A1 Plus | 14:59:41 | 06-04-2004 | Social |
SURENYANTC WILL BE CONDEMNED
On April 4, at 6:00 PM, Suren Surenyantc, member and press secretary of
“Republic” Party political board was arrested.
He was brought a charge against for public statements over forced change of
the Constitutional order and addressing insult to the Authorities.
Surenyantc is now in Nubarashen jail.
We have just been informed that a verdict will be reached against Suren
Surenyantc in a private court session in a few minutes.
—

CENN – APRIL 6, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. NGO Targets Pipeline Disclosure
2. BTC Sangachal Terminal Construction Works Fits The Schedule
3. Rigid Tariff Policy of Russia
4. Caspian Sea States to Discuss the Sea’s Status
5. Creation of Alternative Energy Sources is Dictate of Time
6. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
7. Transport corridor North-South actively operating, developing
8. Switzerland provides Armenia with 6.5m Swiss aid
9. KFW Bank to give 4.7m euros to reconstruct of Alaverdi substation
10. Germany to loan Armenia 4.7 mln euros for power station
11. International Press Release by: Bankwatch (Czech Republic), Campagna
Per La Riforma Della Banca Mondiale (Italy), Amis De LA Terre (France),
Both Ends (Netherlands)
1. NGO TARGETS PIPELINE DISCLOSURE
Source: Georgia’s English Language Daily, `The Messenger’, April 6, 2004
The Krtsanisi-Mtasminda District Court satisfied the appeal of the
Georgian NGO Green Alternative (GA) on April 2, 2004 and called for
parliament to guarantee the official publication of the
intergovernmental agreement on the BTC construction.
The agreement signed between Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey and its
appendixes were ratified by the Parliament on Amy 31, 2000, but the
Georgian government has not officially publicized these documents.
According to GA, `the public should be aware and interested of what is
written in these documents,’ because this agreement describes the legal
aspects behind the BTC project. As the representative from the NGO
stated: `maybe the document was not publicized because the government
should pay money for printing it and it is large.’
Meanwhile, BP claims it `did everything’ to make the public aware of the
text of the agreement and points to its online document collection. As
Rusudan Medmariashvili from BP explains, the company has a text of the
agreement on its website `presented in two languages’, Georgian and
English. She adds it is impossible to publicize the complete text of
agreement itself `is a large volume’.
Mrs. Medmariashvili says the agreement between governments is available
in the collection of the government to make such documents public’. The
text of the agreement as well as other documents on the BTC pipeline can
be found on: in Turkish, Azeri,
Georgian and English.
The environmental NGO actively working on monitoring the BTC pipeline,
GA has frequently appeared in court to challenge the pipeline project.
In late March the group appeared in the court on another case regarding
the BTC that it finally lost. GA brought a case against the Ministry of
Environment of Georgia and the BTC Co., in Tbilisi Regional Court. The
NGO asked the court to annul the document issued by the Ministry on
November 30, 202 that permitted the construction of the BTC pipeline on
Georgian territory.
GA claimed the permission was issued in violation of Georgian
legislation and citizens’ constitutional rights. It also claimed that
the process lacked transparency and that the public should have been
informed about the government’s decision.
As a result, the NGO claims the Aarhus Convention was violated a UN
sanctioned document that provides for proper access to information in
decision-making processes regarding environmental issues.
Defendants at the BTC Co. said it took all necessary measures to ensure
the proper access to information and public participation and therefore
met all obligations of the Georgian government.
In response to the court verdict, the environmental group argues `the
judges were biased’ and that is why they gave wrong interpretation to
the articles of the Georgian Constitution and the Aarhus Convention.
According to GA it plans to apply to the Supreme Court as well as to the
Aarhus Convention committee in Denmark to appeal the Tbilisi Regional
Court decision on that case.
2. BTC SANGACHAL TERMINAL CONSTRUCTION WORKS FITS THE SCHEDULE
Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerTag,
April 5, 2004
The construction works, carried out on Sangachal terminal, within the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project, fits the schedule.
How report experts, 60% of works on BTC head pumping station PS-A1
construction works have been completed by the present time. The station
will consist of four main and one additional pump. The pumps have been
delivered to the terminal and installed, currently; they are being
connected to the pumping station.
An alliance Spie Capag/Petrofag is the contractor on the BTC pumping
stations construction on the territory of Azerbaijan and Georgia, which
at the same time carried out construction of the Georgian pipeline
section.
The length of BTC pipeline is 1,762 km, diameter is 42 inches, has eight
pumping stations (4 on the territory of Turkey, 2 on the territories of
each Azerbaijan and Georgia) and 98 stations with stopcocks.
Sangachal terminal extension works have been completed by 90% within the
project of full-scale ACG (Azeri-Chyrag-Guneshli) field’s development.
According to experts, the frameworks of the first and second oil storage
reservoirs each with an 800 thousand barrel (110 thousand tons) capacity
have been already assembled. Currently the reservoirs are painted. Apart
from that the construction of associated water storage reservoir with a
50 thousand barrel capacity has started. In particular, the reservoir
foundation is being prepared.
A French company CMP Enterpose realizes the construction of storage
reservoirs on Sangachal terminal. The contract includes the construction
of two oil storage reservoirs each with a 110 thousand ton (800 thousand
barrels) capacity and the smaller associated water storage reservoir
with a 50 thousand barrel capacity. The oil storage reservoirs must be
ready by June 2004. As per the estimation, the cost of works will make
$16 million.
In the future the construction of another 800 thousand barrel capacity
reservoir is planned, which will allow bringing the oil storage
capacities to 2.5 million barrels.
The Sangachal terminal extension is run by Azfen/Tekfen. Its total cost
will equal approximately $345 million. The new terminal total area will
make 540 hectares.
On the peak of ACG oil extraction in 2008 the terminal capacity will
reach 1 million barrels of oil and 700 million cubic feet of natural gas
per day.
3. RIGID TARIFF POLICY OF RUSSIA
Source: Russian Information Agency, NOVOSTI, April 5, 2004
Russian deputy foreign minister Viktor Kalyuzhny believes that the
reason for the connection of Kazakhstan to the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline is
the rigid tariff policy of Russia, he said at a press conference in RIA
Novosti on April 5, 2004.
“We should be more flexible in the issues of the tariff policy. This
will make Russia attractive for the transit of energy products through
its territory,” Kalyuzhny pointed out.
According to him, the Russian northern route Baku-Novorossiisk can
ensure the transportation of all the oil produced in the Caspian region.
In particular, Kalyuzhny is of the opinion that the Russian Transneft
Company may be in charge of transporting the energy products.
“It has a great backlash of possibilities for this,” he said
4. CASPIAN SEA STATES TO DISCUSS THE SEA’S STATUS
Source: Iran Press Service, April 5, 2004
Kamal Kharrazi, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Iran called Monday for a
“friendly and just” solution to the crippling problem of dividing the
Caspian Sea waters.
Arriving to the Russian Capital for taking part at a meeting of foreign
affairs ministers of the world’s biggest land-locked lake littoral
states to discuss the Sea’s legal status as from Tuesday, he said Iran
was working hard to find a “just solution acceptable to all neighboring
states”, but did not spelled out details of the solution Iran is
seeking.
Sources close to the meeting told Iran Press Service that the ministers
are expected to discuss ways of removing obstacles to the sharing of the
waters and its huge energy resources, including finding a “viable”
convention on legal regime” of the Caspian Sea.
While Russia, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have already defined their deep
water borders and exploits its natural resources, including oil and
natural gas, Iran calls for a condominium, or common sovereignty, over
the Sea and has made it known that it will reject any unilateral action
for energy exploration before the issue of the legal regime is settled.
Iran insists that the waters must be divided on equal shares of twenty
per cent for each coastal nation while it would not get more than 13 if
the waters are allocated according to each country’s coast that give
Kazakhstan 33 per cent, Russia 19, Azerbaijan 18 and Turkmenistan 17 per
cent.
Two years ago, Iran threatened Azerbaijan with military action with
sending gunboats and warplanes after oil exploring ships working for
Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company started working in waters that Iran
claims sovereignty.
For its part, Turkmenistan, due to disputes with Azerbaijan, has also
refused to define its water borders with other neighbors.
“This meeting is considered as a good opportunity for exchanging views
on issues of the Caspian Sea at the foreign ministerial level”, he told
journalists on his arrival, adding one has to held each other in trying
to find a solution that would satisfy all parties”.
The Caspian Sea is believed to hold the world’s third-largest oil and
natural gas reserves and a general consensus of territorial issue is
seen as vital for the development and export of the region’s natural
resources.
But observers noted that for the first time, Tehran was not trumpeting
on its known position of sharing the waters, softening its attitude that
has kept many international oil companies from entering the lucrative
market.
“The Islamic Republic always supports the resolution of issues relating
to the Caspian Sea and in Moscow too would outline its stances and call
for the exploitation of Caspian resources by all its littoral states and
cooperation among them in various fields”, the official news agency IRNA
quoted Mr. Hamid Reza Asefi, the senior spokesman for the Iranian
Foreign Affairs Ministry as having said.
The meeting would also examine the possibility of holding the next heads
of state meeting of the Caspian littoral countries in Tehran, he added.
“The five states have tried to keep a lid on their differences since the
legal regime of the land-locked waters was catapulted to the core of the
dispute following the collapse of the Soviet Union”, IRNA noted in a
dispatch from Tehran.
Kharrazi also voiced Tehran opposition to the presence of foreigners in
the region, a reference to the presence of American forces in
neighbouring Azerbaijan.
Russia that is also against the presence of foreigner in the region has
warned the United States to `not interfere in talks on delineating the
oil-rich Caspian Sea.
“The countries of the Caspian region should settle the problems by
themselves, in a family way, so to speak, without attracting mediators,”
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Kalyuzhny, a presidential envoy
on the Caspian basin, said in an interview published in Nezavisimaya
Gazeta, adding that “the external factor will only cause problems”.
5. CREATION OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES IS DICTATE OF TIME
Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerTag,
April 5, 2004
Natural climatic conditions in Azerbaijan open wide possibilities for
use solar and wind energy as alternative sources. According to Chair of
the Milli Majlis Standing Commission on Natural Resources, Energy and
Ecology Asya Manafova, the `State Program of Social and Economic
Development of Regions of the Azerbaijan Republic’ underlines the
necessity of use of the alternative energy sources to supply to the
country’s population with electric power in full measure in 2004-2008.
`No state duty will be collected for import of necessary technical
equipment for creation of alternative energy sources,’ she said.
6. STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS
(POPs) to enter into force on 17 May 2004
PRESS RELEASE
Geneva/Nairobi, 18 February 2004 – The 2001 Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) will become legally binding on 17
May 2004, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) announced today.
The 90-day countdown to the treaty’s entry into force was triggered on
17 February 2004 when France became the 50th state to ratify the
agreement. `Of all the pollutants released into the environment every
year by human activity, POPs are the most dangerous. For decades these
highly toxic chemicals have killed and injured people and wildlife by
inducing cancer and damaging the nervous, reproductive and immune
systems. They have also caused uncounted birth defects,’ said UNEP
Executive Klaus Toepfer.
`By committing governments to eliminating production and environmental
releases of these chemicals, the Stockholm Convention will greatly
benefit human health and the environment. It will also strengthen the
overall scope and effectiveness of international environmental law,’ he
said. Governments will pursue a rapid start to action under the treaty
when they meet for the first session of the Conference of the Parties to
the Convention (COP 1) in Punta del Este, Uruguay in early 2005. One of
this meeting’s priorities will be to assist countries to combat malaria
by replacing DDT with the increasingly safe and effective alternatives.
The COP will also establish a Committee for evaluating other chemicals
and pesticides that could be added to the initial target list of 12 POPs
(these are aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex,
toxaphene, polychlorinated biphenols or PCBs, hexachlorobenzene, dioxins
and furans).
Still another key goal for the COP will be to finalize guidelines for
promoting `best environmental practices’ and `best available techniques’
that can reduce or eliminate releases of dioxins and furans (perhaps the
most toxic of all the POPs) from a wide range of industrial and other
sources.
Every human in the world carries traces of these chemicals in their
bodies. POPs are highly stable compounds that can last for years or
decades before breaking down. They circulate globally through a process
known as the “grasshopper effect”. POPs released in one part of the
world can, through a repeated process of evaporation and deposit, be
transported through the atmosphere to regions far away from the original
source. In addition, POPs concentrate in living organisms through
another process called bioaccumulation. Though not soluble in water,
POPs are readily absorbed in fatty tissue, where concentrations can
become magnified by up to 70,000 times the background levels. Fish,
predatory birds, mammals, and humans are high up the food chain and so
absorb the greatest concentrations. And when they travel, the POPs
travel with them. As a result of these two processes, the Inuit and the
animals they consume in the Arctic — thousands of kilometers from any
major POPs source – suffer particularly high levels of POPs in their
bodies. But POPs are equally dangerous to people working with pesticides
or living near POPs sources, particularly in developing countries, where
a lack of equipment and expertise leads to accidental exposures.
Most of the 12 chemicals will be banned immediately. However, the use of
DDT for disease vector control under World Health Organization
guidelines is considered an acceptable purpose because it is still
essential in many countries to control malaria transmission by
mosquitoes. This will permit governments to protect their citizens from
malaria – a major killer in many tropical regions – until they are able
to replace DDT with chemical and non-chemical alternatives that are
cost-effective and environmentally friendly. So, contrary to some
claims, no one will die of malaria because of the Stockholm Convention.
In fact, the Convention should help direct research and development
towards more effective means of malaria control.
In addition to banning uses, the treaty focuses on cleaning up the
growing accumulation of unwanted and obsolete stockpiles of pesticides
and toxic chemicals. Dump sites and toxic drums from the 1950s, `60s,
and `70s are now decaying and leaching chemicals into the soil and
poisoning water resources, wildlife, and people. In the case of PCBs,
although they are no longer produced, hundreds of thousands of tons are
still in use in electrical transformers and other equipment. Governments
have until 2025 to phase out these uses, which gives them time to
arrange for PCB-free replacements. Not later than 2028, governments must
dispose of these PCBs in an environmentally sound manner.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to POPs. The problem is often that
high costs, a lack of public awareness, and the absence of appropriate
infrastructure and technology have often prevented their adoption.
Solutions must be tailored to the specific properties and uses of each
chemical, as well as to each country’s climatic and socio-economic
conditions.
To ensure that such solutions are exploited, donors have pledged to
contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding over the next
several years. The Global Environment Facility is the principal entity
of the interim financial mechanism of the treaty. It has already
mobilized resources to support POPs projects in more than 100 countries.
Backed by an alliance of developed and developing countries – and with
both industry and environmental groups on board – the Stockholm
Convention holds the promise of a POPsfree world for future generations.
For additional information, please contact:
Eric Falt, Spokesperson/Director of UNEP’s Division of Communications
and Public Information, on
Tel: +254 20 623292,
Mobile: +254 (0) 733 682656,
E-mail: [email protected];
Nick Nuttall, UNEP Head of Media, on
Tel: +254 20 623084,
Mobile: +254 733 632755,
E-mail: [email protected]; or
Michael Williams in Geneva at
Tel: +41-22-917 8242, +41-79-409
Mobile: 1528 (cell) or [email protected].
See also
7. TRANSPORT CORRIDOR NORTH-SOUTH ACTIVELY OPERATING, DEVELOPING
Source: ITAR-TASS News Agency, April 5, 2004
The transport corridor North-South “is actively developing and already
the operational project,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor
Kolyuzhny said on Monday. Russia and Iran initiated the creation of the
corridor.
“The project is operational, evokes great interest, but additional
efforts to create the fleet of ferry boats and unify the tariff policy
of states concerned will be needed,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile the deputy minister noted that many countries wish to join the
project. “Russia has already considered and put forth a proposal to
include Azerbaijan and Armenia in the project,” the diplomat pointed
out.
8. SWITZERLAND PROVIDES ARMENIA WITH 6.5M SWISS AID
Source: ArmenPress, April 5, 2004
The governments of Armenia and the Swiss Confederation signed on April
3, 2004 an agreement on technical, financial and humanitarian
cooperation as part of the regional cooperation in the framework of
which Armenia will receive 3.5 million Swiss Frank as a technical aid
and 3 million Franks as a humanitarian assistance. Armenian Finance and
Economy minister Vartan Khachatrian and Head of Policy Department at the
Swiss Foreign Ministry Blez Goden signed the agreement.
The focus of the cooperation program, which will be implemented in
Georgia and Azerbaijan as well, will be on promoting quality of
governance, effective exploitation of natural resources and the disaster
consequences. The program also aims at promoting the economy and
integrating Armenia into the world economy.
Switzerland has assisted Armenia since 1988 earthquake, mainly in the
form of humanitarian assistance. Starting 1991, major focus was on
long-term development programs. During 1993-2001, the government of
Switzerland provided Armenia with 23-25 million dollars of humanitarian
assistance within the framework of regional programs.
9. KFW BANK TO GIVE 4.7M EUROS TO RECONSTRUCT OF ALAVERDI SUBSTATION
Source: ArmenPress, April 5, 2004
Armenian finance and economy minister Vartan Khachatrian and Germany’s
ambassador Hans Wulf-Bartels signed an agreement by which the German KFW
bank will allocate a 4.7 million euro credit for reconstruction of a
major power sub-station in the northern Armenian town of Alaverdi to
ensurea better transmission of Armenia-generated electricity to
neighboring Georgia.
A KFW representative in Armenia, Karapet Gevorkian, recalled that KFW
had already released loans for major reconstruction of two other major
sub-stations in Vanadzor and Kamo. The reconstruction of Alaverdi
sub-station will increase its reliability and capacities to allow an
uninterrupted transmission of electricity to Georgia and through it to
also other countries.
The project is part of a major program aimed to reform the power grid.
Unlike other previous two loans this one is given not to the government,
but to High Voltage Electricity Lines Company with the government
assuming to guarantee its return. The loan is given with two-year grace
period, for five years at 2 percent of annual interest rate.
The amount of German loans to Armenia since 1995 has amounted to 110
million euros.
10. GERMANY TO LOAN ARMENIA 4.7 MLN EUROS FOR POWER STATION
Source: Information Agency, Interfax, April 5, 2004
The German government is to allocate a 4.7 million euro loan to Armenia
for an upgrade of the Alaverdi-2 power station, from which electricity
is delivered to Georgia.
German Ambassador to Armenia Hans Wulf Bartels and Armenian Finance
Minister Vardan Khachatrian signed the loan agreement on April 5, 2004.
The loan will be disbursed through KfW of Germany for 12 years at 5%
annually with a two-year grace period, Khachatrian said at a briefing.
The upgrade will increase the reliability of the power station and equip
it with modern European equipment as well as increasing its capacity, he
said.
11. INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE BY: BANKWATCH (CZECH REPUBLIC), CAMPAGNA
PER LA RIFORMA DELLA BANCA MONDIALE (ITALY) , AMIS DE LA TERRE (FRANCE),
BOTH ENDS (NETHERLANDS)
A EUROPEAN APPEAL TO THE WORLD BANK:
Make poverty alleviation a priority! Support renewable energies and
phase out oil projects!
Yesterday the European Parliament approved a resolution in support for
the adoption and implementation of the two-year-long highly professional
multi-stakeholder analyses by the Extractive Industries Review of the
Bank’s involvement in financing extractive industries report
recommendations. The day before the European Commission, called by the
Green Group to answer before the European Parliament, expressed its
strong support for the full implementation of EIR recommendations.
The independent study was commissioned by WB President Wolfensohn in
2000 to examine the World Bank Group’s (WBG) support for oil, mining,
and gas projects within the context of the World Bank’s affirmed mission
of poverty reduction and promotion of sustainable development. The
recommendations of the review team, led by Emil Salim, former
Environment Minister of Indonesia, are up for decision after the Spring
Meetings of the Bretton Woods Institutions in May.
An overwhelming majority of Euro Parliamentarians from all political
groups demanded yesterday in the resolution, that the World Bank Group
has to change his energy lending priorities and reform its social and
environmental standards, along the report recommendations, in order to
make financial support for oil gas and mining conditional on ‘good
governance’, respect for human rights by companies and governments,
pro-poor achievements and sustainable development.
`The European Parliament resolution calls on the Irish Presidency to
consult with relevant ministers of Member States on the Extractive
Industries Review in order to reach a common position in support of the
report’ says Jaroslava Colajacomo of the Italian based NGO Campagna per
la riforma della Banca Mondiale `this is an important message from the
Parliament to the EU Councill. We hope that this time European
countries, which hold almost 30% of the vote on the Boards of the World
Bank and the IMF, would use their leaverage in the World Bank
decision-making process if a concerted EU approach were achieved.
Moreover we strongly hope for a transparent and participatory
consultation process to be set up by the Bank for the full
implementation of the EIR recomendations’.
` We welcome the fact that the resolution calls on the Member States to
raise the findings of the report in other national or international
financial forums, such as the EIB, EBRD, national credit agencies’ says
Sebastien Godinot of FOE France ` and we hope that the official position
expressed by the Commission will be reflected in the future
implementation of EU environmental and social guidelines for economic
and development cooperation and notably in its cooperation with the
European and international financial institutions’.
`The Irish Presidency recalled the Member States’ obligations in the
framework of the Kyoto Protocol and of the Johannesburg Summit
Commitments and that the EIR findings are consistent with those
recognized needs,” says Petr Hlobil of Bankwatch, `We therefore appeal
to the Council and the member states to follow up on their commitments
when acting in the World Bank Board of Directors to phase out World Bank
financing for oil projects until 2008 and to increase financing for
renewable by 20 percent year on year.’
`The support from the European Union for the EIR will be good news for
civil society all over the world, especially in the south, where
millions of affected people are strongly opposing the devastating
effects of extractive industries’ says Pieter Jansen of Both ENDS,
Netherlands.
Today more then 100 Members of Parliament worldwide from left to right,
sent a petition to Mr. Wolfensohn asking him to adopt all the EIR
recommendations. The petition was initiated in February by Members of
the European Parliament on the occasion of the visit of Mr. Emil Salim
EIR Eminent Person to Europe.
The Commission in all international fora will defend European MP, Ms.
Monica Frassoni President of the Green/EFA Group, committed to call on
Mr. Prodi to make sure that this line.
For more information:
Jaroslava Colajacomo – Campagna per la riforma della banca Mondiale
Italy –
+39 (0)6 7826855 / (mobile) +39 338 3279035
Sebastien Godinot – Friends of the Earth France – + 33 6 68 98 83 41
(Mobile) / + 33 1 48 51 18 92
Pieter Jansen – Both ENDS Netherlands – (mobile) + 31 6 20712191
Petr Hlobil – CEE Bankwatch Network Czech Rep. – (mobile) + 420 603
154349
Manana Kochladze
Regional Coordinator for Caucasus
CEE Bankwatch Network
Visiting address: Rustaveli avenue. 1. Entrance I. Floor 4
Mailing address: Chavchavadze 62, Tbilisi, Georgia, 380062
Tel: 99532 93 24 03; 99 04 72
Fax: 99532 22 38 74
E-mail: [email protected]
—
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL:

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (E.)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
April 6, 2004
___________________
THE EASTER MESSAGE OF ARCHBISHOP KHAJAG BARSAMIAN
Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Attached pdf file includes English and Armenian version of the Easter
message)
SOMETHING MORE THAN SACRIFICE
He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we
esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was
wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him
was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed.
(Isaiah 53:3-5)
* * *
THESE SOMBER, SOBERING WORDS come from the inspired pen of the prophet
Isaiah. For seven centuries, they remained pregnant with meaning: an
indistinct glimmer of something yet to come, something waiting to happen,
sometime, somewhere. One can envision the ancient Hebrews faithfully
reading and re-reading the words, generation after generation, for seven
hundred years–until what was once an anguished plea from the soul had
become tame and familiar. Until prophecy had become mere poetry.
And then, suddenly, at the most unexpected moment, Isaiah’s words became
neither poetry nor prophecy, but history. Fact. The searing biography of
one in whom all the prophecies and promises, all the hopes and dreams of
prior generations, found their long-awaited fulfillment.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Our Savior.
Imagine, if you will, how heavily Isaiah’s words must have weighed on Jesus,
every day of His earthly life. His very consciousness of the sacrifice to
come is what would have made Him a “man of sorrows.” Imagine Him in the
synagogue of His boyhood, attending to those well-rehearsed verses, alone in
His understanding that they were not a symbolic abstraction, but an
all-too-concrete prediction of His own future.
And how accurate a prediction it was! We sense it simmering just below the
surface of the gospel reports of the Crucifixion, where the same sense of
scorn and affliction come heartbreakingly to life:
“And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they
crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And
Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ And
they cast lots to divide His garments. And the people stood by, watching;
but the rulers scoffed at Him, saying, He saved others; let him save
himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!’ The soldiers also
mocked Him, coming up and offering Him vinegar, and saying, If you are the
King of the Jews, save yourself!'” (Lk 23:33-37)
Of course, Jesus was not the only one who understood the terrible
significance of this spectacle. In the aftermath of their master’s
crucifixion, it must have dawned on Christ’s followers that Isaiah had been
referring, not just to Him, but also to them. Jesus was the suffering
servant; but it was His own friends who cravenly “hid their faces” at the
decisive hour. What a demoralizing jolt it must have been to the disciples,
when they realized at last the full meaning of Isaiah’s seven hundred
year-old words.
Recently, a similar realization seems to have dawned with the film, “The
Passion of the Christ.” The sufferings of our Lord have been depicted many
times–in film as well as in literature, art, and music–but not, in recent
memory, so vividly, so publicly, and in so focused a way on one aspect of
the Christian drama: our Lord’s suffering. For many people, viewing the
film has opened a new window onto the events surrounding Christ’s final
hours.
What have we seen through that window? In many ways, a reflection of our
own times and our own selves. Take away the exotic languages and costumes,
and the society depicted in the film (and in the gospels) does not differ so
greatly from our own. Careerist politicians; cynical priests; the fickle,
roiling mob, which can acclaim you a king one day, and condemn you as a
criminal the next–sadly, these are still recognizable characters in the
human drama, down to the present day. Evil still walks with an easy
familiarity through our city halls, our religious temples, our public
squares and private gardens.
And yet–there is good in the world, too. The steadfastness of John, the
penitence of Magdalene, and rarest of all, the precious holiness of Mary,
each has its analog in our own time. God sees all these things, as He saw
them from the cross. Against the dark voices that tempt us to just give up,
He insists that there is hope. In Christ, He showed us that we are worth
struggling for, worth sacrificing for–even worth dying for. Despised and
rejected, wounded and bruised, Christ would not relinquish His love for
mankind. And not simply mankind at its finest, but also at its worst, its
most venal and cruel. That is the meaning–is it not?–of Christ’s
anguished plea for mercy on His persecutors: “Father, forgive them; for they
know not what they do.”
He pleads for us, as well. Perhaps that, finally, is what people have seen
in the film–the reason they have been so affected. It has jolted them into
a deeper realization that their own lives are bound to Christ’s sacrifice.
“With His stripes, we are healed.”
Of course, Christ did not stop at simply healing us. The story does not end
with His sacrificial death, but with His resurrected life. Unknown to His
followers on the first Good Friday, unguessed even by the prophet Isaiah,
our Lord had something more to offer those He loved. Death on the cross was
only the vehicle to give us something greater: the promise of life with Him,
for eternity, in God’s Kingdom.
That is the gift He holds out to us–the gift that is ours, if we will
accept it. These past weeks, people have been deeply moved to reflect on
the great debt we owe to Jesus. But in so doing, let us not fail to respond
to the gift He offers, which transformed suffering and death into hope: the
gift of Easter Sunday. It is hope born of that gift, and not guilty
self-consciousness, which truly distinguishes us as Christians, and inspires
our joyous greeting:
Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee!
Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!
Easter 2004
# # #

Azeri journalists to protest against opening of Armenian-Turkish border
ANS Radio, Baku,
6 Apr 04

On the initiative of independent TV company ANS, a group of leading
Azerbaijani journalists left for Turkey this morning to stage a
protest action on the Armenian-Turkish border under the banners:
“Turks must support Turks” and “No to the opening of borders”.
Let us remind you that the action will be launched in the towns of
Kars and Igdir near the border and continue in numerous populated
areas. The protest action will end in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
The action by the well-known Azerbaijani journalists will aim to urge
Ankara not to yield to pressure on the issue. They will explain to the
people the consequences of such a step for the region. The journalists
and the local population will create a human chain of goodwill.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/05/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF Body Calls for Dialogue, Outlines Proposal to Defuse Crisis 2) Opposition Rejects ARF Call for Negotiations, Seeks Regime Change 1) ARF Body Calls for Dialogue, Outlines Proposal to Defuse Crisis YEREVAN (YERKIR)As political tension sharply escalated in Yerevan between the government and the opposition, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's Supreme Body of Armenia issued a statement during a news conference on Monday. The following is the full text of that ARF statement. The internal political tension in the Republic is approaching the brink of outright confrontation. Further escalation may result in destabilizing the country, undermining the authority and credibility of the state, and impeding the normal process of the country's development. Public resentment stemming from socioeconomic problems is being politically exploited with the aim of bringing about a political crisis to attain a swift change of power. The tactic of creating political instability and an environment of intolerance leads to unacceptable internal political relations. At the core of the current political tension lies, on the one hand, the opposition's intolerance and extremism and its modus operandi of rejecting the legitimacy of the authorities, which leads to political disobedienceand, on the other hand, the [authorities'] failure to secure the full participation of the opposition in resolving the issues that are critical to the development of the country. The real reasons for the current discontent are the persistent, grim social conditions and the low level of efficiency in resolving those critical issues. The ARF fully recognizes and acknowledges the extent of its share of responsibility in this matter. Today we confront the imperative of preventing that potential confrontation, and the best means of doing so is to reach a political agreement. An awareness of the need to jointly tackle the critical issues vital to the welfare of the people, and a willingness to do so, must form the basis of that agreement. The possibility of reaching that agreement can be ensured only if there is the willingness to reach a commonality of goals, guarantee the resolution of critical issues and obtain the opposition's active participation in those efforts, and to meet each other halfway. Taking into account the complexity of internal political relations and the degree of mutual exclusion among the various positions, we propose a possible mechanism for reaching an agreement. It is necessary to initiate dialogue regarding the prospect of reaching an agreement, but each side must refrain from issuing demands that are a priori inadmissible and unacceptable to the other side. It is necessary to abstain from dividing society into allies and enemies, and to avoid taking actions that risk bringing about clashes. Dialogue in accordance with the following principles might be productive: Armenia's Constitution and laws should form the legal basis of the dialogue; the actions of the sides should fall strictly within the limits of the law and constitutional order. In this process, both sides should moderate their views. The dialogue must not bring about winners and losers: either we shall all win, ensuring the rapid and stable development of the country, or we shall all lose, reaping the devastating consequences of confrontation and civil conflict. The objective of ensuring real and guaranteed reforms in the life of the country and its people might form the substance of the agreement, which would include the following priority issues: The formation of an electoral system that entirely meets international standards Constitutional reforms that strengthen democratic mechanisms A comprehensive fight against corruption, the shadow economy, and the system of clans Ensuring the proper level of opposition involvement is an important guarantee of the agreement's effectual implementation. That may mean including the opposition in the Security Council and the fight against corruption, delineating possibilities of adopting the constitutional and electoral reforms through consensus, and resorting to various other options and solutions, depending on the extent of the agreement. Efficient use of the present moment is necessary for achieving voluntary mutual concessions. Otherwise, full responsibility for any clashes that occur will fall squarely on the shoulders of those who allowed to slip away an opportune occasion for reaching agreement. Subsequent developments will, in any event, compel the political forces to make involuntary concessions, with all their attendant consequences. The political coalition should be the guarantor of, and responsible for, the establishment of dialogue and agreement. The ARF resolutely rejects any action that might thrust the country into unpredictable external or internal consequences, thus condemning the people to an uncertain future; it steadfastly stands for the upholding of the legal and constitutional order; and it is prepared to back all constructive initiatives aimed at achieving guaranteed political reforms and civil accord. 2) Opposition Rejects ARF Call for Negotiations, Seeks Regime Change YEREVAN (Armenpress/RFE/RL)Armenia's two main opposition groups announced Monday that their long-anticipated joint campaign to topple President Robert Kocharian will get underway this Friday. The leader of the Artarutyun (Justice) bloc Stepan Demirchian, and the leader of the National Unity Party Artashes Geghamian, together vowed to join forces and "restore constitutional order in Armenia." They issued a declaration urging opposition supporters to take to the streets of Yerevan, calling for the removal of President Kocharian. Both Demirchian and Geghamian told reporters on Monday that starting April 9 they will launch "mass protest actions," to ensure the "departure of the illegitimate regime," and rejected a call on Monday by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation to engage in dialogue to diffuse the tension. Demirchian said that a referendum of confidence in President Kocharian is the only pre-condition for engaging in dialogue. The two leaders refused to disclose details of the planned protests, saying that they want to keep the authorities guessing about their tactics. It thus remained unclear whether Friday's rally will be an ordinary one or will continue "day and night" as was promised by some Artarutyun leaders. Nor is it known how the opposition will respond if the authorities block the city's main square and the street leading to Kocharian's official residence. The Office of Prosecutor-General confirmed on Monday reports that Suren Sureniants of the Hanrabedutyun party, a leading Artarutyun force, was detained the previous night in connection with an official criminal investigation into the ongoing opposition rallies held across the country. Officials there said that no charges have been brought against him yet. Demirchian claimed that not only had Sureniants been arrested, but also the head of the opposition Nor Jhamanak party Aram Karapetyan, who a few hours later, said that he, in fact, had not been apprehended, but that a cousin and a leader of his party Samvel Khatchatrian had. The prosecutors claim that the opposition protests, launched by Artarutyun and the National Unity Party in February, are accompanied by calls for a "violent overthrow" of the ruling regime and offensive language directed at senior government officials. 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.

PRESS OFFICE
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] Website;
COMMUNIQUE
ARMENIAN ART EXHIBITION UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PRIMATE
An art exhibition of artists from Armenia was held last week end
(April 2-4) in the Marie Manoogian Hall of the St-Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Outremont.
The event, which was the first of a series of events on the occasion
of the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Holy
Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese, was under the auspices of the
Primate of the Diocese, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian.
The exhibition was a joint organization of the Parish Council of the
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Cathedral , “Momik”
Armenian Centre (Armenia) and “Armenian Art” magazine (Armenia). There
were more than 70 paintings exhibited which were works of several
Armenian artists of Armenia and some hand made craft.
The president of the Parish Council Mr Megerduitch Kanondjian opened
the Vernissage, welcoming the hundreds of people who came to
contemplate the works, then he introduced the guests Mr. Karen
Matevossian, President of the “Momik” centre and the chief-editor of
the Armenian Art” magazine, and Mrs. Hasmik Ginoyan, the director of
the Centre. Then Mr. Kanondjian invited Very Rev. Father Ararat
Kaltakjian to deliver the evening’s message to the art loving people
present. The Pastor of the Cathedral Rev. Father Vazgen Boyajyan read
the Primate’s message to the guests. At the end Mr. Matevossian
thanked the Primate, the Parish Council and the organizing committee
members.

The exhibition will be transferred to Vancouver for the next week end
and then will move to Toronto.
DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Sarkis Assadourian M.P.
120 Confederation
House of Commons, Ottawa, Canada
Contact: Daniel Kennedy
Tel: 613 995 4843
Ottawa April 6, 2004
M.P. Sarkis Assadourian, to Host Reception Honouring Sara Corning
Saviour of Smyrna’s Orphans
Mr. Sarkis Assadourian (Brampton Centre, Lib.): Chairman of the
Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group announced today that he
would host a reception on Parliament Hill, to honour the memory of
Sara Corning, who was responsible for the rescue of thousands of,
Armenian children, from the port of Smyrna in the summer of 1922. The
orphans, survivors of the Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Turks
were evacuated to Greece with the assistance of Corning, a native of
Nova Scotia.
The reception will be held on Parliament Hill, April 21st. 2004, at
3:00pm. Guests will have the opportunity to view photographs and
documents from The Yarmouth County Museum in Nova Scotia illustrating
the valiant efforts of Sara Corning on behalf of the Armenian
orphans. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholocos of All Armenia, will
honour the relatives of Sara Corning with the presentation of an
appropriate citation.
“The remarkable story of Sara Corning’s efforts on behalf of the
orphans of Smyrna is a little known chapter of Canadian history that
deserves the recognition of the Canadian Armenian Community”, said
Assadourian.
Friends of the Canada Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group are
invited to pay tribute to the memory of a great Canadian and a great
friend of the Canadian Armenian Community. Supporters interested in
attending are asked to RSVP to M.P. Assadourian’s. Ottawa office no
later than Monday April 19, 2004.
-30-
For further information contact: Daniel Kennedy 613-995-4843

Baku Today
April 6 2004
Turkish Ambassador states stance over Armenia
Turkish Ambassador in Azerbaijan Ahmat Unal Chevikoz has clarified
Turkey’s position over ongoing rumors that conclude Turkey is
establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia.
In his interview with ANS TV Chevikoz said, the relations between
Turkey and Armenia will not be normalized unless Armenia stops
claiming territories from Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Last week a non governmental organization Karabakh Lliberation
Movement accused Turkish Embassy in Baku, which has primary
responsibility to represent Turkey’s stance for the issues regarding
Azerbaijan and Turkey as well as any third country, of delaying with
official statement for the matter.

Doghouse Boxing, Canada
April 6 2004
Boxing is Alive Down Under
By Anthony Cocks (April 6, 2004)

‘Vic `Raging Bull’ Darchinyan
Talentworks in association with matchmakers Fightbiz International
have announced the second installment of the Southern Storm series to
be held at the Dandenong Basketball Stadium in Melbourne, Australia
on April 16. The six bout card will feature some of Australia’s
finest pugilistic talent including IBF #4 ranked middleweight Sam
`King’ Soliman, IBF #1 ranked flyweight Vic `Raging Bull’ Darchinyan
and Australian heavyweight cult hero `Big’ Bob Mirovic.
Soliman will be making his third appearance in the ring for 2004 and
the seventh defense of his IBF Pan Pacific Middleweight title against
seasoned campaigner Nico Toriri of Indonesia. Toriri is no stranger
to our shores, having battled Danny Green, Kevin Kelly and Darren
Obah on Australian soil in the past. Soliman has won twelve fights on
the trot since his disputed loss to Anthony Mundine with his last
three victories coming by way of stoppage. With Soliman’s next fight
scheduled to take place in the USA under the auspices of his
stateside promoter Dan Goossen for the IBF number one position, a
victory here is imperative. Toriri will be eager to circumvent
Soliman’s world title aspirations.
Darchinyan is looking to stay busy against tough Indonesian Falzona
Fidal while he waits for his opportunity to challenge Columbian
knockout artist Irene Pacheco for his IBF flyweight championship, a
bout that is tentatively scheduled to take place next month. A savage
puncher with knockout drops in either hand, the Armenian born
southpaw is a pocket dynamo who fully deserves the moniker `Raging
Bull’.
Fireworks are expected when former Australian junior welterweight
champion Steve Marks attempts to avenge his 2002 stoppage loss to the
man who relieved him of his national crown, former Sydney Olympian
Fred Kinuthia. Kinuthia is no pushover and has shared the square
circle with numerous quality opponents including world class
operators Philip Holiday, Lovemore Ndou and Junior Witter as well as
former domestic champions Naoufel Ben Rabah and Michael Katsidis.
Tim Bell will face Brown Enyi in what promises to be an explosive
contest at the middleweight limit. Both fighters are coming off
losses and will be keen to see their name posted in the winners’
column. The rugged Bell may have his work cut out for him against
Enyi, who has substantially more professional experience and has
faced some high quality opposition including PABA champion Stuart
Moller, Australian champion Sakio Bika, IBF Pan Pacific Light
heavyweight Champion Jason Delisle and PABA Light heavyweight
Champion Paul Murdoch.
Also on the card will be crowd favourite `Big’ Bob Mirovic squaring
off against New Zealand’s Bob Gasio in a heavyweight battle scheduled
for six rounds. In another six round bout junior welterweight Lance
Gostellow will be looking to keep his unbeaten record intact with win
number three against the infamous TBA.
The first Southern Storm was a cracker of a night and fight fans can
expect more of the same on April 16. Tickets prices range from $50 to
$170 and are available from Ticketmaster7 by phoning 13 6100. For
table bookings, phone 0417 888 188. Get in quick because this event
is expected to sell out.
Ndou Headlines at Panthers World of Entertainment
Blaster Promotions have put together another exciting eight fight
card set to take place at Sydney’s new Mecca of boxing, Panthers
World of Entertainment in Penrith, on April 16.
Headlining the card will be IBF #6 / WBC #10 Lovemore Ndou making his
third ring appearance for 2004 as he defends his IBF Pan Pacific
Junior Welterweight title against unbeaten Brazilian Antonio
Mesquita. Ndou’s five fight win streak was brought to a halt in
February of this year when he stepped in on short notice for the
injured Kostya Tszyu and dropped a disputed points decision to
Sharmba Mitchell for the IBF Interim Junior Welterweight championship
over twelve hotly contested rounds.
31 year-old Mesquita is a heavy-handed fighter who will be looking to
take Ndou out early. The Brazilian banger has 21 knockouts in 28
contests with all of his stoppage victories coming before the seventh
round. This fight is not expected to go the distance.
In the main support bout talented former Australian cruiserweight
champion Lawrence Tauasa will do battle against American Troy Beets
for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title. A gifted boxer with decent
power, Tauasa has fought Australia’s best cruiserweights and has won
his last seven bouts. Beets, a 29 year-old southpaw fighting out of
Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has been in the ring with heavyweight
prospects Malcolm Tann and Roman Greenburg.
IBF Pan Pacific Champion Jason Delisle will defend his belt against
37 fight veteran Justin Clements. The tough-as-nails Delisle has won
two on the trot since suffering only his second loss at the hands of
current WBC Interim Super Middleweight Champion Danny Green back in
June of last year. Clements, who turned professional in 1991, holds a
respectable record of 28-7-2 (7 KO’s).
Also on the card Chris Hamilton will do battle with Gary Comer for
the vacant Australian Junior Middleweight title. Unbeaten in five
professional contests, Hamilton was originally slated to fight on the
same date in Toowoomba on Uppercut Promotion’s `Triple Treat’ card,
but was unable to secure an opponent. Southpaw Comer will be the
toughest test of Hamilton’s short career.
Rounding out the card will be an eight round super middleweight
stoush between Brett Culey and Allen Rellish; a lightweight eight
rounder featuring Johnny Shiffiraw and American Richard Best; a six
round welterweight contest between Craig Parke and Rueben Martyn; and
a junior welterweight battle between Mick Mlacic and Filipino Arnel
Porras also over six rounds.
Ticket prices start at $45.00 and can be purchased directly from
Panthers World of Entertainment by phoning 1800 061 991. Table
bookings can be made by calling Roy Alexander on 0414 512 101 or Tony
Caradonna on 0402 766 511.
`Triple Treat’ in Toowoomba Postponed
The ‘Triple Treat’ card originally scheduled for Friday, April 16 at
the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, Queensland has been postponed. The
show was to feature brothers Mick and Matt Shaw, along with former
amateur standout Chris Hamilton, all in Queensland title fights.
Hamilton was removed from the card when the opportunity arose to
fight for the Australian junior middleweight title. The fight night
was still set to go ahead, but when Mick Shaw injured his hand at
work, Uppercut Promotions decided to postpone the event rather than
offer a sub-standard card.
`Uppercut Promotions are disappointed to announce the postponement,
however to remain true to our goal of offering quality boxing events
utilising local fighters, it was decided that with two of the three
main events being sidelined it was the best option available,’ said
Glenn Azar, spokesman for Uppercut Promotions who contacted Doghouse
Boxing.
A new date is expected to be announced shortly and all tickets that
have already been sold will be honoured on the night.

EUobserver.com, Belgium
April 6 2004
Georgia sets out its European credentials

Corruption and border conflicts threaten to slow Georgia’s progress
towards Europe
(Photo: Texas University)
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – Georgia is on an irreversible course to
Europe, the country’s President told EU leaders today.
Visiting Brussels on Tuesday (6 April), Georgian President Mikheil
Saakashvili, attempted to set out the Caucasian republic’s
geopolitical stance.
“We are not pro-American, we are not pro-Russian, we are Georgian, we
are European”, he said speaking in the European Parliament.
Since independence the country has struggled to steer a course
between getting the US on board and antagonising its supremely
influential neighbour, Russia.
Although still very much in the his early days as president, Mr
Saakashvili has so far tried to balance these conflicting demands on
Georgia’s independence.
In its three-month tenure his government has done its best to woo the
EU into including the Caucasus into the Union’s wider Europe policy,
which he hopes will create enough breathing room for the country to
manoeuvre of its own accord.
But he is faced with considerable challenges.
Rampant corruption and border conflicts threaten to slow progress
towards Europe.
On top of this, many in the EU who are hostile to Turkey’s membership
bid fear that acceptance of the Caucasus as part of wider Europe
sends out the wrong signal to Ankara.
So far, neither Georgia nor their neighbours Armenia and Azerbaijan
have been included in the EU’s policy which will see the Union’s
neighbours developing economic and political ties.
And the domestic constraints are just as pressing.
Experts say the authors of the ‘velvet revolution’ which unseated
Edward Shevardnadze and which was backed by the vast majority of
Georgians will need to produce results soon, if their support is to
be maintained.
Mr Saakashvili said that the country could receive “asymmetrical”
trading terms with the EU in order to promote economic growth.
He also hinted that Georgia’s trade with Poland and the Baltics would
be hit by enlargement and said the EU should look at redressing this.

Written by Andrew Beatty