that sometimes people need consolation. He saw that his
work was continued, that his creation – independent Azerbaijan – was
living following his path. He saw his people supported his policy.
The duty of ours is to continue Heydar Aliyev’s policy, and move the
country ahead.
Accept again my greetings and best wishes for your new successes, new
victories, good health and happiness.
Thank you,
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Telegraph, UK
May 14 2004
A canter through the Caucasus
Rachael Heaton-Armstrong revels in the peace of a country that’s
often in conflict.
Georgia basics
Terror and panic. What with civil wars, assassinated presidents and
ethnic tensions, I suppose most people on holiday in the Caucasus
experience some of that. In my case, though, the terror and panic I
felt shortly after my arrival in Georgia were related to horses.
Horse play: riding in the Caucasus
I spent most of my childhood on horses so, although I hadn’t ridden
for years, the fear that overwhelmed me when I saw some prancing out
of the stables took me by surprise. They were Arab/English/Akhaltekin
crossbreeds, a mixture of recently castrated geldings and young
mares, and somewhere in my nervous mind was the idea that they
wouldn’t understand English.
I was given a three-year-old filly. We greeted each other with mutual
trepidation and within minutes I found that, although she was
sure-footed and could come to a screeching halt if she wanted, both
her steering and brakes were capricious. We set off downhill at a
brisk trot. I clung to the pommel of the saddle – something I had
been forbidden to do as a child – adapted my English style and
ignored my nerves.
We were about to embark on a reconnaissance trip to check out this
idyllic country for a new trek. I was one of five Britons – the
others were a photographer living in Georgia, an actress, an art
dealer and the owner of Ride World Wide. Four Georgians took care of
our every need: a wild reprobate artist, a doctor trained in Vienna,
a taciturn engineer and the owner of the horses – all the soul of
courtesy.
Our introduction to the area had come during the car journey to the
stables when our tank was filled by an ancient babushka who shuffled
out of a roadside hut with a ceramic jug of petrol. A mile farther on
half of this was siphoned off to give to someone else who had run out
of petrol. This is the Georgian way.
We were in the beautiful rolling countryside of southern Georgia, an
hour from the capital, Tbilisi.
The bitter rivalries and tensions that continue to wrack this part of
the world (only this week civil war was narrowly averted in Georgia)
seemed a million miles away.
The Khrami Massif ranges from the gentle slopes of beech woods to
precipitous gorges of scrubby elm, hornbeam and oak that lead down to
fast-flowing rivers rushing towards the Black Sea. Wild boar live
here and show their appreciation by digging up the soft, fertile
ground.
We rode up sheer mountain paths that gradually faded out, testing our
tracking skills and the agility of the horses. On the steepest parts
we led them, their soft noses pressed hard against our backs, to
2,500ft crests where the meadows stretched far, far off to the
snow-capped Caucasus. These are picture book pastures – with
innumerable varieties of sweet-smelling flowers and herbs. The sound
of shepherds cracking their whips mingled with the skylarks’ songs as
swallows, house martins and swifts swooped around us for the feast of
insects the hooves would unearth.
Scores of tiny crumbling churches dot the landscape, hiding in the
woods or perching on hilltops. One of the finest is the 12th-century
Gudarekhi monastery, which sits miles away from any road. A stream
borders the surrounding walnut grove of this little Arcadia where
honeybees bliss out on pollen provided by the thick carpet of tall
flowers. Gudarekhi’s intricately carved arches and faded frescoes are
soon to be restored and the whole complex will be occupied by monks
whose predecessors were chased away by the Russians.
One afternoon, out of the silent dappled woods came an elderly man on
a pony, his burnished face and wide grin overshadowed by a huge furry
hat. Suddenly we were surrounded by his vast flock of goats and sheep
eager to reach their summer pastures.
Glorious days rolled into glorious days. Each started with morning
tea, sweetened with condensed milk, delivered to our tents by one of
our Georgian hosts, and ended 10 long hours later when we rode into
camp, usually well after dark, to be handed a bottle of potent
home-made chacha (Georgia’s answer to vodka).
In between we watched the scenery change every mile. We scrambled up
a five-storey seventh-century lookout tower topped with an eagle’s
nest, heard a bear playing in the river, watched a pine martin for
longer than it would have liked, rode along a railway track, saw
water buffaloes belonging to Azerbaijani nomads pulling carts laden
with wood, and swam in a silent, silky lake.
We picnicked in perfect spots, drank from mineral-rich springs, ate
succulent lamb kebabs and tiny river fish, washed in sparkling
streams and collapsed into exhausted sleep despite the loudest chorus
of frogs I have ever heard.
I soon regained my riding confidence, but after a couple of days I
wanted a change from the unpredictability of youth, so I swapped to a
perfectly mannered older horse that walked instead of pranced and
whose rolling canter was a real joy.
One magical day began with our first sight of Dmanisi, from the
opposite side of a deep gorge. Inhabited since Palaeolithic times,
the citadel stands high above a three-way junction of the east/west
Silk Road and the route south to Armenia. It was here that Professor
Kopaliani, who showed us around, discovered skulls that proved to be
1.7 million year old – the most primitive human remains ever to be
found outside Africa.
When we set off from Dmanisi at 3pm we were assured of a short ride
ahead. We took our time to wander through elegant beech woods, stop
for a lazy cup of tea and enjoy the novel idea of getting to camp
before dark. The track soon became a narrow path and finally even the
animal footprints disappeared. This didn’t seem to matter until we
reached a particularly breathtaking view we had seen well over an
hour before and we realised we were lost. Then we heard a chicken
clucking. Where there’s a chicken there’s a pot and where there’s a
pot there are people. We knew a village must be near.
We galloped up the hill to a clearing where an Asiri nomad summer
settlement was bathed in the setting sun, filtered through the smoke
of evening fires. Children led the procession to greet us with
turkeys, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats and the helpful chicken
looking on. But with the light fading we had to charge on, straight
into a ferocious, deafening wind that turned everything in its path
horizontal.
In the middle of this hostile, blasted plateau we managed to
rendezvous with a friend who was to guide us through the next part of
the journey. He was laden with manna – hot-from-the-oven khachapuri,
heavenly cheese-filled bread – and led us on his tiny pony down an
endless path of overhanging trees and sudden streams.
It was 11pm by the time we reached the dirt road and a house whose
owners spoke neither Georgian nor Russian. Instinct led us to the
village shop, which had for sale one pair of socks, giant sugar
lumps, Champagne, tinned meat, cheese, sweets, the odd toy and –
mercifully – cold beer. We then set off for the final, unbelievable,
five miles of the journey. We led the exhausted horses along the
moonlit, potholed road and finally collapsed at the gate of the
Bolnisi Sioni churchyard at 1am. Down the darkened path we saw an
ethereal blaze of candlelight flooding through the door of the
church. When the priest appeared in the doorway to welcome us with a
serene, beatific smile it seemed God had rewarded us with a glimpse
of heaven.
An enormous supra – a feast – was laid out in the tiny bell tower
where the priest lives, a gun hidden in his bed. Excellent
home-brewed wine accompanied the toasts of celebration and
thanks-giving that ended the day.
For six days we had seen no cultivation, but now on the home stretch
we meandered through tiny fields where women and men tended plots of
two or three crops sown together – maize and beans and potatoes. Then
up and over an escarpment to a sea of wheat.
We rode on through flowering acacia spinneys humming with bees and
cooled off in the Khrami River. But the rock I clung to – to save me
from being swept away – suddenly disappeared beneath me when the
river rose more than 12 inches in a few minutes and I had to be
pulled ashore.
We returned to Tbilisi shaking with exhilaration and exhaustion, our
spirits filled with the absolute beauty of the country and the charm
of its people. Legend has it that when God was dividing up the world
he kept the best, Georgia, for himself. He chose well.
Georgia basics
Ride World Wide (01837 82544, ) offers an
11-night trip similar to the one taken by Rachael Heaton-Armstrong
for £1,350 per person. This includes all meals and accommodation in
tents, hotels and guesthouses plus all riding and transfers.
International flights can be arranged separately.
Further reading: Stories I Stole from Georgia by Wendell Steavenson
(Atlantic Books, £7.99).

OSKANIAN RECEIVES MEMBERS OF GERMAN BUNDESTAG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
ArmenPress
May 14 2004
YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign minister Vartan Oskanian
received today members of the German Bundestag multi-party South
Caucasus parliamentary group- Kristoff Bergner, Jorg Tauss, Lidia
Westrich and Ulla Heller.
Foreign ministry press services reported, that Oskanian underlined
that the delegation’s visit followed a successful visit by German
foreign minister to Armenia Joschka Fischer. He voiced his hope that
German -Armenian relations will continue developing.
The sides emphasized a decision by the European Commission whereby
Armenia and South Caucasus are included in the EU Wider Europe –
New Neighborhood project.
During the talk, the Bundestag delegation members noted that their
group has contributed to the passing of this decision because they
attach importance to South Caucasus’s integration to the EU.
During the meeting, the sides referred to the present phase of Nagorno
Karabagh conflict regulation. Armenian foreign minister has presented
his impressions from his recent talks with his Azeri counterpart
Mamedyarov in Strasburg.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
05/14/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Putin, Kocharian Discuss Economic Ties 2) Some 1,000 Georgians Eager to Move to Tsalka 3) Pennsylvania House Passes Armenian Genocide Resolution 4) Ferrahian Celebrates 40th Anniversary 1) Putin, Kocharian Discuss Economic Ties (AP/Itar-Tass)--Boosting trade between the two former Soviet republics topped the agenda at Friday's meeting between Armenian President Robert Kocharian and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Putin noted that trade has increased 34 percent in recent years. "This is a record indicator that we are moving in the right direction." Kocharian recalled last year's major agreement that gave Russia financial control over Armenia's sole nuclear power plant, in exchange for the cancellation of $40 million dollar debts to Russian nuclear fuel suppliers. The start of true economic cooperation came with that "major equity-for-debt agreement," Kocharian said. "I would like to say with utmost confidence that we started and are moving together on all issues." The meeting took place on the second day of Kocharian's working visit to Moscow that included meetings with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and the chief executive of the Gazprom natural gas giant, Aleksei Miller. Kocharian welcomed the increased bilateral commercial ties of recent years, saying, "Until recently, we only talked about military cooperation while mentioning that economic interaction is lagging. Now I can state with full confidence that we began to move in all directions at a very even pace; it serves as a very serious impetus to effective cooperation and diversification." 2) Some 1,000 Georgians Eager to Move to Tsalka TBILISI (Armenpress/Civil.GE)--The Georgian ministry of refugees and resettlement reported that approximately 1000 applications have been submitted by Georgian families wishing to relocate to Georgia's Tsalka district. 150-strong unit of Interior Troops were dispatched to the southern multi-ethnic district of Tsalka on May 11, following clashes between local ethnic Armenians and Georgians on May 9. Several people were reportedly injured. Ethnic Armenians comprise 57% of population of Tsalka district in the Kvemo Kartli region, which has a population of around 20,000, according to the Georgian department of statistics; 4,500 ethnic Greeks, 2,500 ethnic Georgians, and up to 2,000 Azeris live in the Tsalka district. Local officials had described the clashes between ethnic Georgians and Armenians sporadic "communal violence," which has flared-up in the past several years. 3) Pennsylvania House Passes Armenian Genocide Resolution PITTSBURGH CITY COUNCIL COMMEMORATES FIRST GENOCIDE OF 20TH CENTURY HARRISBURG (ANC-PA)--The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution designating April 24, 2004 "Pennsylvania's Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923." Representative Daylin Leach (D) and 56 co-sponsors introduced Pennsylvania House Resolution No. 593 (HR593). "The Armenian National Committee of Pennsylvania thanks Rep. Leach for his leadership in introducing this resolution. We also commend the House of Representatives for their unwavering commitment to recognize the Armenian Genocide and to honor the memories of the victims whose descendants are citizens of the Commonwealth," said ANC Pennsylvania co-chairman Dr. Ara Chalian. "The ANC of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania General Assembly have an enduring relationship that spans nearly twenty years. We look forward to continue working closely with Rep. Leach and others who take an active role in supporting the issues of the Armenian American community." The resolution identifies the Ottoman Empire as the perpetrators of a genocide that claimed the lives of one and a half million Armenian men, women, and children from 1915 to 1923. It also acknowledges that modern Turkey continues to deny and distort the facts of the Armenian Genocide. Through this resolution, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reaffirms its commitment to condemn atrocities, such as the Armenian Genocide, and to prevent similar crimes against humanity from occurring again. This is the second consecutive year that the first-term legislator has introduced an Armenian Genocide resolution. Rep. Leach, whose wife is of Armenian descent, represents a district which includes a large Armenian American constituency, two Armenian churches, and the Armenian Sisters Academy. "It is important that we never forget the atrocities visited upon the Armenian People in the last century," stated Rep. Leach. "It is only by remembering the past that we can recognize the gathering warning signs of new oppression. As long as I am in the legislature, I can assure you that no one will forget the struggle of the Armenian People," concluded Rep. Leach. In addition to the Pennsylvania House Resolution, the Pittsburgh City Council passed a proclamation declaring April 24, 2004 "A Day of Remembrance" for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The City Proclamation was introduced and spearheaded by Councilman Douglas Shields, and was co-sponsored by Council President Gene Ricciardi and Council members Luke Ravenstahl, Jim Motznik, William Peduto, Len Bodack, Alan Hertzberg, Twanda Carlisle, and Sala Udin. "On behalf of the Pittsburgh area Armenian-American community, I would like to thank Councilman Doug Shields and the City Council for observing the Armenian Genocide," stated ANC activist Rostom Sarkissian, who resides in Pittsburgh. "This proclamation and others like it not only honor the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide, but they also send a strong message to the Turkish government that continued denial of this Genocide can no longer be a state-sponsored policy. Time has come for Turkey to join the international community in acknowledging the Armenian Genocide for what it wasgenocide," concluded Sarkissian. The ANC-PA urges all Pennsylvania Armenians to contact their State Representative to thank them for passing HR593 and the Pittsburgh City Council for their "A Day of Remembrance" Proclamation. 4) Ferrahian Celebrates 40th Anniversary ENCINO-- Over 700 people--alumni, past and present students, parents, and faculty and staff--gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Armenian School in the United States--Holy Martyrs Armenian Elementary and Ferrahian High School. The May 2 event served to honor faculty members and teachers who have dedicated over 15 years to the school for their exceptional contributions. Former students praised the school not only for the level of education it provides, but also for preserving and passing on Armenian language, history, and culture to successive generations. The school's founder Gabriel Injejikian delivered a heartfelt address, praising the school's achievements and encouraging a continued path toward similar success. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

NEW UNHCR REPRESENTATIVE IN ARMENIA
ArmenPress
May 14 2004
YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS: UNHCR issued a press release informing
about the assignment of Mr. Peter Nicolaus as the new UNHCR
Representative in Armenia. He took up office on May 12, 2004.
Mr. Nicolaus holds a Doctorate in Law and has been working with UNHCR
since 1986. Before being appointed in Armenia Mr. Nicolaus was the
UNHCR Chief of Mission in Uzbekistan. He speaks English and German.

CAUCASIAN FOUR GATHERINGS TO RESUME
ArmenPress
May 14 2004
MOSCOW, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS: The chairman of the upper chamber of the
Russian State Duma (parliament), Sergey Mironov, announced today that
the traditional and regular meetings of parliament chairmen of the
so-called Caucasian Four (Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia)
will resume soon.
Speaking to a news briefing Mironov said the meetings, held once in
three months, were stooped pending the end of Georgian parliamentary
elections on March 28.
“Now with the election results announced we can resume our meetings,”
he said, adding that the next gathering will most likely take
place in Tbilisi. According to Armenian parliament chairman, Arthur
Baghdasarian, one of the meeting’s topics will be discussions on ways
to end the Karabagh conflict.