Author: Antonian Lara

Economic Times, India
May 5 2008

Nestle apologies for gift gaffe after Azeri protest
5 May, 2008, 1904 hrs IST, REUTERS

MOSCOW: Swiss-based food company Nestle has apologised to Azerbaijan
after CDs it handed out free with packets of breakfast products
angered the former Soviet state by accusing it of provoking war with
its neighbour.

Azerbaijan made an official protest after discs aimed at children
across Russia stated it had provoked a war with Armenia over the
separatist Nagorno-Karabakh territory. Nestle has halted distribution
of the CDs.

"It’s a complete disaster as a statement, first it is incorrect, there
are many views. It is also absolutely not the right place for it, it
is a catastrophe," said Andrey Bader, Nestle’s corporate affairs
director for Russia.

The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azeri and Armenian forces
claimed an estimated 35,000 lives and despite a ceasefire in 1994 the
issue remains highly sensitive in both countries. Armenia supports the
separatists.

Azerbaijan wrote to Nestle’s headquarters in Switzerland to complain
about the disc.

"We have sent an official letter expressing discontent and Nestle
offered apologies and withdrew all the CDs which had been
distributed," said a spokesman for the Azeri Foreign Ministry. "Every
measure which was possible has been taken," he said, noting the CDs
were not distributed in Azerbaijan itself.

EMOTIONAL ISSUE

The bonus computer disc was being distributed across Russia from April
10 to April 30 with two breakfast products — Kosmostars and Nesquik
— and contained nuggets of data about different countries. "Now,
regretfully, it has become pretty emotional in Azerbaijan," said
Bader.

The content for the disc was prepared by an outside company and
although the same details had been distributed since 1996, this was
the first time it was noticed, said Bader. Nestle has now temporarily
halted the promotion, but will resume it once revised discs are
despatched.

Bader said he did not know how many discs would have to be destroyed,
but said it was a substantial campaign covering major cities across
Russia, which has a population of 142 million. He could not estimate
the cost to Nestle, but said the decision to halt distribution was
taken after consultation with its Swiss headquarters hours after the
problem came to light.

"Nestle took time to officially apologise with its consumers, with a
recorded speech on Azeri TV, we brought this in a very loud way to
consumers," he said.

AZG Armenian Daily #085, 06/05/2008

Statistics

DANGEROUS COUNTRIES FOR JOURNALISTS

In 13 countries of the world journalists’ murders
remain unrevealed.

Since 1998, the Committee to Protect Journalists
(center in New York) has carried out researches and
published the list of the countries according to
"impunity index", "Azatutyun" radio-station reported.

The Committee list involves countries, where more than
5 unrevealed murders remain from 1998 to 2007.

The list includes also Russia, where murders of 14
journalists are not revealed yet.

Iraq has the most unrevealed murders – 79.

The list involves also Sierra Leone, Somalia,
Columbia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Afghanistan, Nepal.
Mexico, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.

The report mentions that though there are no war
operations and conflicts in most of the
above-mentioned countries, journalists periodically
become targets for murderers here and no one takes
responsibility for it.

Translated by L.H.

Banker.am banking portal congratulates ARKA Agency on 12th anniversary

YEREVAN, May 6. /ARKA/. Dear Mr Petrosov,
The Banker.am banking portal is congratulating you and your staff on
the 12th anniversary of your brainchild ` ARKA NEWS agency.

The Banker.am portal highly appreciates ARKA’s professional skills and
contribution to the development of high-quality and reliable mass media
outlets in Armenia.

We wish you further success and prosperity.

Andranik Barseghian, Pavel Sargsian
Founders of Banker.am project

PRESS RELEASE
For further information please contact
Ms. Gloria Caudill, Administrator
Armenian Studies Program
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
[email protected]
(734) 763-0622

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GEORGIA PLANNED
BY ARMENIAN STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Conference will be Webcast Live

The Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
is pleased to announce the convening of a major international
conference on "Georgia: The Making of a Nation," to be held at the
International Institute of the University on May 15-18, 2008.

More than 30 scholars from Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Turkey, Japan,
Canada and the United States will take part is this unique event. The
themes to be considered by the conference include: "Christian Georgia:
Culture and Identity in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period," "The
Emergence of Modern Georgian Nationalism," "Diversity and Unity in the
South Caucasus: Discourses of Division," "Expressing the National,
Performing the Nation," "Evolution and Revolution in Georgian
Political Development," and "Challenges of the Modern Moment: Georgia
in the Globalizing World."

Details of the program can be found on the website of the Armenian
Studies program:

The conference is part of the series "Armenia and Its Neighbors." The
conference is open to the general public. Equally important is the
fact that the conference proceedings will be broadcast live on the
Internet. Interested individuals can follow the presentation of papers
and the discussions at the following web address:
052008.asx. (Michigan is in
the Eastern US time zone, the same as New York.)

Professor Ronald Suny is the main convener of the
conference. "Considering the increasing importance of the South
Caucasus region to the international community and of Georgia
particularly, we think this gathering will constitute a milestone that
will not only make this important country known to our audiences but
also bring together scholars from around the world who have devoted
time and energy to understand it," stated Professor Suny. "From the
Armenian point of view," he added, "it is essential that all neighbors
be understood first in their own context."

The conference is co-sponsored by the Department of History, the
Department of Near Eastern Studies, the Rackham Graduate School, the
International Institute, the Center for Russian and East European
Studies, the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies, and
the Eisenberg Institute for Historical Studies at the University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor; and by the American Research Institute of the
South Caucasus (ARISC, based at the University of Chicago).

Gloria Caudill, Administrator
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Armenian Studies Program

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF ARMENIA DONATES PERSIAN GULF DOCS TO IRAN

Mehr News Agency
May 4 2008
Iran

TEHRAN — Director of the National Library of Armenia Davit Sargsyan
donated to Iran a number of historical documents on the Persian Gulf
on April 29.

The DVD was handed to Iran’s cultural attaché in Armenia on the
Persian Gulf National Day when an exhibition was also being held in
commemoration of the day. The DVD contains 20 maps and documents on
the Persian Gulf.

–Boundary_(ID_FQ9+VWRDeq9y1eu3Bf8XpQ)–

THE EUROVISION PARTY

Canvas Magazine
ty_200408.php
May 4 2008
UK

Eurovision fans hold on to your seats, the Eurovision stars are
coming to London for an exclusive and intimate preview at Kings Cross’
Scala nightclub.

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Serbia, which won
last year on it’s first entry as an independent country. Taking place
on the 24th May in Belgrade, the contest has a new format, taking
stage in heats with semi-finals a couple of days before the main event.

Many Eurovision entrants have pre-contest promotional tours but we
haven’t been in on the camp fun for a little while. London last saw
Eurovision action in 1977, when the UK hosted the event. The setting
is one of London’s best nightclubs, a converted cinema which manages
to create an intimate gig environment although it holds 1200 people
over four floors.

Top of the bill – well, our bill – are Bucks Fizz, the skirt-ripping
band that won the competition in 1984 with "Making Your Mind Up." Some
other acts are yet to be confirmed, but the show comes with its own
cheesy DJ Dave Simmons, spinning some of the other finalists’ tunes
mixed with some of the old favourites.

The UK Eurovision Preview Party takes place at Scala in London on
Friday 25th April from 21:00-04:00. Full details are available on the
official event website at Tickets are £10 in
advance from or £15 on the door.

Here are some other artists in the line-up. Although, surely checking
out the bands in advance might sway your vote.

Malta – Morena heads over here with her song Vodka; presumably about
the best pastime you could have on a tiny little island full of
red-faced Brits.

Ukraine – Ani Lorak with Shady Lady. She’s one of the favourites to
win, has big boobs and Pat Butcher-like earrings.

Poland – Isis Gee will sing ‘For Life’, a song she wrote for her
husband when she moved to Poland. You could probably guess from the
name she’s not Polish. She’s not ancient Egyptian either; she grew
up in LA.

Iceland – Euroband promises to throw classic camp Euro-cheese in your
face. Alright, we haven’t heard their song yet, but look at them –
just look at them.

Norway – You already know what Maria’s song ‘Hold on be strong’
sounds like just from the title. She’s off of Norwegian Pop Idol and
is about to release her first album.

Bosnia and Herzegovina – Eric Lakovic Laka is daring enough to
come in with a song in his native tongue. It’s called PokuÅ¡aj and
we didn’t bother to look up the meaning – it’s only Eurovision for
crying out loud.

Romania – Nicola and Vlad sing Pe-o margine de lume (On the edge of
the world). The guys are stopping off at the London party as part of
their London tour. Vlad is an opera tenor and Nico composes music.

Armenia – we’re not sure what Sirusho’s number will be yet. She’s been
spreading Armenian love across the world promoting her best-selling
albums over the last few years.

–Boundary_(ID_dfxmUjS3XtZqjN7f6oRWow)–

May 2, 2008
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER
CELEBRATION OF PENTECOST

By the initiative of Bible study groups from various parishes, an
event dedicated to the feast of Pentecost will take place on Sunday, May
4th, at "Dikranian" Hall of Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
The event is being held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and has been organized by the Pastor and
Board of Trustees of Holy Martyrs Church.
The event will feature hymns, Bible readings, and remarks from
representatives of each area.

PRELATE TO DELIVER INVOCATION AT THE OPENING OF THE ARS FESTIVAL

The 7th annual Armenian Relief Society festival, organized by the
ARS Regional Executive, is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 3rd and
Sunday May 4th at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.
The Prelate will deliver the invocation and convey his remarks
during the opening ceremony on Saturday.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER ARTUR AGHABEGIAN
VISITS THE PRELACY

On the morning of Friday, May 2nd, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy member of Armenia’s
Parliament and Chair of the Security and Defense Committee Artur Aghabegian,
who was invited to Los Angeles to be the keynote speaker at the 20th
anniversary grand celebration of the Artsakh Liberation Movement.
Participating in the meeting were ARF Central Committee
representative Mr. Karo Khanjian, Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and
Barthev Gulumian and Executive Council treasurer Mr. Vahan Bezdikian.
The Prelate and guests discussed the current state of affairs in
Armenia and Artsakh as well as issues relating to our community in general.
Mr. Aghabegian imparted that during his visits to Prelacy schools he was
impressed by the Armenian education the students were receiving, emphasizing
that what is important is for an Armenian to rise each day as an Armenian no
matter where he finds himself in this world.
The discussion then turned to the situation in Armenia, with Mr.
Aghabegian noting that cooperation between the governing bodies and the
people is crucial. He also spoke of the various efforts to secure aid for
Armenia.
The visit concluded with the Prelate presenting the guest deputy
with a memento.

PRELATE TO ATTEND GALA CELEBRATION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTSAKH
LIBERATION MOVEMENT

On the evening of Friday, May 2nd, the gala celebration of the 20th
anniversary of the Artsakh Liberation Movement will take place at the
Wilshire Ebell Theatre. The event is organized by the Glendale, Burbank,
and La Crescenta communities.
The keynote speaker of the event is Artur Aghabegian, member of
Armenia’s Parliament and Chair of the Security and Defense Committee, who
was invited from Armenia for this event.
The Prelate, accompanied by clergy members, will attend the
celebration.

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER DIVINE LITURGY AND LUNCHEON ON THE FEAST OF ASCENSION

The Feast of Ascension was celebrated on Thursday, May 1st,
beginning in the morning with Divine Liturgy, followed by the traditional
luncheon. The Prelate presided over Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by
Holy Martyrs Church pastor Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, at St. Mary’s
Church in Glendale, and delivered the sermon.
The luncheon took place following Divine Liturgy at the First
Congregational Church in Glendale. The Prelate presided over the luncheon
which was organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary and hosted by Mrs.
Anoush Martayan.
Following welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies Mrs. Hourig
Abdulian, the Prelate delivred the invocation and conveyed his blessings.
He commended the Ladies Auxiliary for once again organizing a successful
event and thanked Mrs. Martayan for hosting the luncheon. Rev. Fr. Vazken
Atmajian then elaborated on the feast and the traditions associated with it,
after which the festivities continued with the traditional vijag and
entertainment by singer Gagik Badalyan.

36TH PRELACY REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY

The 36th Prelacy Representative Assembly will convene on Friday, May
9th, and continue on Saturday, May 10th, at "Armenag Der Bedrossian" Hall of
St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. The parish Board of Trustees will host the
assembly.
Items on the agenda include the assessment of the previous year’s
activities of our churches and schools as well as the election of the
Prelate, the Religious and Executive Councils.
On Wednesday, May 7th, the Prelate will preside over a clergy
conference in the same hall, during which issues relating to the
Representative Assembly will be discussed and suggestions made to present at
the meeting.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 2 2008

Afrand Dashdamirov: `We should not entirely rely on mediators in the
solution of Nagorno Karabakh problem’

[ 02 May 2008 17:09 ]

Baku. Lachin Sultanova `APA. `Superpowers have an important role in
the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem.

They can assist the conflict solution or to tackle it’, Afrand
Dashdamirov, Vice-President of All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress,
Professor of Russian Public Service Academy under the Russian
President and member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, told
APA. He called UN resolution on the occupied lands of Azerbaijan an
important document. `Adoption of such resolution approved the public
opinion about the fair position of Azerbaijan. It is important
spiritual victory not depending on supporters or opponents, but it is
not enough to achieve results and to settle the conflict
completely. It is very difficult to achieve results in the political
negotiations through the spiritual and even legal funds. It needs to
put forward successive and appropriate policy to settle the
conflict. Only those, who know all details of current situation, know
which policy should be made in this issue. OSCE co-chairing countries
`mediators in the settlement process` try to reconcile the sides. At
the same time each of them has its own interests in our regions and
different special relations with the conflict parties. Equal close
relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia can be ideal for Russia. It
is important for Russia to keep close relations with Azerbaijan, the
biggest country of South Caucasus, but at the same time Moscow doesn’t
intend to lose Armenia. Russia has a limit in its opportunities of
influence. Everybody knows that France’s position is under the
influence of Armenian-origin citizens of the country. The United
States has own accounts and games in the region. Each of them partly
supports both Azerbaijan and Armenia. They don’t deviate to say `Let
them reach agreement between themselves and we will support their
agreement’. It is shameful and disagreeable for Azerbaijan to make
concessions while its lands are under the occupation. But reality is
so. We shouldn’t rely on mediators and we should have own will. It
means we don’t have to expect for proposals and have to go to the
direct dialogue’. Dashdamirov thinks first of all civil society
institutions can start the dialogue. `We need to start direct
negotiations considering the factor of forever neighborhood of
Azerbaijan and Armenia. Episodic visits cannot help the process. I
have no doubt that Armenian side suffers from the current situation
and makes economic losses. But we also don’t live in vacuum. Georgia
continues its relations with this country despite we like it or not
and we also know the role of Russia and Iran in Armenian economy’.

ITALIAN TOURISTS LEAVE ARMENIA WITH GOOD IMPRESSIONS

Noyan Tapan
April 30, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 30, NOYAN TAPAN. The price-quality ratio of Armenia’s
tourist services are quite acceptable to Italian tourists. A 8-day
travel from Italy to Armenia costs 1,200-1,800 euros, depending on
hotel prices. The price includes the cost of air travel, food and
journeys made within the country, NT correspondent was informed by
Nadia Pasqual, travel marketing and communication advisor of the
USAID-financed Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) Program.

In her words, Italian tourists usually leave Armenia with good
impressions and are satisfied with services provided by local
hotels and tour guides. In particular, by the results of a survey
of international tourists to Armenia (September 2006 – August 2007),
96% of Italian tourists said that they would advise others to visit
Armenia.

She said that establishment of direct flights between the two countries
and a large number of three-star hotels in Armenia may contribute to
a reduction in travel prices of Italians to Armenia.

According to the indicated survey, Italians who visit Armenia by
purchasing tour packages, along with those from the U.S, Canada,
the UK, Germany and France, are among tourists incurring the largest
amount of expenses (up to 224 dollars) daily.

RA FM APPRECIATES PARLIAMENTARY STATEMENT ON KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.04.2008 18:14 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian
confirmed official Yerevan’s willingness to continue Karabakh talks
on the basis of OSCE MG recent proposals.

Addressing the National Assembly today, the Minister remarked that
"Azerbaijan’s readiness is also essential for continuation of the
peaceful process."

"The statement adopted by the Armenian parliament is appropriate,
since the recent moves of the Azeri side could not but cause an
adequate reaction," he said, adding that passage of the Azerbaijani
resolution in the UN General Assembly "has become an obstacle in the
peaceful process," Mediamax reports.