Author: Chmshkian Vicken

The Providence Journal (Rhode Island)
March 22, 2005 Tuesday
West Bay

School board chief discards history curriculum resolution

BENJAMIN N. GEDAN, Journal Staff Writer

Member Andrea Iannazzi’s proposal was aimed at encouraging deeper
discussion of events such as the Holocaust.

CRANSTON – School Committee member Andrea Iannazzi had hoped that her
curriculum resolution would yield deeper discussions in high school
classes of history’s darkest moments.

But last night, she didn’t even get to discuss it.

School Committee Chairman Gordon Palumbo refused to include the
resolution in the agenda, preventing any vote. It was the first time
he exercised that prerogative as chairman.

Palumbo said history classes already teach about the slave trade, the
Armenian genocide and the Holocaust, topics Iannazzi looked to
promote in her resolution.

“It’s already there,” Palumbo said yesterday of the curriculum. Of
Iannazzi’s resolution, he said, “It’s counterproductive.”

Public school classes also discuss Benito Mussolini’s dictatorship in
Italy, the Irish potato famine, and apartheid in South Africa, the
other topics cited by Iannazzi.

Iannazzi wanted her resolution to encourage more thorough discussions
of human rights in the city’s public school curriculum. Discussion of
the issues, she said, could help discourage racism and homophobia
among students.

Last night, she did not mention the resolution during the meeting.
But she said she planned to write a new version as a proposed policy
change, hoping to solicit input from faculty, and gain support during
the month preceding a School Committee vote.

Her resolution has already been endorsed by City Council President
Aram G. Garabedian

“I think it has a better chance of passing in that format,” Iannazzi
said. “I am absolutely, one hundred percent committed.”

World Expo celebrates future and past, but present butts in

Agence France Presse — English
March 27, 2005 Sunday 1:15 AM GMT

NAGAKUTE, Japan March 27 — The World Exposition that opened here last
week for a six-month run is a celebration of the glories of the past
and the promise of the future, but that has not stopped the realities
of the present from butting in.

After billions of dollars in investment and preparation, including a
new international airport, the first two days of the Expo were marred
by rain and snow which helped to make attendance below expected.

Crowds still had to wait for over an hour though to visit the main
attractions at the 21st century’s first World Exposition, which
organizers hope will draw 15 million visitors.

The longest lines included those to see a frozen mammoth dug up
in Siberia and humanoid robots and virtual reality shows put on by
Japanese companies.

Some guests found the robots were not to their tastes.

Four-year-old Kyoko Shimaya was approached by a neon light-beaming
security robot while she strolled their Expo ground with her mother
and friends on opening day Friday.

The bulky robot with an interactive, touch-panel display monitor —
developed by Sohgo Security Services — works as a tour guide by day
and at night searches for intruders.

“I like robots, but not this one,” she told the security robot,
while Sohgo officials looked on, managing to keep their grins.

For some of the Japanese media, one of the main attractions was the
South Korean pavilion where reporters spotted a map showing a small
island chain as belonging to South Korea. Japan also claims ownership
of the land in what has become an escalating dispute.

But, in a sign of what little attention Japan has paid to the island
row, most Japanese visitors did not notice the map and were more
interested in photos of hugely popular South Korean soap opera actor
Bae Yong-Joon.

“Oh, here is Yon-sama, here is Yon-sama,” a middle-age Japanese woman
said to her friends, using Bae’s nickname in Japan.

Today’s world showed up in a different way at the French site, where
a short film was projected on the walls and the ceiling of a large,
square room.

The audience was bombarded with images of poverty, pollution and
child labour, with the film ending in a message to think about future
generations.

“We wanted to show what was wrong, the ugly side of our world, and
later show what we can do to change,” said Kevin Berthon, a staff
member at the French display.

Current events also crept up for exhibitors from Kyrgyzstan, where
opposition protesters overran the hardline regime of Askar Akayev
one day before the opening of the Expo.

The Kyrgyz display was empty on opening day, with a simple note posted
reading that the exhibit would open soon.

Young Armenian economist Hasmik Muradyan was surprised by the reality
of the cost of living in Japan.

“Yesterday I went to a supermarket. One apple was 200 yen (nearly
two dollars). For that money, you can buy five kilograms (11 pounds)
of apples in my country,” said the 26-year-old, who works as a cashier
at a gift shop of the joint pavilion of the Caucasus countries Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia.

One preoccupation commonly shared, especially for participants from
warm countries, was the weather of central Japan, where occasional
light snow whirled in strong winds.

“One minute, it’s sunny. One minute, it’s snowing. The changing
weather is unique at this Expo,” said Isahk Yeop, secretary general
of the Malaysian ministry of natural resources and environment.

“It’s not like this in Malaysia,” he said.

PUTIN PAYS ROUTINE VISIT TO ARMENIA

RIA Novosti, Russia
March 24 2005

YEREVAN, March 24 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s President Vladimir Putin
and Mrs. Putin have arrived in Yerevan, Armenian capital, on a two-day
routine visit. Meeting them at the Zvartnotz airport were the host
country’s President Robert Kocharyan, Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan,
and Defense Minister Serge Sarkisyan.

Robert and Bella Kocharyan are treating Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin
to supper on the private presidential residence tonight.

Tomorrow, the two presidents are meeting at the negotiation table.
Gareghin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, will receive Mr. Putin
afterwards. President Putin will next appear at a gala opening of
the Year of Russia in Armenia.

VAZGEN MANUKIAN, PARUIR HAYRIKIAN AND ASHOT MANUCHARIAN TO LEAVE FOR MOSCOW

YEREVAN, MARCH 23, NOYAN TAPAN. On March 23 Vazgen Manukian, the
Chairman of the National Democratic Union, Paruir Hayrikian, the
Chairman of “National Self-Determination” union and Ashot Manucharian,
the Political Secretary of Armenian Socialist Powers and Intellectuals’
Union, leave for Moscow. According to reliable sources informing
Noyan Tapan correspondent about it, the goal of the visit is to
move Armenian-Russian relations “to the natural field”. During the
three-day visit the politicians will have meetings with high-ranking
authorities and political parties of Russia.

TURKISH FM DEMANDS EXPLANATION FROM STATES WHICH RECOGNIZED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

PanArmenian News
March 23 2005

23.03.2005 05:12

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ When addressing the countries, which have already
recognized the Armenian Genocide, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah
Gul stated, “Prove your statements”. In his words, the Turkish and
Armenian people “have lived side by side for thousand of years and
supplemented each other’s culture and security”. “The statements on
Genocide are fabulous”, he stressed adding that the “countries speaking
out with such statements against Turkey must prove their verity.” He
also said that as Turkey has opened all her archives, “the archives
of Leningrad, England, Paris and Armenia must be as well opened”.

ARKA News Agency
March 22 2005

The recent years Armenia establishes active trade-economic
cooperation with 25 administrative units of Russia

RF President to visit Armenia on March 24-25

RF, RA Presidents exchange messages

*********************************************************************

THE RECENT YEARS ARMENIA ESTABLISHES ACTIVE TRADE-ECONOMIC
COOPERATION WITH 25 ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS OF RUSSIA

YEREVAN, March 22. /ARKA/. For the recent years Armenia established
active trade-economic cooperation with 25 administrative units of
Russia. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service, RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margaryan stated about it at the meeting with the Governor
of Sverdlovsk region Eduard Rossel. According to him, rich
contractual ~Vlegal base between RA and RF, including over 160
intergovernmental and interstate documents, allows developing
cooperation in various areas. Margaryan added that corresponding
agreements were signed with Saint-Petersburg, Saratov, Astrakhan,
Kirovsk region, Krasnodar, and the authorities of Moscow.
Corresponding protocols are signed between Samara, Ararat and
Gegharkunik regions. ~STrade turnover between our states grows year by
year, and this is due to strengthening relations between
administrative subjects~T, he said.
In his turn the Governor of Sverdlovsk recorded a new progress in
bilateral cooperation. Rossel suggested that Armenian Center be
established in Sverdlovsk region to develop cooperation with the
Armenian side in various directions, organize exhibition of Armenian
goods, and establish joint ventures. He suggested that a working
group be formed from representatives of corresponding Ministries and
Departments aimed at preparing a large-scaled cooperation. In
particular he supported the idea of forming a working group for
preparing an intergovernmental agreement providing for certain
measures and programs of cooperation in the areas of economy, trade,
science, education, culture and other regions and noted that after
signing agreement also the capacity of trade-commerce chambers of
Armenia and Russia, Armenian-Russian Association of Business
Cooperation, Union of Entrepreneurs may be used. After meeting of
Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan with Governor of Sverdlovsk region,
they signed a protocol on results of the visit of official delegation
of Sverdlovsk region of RF in RA. Main directions of cooperation in
trade-economic, industrial and humanitarian areas are stipulated in
the protocol. Necessity of signing an intergovernmental agreement to
carry out the goals was noted. A.H. ~V0–

*********************************************************************

RF PRESIDENT TO VISIT ARMENIA ON MARCH 24-25

YEREVAN, March 22. /ARKA/. RF President Vladimir Putin is to visit
Armenia on March 24-25, 2005, the RF presidential press service
reports. During his visit, the Russian leader is to hold a meeting
with his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian. President Putin is
scheduled to take part in the ceremonial opening of a Year of the
Russian Federation in Armenia, which is to be inaugurated by a gala
concert with participation of outstanding Russian art workers. An
orchestra under the baton of Vladimir Spivakov is to give a concert
as well. The Bolshoi Theater, Moscow Artistic Academy Theater, Perm
drama and other troupes are to take part in the arrangements.
2005 is declared a Year of Russia in Armenia and 2006 a Year of
Armenia in Russia. P.T. ~V0–

*********************************************************************

RF, RA PRESIDENTS EXCHANGE MESSAGES

YEREVAN, March 21. /ARKA/. RF President Vladimir Putin and RA
President Robert Kocharian exchanged messages on the occasion of the
opening of a Year of Russia in Armenia. The RF presidential press
service reports that in his message President Putin said: ~SRussia has
consistently attached paramount importance to the strengthening of
friendly relations with Armenia, its reliable ally and strategic
partner. I am sure that the holding of a Year of Russia will
contribute to closer relations between the two countries, development
of friendship and direct dialogue between our peoples.~T The
press-release says that the arrangements on the occasion of the 60th
anniversary of the Great Victory will have a special place in the
celebrations. In turn, in his message the RA President pointed out
that ~Sthe decision on declaration of 2005 a year of the Russian
Federation in Armenia affords ample opportunities for further
development of the Armenian-Russia ties.~T ~SThis initiative will
certainly contribute to full materialization of potential for
political, economic and cultural cooperation between our fraternal
peoples. I would like to express confidence that holding a Year of
Russia in Armenia will add new ideas and projects to the agenda on
Armenian-Russian cooperation,~T the RA President~Rs message says. P.T.
~V0–

*********************************************************************

GEORGIA GIVES HIGH IMPORTANCE TO FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA:
GEORGIAN PRESIDENT PRESS SERVICE

TBILISI, MARCH 19. ARMINFO. Georgia gives high importance to friendly
relations with Armenia, says the press service of the Georgian
president commenting on the ARF Dashnaktsoutyun party’s disproving the
facts given by the Georgian president’s foreign relations advisor
Valery Gachechiladze in his Mar 14 interview to Rao (Georgia).

The ARMINFO correspondent in Tbilisi reports that in the above
interview Gachechiladze says that Armenians settled in Georgia after
the tragic events in Turkey in 1915 when they became “a blind tool in
others’ hands.” And so he excludes the possibility of social explosion
in Samtskhe Javakheti (mostly Armenian region of Georgia) in case of
the withdrawal of the Russian military base from the regional center
Akhalkalaki. “Even though ARF Dashnaktsoutyun planned to destroy
Georgia the Armenians have not forgotten that it was Georgia who gave
them refuge after the above tragic events,” says Gachechiladze.

Disproving his statements ARFD says that it was not planning Georgia’s
breakdown by means of the North Caucasus. It’s goal is to protect the
rights of the Javakheti Armenians. Moreover ARFD condemns
Gachechiladze for calling Armenians “a blind tool in others’ hands”
thereby repeating Turkey’s official position on the Armenian Genocide.

In conclusion ARFD says that it is ready to assist the Georgian
authorities in their measures to help the Javakheti Armenians socially
and economically. “Discrimination against them will have no good
consequences for Georgia,” says ARFD.

Meanwhile the press service of the Georgian president says that
Gachechiladze is not presidential advisor for region relations and
that it does not agree with his statements on Samtskhe Javakheti. “We
are convinced that no provocative words or actions will be able to
bring tensions to the Georgians’ centuries old brotherly relations
with the Javakheti Armenians,” says the press service.

PanArmenian News
March 17 2005

ARMENIAN AND AZERI MPs TO MEET IN BRUSSELS MARCH 17-18

17.03.2005 03:08

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ March 17-18 Members of Parliaments of Armenia and
Azerbaijan will have a meeting in Brussels, in the course of which
the draft report drawn by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly rapporteur on
Nagorno Karabakh Goran Lenmarker will be discussed, Regnum news
agency reported. The Armenian party will be represented at the
meeting by Head of the OSCE PA delegation, Vice-Speaker Vahan
Hovhannisian and delegation member Samvel Nikoyan. Goran Lenmarker’s
report is expected to be presented in the course of the OSCE PA
summer session in Washington. In an earlier interview with Trend
Azeri agency Goran Lenmarker stated that `the OSCE PA report aims at
attraction of the attention of the international community.’ In his
opinion, the protraction of the solution of the problem `is due to
the international community not having sufficient information over
the conflict and low interest towards it.’ However, the rapporteur
supposed that the final settlement of the problem depends on the
parties themselves. `I hope for the discussion of the issue at the
OSCE PA to speed up the conflict solution.’ Simultaneously Lenmarker
noted that his mission does not lie in interfering with the OSCE
Minsk Group work. `Both in the PACE and the OSCE PA the report on
Karabakh will be of familiarization nature and it will note the
causes of the conflict, the current situation and prospects of its
settlement,’ he noted.

Azerbaijan News Service
March 16 2005

MONITORING ON FRONTLINE DUE TO TOMORROW

2005-03-16 10:14
An extraplanned monitoring on contact line of Armenian and
Azerbaijani military forces will be held today. The monitoring is to
be conducted in regard with recent regular breaks in cease-fire,
Anjey Kasprshik, special representative of OSCE told ANS.
Fact-finding mission of OSCE, which investigated illegal settlement
of Armenians in occupied territories of Azerbaijan, will make report
in Vienna today. The mission held monitoring in seven regions of
Azerbaijan regarding illegal settlement of Armenians in the first
week of February. OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen and special
representative of OSCE Anjey Kasprshik will participate in the
hearing.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee – Lebanon
Arax Street, Bourj Hammoud, Metn 1203 2050
Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon, Lebanon
Contact: Hovig Hovhannesian
Tel: 01/258300
Cel: 03/043727
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

No.1

2005 is the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and of the
deportation of the Armenian people from their homeland. The Armenians
in Lebanon and around the world are preparing the commemoration of
this tragedy.

This anniversary will serve as an opportunity to unite our means and
efforts, and to work in a more effective and determined way toward
achieving the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and
the reinstatement of our rights in our historical lands of western
Armenia.

A committee representing all the Armenian religious denominations,
political parties and organizations, has been formed. This committee
will take initiatives in order to achieve the revival of our sense of
national belonging and identity, as well as to insure the
international remeberanceof this historical tragedy and secure new
supporters for our just cause.

The committee’s objective is to make our community members involved
in its activities and initiatives. Thus, through its press releases
the committee will keep the Lebanese Armenian community informed of
its plans, which will take place throughout the year.