Bayrakdarian Bestowed Mesrob Mashdots medal by Abp Hagopian

Armenian Prelacy of Canada Press Office
3401 Olivar Asselin
Montreal, Quebec H4J 1L5
Tel: (514) 856-1200
Fax (514) 856-1805
E-mail: [email protected]

Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada
bestows the prestigious “Sourp Mesrob Mashdots” medal to Canadian Armenian
soprano, Isabel Bayrakdarian

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy Sea of Cilicia, acting upon the
request of His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Armenian
Prelacy of Canada, bestows the prestigious “Sourp Mesrob Mashdots” medal to
Canadian Armenian soprano, Isabel Bayrakdarian.

The official awarding ceremony of the “Sourp Mesrob Mashdots” medal took
place on Sunday, August 15, 2004 during the celebrations of Assumption of
the Holy Mother of God at the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Toronto by
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Hagopian.

Born in Beirut, Ms. Bayrakdarian began singing Armenian liturgical music in
the church choir at the age of three, and even continues to do so today. Her
debut album, Joyous Light, was a collection of medieval Armenian sacred
music dating from the 5th century onwards. It reached no.1 in the classical
charts across Canada within days of its release.

Ms. Bayrakdarian has received numerous awards throughout her career, most
recently taking home a Juno for her second album, Azulão. She can also be
heard on the Grammy award-winning soundtrack, Lord of the Rings, The Two
Towers, as well as Atom Egoyan’s Ararat.

Ms. Bayrakdarian’s upcoming engagements include Suzanna in a new production
of Le nozze di Figaro with Los Angeles Opera, a debut with the San Francisco
Symphony (Mahler’s 2nd Symphony) and a recording project this summer. During
the 2004/2005 she returns to the Metropolitan Opera, to the Lyric Opera of
Chicago twice, and she makes her debut with the Pittsburgh Opera. In
concerts and recitals she appears in Montreal, Washington, Toronto,
Victoria, Edmonton and Vancouver, Yerevan, Armenian among other cities.

Management: Ronald A. Wilford and Elizabeth Crittenden; Columbia Artists
Management Inc.; Tel: (212) 841-9501; Fax: (212) 841-9687.

Armenian Prelacy of Canada Press Office
3401 Olivar Asselin, Montreal, Quebec H4J 1L5 Tel: (514) 856-1200; Fax (514)
856-1805; E-mail: [email protected]

Isabel Bayrakdarian’s publicist: Barbora Krsek; Tel: (416) 534-3337;
Fax: (416) 534-5661; E-mail: [email protected]

Hovhannes Hovhannisian: Armenia Constantly Has Regress in NK Settlmt

HOVHANNES HOVHANNISIAN: “ARMENIA CONSTANTLY HAS REGRESS IN KARABAKH
SETTLEMENT”

YEREVAN, August 23 (Noyan Tapan). “In the issue of Karabakh settlement
Armenia is subject to serious pressures, which are rather active and
strong. Declaring this at the August 21 press conference Hovhannes
Hovhannisian, the Chairman of the Liberal Progressive Party of
Armenia, mentioned that Armenia constantly has regress in this
issue. H.Hovhannisian mentioned that during the recent visit to Baku
Mohammad Khatami, the President of Iran, declared in the parliament of
Azerbaijan that Iran protects Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and
sees the solution of Karabakh problem in this context. And Igor
Lavrov, the RF Foreign Minister, made an analogous statement during
the visit of Elmar Mamediarov, his Azeri counterpart, to Moscow. “So,
our two strategic partners more or less supporting us in the Karabakh
issue in the previous month expressed their final viewpoints to us,
according to which they see the solution of the issue in the context
of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, H.Hovhannisian mentioned.
According to the head of the Liberal Progressive Party of Armenia,
Armenia has nothing to oppose to the pressures exerted upon it for the
purpose of solving the Karabakh problem in favor of itself. “Armenia
could undertake the way of democratization, become a democratic
country, which would be estimated by the international community and
the Karabakh problem would be solved in favor of Armenia, but Armenia
didn’t undertake this way,” he concluded.

California Courier Online, August 26, 2004

California Courier Online, August 26, 2004

1 – Commentary
Germans Apologize for 100-Year-Old
Genocide? Is Turkey Next?

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Modern Diagnostic Lab Would Boost
Capacity to Treat Animal Diseases
3 – APN Diocese Will
Honor US Veterans
At Nov. 12 Dinner
4 – Southfield’s AGBU Manoogian School
Opens Sept. 7 with New, Improved Look
5 – Film Foundation Plans Final
Project in Genocide Trilogy
6 – Dr. Mary Papazian Named Dean of
New Jersey’s Montclair University
7 – Armenian Genocide to be
Next Film by Mel Gibson?
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Germans Apologize for 100-Year-Old
Genocide? Is Turkey Next?

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Ninety years after the Armenian Genocide, the Turkish government is still
trying to cover up the facts of this most heinous crime. But for how much
longer?
Last week, newspapers around the world, including the Financial Times and
the Boston Globe, reported the German government’s long overdue apology for
the genocide committed against the Hereros one hundred years ago!
Back in 1904, German colonial troops ruthlessly wiped out the majority of
the 80,000 Hereros then in existence in what is now Namibia. Successive
German governments during the past 100 years, just like their Turkish
counterparts for 90 years, had refused to apologize and pay compensation to
the survivors.
A few days ago, during a ceremony marking the centenary of the Genocide of
the Hereros, German Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul said in
Namibia: “I am painfully aware of the atrocities committed…. We Germans
accept our historical and moral responsibility and the guilt incurred by
Germans at that time…. So in the words of the Lord’s Prayer that we share I
ask you to forgive us our trespasses.”
But the Hereros, just like the Armenians, want more than just a simple
acknowledgment and an apology. Kaiere Mbuende, a Herero, and a former
government official, was quoted by Reuters as saying: “How is Germany going
to own up to the apology? There has to be a form of redress, the injustice
has to be undone.”
Even though Germany is Namibia’s largest aid donor and has contributed $500
million since the country’s independence in 1990, Reuters reported that a
$4 billion lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the Hereros against Germany
in a U.S. District Court. The German government has argued that no
compensation can be paid in this case because international laws on the
protection of the civilian population did not exist in 1904. German
officials have been reluctant to issue a formal apology out of concern that
this may strengthen the demands for compensation.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry and Armenian organizations should pay close
attention to developments in this case, as it may serve as a legal
precedent for demanding compensation from Turkey for the mass murder of
Armenians as well as the confiscation of their lands and properties.
Armenians must contact the law firm that has filed the lawsuit on behalf of
the Hereros in order to learn the specifics of the legal arguments used in
that case. If adequate funds are raised to hire experts on international
law in order to pursue Armenian claims from Turkey, it is possible that by
the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a Turkish Minister would
lay a wreath at the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, apologize to the Armenian
nation, and start a dialogue on the compensation to be paid to the
survivors of the Genocide.
If the remnants of a small tribe in Africa, with no lobbyists in Washington
or other foreign capitals, and no organized communities in various
countries defending their cause, can take such a resolute stand on their
Genocide after 100 years, then surely Armenians with their international
presence, political connections and lobbying organizations can and should
do no less.

Jewish Journalist Chastises Israel and Turkey
The International Herald Tribune published on August 20 an opinion column
by prominent Jewish journalist, Jay Bushinsky, titled: “The Armenian
Genocide: Face History’s Heartbreaking Truth.”
He wrote: “The carnage perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks 89 years ago, in
which 1.5 million ethnic Armenians were killed or deported, was a tragic
prelude to the Nazi Holocaust.”
Bushinsky said: “Hitler’s determination to destroy European Jewry was
encouraged by the world’s lack of interest in the Armenian tragedy.” He
then mentioned Hitler’s well-known question: “Who, after all speaks today
of the annihilation of the Armenians?” Hitler’s statement is inscribed “on
one of the walls of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial in Washington, and rightly
so,” Bushinsky said.
The Jewish journalist stated that various “interest groups, including
Jewish ones, misguided or opportunistic,” lobbied against the passage of
the congressional resolution on the Armenian Genocide in order not to
offend Turkey. Bushinsky is indignant that when Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently accused the Jewish State of terrorism,
“neither Israel nor the overseas Jewish organizations dared remind Erdogan
that leaders of nations that had committed crimes against humanity had best
refrain from preaching to others.”
The Jewish writer expressed regret that Israel puts “contemporary
priorities ahead of moral obligations.” He recalled: “When a major
documentary about the Armenian Genocide was due to be screened [in Israel],
the foreign ministry intervened out of consideration for Turkish
sensibilities.” Bushinsky caustically pointed out: “It is hypocritical to
expect compassion and sympathy from the peoples of the world for the lives
lost in the Holocaust when ‘raison d’etat’ prevents Israel and most
Israelis from commiserating with the Armenians.”
Bushinsky concluded his powerful commentary with the following admonition:
“Historical truth must be faced regardless of how heartbreaking it may be.
It cannot be subordinated to the ebb and flow of modern international
relations. Anyone who visited the Armenians’ grim memorial to their
martyred brothers and sisters south of Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, in the
shadow of biblical Mount Ararat, cannot but grieve with them. Israelis,
Jews, Zionists and their supporters should comfort the Armenians in their
national sorrow and the Turks should accept the photographs, documents and
above all testimony, which commemorate the Armenian Genocide, instead of
insisting that it never happened.”
Jay Bushinsky should be commended for his humanity and honesty to the point
of daring to criticize his own homeland for the sake of truth and justice.
Both Israel and Turkey must realize that they will pay a heavy moral and
political price as long as they continue denying the Armenian Genocide.
Righteous individuals and organizations will hound the leaders of these
countries until they stop desecrating the memory of the 1.5 million
innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide.
To counter the Turkish e-mail campaign against Bushinsky’s column, please
send a letter to the International Herald Tribune ([email protected])
indicating your support for this thought-provoking commentary.
**************************************************************************
2 – Modern Diagnostic Lab Would Boost
Capacity to Treat Animal Diseases
By Andranik Mekailian
YEREVAN – In a project that stands to benefit agriculture in Armenia for
years to come, the Fresno, California-based Armenian Technology Group (ATG)
has initiated a program that could boost the economy and improve the
political atmosphere of the entire Caucasus. Working with the U.S. Agency
for International Development (USAID) and USDA, ATG has proposed the
introduction of a Veterinary laboratory that would test diseases that can
pass from animals to humans through the food chain.
After the break-up of the Soviet Union, the veterinary and laboratory
systems of Armenia collapsed, negatively affecting food safety and public
health in Armenia. According to Anoushavan Aghajanyan, head of the
Department of Veterinary Service of Armenia, this system has been rebuilt
from the ground floor. “We want to modernize our testing capabilities,”
Aghajanyan stated. “This could be possible with the establishment of the
Central Diagnostic Lab ATG is proposing.”
Currently, the government veterinary laboratory, located in the Erebuni
district of Yerevan, tests for certain bacterial diseases, including
salmonella. New emphasis has been placed on widening the testing to include
a larger range of diseases. “We don’t have the capabilities to test for mad
cow disease or bird flu,” Aghajanyan said. “With the close cooperation of
ATG, including the establishment of the Central Diagnostic Lab and setting
it up on government premises, our system can include the testing of these
and other diseases.”
The importance of the diagnostic lab was further emphasized during a visit
in the spring of 2004 by ATG vice-president and doctor of veterinary
medicine James Reynolds, who journeyed to the village of Aygoot with a
small group of ATG professionals to investigate the illnesses of cattle
that were becoming weak and even dying while giving birth.
Aygoot, formerly populated by Azeri Turks, is located north of Lake Sevan,
not far from the border with Azerbaijan. The village, now populated by
Armenians forcibly emigrated from the plains of Karabagh, has largely
depended on foreign assistance in establishing its agricultural economy. A
milk container, capable of storing large quantities of milk and insuring
the use of all milk produced in the village, was recently donated to the
farmers of Aygoot.
During the visit, discussions centered on the nutrition of the cattle feed
being used, and the use of Vitamin A shots to prevent disease and promote
the animals’ health. “It became apparent that the animals could be
receiving toxic amounts of Vitamin A,” Reynolds stated. “With CDL in place,
we could test the sick animals and clarify any doubts about use of the
vitamin and the issue of nutrition.”
At the Hrashk (Miracle) dairy on the outskirts of Yerevan, dairy manager
Vannik Soghomonyan stressed the need for the establishment of CDL in or
near Yerevan. “We produce milk and dairy products of the highest standard,”
Soghomonyan said. “We want to produce products which will be certified as
organic. The CDL can be the first step in this direction.”
The dairy employs two full-time veterinarians, who send an analysis to the
government laboratory if an animal becomes ill. “Currently, between six and
eight diseases are tested for at the laboratory,” Soghomonyan, also
president of the Dairy Farmers of Armenia, said. “The CDL would be more
advanced, meeting European standards and opening new markets for our
products.”
Advanced testing would also make it possible to expand Armenia’s
agricultural economy, as in the case of the Agro Holding company, located
in the earthquake zone near Spitak. There, in an Italian-built complex on
hills overlooking Spitak, pig farmers are waiting for the establishment of
the CDL before enlarging their operations, noting that government
laboratories lack the capacity to test on such a large scale.
While in Yerevan, Dr. Reynolds met with USDA and USAID officials,
discussing the need for the CDL and the positive benefits its
implementation would have for Armenia and the entire region. Meeting with
Trevor Gudie of the US Embassy. Reynolds pointed out that the CDL would
bring veterinary diagnostics to Western standards “We must work with the
purpose of finding and preventing diseases that affect society,”
During his trip to Armenia, Reynolds visited several USDA projects where
different methods of grazing are being studied. The projects stress the
grazing of cattle and other animals instead of the Soviet method of keeping
animals indoors most of the year. “The CDL has to be coordinated with the
livestock system,” Reynolds said. “That is where ATG has a distinct
advantage, due to their extensive work in livestock and agriculture in
Armenia.”
ATG’s experience in animal breeding has also impressed Armenian agriculture
minister Davit Lokian, who has asked USAID to facilitate the establishment
of the CDL, under the stewardship of ATG.
As the concept of the Central Diagnostic Lab becomes reality, the positive
affects will go far beyond disease control. Since the CDL tests so widely,
including both animal tissue and milk, diseases will be found in their
earliest stages, resulting in increased production of milk and other
agricultural products.
As the ATG-sponsored milk containers (cooling containers) are put in place
in rural villages, the role of the CDL will be even more important, as it
will test for bacterial diseases such as salmonella and brucella. The CDL
testing capabilities are so advanced that when testing animal tissue for
salmonella, the lab can find out when the animal contracted the disease,
before or after it became sick.
With the establishment of the lab, other livestock will be protected, even
animals crossing borders, a situation in which diseases such as
tuberculosis and anthrax can be passed from one country to another. As the
presence of these diseases diminish, markets will open up, increasing trade
and promoting good will in the Caucasus. With the proper certification of
Armenia’s agricultural products, Armenia will proudly take its place in
international markets, increasing income for Armenian merchants and the
farmers of Armenia.
**************************************************************************
3 – APN Diocese Will
Honor US Veterans
At Nov. 12 Dinner
BURBANK, CA – The Armenian Professionals Network of the Western Diocese of
the Armenian Church has announced plans for a dinner event on Nov. 12,
paying tribute to the dedication and patriotism of Armenian American men
and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
The community is Invited to attend the dinner at 7:30 p.m. in the
Kalaydjian Hall of the Western Diocesan Complex, 3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.,
Burbank, Calif.
For reservations, contact Arture Zabounian at 818-974-9454
**************************************************************************
4 – Southfield’s AGBU Manoogian School
Opens Sept. 7 with New, Improved Look
SOUTHFIELD, MI – The AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School will open its doors
on Sept. 7 with a new and improved look. The school has experienced major
changes over the summer. “We were dreaming about it so long, we knew
exactly what we wanted,” said Dr. Nadya Sarafian, Alex & Marie Manoogian
School principal.
During a recent tour of the school, Sarafian beamed when talking about the
improvements, changes, and additions the school undertook, all in
preparation for the 2004-2005 school year.
Sarafian was proud of everything, from the new tile floor in the restrooms
and the new Pre-Kindergarten facilities, right down to the fact there were
only minor changes from the pre-construction vision of the “new” Manoogian.
The new facility will have its familiarities, but will also be full of new
sights including a state-of-the-art media center that will allow students
easy access to both print and electronic sources of information, a new
building façade will be in place with new landscaping, as well as
structural improvements to the school’s main entrance.
There is an updated drop-off/pick-up area that will facilitate improved
traffic flow in the school’s parking lot.
The school’s courtyard on the west side of the building has been reshaped
and enclosed, complete with new playground structures and cushioned
flooring for the younger students.
Another important change for the new school year is a further separation of
Manoogian’s high school students from the areas intended for the school’s
lower grades. This division is expected to promote a greater sense of
community among the older students.
**************************************************************************
5- Film Foundation Plans Final
Project in Genocide Trilogy
THOUSAND OAKS – “Caravans Along the Euphrates: Anatomy of the Secret
Genocide” is expected to be the “crown jewel” of the Armenian Film
Foundation’s “The Witnesses” trilogy project. It will be the culmination of
a massive contribution on the 25th anniversary of the Foundation.
Lead creative production staff met with award-winning Director/Producer Dr.
J. Michael Hagopian in Thousand Oaks this week to critique the
film-in-process. Those present included Co-producer Glenn Farr, an
Oscar-winning master feature film editor and director; and Carla
Garapedian, narrator and co-writer of the first two “Witnesses” films, who
is a former BBC anchor about to enter into production of her own film later
this fall. Associate Producer and Assistant Editor Barbara Gilmore, whose
experience includes working as project director and associate producer on
five Armenian Genocide documentaries, also was on hand.
Hagopian, who holds a doctorate degree from Harvard University in
international relations, places great value on the feedback of his
talented, knowledgeable staff members who have dedicated years to helping
preserve Armenian heritage and promote its causes. Several other screenings
will be held to solicit input from scholars, survivors and people from
other walks of life before the final production phase.
Incorporated will be a penetrating storyline of survivor accounts selected
from a collection of over 400 interviews. The interviews were
professionally photographed by Hagopian over a span of 40 years in Europe,
Australia, Asia and North America.
Himself a survivor, Dr. Hagopian has devoted much of his life to
documenting the legacy of other survivors and those whose lives were
brutally extinguished.
His works have to date amassed over 160 prestigious film awards and prizes
from around the world.
The Armenian Film Foundation now endeavors to raise funds in the Armenian
community to help finance the remaining work on Caravans Along the
Euphrates: Anatomy of the Secret Genocide. Completion of the film is
targeted for 2005, the 90th commemorative year of the Genocide. Support for
the first two films of the project, totaling $800,000, was garnered
primarily from the California State Legislature, as well as from
foundations and some individual sources through the efforts of ardent
supporter and Executive Producer Walter Karabian, Esq. Those who make
generous donations to help finance this project will receive recognition in
the credits at the end of the Caravans Along the Euphrates film.
For further information on this and other Armenian Film Foundation films
and projects, visit the website at , or call
their office at 805-495-0717.
**************************************************************************
6 – Dr. Mary Papazian Named Dean of
New Jersey’s Montclair University
MONTCLAIR, N. J. – Dr. Mary A. Papazian of Michigan has been named Dean of
the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State
University, announced Dr. Richard A. Lynde, Provost and Vice President for
Academic Affairs at MSU. Papazian has been serving as Associate Dean of
the College of Arts and Sciences at Oakland University in Michigan, where
she has been employed since 1988.
She began at MSU Aug. 16.
Papazian has been Associate Dean of Oakland University’s largest academic
unit since 1999. Offering more than two-thirds of all courses at the
university, the College is home to 240 full-time and 200-part time faculty
members and has a yearly operating budget of $25 million. During her
tenure, Papazian developed and gained approval for academic programs
ranging from the Ph.D. in biological communication to an M.A. in liberal
studies and bachelor degree programs in studio art and women’s studies. She
served as the university’s coordinator for the annual Meeting of the Minds
undergraduate research conference; as ombudsman for faculty and students;
and as Executive Director of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance,
where she developed an assessment of the current state of performing arts
at Oakland and a plan for its future. She taught English literature
starting in 1988, was named associate professor in 1994, and full professor
in 2003.
“We are delighted that such a talented and visionary administrator, teacher
and scholar has joined the leadership team at Montclair State,” Lynde said.
“Mary’s guidance and vision at the largest of MSU’s Colleges and Schools
will prove invaluable as we continue our efforts to elevate the
University’s academic and programmatic offerings to the very highest
level.”
Papazian was also chair of the Phyllis Law Googasian Award Committee at
Oakland University; and chair of the College of Arts and Science’s
Committee on Appointment and Promotion. In addition, she participated in
ongoing fund-raising activities; chaired the Teaching Excellence Award
Committee; and was a member of the University Senate, Honor’s College
Council and the executive committee of the university’s affiliate of the
American Council of Education Network for Women Leaders.
Papazian earned her B.A. in English literature in 1981; her M.A. in 1983
and her Ph.D. in 1988, all from UCLA. She will be moving east with her
husband, Professor Dennis R. Papazian, a long-time scholar at the
University of Michigan, Dearborn with expertise in the history of the
former Soviet Union and its successor states (particularly Armenia), and
her two daughters, Ani (10) and Marie (five).
**************************************************************************
7 – Armenian Genocide to be
Next Film by Mel Gibson?
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Conservative author Bruce Walker, writing in the
Ohio-based American Daily last week, revealed that one of the proposed
topics for a future Mel Gibson film includes “Armenia, The First Holocaust.
“The forgotten holocaust,” as Walker calls it, was “The un-holocaust. While
the world watched – even worse, after the Himmler, the Heydrich, the Hitler
of Turkey had lost the war – at least one million Armenians were
exterminated for their Christian faith and their misfortune of being a
nation conquered by the Moslem Turks.
“This was the laboratory for what was later used in the Gulag by the
Soviets, then used in eastern Poland by the Soviets, then used against Jews
by the Nazis. Moreover, this was a war on Christianity itself. Churches,
priests, crosses all were the first objects of Turkish atrocities. Nothing
ever happened after this holocaust. No Nuremberg Trials. No `Schindler’s
List.’ No `Diary of Anne Frank.’
“There cannot be too many descriptions of the very genuine moral and
physical horror of the Holocaust, but each dead soul murdered in the
Killing Fields or the barren fields of the Ukraine or in cattle cars
leaving Poland and crammed with Polish families deserve equal memory to
mankind and to God.
“Why not start with the first holocaust? Why not begin with that calculated
sadism which was the First Holocaust, the extermination in the Twentieth
Century of millions of Christians – primarily Armenians, but also Greeks
and others – while the world watched, then forgot, then pretended never
happened? That, Mr. Gibson, would be my next film, if I were you.”
********************************************************
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www.armenianfilmfoundation.org

Olympics: Men’s 85kg : Dimas goes for fourth Olympic gold

Athens2004, Greece – Olympics official website
Aug 20 2004

Men’s 85kg : Dimas goes for fourth Olympic gold

ATHENS, 20 August – Pyrros Dimas, of Greece, will try tomorrow
(Saturday) to become the first weightlifter to win four consecutive
Olympic gold medals.

The 33-year-old dominated the light heavyweight (85kg) category in
Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney and now seeks victory in front of his
fans in Athens. But the task will not be easy as Dimas is recovering
from knee and shoulder injuries and more recently he’s had a problem
with his wrist.

Australia’s Sergo Chakhoyan has the highest entry total among the 11
competitors with 392.5kg and that’s 7.5kg more than Dimas. However,
at their last meeting in Sydney the Armenian-born Chakhoyan finished
in sixth place, 12.5kg behind gold medal winner Dimas.

In 2000 three athletes lifted the same weight (390kg), but the Greek
won gold on bodyweight difference from Mark Huster (GER), now a
television commentator, and George Asanidze (GEO) who will be
competing tomorrow after recovering from an elbow injury.

YUAN Aijun (CHN) will be a strong contenter, having won silver in the
world championships in Vancouver last November.

The gold medallist in Canada was Valeriu Calancea (ROM) who a few
weeks later was seriously injured in the Olympic Games’ test event at
Nikaia Weightlifting Hall. He dislocated his elbow and damaged bones,
but has had a remarkable recovery and now is a medal contenter.

Turkey’s Izzet INCE and Aleksandr Anishchanka, of Belarus, could
figure among the place getters, while 22-year-old Georgios Markoulas,
seen as Greece’s succesor to Dimas, cannot be ignored as he won
silver in the Clean and Jerk in Kiev’s European Champioships.

Meanwhile, in Women’s competition, two Sydney medallists, Agata
Wrobel (POL) and Cheryl Haworth (USA), will meet again in the Women’s
Super-Heavyweight +75kg class in the Athens Olympic Games.

Wrobel won the silver medal in 2000 when she was only 19 and today
(Friday) she celebrated her 23rd birthday. Haworth, at 17, was even
younger in Sydney and in Athens she carries America’s hopes for a
medal in weightlifting.

Between them and gold is China’s TANG Gonghong, holder of world
records for total (302.5kg) and Clean and Jerk (175kg).

Albina Khomich (RUS), who will be 28 next week, has been a
place-getter over the past decade in all major championships in which
she’s competed.

South Korea’s Jang Mi Ran and Hungary’s Viktoria Varga who lifted the
same weight in Vancouver will be challenging for a place in the top
five.

Greece’s hopes rest with Vassiliki KASAPI who is expected to
establish new personal best and national records.

Tomorrow’s program:
10:30 Men’s 85kg Group B
16:30 Women’s +75kg Group A
20:00 Men’s 85kg Group A

Antelias: Armenian Education in Diaspora for this century

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

ARMENIAN EDUCATION IN DIASPORA FOR THIS CENTURY

Antelias, Lebanon – An historic Conference was held in Bikfaya Lebanon based
on the theme “The Armenian Education in the Diaspora” 5-7 August 2004. At
this conference, educators from the Armenian communities in the Diaspora
came together for the first time, to discuss the meaning and purpose of
Armenian Education in this century.

The conference, which was initiated by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of
Cilicia, is the first step of a planning process leading towards a Pan
Armenian education strategy. More than one hundred educators, journalists
and representatives of Education Boards from Armenia, Argentina, Australia,
Venezuela, Cyprus, France, Greece, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Canada,
Turkey and the U.S.A. attended the meeting. At the end of two intense days
of lectures, presentations, debate, and group work, the participants feeling
that they had gained a great deal from the Conference, but that there was a
great deal more yet to learn, requested that His Holiness Aram I initiate
further activities that would lead to a strategic plan and would help them
to discover their different ways of affirming their common identity.

The conference placed Armenian education at the forefront with Gospel values
as its basis. Participants discussed the relationship between specific local
cultures and Armenian Christian identity and the monoculture of
globalization. His Holiness Aram I was impressed by the contribution of all
participants, particularly the youth and women. The President of the Writers
‘ Association in Armenia and the President of the Educational Commission of
Armenia’s Parliament expressed their appreciation of the initiative of His
Holiness Aram I. They stated that the conference had widened their
perspective of Armenian Education.

After thanking them all for their participation and contributions, His
Holiness Aram I concluded the meeting by saying, “We are living in different
contexts. We must, therefore, develop different educational procedures and
strategies. We are citizens of different countries as Armenians and yet part
of the globalized world. We have our own convictions, values and norms, but
we are living in a new environment. Hence it is vital that we develop an
education policy that provides integrity, relevance and coherence to our
educational work, at the same time preserving our Christen identity. There
is a great challenge before us and we must take it seriously and
responsibly.”

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

http://www.cathcil.org/
http://www.cathcil.org/

St. Peter Armenian Church Celebrates Festival of Tradition & Culture

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF ST.PETER CELEBRATES ARMENIAN HOLDS FESTIVAL OF
TRADITION AND CULTURE

YEREVAN, AUGUST 16. ARMINFO. It was a festival of tradition and
culture in Watervliet (state New-York) Sunday. St. Peter’s Armenian
Church held its annual Armenian Festival. The church has been a staple
of the community for more than 100 years and enjoys sharing their
food, music and heritage with the Capital Region. Bob Meeson, Parish
Council Chairman, said, “We all come together to enjoy Armenian food,
dance and music, and for a good cause — it helps us keep our church
growing and alive.” A Penny Social Auction was also held to raise
funds. Local merchants and members of the parish donated items that
were auctioned off to those in attendance. The proceeds are going
toward building a new addition to the church

BAKU: Police Arrest Japanese Student Suspected of Spying for Armenia

Azeri police arrest Japanese student suspected of spying for Armenia

Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
13 Aug 04

An act of sabotage by Armenia was foiled in Baku today. Employees of
[Baku’s] Sabayil district police department detained Japanese citizen
(?Ogawa Siniawa), 28, when he was taking photos of the Azarbaycan
Hotel and other facilities.

The preliminary investigation showed that the Japanese resident, who
is a first-year student of Yerevan State University’s social studies
department, arrived in Tbilisi from Yerevan on 1 August and went to
Saki [northern Azerbaijan] two days later. He stayed in Saki for three
days, arrived in Baku on 6 August and stayed at a hotel in Baku. He
came to Azerbaijan as a tourist. The investigation is continuing.

Tbilisi doesn’t want escalation of conflict in S Ossetia -Georgia DM

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
August 11, 2004 Wednesday 8:06 PM Eastern Time

Tbilisi doesn’t want escalation of conflict in SOssetia – minister

MOSCOW

Georgian Defense Minister Georgy Baramidze said Tbilisi was not
interested in a conflict flaring up in South Ossetia, and that it had
come up with peaceful initiatives to resolve the problem.

The first initiative envisions the withdrawal from the zone of the
Georgia-South Ossetian conflict of all armed groups, except the
peacekeepers and police, Baramidze said in an interview with the
newspaper Kommersant, published on Thursday after his talks in
Moscow.

The second initiative proposes to expand the mandate of OSCE
observers and increase their numbers, foremost near the Roksky
tunnel.

Baramidze also said Georgia was ready “to open gates to investments”
by both private and official Russian capital. “We are ready to give
/Russia/ the opportunity to take part in the privatization of not
only ordinary economic facilities, but also strategic ones,” the
minister stated.

He noted that Russian capital could participate in privatizing the
central gas pipeline which supplies Armenia, the power grid and
Georgian ports.

“We realized that it poses no threat /to Georgia/; on the contrary,
it would be excellent for economic development and the settlement of
relations with Russia,” Baramidze said.

“Having attained civilized influence in the sphere of economy, Russia
will have a serious argument as to why Tbilisi can be trusted. It
will mean that Georgia won’t go anywhere,” he added.

Russia tests new Tu-334 passenger plane in Armenia

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
August 5, 2004 Thursday

Russia tests new Tu-334 passenger plane in Armenia

YEREVAN

Russia chose Armenia for test trials of its new Tu-334 passenger
plane in conditions of heat and mountain landscape.

Chief designer of the Tupolev aircraft company Igor Kalygin told Tass
Thursday Armenia had become a test range for Russian planes as the
Be-300 aircraft passed the trials in the republic last year.

Tu-334 demonstrated good climbing results in conditions of heat and
will be launched into “controlled operation” in the end of the year,
he said.

The new-generation Tu-334 short-distance plane can carry 102
passengers for up to 3,000 kilometers. Kalygin said the plane fully
meets international noise and ecology standards.

In June the Tu-334, which is to replace the Tu-134 and Tu-154
“workhorses” of the Russian aircraft fleet, was certified by the
Interstate Aviation Committee. The Russian demand for the plane is
estimated at 122 craft and market experts believe the Tu-334 will
soon become one of the most widely used planes in the country.

Kalygin said preparations for the serial production are underway.

Armenian government allocates funds for Karabakh war veterans

Armenian government allocates funds for Karabakh war veterans

Arminfo
5 Aug 04

YEREVAN

The Armenian government has taken a decision to allocate 200m drams
356,506 dollars to the Defence Ministry from its reserve fund.

Arminfo news agency has learnt from the press service of the Armenian
government that the allocated funds will be spent on improving the
housing conditions of families of the killed azatamartiks freedom
fighters and providing houses for the disabled azatamartiks.

A group of azatamartiks has been staging an open-ended sit-in in
Yerevan demanding free flats for three days now