GIBRAHAYER
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simon@cytanet.com.cy
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SHOOTING PRACTICE AT AKHTAMAR CHURCH BY TURKISH HUNTERS
Brussels, 11/11/2004 Armenian Assembly of Europe: The correspondent of the
Milliyet newspaper alerts from Van that the marvellous carvings of the 10th
century church of Akhtamar on Lake Van are regularly being used as targets
for shooting practice by visitors. The newspaper published also a photo
where one can see the state of carvings after such visits. The correspondent
reports that the church is protected by a guard in the summer time only
during the working hours. During the rest o f the day the visitors entertain
themselves by shooting on the carvings of the Akhtamar Church, and some of
them even try to find some treasure. Pr. Veli Seckin, professor at the
archaeology department of the University of Van says that there are rumours
among the population that there is treasure cached in the island of
Akhtamar. Even the guard of the Church was arrested while he was `hunting
for treasure’.
Already in May 2004 the newspaper Zaman alerted that the famous church of
the Holy Cross of the Akhtamar Island in Lake Van was almost in ruins. The
church, which is visited by many foreign tourists, is badly neglected and
close to ruins. The church has been neglected and harmed by treasure hunters
and is at risk of collapsing. Both its foundation and ceiling have cracks
and holes.

ARMENIANS INTEND CLAIM AGAINST AZERBAIJAN AT EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

12.11.2004 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Association Shahumian-Getashen in
statement, says that “Residents of Shahumian and Getashen regions, who were
deported by force, intend to claim against Azerbaijan at the European Court
of Human Rights.” The matter concerns territories, which are today
controlled by the Azerbaijani troops. The suit will specifically claim
against violation of the right of the deported residents for property
protection and respect of habitation. The Union has expressed readiness to
defend in authoritative international instances the interests of thousands
of Armenian families, who suffered from Azerbaijan’s aggression in 1991.
November 11, 2004
* Human rights in Turkey
* Haunted by the past
* A human-rights commission embarrasses the government

….. In a footnote, the law deems “anti-national” anyone who advocates
withdrawing Turkish troops from Cyprus, or terming “genocide” the killing of
hundreds of thousands of Armenians in 1915. If the aim was to stifle
discussion of this second issue, it failed: at a conference in Venice last
month, historians from all countries involved took a broader, more
cool-headed look at the 1915 tragedy than would be possible in Turkey-now
or, it seems, any time soon. And what about the 100,000 Tur kish-Cypriots
who voted (vainly) in April for a UN plan that would have removed most
Turkish troops from Cyprus: was that a crime?
The Economist is asking for a fee to read the article, but you can read the
complete article for free on

Due to unfortunate circumstances which were completely out of our control,
we were very sorry to announce that the HYE party on Friday, 12th November
has been cancelled.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Due to this inconvenience, we are throwing a free party on Friday, 7th
January 2005.
HYE Events U.K. HYEvents@aol.com

This corner is reserved for local artist Tatiana Ferahian’s comic strips
which are amalgamations of Armenian-Cypriot social commentaries, painted
with her usual wry and ironic humour, to stimulate and encourage awareness
and interest toward our community’s everyday happenings.

QUALIFIER MARCOS BAGHDATIS WINS BRATISLAVA
Nicosia 17 November, 2004 – Gibrahayer: Limassol-born former Boy’s world
number one has won his second tournament on the men’s world tour in the less
than a month.
After winning the Open in England at Bolton, he conquered the $100,000 Tatra
Bank Tournament in Bratislava as a qualifier, topping seed number one
Dominik Hrbaty 7-6(4) 7-6(3) in front of his home crowd.
En route to the final Marcos also beat the fastest server in the world Marc
Rosset 6-2, 7-6. Armenian top seed Sargis Sargissian lost in the second
round against Fransesco Aldi of Italy.
With this win Baghdatis – who spent most of 2004 injured – leaped 53
positions and will be making the main draw of all major tournaments of 2005.
Turkish businessmen are expected to visit Georgia’s Armenian-dominated
region Samtskhe-Javakhk on Nov 25 to discuss the related to cooperation with
local businessmen.
Armenia drew with Romania 1-1 in Yerevan and Cyprus lost to Israel 1-2 in
Nicosia for the qualifying rounds of The World Cup 2006 which will be held
in Germany.
President Robert Kocharian and Estonian counterpart President Arnold Ruutel
decided to bolster commercial contacts during an official meeting in Yerevan
on Monday.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry immediately dismissed allegations that
members of a Kurdish rebel group arrested in southern Netherlands, were
planning to be sent to Armenia to fight for the PKK following their training
session.
Thanks to Hay Tad Committee’s long years of work, the government of
Argentina presented a 44-page book on the Armenian Genocide which has been
jointly prepared by the Buenos Aires Department of Human Rights. The book
was published in 5,000 copies and was delivered to libraries and teachers of
600 public schools.
The ARF Dashnaktsoutiun conveyed its condolences to the Palestinian Fatah
Movement on the death of Yasser Arafat. In its letter, the Dashnaktsoutiun
Bureau expresses profound sympathy to the Palestinian people and leadership,
and hopes that they achieve victory by building an independent Palestinian
state.

PRESENTING SINGER / SONGWRITER ADRINA THORPE
Armenian Singer/songwriter and pianist, Adrina Thorpe, is a refreshing sound
in adult alternative pop, a genre dominated by the guitar. Her style,
although reflective of other female singer/songwriters such as Sarah
McLachlan, Tori Amos and Dido, is altogether unique. Adrina’s delicate piano
melodies and lush vocals weave in and out of each other, drifting amid the
punchy bass and drum lines. Like paper-thin china, like sunrise on the grey
ocean waves…Adrina’s melodies captivate listeners with their distinct
beauty. Listen to her songs on, rinathorpe
Donation: To the AYMA Music Library.

g i b r a h a y  c a l e n d a r
* Traditional Preparation of Madagh on Saturday 20 November, 2004 starting
from 4:00 p.m. at Nareg School’s Canteen. Hyourasiroutiun to follow. Open
for all. On the occasion of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church Day, you can make your
donations by calling the Armenian Prelature on 22 493560 or emailing
armprel@spidernet.com.cy

* Aghorhnek at 4:00 p.m. and Hsgoum at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday 20 November
2004.

* Holy Mass and Madaghornhnoutiun on Sunday 21 November 2004 on the
celebration day of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church in Nicosia. Karoz will be
delivered by His Grace Archbishop Nourhan Manoukian of the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem.

* Annual General Meeting of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) on Sunday 21
November 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at AYMA

* 8th Exhibition of Armenian Books, unde r the auspices of Archbishop
Varoujan Hergelian, organised by the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus, with the
participation of Moufflon Bookstore. Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 17
November 2004 at 8:00 p.m. at Vahram Utudjian Hall of the Armenian Prelature
in Nicosia. You can visit the Exhibition every day from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
& 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. except weekends. The exhibition will also travel to
Larnaca and Limassol.

* Shnorahantes of the book “The Armenian Church in Cyprus”, during the
opening ceremony of the Armenian Book Exhibition. The book will be presented
by Vartan Tashdjian.
Armeni an Relief Society “Sosse” Chapter Fund Raising Tea for the ARS
Armenia Projects on Sunday 28 November, 2004 at The Holiday Inn Hotel at
4:00 p.m. Our children will participate in a Fashion Show by GRANT. There
will be Handicraft, Lebanese cookies and home-made delicacies on sale.
Proceeds to the “Sosse” Kindergarten of Stepanakert – Republic of Karabagh.

* AYF Badanegan Miaoutian get-togethers Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at AYMA.
Contact Vartoog Karageulian on 24-659245.

* AYMA Chicco Football practices take place every Friday from 7:00 – 8:30
p.m children starting from the age of 7. Contact Krikor Mahdessian on
99650897.

* AYMA Table Tennis practices continue every Saturday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m
under the expert guidance of ex-Cyprus Champion Sirvart Costanian. Classes
and practice session for all ages.

* AYMA Football team practices are taking place every Thursday at 9:00 p.m.
A.Y.M.A. will be participating in the Second Division Amateur Football
League and will be bidding for the Championship Title and subsequent
promotion to Division One. The Champi onship begins on Saturday November 27,
2004.

* Marie Louise Kouyoumdjian sings @ Champs every Friday at at 9:30 p.m. For
reservations call 22873888.
Bible Study Group organised by The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus. The Group
meets at the Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church on Armenia street, Nicosia. To
receive further details please call Father Momik Habeshian on 99 307966 or
at the Prelature office on 22 493560 email armprel@spidernet.com.cy

* AYMA Annual Ball at Hilton Park on January 8, 2005 featuring ANDRE.
Reservations a MUST! Book early.

* 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) New s 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).

* The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled for
Sunday 28 November,2004
Pentataktylos – Halevka – Buffavento Castle Cycle Ride by MICROMANIA. Sunday
November 28, 2004. Meeting point: Ledra Palace, Turkish checkpoint Meeting
Time: 9.00 am – Bus leaves : 9.30 am – Arrival at Besparmak Restaurant:
10.30 am – Riding time: 2.5 hours – Riding distance: 16 or 28 km (two
routes) Bring with you: passport, water, helmet. Cost of bus and food:
approx £8:00 per person. Bus leaves Besparmak: 2.30 pm. Bus arrives back:
approx 3.30 pm. Level of competence: average Age limit: 12 + Contact Baret
(Duke) Bedelian on 22-661517

* Every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. (Cyprus time +2 GMT) on CyBC’s Trito, Puzant
Nadjarian presents the “History of the Blues”. You can also hear it on Real
Audio from the Internet edition of CyBC on A repeat program
can also be heard seven hours later at 2:00 a.m. local time.

* Listen to Hairenik Association’s online Armenian Radio Station. A variety
of Armenian music online, 24 hours a day, combined with news and other
interesting information about the Armenian community in the US, Armenia,
Artsakh, Javakh k and the Armenian Diaspora.24 Hours of non-stop armenian
music and programs on the internet
. . . . . News . . . . . ANC hour . . . . . Song dedications . . . . . Youth
discussions . . . . . Game Shows . . . . . Interviews . . . . . Religious
programs . . . . . Cultural programs . . . . . History . . . . .