Author: Dabaghian Diana

FIRST SESSION OF MONITORING COMMISSION FOR STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION
AT PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE

YEREVAN, AUGUST 6. ARMINFO. The first session of the Monitoring
Commission for Struggle against Corruption was held at the
Presidential Residence today.

A Commission representative, Chairman of the Armenian Association of
Investigator-Journalists Edik Baghdasaryan said that the phrase
“struggle against corruption” has been just fashion in Armenia. He
pointed out the lack of any practical acts. The Commission aims
observation over implementation of governmental programs in the sphere
proposed by international orgnaizations. The results of the
observation will be submitted to the Council for Struggle against
Corruption. The Commission consists of representatives of
parliamentary factions, public orgnaizations, representatives of
Armenia at international orgnaizations, some 20 people in
total. However, the country’s opposition is not represented at the
Monitoring Commission. The next session is fixed for September,

Glendale News Press
LATimes.com
Aug 7 2004

Armenian group honors leaders
Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry names Dario Frommer Legislator of
the Year.

By Jackson Bell, News-Press

GLENDALE – Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Glendale) was among several
local leaders honored by the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
program at its annual gala Friday night.

Frommer received the honor at the Hilton Glendale for Legislator of
the Year from members of the Glendale-based program, which registers
donors to meet the specific needs of Armenians suffering from
life-threatening blood diseases.

“The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry program works tirelessly in
the community to help hundreds of patients who are in desperate need
of aid,” Frommer said in a statement. “The community members who make
this program work are really the ones who deserve all the awards and
praise.”

The nonprofit organization, founded in 1999, recruits and provides
matches for unrelated donors all over the world to give bone-marrow
transplants. It also keeps a database with donor information, handles
patient-search requests and connects donors to those who need
transplants, said board member Armond Agakhani.

When selecting who would be the first recipient of the newly created
Legislator of the Year award, Frommer was an obvious choice, Agakhani
said.

“Dario supported us from day one when he was elected in 2000,” he
said. “He is a person that cares about individuals – especially
children – who are suffering from any blood disease.”

Awards were also given out to Bella Kocharian for Woman of the Year;
Diana Artunian and Armen Janian for Volunteers of the Year; and
Daughters of Vartan for Organization of the Year.

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ARMENIAN CHURCH IN IRAQ ATTACKED BY CAR BOMB

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN IRAQ WORK TO RECOVER FROM BLASTS

Iraqi Christians, including Armenians, worked this week to recover
from the blasts on Sunday that targeted their sanctuaries during
services.

The first car bomb went off on Sunday (8/1) outside an Armenian
Catholic church in Baghdad just 15 minutes into its evening
service. Five churches in Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul were
hit, killing at least 12 and injuring dozens more. Fortunately, no
Armenians were among those killed or seriously injured.

Amid fears of future violence and possible assassination of religious
leaders, Christian churches are taking precautions against future
attack, by posting armed guards, closing nearby streets, and
installing barbed wire barriers. Others are scaling back services.

“I don’t think we’ll have mass next Sunday,” Nubar Antoine, a member
of the Armenian Catholic leadership council, said in one news report.

The Armenian Church community in Iraq has not made any special plea
for international financial or material aid. The Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern) remains in contact with Armenian
community leaders in Iraq and will keep you informed.

To learn more about these attacks, click on the following link at:

newsid=456&selmonth=8&selyear=2004

(Source: Associated Press, 8/01/04; New York Sun, 8/3/04, Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 8/5/04)

CATHOLICOS SENDS SYMPATHIES TO POPE

On Wednesday His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, sent a letter of sympathy and support to Pope John
Paul II, following the bombings of churches in Iraq.

The letter states, in part: “We are saddened that some extreme
elements are attempting to endanger the centuries of friendship and
peaceful co-existence among the Christian and Muslim peoples of the
East, and offer our prayers to the Almighty that the love of our Lord
Jesus Christ will enter into the hearts of men, reconcile them one to
another, and that violence and war will be eliminated from the region
and all of humanity.”

The Catholicos of All Armenians has sent a similar letter to the
patriarch of the Armenian Catholics, His Beatitude Nerses Bedros
XIX. (Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 8/4/04)

Present estimates place the Christian population of Iraq at around
800,000, mostly concentrated in Baghdad. The Armenian community
numbers itself at around 20,000, more than half of whom reside in and
around Baghdad.

KALAYDJIAN ACCUSED

Nicosia 3 August 2004. (Gibrahayer):- Armenian representative in the
Cyprus House of Representatives Bedros Kalaydjian was accused by
Cypriot Cultural Association representatives for indifference towards
accommodating the needs of “Kevork Marzbedouni” Dance Ensemble that
arrived from Gyumri Armenia two weeks ago and toured the island.

A representative of Xylotympou Cultural Association that invited the
Group who wanted to keep anonymity said that they were “disappointed
by the attitude of the Armenian representative who rejected all
suggestions made by the Cultural Association. We told Kalaydjian
about the arrival of the Group two months ago and unfortunately we
could not arrange anything for them.”

“We wanted the members of the prestigious Armenian Dance Group to tour
the island, meet members of the Armenian community specially the young
generation, perform for them and provide them with the opportunity to
interact with their brothers and sisters in Cyprus”, said the
spokesman for the Xylotympou organisation. “Unfortunately all our
suggestions were turned down with excuses that cannot be explained by
us”, he said.

As a result of this, most of the Armenian community heard about the
performances of the Ensemble, through a local radio station, literally
hours before the event.

Community members were trying to find more information about the
schedule of the tour but could find nothing. Kalaydjian was
unavailable for comment as he was in England.

The Armenian Ensemble dazzled audiences with their disciplined and
quality performance in separate performances in Xylotympou on Friday,
Platres on Saturday and Ayia Napa on Sunday. Community attendance – as
a result of lack of information about the tour – was at an all time
low. Ten Armenian Cypriots attended the event on Friday, two
accidentally bumped into the event in Platres (and sent images to
Gibrahayer – thank you!) while thirty Armenians – in a last minute
effort to support the group – specially made the trip from Nicosia and
Larnaca to Ayia Napa to see their Group perform on Sunday.

After the Dance Group was “traced” by the community and news of their
whereabouts revealed, The Armenian Club of Larnaca organised an
express community get-together last Monday, which turned out to be an
unforgettable evening for both the members of the group and their
entourage as well as for the members of our community who had gathered
in Larnaca. More than 150 attended the event.

Images of the performance of the Ensemble and the Larnaca get-together
at:

FIRST CONVENTION OF EUROPEAN ARMENIANS TO TAKE PLACE AT THE EUROPEAN
PARLIAMENT

Brussels, Belgium – The first Convention of European Armenians will
take place at the European Parliament, Brussels, on October 18-19,
2004.

Organized by the European Armenian Federation, this pan-European
meeting will be a forum for sharing ideas and concerns on topics of
importance to the Armenian communities across Europe.

European citizens of Armenian descent now number more than two
million, stemming from three large waves of immigration that resulted
from the Genocide perpetrated by Ottoman Turkey (1915), war in the
middle-east (1975) and the fall of the USSR (1991). Though well
integrated in the economic, social and cultural life of their new
countries, they have kept their identity and their interest in
Armenian issues.

This convention will allow participants to come together on various
topical themes linked to recent geopolitical events or global
socio-economic developments.

Convention speakers will express themselves within the framework of
three sessions:

– Armenian culture and identity in Europe
– Relations between the European Union and Armenia
– The Stakes involved in European Union Enlargement

“All European Armenian associations, groups, and organisations are
invited, whatever their activities and their political or religious
trends may be,” declared Hilda Tchoboian, chairwoman of the European
Armenian Federation.

“With this first European Convention, we are not aiming to establish
any superstructure that would replace the various organisations
dealing with Armenian issues in Europe. Rather, we aim to create a
framework for free expression that will enable the shared positions
and opinions of the European communities to emerge,” she stated.

The European Armenian Federation will soon send hundreds of
invitations to the European Armenian associations and encourage the
leaders who wish to attend the convention to begin registering now by
mail or via the website.

Associations that may be not known to the Federation and that
therefore might not receive the invitation are requested to get in
touch with the Federation. The European Armenian Federation calls on
everyone to widely broadcast this event as an outstanding opportunity
to raise awareness about issues of European Armenians concern, among
European policy-makers, both members of the European Parliament and
officers of the European Commission.

ARMENIA WARNS BAKU OVER WAR THREATS

In a special statement issued last week, the Armenian Foreign Ministry
warned Azerbaijan that it would face “disastrous consequences” should
its leaders again resort to military force in the Karabakh
conflict. The warning came after President Ilham Aliyev told his
diplomatic envoys posted abroad that should Azerbaijan fail to regain
Karabakh through negotiations, it would “use… the military option.”
The Armenian statement further questioned Azerbaijan’s commitment to
ongoing negotiations, with yet another summit between Aliyev and
Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian planned for September.

Armenian officials chose to react this time since unlike typical war
rhetoric for domestic consumption, the most recent threat came in what
was supposed to be President Aliyev’s policy speech to the Azeri
diplomatic corps. It also appears that Azerbaijan is beginning to
accelerate its military preparedness. Last month, Aliyev gave an
average of a 50 percent salary raise to the Azeri military and
security forces. Azeri officials have also indicated plans to begin
new weapons purchases in Russia, Ukraine and Pakistan.

Separately, Azerbaijan is beefing up its border security forces, which
received a $19 million aid package from the U.S. last week. The
program, known as the Caspian Guard, focuses on Azeri ability to
defend the Caspian oil infrastructure and on
counter-proliferation. But it does appear to have special operations
and air components that could potentially be used against Armenia,
which would in turn violate U.S. law.

The Azeris have also stepped up provocations along the Line of Contact
this year. The Armenian army reported six deaths from enemy fire so
far this year, with Azeris reporting about a dozen. This week,
Karabakh forces began their annual manoeuvres, which this year will
also test their inter-operability with forces from Armenia proper.

THE DAY THE MELKONIAN WAS BOMBED

By Athena Karsera – Azg/am 29 July 2004:- A man who lived through the
bombing of the Melkonian as a recently graduated pupil was in Nicosia
this week to battle for the school’ s survival. One of Nicosia’s
best-known landmarks for over 77 years and the pride of the region’s
Armenian community faces closure.

The 1926 stone building and its surrounding land of 125,000 square
meters is estimated to be worth at least CYP 40 million.

Raffi Zinzalian had just graduated from the Melkonian and had a
university place waiting for him in Lebanon when the 1974 troubles
began. He had spent the day before the invasion on the beaches of
Famagusta and was in the school building when the Turkish planes flew
overhead on July 20, 1974.

“We were happy because the cease-fire would begin at 3pm and then at
2.45pm we saw the Turkish jets overhead. We thought they were headed
for the radio station (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation-CyBC) but they
circled round and we heard a deafening noise, we had been bombed,” he
said.

Zinzalian said that even his years in war-torn Lebanon could not
compare to the fear he felt on that day. Thirty years later, and now a
married father of three, he still has nightmares of the bombing.

“The roof in the dormitories was about to cave in and we couldn’t
breath. We knew we had to escape, the roof was on fire and so we ran
outside to the principal’s residence. The fire brigade was called, but
the roof had collapsed,” Zinzalian said.

The students and teachers left at the Melkonian made for the
mountains. Turkish troops had surrounded Nicosia and the only way out
was on the road to Larnaca. For 6-7 weeks communication and travel was
almost impossible and Zinzalian was able to leave the island on a
Soviet cargo ship to take up his place in Lebanon. “Two years later,
the war started there,” he said.

Following his studies, Zinzalian was employed at the Press Information
Office (PIO) as a Turkish-English translator. “I saw Makarios
(then-President, Archbishop) everyday,” he said.

Zinzalian then left for the USA to study photojournalism and media and
is now a publisher at the University of LaVerne Press and on the board
of Armenia International Magazine (AIM). He is also the president of
the Melkonian Alumni and Friends in California.

“We are all very sad that the school may be closed. All the alumni I
have spoken to, in LA, in Ontario, in Cyprus, in Greece, in Lebanon,
in Turkey, all feel the same,” he said.

Zinzalian has spent the last few weeks on self-financed travels to
lobby members of the alumni. “There are 1300 members of the alumni all
around the world,” he said.

Having had meetings with the Cyprus alumni of the school and
representatives of the Armenian community on the island, Zinzalian
said that the passion for keeping the Melkonian up and running will be
hard to beat.

“We are also looking into the archives of the school because the
Melkonian brothers who founded the school made provisions before they
died for it never to close. Before they died, they put the school in
the care of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU),” he said.

The Melkonian Institute was built as an orphanage by Krikor and
Garabed Melkonian soon after the massacres of the Armenians in Turkey.

Zinzalian said that the closing of the school was “totally
unacceptable” not only because of the Melkonian’s important cultural
role and lengthy history, but also for the potential practical
problems faced by the 170 students continuing their studies at the
school following the graduation of a further 30 this past year.

“There are students at the school from all over the world who may not
be able to continue their studies as they have up until now,” he said.

“It seems ironic that the Melkonian school survived bombing and a war
and now is in peril from the people supposed to be protecting it,”
Zinzalian said.

He said that the alumni were prepared to keep up their peaceful fight
for as long as necessary, fund-raising – the California Alumni has
raised over $370,000 for the school over the past five years – and
meeting with people able to help the situation. “The Cypriot
government has been very supportive,” he said: “and the Cyprus alumni
is the best we have.”

Zinzalian also said that he believed the AGBU did not expect to have
as large scale a fight on their hands. “I think they expected to sell
off the school and take the money back to the USA without much
reaction.”

He also criticized the AGBU for sending a non-Armenian to manage the
planned closure of the school. US national Gordon Anderson has been
sent to take the place of the school’s headmaster and oversee the
school’s future.

“Feeling the way we do about the school, I feel that closing it will
be impossible,” Zinzalian said.

– The Central Bank has agreed to provide a license to ArmSwiss Invest
& Trust Bank, founded by Swiss citizens of Armenian origin. Sarkisian
said that the initial charter capital of the bank amounts to $6
million.

– FIFA released the Rankings of national teams for August (previous
rank in parentheses). Enclosed, the rankings of some countries that
could be of interest to our readers. 1. Brazil, 849 points (1).
2. France, 809 (2). 3. Spain, 790 (3). 10. Turkey, 719 (10).
14. Greece, 710 (14). 104. Cyprus, 440 (104). 108. Lebanon, 429
(109). 116. Armenia, 406 (118). 118. Azerbaijan, 400 (119).

– Initiated by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia and
organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia, a Pan-Diaspora Conference
on Armenian Education began on Thursday 5 August (yesterday) 2004

– A businessman and former lawmaker who police claim was an
authoritative criminal figure was shot to death along with his son,
authorities in Armenia said on Wednesday.

– The exchange of fire across the cease-fire line is a regular
phenomenon on the Armenian Azeri border and this week was no
exception. The incident took place at Azerbaijan’s northwestern Qazax
District.

WEBSITES OF THE WEEK

g i b r a h a y c a l e n d a r

. The Armenian Youth Federation is organising its 17th Annual Summer
Camp at the Camp Site of Morphou Prelature at Kalopanayiotis from 9-15
August 2004. A rich educational and fun programme including Martial
Arts, Swimming, Trekking, Treasure Hunt, and Kisherayin Arshav. To
receive more information or to register please contact the following:
Nareg Tavitian 99488926, Nora Sarian 99439956 or Simon Aynedjian
99437073.

All participants of Panagoum must attend the final meeting before
departure that will take place on Friday 6 August, 2004 at 7:30
p.m. at AYMA.

. Khanasor commemoration took place on Sunday July 25, 2004, at
“Loumada ton Aeton” in Troodos. Images from the event at:

. A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to
Karabagh are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the
trip please contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin Committee members.

. POSTPONED The Annual General Meeting of The Hamazkayin Cultural and
Educational Association “Oshakan” Cyprus Chapter has been postponed
for Tuesday September 14, 2004.

The Armenian Prelature announces that the next permit for the Armenian
Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line, is scheduled
for Sunday 8 August, 2004.

. 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) News 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).

Gibrahayer is an independent electronic environment, now in its fifth
year, disseminating news & posting upcoming events about the Armenian
community of Cyprus, Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. The list also
promotes the discussion of issues brought forward by its members. The
subscription to this service is free. To subscribe to Gibrahayer
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To contact the listmaster send
an email to [email protected]

ABOUT 100 MLN DOLLARS NECESSARY FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF SHUSHI

STEPANAKERT, August 6 (Noyan Tapan). The “Shushi” Foundation has
unfolded the boosting activities directed at the reconstruction of the
historical look of the Armenian town-fortress. According to Bakur
Karapetian, Co-Chairman of the Foundation, the measurement of all the
constructions, as well as the registration of all the historical and
cultural monuments has already begun. The number of monuments,
according to him, makes 500. It was mentioned that, according to
specialists’ calculation, 100 mln dollars are necessary for the
reconstruction of Shushi.

European official’s stance on Karabakh polls “far from reality”

Artsakh State TV, Stepanakert
5 Aug 04

August

[Presenter in studio] On 5 August, the press service of the ministry
of foreign affairs of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic [NKR] commented
on the statement of Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter
Schwimmer who expressed his regret about the elections to local
government bodies in the NKR. Schwimmer has made such statements
several times.

The NKR ministry of foreign affairs regards the logic of the statement
as strange and far from reality. Elections are an important component
of building democracy and a civic society. Elections are also a tool
for electing authorities that represent the NKR in the negotiating
process on the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement.

The NKR foreign ministry thinks that the international community is
not interested in anarchy and in halting the establishment of
democracy in Nagornyy Karabakh. Such statements can be regarded as
political support for the regime that unleashed a war on Nagornyy
Karabakh, violates democracy and is far behind Nagornyy Karabakh in
democratic development.

Moscow News (Russia)
August 4, 2004

“WE DON’T NEED WHAT DOES NOT BELONG TO US, BUT WE WON’T GIVE UP WHAT
IS OURS BY RIGHT” – EDUARD KOKOITY

By Madina Shavlokhova The Moscow News

In an interview with The Moscow News, Eduard Kokoity, president of
the unrecognized republic, comments on what is going on in South
Ossetia and on the republic’s extremely tense relationship with
Georgia

Last week, the leader of South Ossetia brought to Moscow draft laws
on the status of South Ossetia and its prospective accession to the
Russian Federation. Georgia voices a protest What needs to be done
for Tskhinvali and Tbilisi to end their confrontation?

To bring the situation back to normal, we urge the Georgian
leadership to closely study the history of the conflict and the
documents that were signed in Dagomys in 1992 as well as in the
subsequent years in Moscow, and try to understand what actually
brought about the conflict between the two brotherly peoples. The
trouble, however, is that the Georgian leadership is not interested
in going into the heart of the problem. Moreover, in the course of
negotiations, we often hear Georgian leaders say that they did not
sign particular agreements and are not going to honor them. What does
this show? This shows that there is no one to negotiate with there.

Recently you said that you were ready to provide humanitarian aid to
one affected area in western Georgia. At the same time the Ossetian
population turned down a similar offer from the Georgian authorities.

We are providing humanitarian aid to those parts of Georgia that have
recently been affected by heavy rains. The fact is that we are not in
conflict with ordinary Georgians but with those who are trying to
take away what is ours by law. We don’t need what does not belong to
us, but we will not cede what is ours by right. It is they who are
amassing troops around us and not the other way round. All of this is
being done to divert public attention away from the economic tragedy
that Georgia has ended up with.

How do you assess the performance of the Joint Control Commission on
Settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian Conflict?

I highly value the work of the JCC, as well as the Russian
peacekeepers. Russia demonstrates its readiness to deploy maximum
effort to stabilize the situation, which is more than can be said
about the Georgian side. Even at the latest meeting, they talked to
us in the language of threats and ultimatums. Their objective is to
provoke a large-scale war and to discredit the peacekeepers. Today it
is above all the Tbilisi officials, who violate the JCC agreements.
Just as 13 years ago, they are behaving as aggressors and
separatists.

Could you please expand on this?

Georgia was the first to break away from the Soviet Union like a
separatist, violating the USSR Constitution that stated in black and
white that the opinion of those regions that conducted a referendum
on the issue must be taken into account in forming a separate state.
That is to say, already at that time we automatically became
independent. So who is the separatist then? Furthermore, it should
not be forgotten that as soon as they proclaimed their independence
they abandoned all Soviet laws and decrees while, as is known it was
in accordance with those laws and decrees that South Ossetia acceded
to Georgia. In principle, we did the same as Georgia did in the
Soviet era: We seceded from it – true, in full compliance with the
law.

Which side does the West take in the conflict?

When politicians from democratic countries come to visit here, I get
the impression that they put on blinders. They do not see the rampant
violations of human and minority rights that are occurring in
Georgia. Also, they fail to see one very important thing. In the past
14 years Georgia has replaced the third president. None of them
served out their term in office. All of them had to leave as a result
of revolutions or coups. By contrast, over the past 15 years we have
held presidential and parliamentary elections in full compliance with
the rules of international law. Yet for some reason we are being
pushed into a sphere of lawlessness and anarchy. They keep talking
about somebody’s territorial integrity. But the fact is that South
Ossetia joined Georgia in 1921 – during the Soviet era. We gained
independence following the breakup of the Soviet Union and a
nationwide referendum. The Georgian Constitution does not make any
reference to us, so why are we being invited there? In this logic, we
could just as easily be invited to join Armenia or Azerbaijan: After
all, they were also part of the Soviet Union. What we see here is
that our opponents are either completely ignorant of international
and Soviet law or reluctant to study it. MN

California Courier Online, August 5, 2004

1 – Commentary
Armenians: Latest Victims of Bush
Administration’s War in Iraq

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Demirjian Introduces Book on Armenian
American Veterans to Fresno Audience
3 – Fresno’s First Annual AECP Dinner
Benefits Armenians with Eye Disease
4 – Elephant From India
Will be Airlifted
To Yerevan Zoo
5 – AGBU-AYA Basketball
Clinic Held in Pasadena
6 – APN-WD to Host JAA’s Top
Students at Diocese Complex
7 – Hagopian’s Film to be Featured
At Rhode Island Festival, Aug. 12
8- Steering Committee Formed for
USC Institute of Armenian Studies
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Armenians: Latest Victims of Bush
Administration’s War in Iraq

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

During the past two years, the Bush Administration kept changing the
reasons why it invaded Iraq. The war had nothing to do with weapons of mass
destruction or bringing democracy to Iraq. It was simply based on a lie
concocted by Pres. Bush’s neo-conservative aides (neo-cons) who had plotted
to dominate the Middle East long before September 11, 2001. They used the
9/11 attacks as the excuse to implement their long-cherished, not so secret
plan.
After a relatively easy invasion of Iraq, the American troops got bogged
down in the ensuing chaos. Sadly, more than 900 U.S. soldiers sacrificed
their lives for the sinister agenda of the neo-cons who had concentrated
all of their attention on going to war, but had paid little attention to
having an exit strategy. They did not need one, because they had planned to
stay there a very long time.
To make matters worse, the Americans removed along with Saddam, the way of
life (no matter how bad it was) that most Iraqis had gotten accustomed to.
Unfortunately, certain segments of Iraqi society are worse off now, after
being “liberated.” Women now are subjected to abuse and physical attacks if
they do not dress modestly and cover their faces in public. The owners of
liquor stores are now targets of assassination for violating the Islamic
ban on alcoholic drinks. Most Christians freely worshipped in their
churches. Now they are blown up during church service.
If the real purpose of the neo-cons were to remove Saddam from power, there
are many more countries that have similar brutal leaders. Is the Bush
Administration going to spend billions of more dollars and risk the lives
of thousands of more U.S. soldiers under the guise of bringing democracy to
all these countries? Furthermore, even if the Administration were foolish
enough to attempt such a thing, the chaos and the violence that it would
unleash would be just as bad as the inhuman conditions that these people
live under now.
Last Sunday, for the first time, an Armenian church full of worshippers was
attacked in Baghdad. It goes without saying that the real culprits are the
terrorists who blew up that sanctuary along with five other Christian
churches in various parts of the country. However, a degree of the
responsibility for the deaths and destruction also falls on those who
removed the “Butcher of Baghdad” without caring for the consequences of
their actions on the innocent people that they ostensibly were trying to
“liberate.”
The sad truth is that those who decided to invade Iraq, contrary to their
lofty pronouncements, were not interested at all in the welfare of the
local people. The innocent Iraqi-Armenian worshippers who were injured in
that church last Sunday, regrettably, became their latest victims.
Democrats Launch Kerry-Edwards Campaign
I attended the Democratic National Convention in Boston, last week. It was
very exciting to be with thousands of screaming delegates, hundreds of
distinguished political figures, and many celebrities. There were dozens of
speeches to listen to each day and scores of receptions to attend over the
four-day period.
Since both John Kerry and John Edwards have already expressed their support
for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, I tried to meet as many of
the Democratic officials as possible to acquaint them with Armenian issues.
Given the disappointing experiences with other presidents, Armenian
Americans want to make sure that they are not deceived again as they were
by presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Last week, the Armenian National Committee of America endorsed John Kerry
for President. The ANCA usually waits until right before the election to
endorse the candidate that takes the stronger stand on Armenian issues.
This year the ANCA did not have to wait, because it is obvious that the
Bush Administration had nothing to offer to the Armenian community.
Senator Kerry, on the other hand, has a 20-year record of support on
Armenian issues, including voting for the Armenian Genocide Resolution in
the past and co-sponsoring the current Senate Resolution.
At the Democratic Convention, I met scores of Armenians from various
organizations, including some Republicans, who were supporting Kerry. There
is a good chance that, if elected President, Kerry would continue to be
supportive of Armenian issues. It is up to the Armenian community to get
involved in his campaign so that when the time comes to make decisions on
Armenian issues, Armenian-Americans would be among the decision-makers in
the Kerry Administration, rather than mere spectators waiting to see if
Kerry would keep his word.
**************************************************************************

2 – Demirjian Introduces Book on Armenian
American Veterans to Fresno Audience
FRESNO – Author Richard Demirjian chose the 60th anniversary of the Allied
Invasion of Europe to introduce his book “The Faces of Courage: Armenian
World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Heroes” to members of the St. Paul
Armenian Church in Fresno on June.
Demirjian addressed the group following services at the Haig Berberian
Hall. “Let us all stand and pay tribute to all those who served and died in
World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and other conflicts,” said
Demirjian, who also honored the memory of President Ronald Reagan, who had
died recently.
The Faces of Courage is an anthology of combat stories recounted by
Armenians who served in the United States military. “The best part of this
book was talking to the people and taping their stories,” said Demirjian.
“There are a lot of Armenians who served in the military. We’ve traveled
the country to find out some of their stories. They must be remembered for
their deeds.”
Demirjian singled out 10 members of the local community who were among the
45 subjects of the book. He summarized for the St. Paul audience the
stories of Jack Ekparian, Ron Markarian, Victor Maghakian, Sam Boghosian,
Ernest Tavlian, Arpeni Mirigian, Sam Kalfayan, John Jerry Najarian, Helen
Koomjan, and Seto Balakian.
Ekparian was a member of the 1st Infantry Division. Markarian, a Major
General, was the highest-ranking Armenian American in United States
military history. Maghakian, a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was one of
the most decorated Marines in World War II. Boghosian was sent to the
Philippines in 1941, taken prisoner, and managed to survive more than three
and one half years as a prisoner of the Japanese. Tavlian, a sergeant in
the U.S. Army Air Force, survived the Bataan Death March and three and one
half years as a prisoner of war. Mirigian served in the U.S. Navy Waves in
World War II, and she served the United States by learning the Japanese
codes and eavesdropping on Japanese radio messages. Kalfayan, a U.S. Army
private during World War II, was fluent in four languages, and served as
General George Patton’s interpreter. Najarian received the Distinguished
Service Cross after completing 26 bombing missions in World War II. Koomjan
of the Army Nurse Corps in WWII survived a kamikaze attack on the USS
Comfort during the invasion of Okinawa. Balakian, a U.S. Marine Corps
corporal, received a Purple Heart for his service in the Pacific theater in
1942.
“We have to pay tribute to those who served and to those who died,” said
Demirjian, 77, who lives in Moraga, Calif.
**************************************************************************
3 – Fresno’s First Annual AECP Dinner
Benefits Armenians with Eye Disease
FRESNO – To honor George Deukmejian, 35th Governor of California, Dinner
Co-Chairs, Debbie Poochigian and Don Kuzirian brought together all of the
elements of a memorable evening for more than 100 guests who gathered at
the Sunnyside Country Club in Fresno on June 24. Benefiting the Armenian
EyeCare Project, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner,
background music provided by pianist Ken Kennedy and a presentation on the
EyeCare Project by Dr. Roger Ohanesian.
“The event exceeded all of our expectations,” said Co-chair Don Kuzirian
Roger Ohanesian, the EyeCare Project’s President and Founder echoed his
comments. “The organizing committee and event Co-Chairpersons, Debbie and
Don, exceeded all expectations. We are extraordinarily grateful to them for
their hard work and for helping us establish a presence in Fresno. I
believe we have set a high standard for future events. It was a delightful
evening and everyone who attended is still singing its praises. Don
Kuzirian went on to say, “This was our first annual benefit. We’ll be right
back next year. Absolutely. Debbie and I are ready to go right now.”
Debbie Poochigian, Co-Chairperson, commented on the evening: “Most guests
arrived without knowing anything about the EyeCare Project, but wanting to
be supportive. Everyone walked away with a terrific understanding about
what a great job the AECP is doing.”
Debbie and Don enlisted the support of friends and family to make the
evening a success. Hostesses for the evening included Laura Poochigian,
Amanda Poochigian, and MaryAlice Kaloostian.
Out-of-town guests included Gov. George Deukmejian; EyeCare Project
Chairman, Dr. Roger Ohanesian with wife Eileen; and board members Jack
Kayajanian and Ken and Meredith Khachigian.
Also from out-of-town were long-time AECP benefactors Kosti and Marian
Shirvanian, Newport Beach, and Haig Papaian, owner of Commerce Casino.
Shirvanian and Papaian underwrote the transportation costs for the evening.
The evening’s wine was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Keledjian and Senator
and Mrs. Poochigian. “So many people that I had not met came together to
make our first event in Fresno a terrific success,” commented Dr. Ohanesian
as he circulated during cocktail hour to meet all those who had gathered to
benefit the project he founded in 1992 to eliminate preventable blindness
in Armenia.
Following dinner, Sen. Poochigian, long-time friend and supporter of the
evening’s honoree, spoke briefly about the AECP and then turned his
attention to introducing his mentor-Governor George Deukmejian.
The Governor talked about the important work of the AECP ophthalmologists
saying, “The AECP is doing extraordinarily important work for the Armenian
people and the ophthalmologists who travel to Armenia twice a year, at
their own expense, are an inspiration to us all. I commend them for their
dedication and hard work.”
Contributing to the ambiance of the evening and the striking table
decorations were Bob and Andy Azzaro of San Francisco Floral who donated
giant bundles of beautiful blue Iris-arranged into eye-catching
centerpieces by talented Nancy Poochigian. Ms. Kathleen Elia donated her
time and photography services for the evening. Table favors for each guest
were keepsake “Children of Armenia” 2004 Calendars and small round silver
tins with a private blue and white AECP label, “First Annual Fresno Dinner,
June 24, 2004,” and filled Altoids candy.
As the program got underway Governor Deukmejian said a few more words and
introduced AECP President, Dr. Roger V. Ohanesian. State Senator Chuck
Poochigian, and Don Kuzirian also spoke about the AECP.
Kuzirian told the assembled guests, “The benefit this evening was like
waiting for your first child to be born. All of a sudden, there’s your
baby.” He also reflected on “How fortunate I am to be in America. I have
health care and I have my choice of doctors for that care,” he said. “Our
brothers and sisters in Armenia don’t have that opportunity. We’ve got to
help them.” Speaking from his own personal experience with eye disease
Kuzirian, who suffers from uveitis, an inflammation of the eye, had to
spend a few days in the hospital during the planning of the benefit-making
phone calls to prospective sponsors all the while.
Ohanesian gave a slide presentation, which highlighted the many
accomplishments of the Project during the past 12 years and focused on its
new Initiative, “Bringing Sight to Armenian Eyes”-a five-point program
focusing on direct patient care; medical education and training; public
education and training; research; and capacity building.
Major sponsors of the evening included Gottchalks, represented by Don
Kuzirian, the Sequoia Chapter of Triple X, and Mrs. Deran Koligian and
Family. Hosts for the evening included Ken and Meredith Khachigian, Luther
and Glenda Khachigian, Ed and Jeanne Kashian, The Stephen Philibosian
Foundation, Dr. Frederick A. Richburg with the Valley Eye Institute, Henry
and Nancy Sanoian, Nubert and Jeannette Baker, Costi and Marian Shirvanian,
and Sante Health System, Inc.
Other guests enjoying the evening included Red and Nancy Arnold, Larry and
Joanie Bedrosian, Ernie and Carlotta Bedrosian, Kenneth and Lilyan
Chooljian, Varoujan Der Simonian, Dr. Robert and Sharon Garabedian and
daughter Kristina Garabedian (founder of Armenian Shoe Box Project), Dr.
Ara Hairabedian, Paul Jamushian, Mike and Nellie Kutnerian, Gary Malazian,
Robert and Jackie Manselian, Aram and Alice Michigian, Steve and Lucille
Pilibos, Sarkis and Iris Sahadtjian, Don and Barbara Serimian, Dr. David
Taylor, and Cliff and Roxanna Tutelian.
Debbie Poochigian summed up the evening, which raised more than $20,000
for the Project. “We have a wonderful supportive Armenian community in
Fresno.” And Don Kuzirian reiterated, “Absolutely. We’ll be right back next
year. Debbie and I are ready to go right now.” And they already have a head
start on the 2005 AECP Fresno Dinner with a committee in the making and
notices in the newspapers requesting people to donate their used eyeglasses
for Armenians.
To learn more about the AECP, please visit , or call
949-675-5767. To make a donation, call the AECP toll-free number,
1-866-GIV-AECP, donate online at or mail a check to
337 E. Bayfront, Newport Beach, CA 92662.
**************************************************************************
4 – Elephant From India
Will be Airlifted
To Yerevan Zoo
MYSORE, India – (VG) – The staff at the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens
are all agog with excitement as Komala, the eight-year-old female elephant,
is to go to Armenia.
According to Zoo Director Kumar Pushkar, Komala will be paired with a
nine-year-old Asian elephant at Armenia Zoo. The Armenian Zoo had written
to the President of India requesting for a female elephant from one of the
zoos in India.
The Central Zoo Authority’s search for a healthy female elephant ended in
Mysore, Pushkar added.
“Central Zoo Authority’s Member-Secretary Dr. Rajesh Gopal and Armenian
Embassy’s Advisor Mr. Arman Kachatrian selected Komala and she will be
airlifted to Armenia within a month,” he said.
Pushkar said Komala is a gift to the Armenian President from the President
of India. Giving away one elephant is not a loss as the Mysore Zoo had
successfully bred elephants in captivity.
The central government will bear the expenses of constructing an enclosure
required to airlift Komala to Armenia. Meanwhile, Komala is being trained
to remain in the enclosure for long hours as the journey would take about
18 hours, Pushkar disclosed. The pachyderm will be accompanied in its
journey by a veterinarian and two keepers.
A doctor from Armenia and an elephant caretaker have arrived in the Mysore
Zoo to study the elephant’s behavior and the ambience that needs to be
created at the Armenian Zoo in Yerevan.
**************************************************************************
5- AGBU-AYA Basketball
Clinic Held in Pasadena
PASADENA – The Second Annual AGBU-AYA Youth Basketball Clinic was held at
the AGBU Center in Pasadena on July 17.
AGBU-AYA boys, 10-12 years of age, participated from both the Valley and
Pasadena AGBU chapters. Each clinic participant received team and
individual instruction in the fundamentals of basketball, and competed in
games and contests.
AGBU Valley men’s basketball team member’s Diron Ohanian, Toros Yetenekian,
Zareh Kouyoumdjian and Carl Bardakian, winners of the first and second Pan
Armenian Games in Yerevan in 1999 and 2001, coached and instructed the
AGBU-AYA boys. The AGBU Southern California Central Sports Committee
organized the event.
6’11”, 290-pound center Rafael Araujo, who was selected eighth in the 2004
NBA Draft on June 24 by the Toronto Raptors, spoke to the participants and
signed autographs for them. Araujo instructed the youth in various
basketball drills and took photos with them. Araujo also encouraged the
AGBU-AYA athletes to focus on their academics and on the fundamentals of
basketball.
The Valley and Pasadena AGBU-AYA boys played in their first league game on
Saturday, July 24 at the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School in Canoga Park.
If interested in becoming a member of the AGBU-AYA basketball program,
contact the AGBU Pasadena Center at 626-794-7942 or AGBU Valley Chapter at
818-313-9449.
**************************************************************************
6 – APN-WD to Host JAA’s Top
Students at Diocese Complex
BURBANK – On August 24, the newly-formed Armenian Professionals Network of
the Western Diocese (APN-WD) will host a community mixer welcoming Junior
Achievement of Armenia’s (JAA) most outstanding economics students from the
2003/04 school year and the 2004 participants of JAA’s annual Summer Study
Abroad program. The August 24 mixer will be a wine and cheese reception
held from 7:30 to 9 pm. at the Western Diocese Complex, 3325 North Glenoaks
Blvd, Burbank, Calif.
The three JAA students and one administrator, Anna Avetisyan, Haykuhi
Khachatryan, Matevos Mheryan, and Grigori Nazaryan, have been selected from
the thousands enrolled in economics for their exemplary academic
achievement and mastery of the English language.
Distinguished guest speaker Christina Tusan, Deputy Attorney General,
California Department of Justice, and JAA Board member, will introduce the
JAA visitors to the APN-WD and describe how JAA fulfills its mission to
give Armenian youth the necessary skills and knowledge to compete and
succeed in the local, national, and global arenas.
Each summer since 1995, Junior Achievement of Armenia has rewarded its top
students with the opportunity to participate in JAA’s Summer Study Abroad
program. This year’s program will begin in early August at the 34th Annual
Canadian National Junior Achievement Conference (CANJAC) held in Saskatoon.
On Aug. 21, following this one-week program, the JAA visitors will travel
to Southern California where they will, among other activities, visit
businesses, meet elected officials and policy makers, interact with
community leaders, and engage in regional and social events.
For more information contact Vahe Ashjian at (818) 212-9976 or visit the
organization’s website at
**************************************************************************
7 – Hagopian’s Film to be Featured
At Rhode Island Festival, Aug. 12
THOUSAND OAKS, CA – “Germany and the Secret Genocide” is to be featured in
the Jewish “side-bar” of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, Aug.
12. The award-winning film by J. Michael Hagopian will be screened at 7:30
p.m. at the Pawtucket Visitor’s Center in Providence.
This is the second film of “The Witnesses” trilogy on the Armenian
Genocide, prepared by the Armenian Film Foundation.
“Germany and the Secret Genocide” was introduced to the Rhode Island
International Film Festival by Dr. Sharon Rivo, Executive Director for the
National Center for Jewish Film at Brandeis University. She was a panelist
at the recent East Coat premiere of Hagopian’s film by the National
Association of Armenian Studies and Research in Belmont, Mass. Dr. Rivo was
highly impressed with Hagopian’s work and expressed the desire to introduce
it to the Jewish community of America.
Glenn Farr, co-producer of “Germany and the Secret Genocide,” said he is
gratified by growing Jewish acclaim for the film.
Earlier this year, the film won coveted first place awards and special
recognitions at the One World Human Rights Film Festival in Prague, the
Athens Ohio International Film Festival and the prestigious U.S.
International Film and Video Festival, the largest festival of its kind.
***************************************************************************
8 – Steering Committee Formed for
USC Institute of Armenian Studies
LOS ANGELES – The long-held dream of the Armenian community of Southern
California, as well as thousands of USC Armenian Alumni to establish an
Institute of Armenian Studies is well on its way to realization.
A group of prominent community leaders, meeting at the Bistro Gardens on
July 14, responded enthusiastically to the establishment of an
institutethat would strengthen and perpetuate the century-long partnership
between the Armenian community and the University of Southern California.
At the dinner hosted by noted community leader, Charles Ghailian, the
attendees became acquainted with the institute’s unique mission as a
multidisciplinary center of Armenian studies, covering a variety of fields
— law, business, religion, politics, music, film, media, the
arts and sciences. Speaking passionately about the bright future of the
institute, Charles Ghailian welcomed the opportunity to establish a
world-class think-tank that would promote learning and scholarship about
the Armenian-American community, the global Armenian Diaspora, and the
Armenian Republic.
The attendees were: Dr. Mihran & Eliz Agbabian, Alex Baroian, John
Berberian, Sylva Bezdikian, Albert Boyajian, Mark Chenian, Dr. R. Hrair
Dekmejian, Charles Ghailian, Armen Janian, Esq., Onnik Mehrabian, Varant
Melkonian, Gerald Papazian, Esq., Harut Sassounian, Hagop & Mina
Shirvanian, Sinan Sinanian, The Honorable Dikran Tevrizian, Ralph & Savey
Tufenkian, Arda Yemenidjian, and Edward Zohrabian.
After a lively discussion, the assembled guests unanimously resolved to
commit themselves to bringing the vision of the institute into reality. By
forming a Steering Committee, the members plan to raise “seed money” and
make plans for fund raising and other activities involving many additional
members in the Armenian community.
Since its founding over a century ago, USC has educated thousands of
Armenian-Americans who have gone on to distinguished careers in business,
government and the professions. It is only fitting that USC serves as the
home of an unprecedented venture in multidisciplinary Armenian studies –
the first of its kind in the United States and the larger Diaspora.
********************************************************
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Interfax
July 30 2004

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN ARMENIA

The chemical industry, once a leading industry in Armenia, is having
a difficult time. Armenia has been unable to restore the chemical
industry after years of inactivity.

The government is attracting foreign investors to help solve the
problem but Nairit-1 was the only large plant to begin production in
the middle of last year.

As a result, production in the chemical industry increased in the
first few months of this year after dropping 17.5% in 2003.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Before the collapse of the Soviet Union the chemical industry played
a major role in Armenia’s economy, producing mineral fertilizers,
synthetic stones for instruments and watches, and fiberglass. The
Nairit production center, the only producer of rubber in the Soviet
Union at the time, formed the foundation of chemical production.

The industry was hurt by the Karabakh conflict and the environmental
movement that arose in 1988. The collapse of the Soviet Union
essentially shut down Armenia’s chemical industry for a long period,
with some enterprises idle for more than 10 years.

Some said the industry could not be restored after standing idle for
so long, but attempts were made to restart chemical production.
Armenia first tried on its own and then attracted foreign investors.
Unfortunately most of these attempts were unsuccessful. Once
production was resumed various factors forced plants to shut down and
change owners. Some enterprises have changed hands several times and
the industry continues to operate unsteadily.

Industry specialists say the chemical complex needs state support.
Companies need tax breaks and subsidies on gas and electricity rates.

The industry also lacks qualified specialists and the ones they do
have are approaching retirement. A source at Nairit, the leading
chemical enterprise in Armenia, said the average age of employees at
the plant is 56 and more than 250 specialists are 70 – 75. Teaching
at colleges and universities has also declined.

Once these problems are resolved and the chemical industry begins to
function normally again, it could become one of the most profitable
industries in the country. The production of household chemical
products, paints, and so on is considered the main area for
development of the industry. Armenia could also develop
pharmacological and biological production. But so-called big chemical
production by Nairit, the Vanadzor complex and Yerevan Tire Plant,
will continue to form the foundation of the industry.

Armenia has the capability to produce various chemical products,
including:

Plastics for manufacturing and household use;

Technical rubber and asbestos products;

Rubber and latex,

Acids, oxides, and salts,

Paint materials,

Perfumes and cosmetics,

Polymers, plastics, resin,

Agri-chemical products and fertilizers,

Household chemical products,

Chemical elements and compounds.

Production of paint materials grew 25.1% last year, chemical and
pharmaceutical production grew 8.9%, and plastics production was up
6.7%. Production of synthetic rubber and detergents dropped by 50%
and 28.1%, respectively, which resulted in an overall drop in
production in the chemical industry by 17.5%.

The industry is growing this year with the resumption of production
at Nairit, and was up 290% in the first four months. Production of
paint materials grew 40.1% year-on-year in the period, chemical
pharmaceutical production was up 33.4%, while production of plastics
and cleaning agents and detergents dropped 17.5% and 1.3%,
respectively.

CHEMICAL PRODUCTION
——————————————————————–
Chemical Rubber &
industry Plastics
——————————————————————–
2003 Jan-Apr 2003 Jan-Apr
2004 2004
——————————————————————–
Production in
current prices (Mln dram) 7345.4 4732.9 1478.7 605.9
———————————————————— ——–
Sale of finished products
in current prices (Mln dram) 6606.8 3687.6 1463.3 516.7
——————————————————————–
Physical index in comparable
prices to same period of
previous year (%) 82.5 3.9 times 181.5 164.7
——————————————————————–
Share in processing
industry (%) 2.6 4.9 0.5 0.6
——————————————————————–
Source: National Statistics Service of Armenia.

ZAO NAIRIT-1

Nairit-1 is one of six companies in the world that produce
chloroprene rubber and the only producer in the CIS. Chloroprene
rubber is also produced by U.S. company DuPont, Germany’s Bayer,
France, Japan, and China.

Though there are few companies that produce this type of rubber
competition is fierce because the market is limited and shrinking.
The Russian market is estimated at 5,000 tonnes of chloroprene
rubber, the European market at 50,000 tonnes, the United States at
100,000 tonnes, East Asia at 100,000 tonnes, and the entire world
market is about 300,000 tonnes.

Nairit can produce 30,000- 35,000 tonnes of rubber and must produce
20,000 – 25,000 for production to be profitable.

Nairit sells to Russia and the former Soviet republics, but periodic
shut downs have resulted in a loss of the market and the company was
able to restore its position only last year.

Nairit was the monopoly chloroprene rubber producer in the Soviet
Union until 1989. The company included two enterprises – Nairit-1,
the production center, and Nairit-2, the research end of the
business. Nairit also produced nitrogen (liquid and gaseous),
carbonic acid, acetylene, liquid chlorine, various acids, chloroprene
latex, various technical rubber products, and bleaching agents.

Nairit was shut down in 1989 for environmental reasons and production
was partially restored in 1992 – 1993, but the company closed again
several times due to gas and electricity debt.

Nairit had debt of $40 million in 2001 and the government decided to
reorganize the company. Production capacity for chloroprene rubber
production was spun off (Nairit-1) to create a debt-free enterprise,
but some of the old debt was transferred to the new enterprise.
Nairit-1 had debt of $35 million when it was transferred to Britain’s
Ransat Plc in early 2002.

Ransat agreed to pay the debt and invest $25 million in the plant by
2005. It also promised to increase chloroprene rubber production to
25,000 tonnes in three years from 4,000 tonnes in 2001 (to 6,100
tonnes in 2002, 10,000 tonnes in 2003, and 25,000 tonnes in 2004).

Ransat was also supposed to invest $1.5 million in Armsvyazbank, the
main creditor of Nairit-2 by February 6, 2003 and provide $5 million
for bank capital by July 1, 2005 and pay debt of $14 million on loans
made to Nairit.

The company resumed production in 2002, but the plant worked only
until November when electricity supplies were cut due to debt.
Ransat-Armenia filed a lawsuit against the power company and Ransat
suspended financing for Nairit.

Nairit stood idle during the lawsuit and financing was cut off. The
Armenian government in February 2003 said Ransat was not meeting
contract obligations and froze Nairit-1 shares. Ransat had failed to
invest $1.5 million in Armsvyazbank by February 6 and produced just
3,500 tonnes of rubber in 2002, not 6,100 tonnes as planned.

Ransat President Anil Kumar in April 2003 signed an agreement to
transfer the Economic Development Ministry 100% of Nairit-1 to
Armsvyazbank, which the company owed $14.2 million. The bank received
600,009 shares with a par value of 10,000 worth 6 billion dram.

The shares were transferred in management to Nairit Trust, owned by
Russia’s Runa-Bank. The bank invested $3.5 million in June 2003 and
Nairit resumed production and produced 1,700 tonnes of rubber last
year. It resumed exports to Russia, as well as to Ukraine, Iran,
Kazakhstan, and Bulgaria.

Armenia began preparing the chemical plant for sale to a Russian
investor, namely Volgaburmash, which includes Runa-Bank and Samarsky
Credit, 14 plants that produce drilling equipment, and 11
construction divisions.

The deal to sell 100% of Nairit to Volgaburmash was signed on April
16, 2004. Officials said at the time the deal would take three and a
half months to close as certain details were addressed. The deal is
supposed to close July 30.

The investor demanded a clarification of the accounts payable and
receivable at Nairit-1. An audit conducted by a French company showed
the company has payables of about $23 million and receivables of $15
million, but the Finance Ministry decided to conduct its own audit,
which was still in progress in mid-June.

The results of the audit will determine the financial situation at
the company and the cost of the contract.

The new investor plans to introduce butadiene technology for
production of rubber instead of acetylene technology. Volgaburmash
will invest $5 million in the plant soon. The first production line
using butadiene technology should be launched three or four months
after the deal is signed.

Switching to this technology will increase production and
profitability. Capacity will increase to 25,000 tonnes a year from
about 10,000 tonnes using acetylene technology.

Volgaburmash also plans to install a new packaging line, produce 50
kinds of chloroprene rubber and obtain certification to U.S. and
European standards.

Volgaburmash Holding President Andrei Ischuk said state support is
needed to rehabilitate the plant, which will involve substantial
expenses. He said the company should be given subsidies on gas and
electricity rates as Nairit consumes 10% of Armenia’s gas and 5% of
electricity.

PROMETEI-KHIMPROM (VANADZOR CHEMICAL COMPLEX)

Prometei-Khimprom was formed under a government decision in February
1999. It includes the Rubin Chemical Plant and Khimvolokno in the
city of Vanadzor, 150 kilometers from Yerevan, and the Vanadzor Heat
and Power Plant.

Following an analysis of the financial and technical situation at the
companies and restructuring their debt in May of that year, the
chemical complex was sold for $1.5 million to Russia’s
Zakneftegazstroi Prometei, which agreed to implement a two-stage
investment program worth $55 million – $60 million.

The first stage to 2001 included investment of $10 million to restore
the chemical complex to half of its design capacity. The complete
reconstruction of the enterprise should be completed in 2006, and
Prometei-Khimprom will be able to produce 10,000 tonnes of melamine,
40,000 tonnes of carbamide for use at the plant, 5,000 tonnes of
acetate thread, 4,000 tonnes of acetate braid, and 80 tonnes of
synthetic corundum. The product would be sold in Russia, China, and
the Middle East.

The Vanadzor Heat and Power Plant planned to produce 70 megawatts of
electricity and 220 gigacalories of heat to supply the chemical
complex and nearby residential consumers.

The Russian company invested about $20 million in the company to
increase capacity for ammonia production to 20,000 tonnes a year,
melamine to 10,000 tonnes, calcium carbide to 15,000 tonnes, acetate
tape to 3,500 tonnes, and corundum to 20 tonnes. After 13 years of
standing idle the Vanadzor complex in November 2001 resumed
production. But high prices for gas and changes in market trends
forced the company to suspend production in 2002.

The Russian company held talks to attract a partner in 2003 to resume
production and announced at the start of this year that 51% of the
company would be sold to Slovakia’s Divident Group.

First Deputy Trade and Economic Development Minister of Armenia Ashot
Shakhnazarian said Prometei-Khimprom was in good technical condition
and did not require substantial investment to resume production,
which should take a couple of months.

GENERAL TRANSWORLD MANUFACTURING COMPANY (YEREVAN TIRE PLANT)

The Yerevan tire plant is one of Armenia’s oldest enterprises. It was
formed in 1943 and produced continually until 1998. The plant was the
only tire producer in the southern Caucasus at the time and exported
to more than 35 countries. But like most petrochemical enterprises in
the country it too stood idle for a long time. The plant was
liquidated in early 2001 and Shinnik-1 was formed in its place.

American company TS Investment Corp bought 75% of Shinnik in April
2002 for $1.287 million and the company renamed in December of that
year to General Transworld Manufacturing Company (GTMC).

The American company repaired and updated the plant and production
resumed in February 2003 after a nine-year hiatus. By the end of 2003
the plant was producing eight kinds of car tire tubes and 12 kinds of
treads. Production totaled 80,000 tires a month and the new owners
planned to increase production to 100,000 tires with capacity of
200,000 tires. The product would be sold to Armenia and nearby
countries.

TS Investment Corp planned to invest $10 million in production by the
end of 2005.

However, the company ran into problems exporting diagonal tires,
transporting raw materials, selling products on the domestic and
foreign markets, and installing new lines to produce radial tires.
Production was suspended in January 2004 due to financial problems
and 75% of the employees were placed on leave without pay.

Reports in April indicated the plant would resume production in May,
but the owner said in the Armenian media it is concerned with the
situation at the plant and will either sell it or seek partners.

This article was written by the Interfax Center for Economic
Analysis. E-mail: [email protected]

armenianow.com
July 30, 2004

Vacation Armenian Style: A pilgrimage to the rock of ages

By Gayane Abrahamyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

A big cave stands out against the background of a mountain opposite
the road leading to Geghard Monastery . Two holes like eyes seem to
peer from the rock keeping watch over the middle ages church. Anyone
who visits Armenia learns of Geghard. Not as many, however, know that
there was a time when the cave was a pilgrimage place where those who
managed to survive the impassible road lit candles for realizing their
dreams.

God made the cave; man made the rooms
It was (is) also a great retreat from summer heat and today has become a
leisure spot. Nobody promises ”rooms with European design and
twenty-four-hour hot and cold water”. But if your idea of a vacation (or
even a getaway) is untouched nature, relaxing sounds and the gurgle of a
river in an exotic environment, the Geghard caves offer it all. And Mother
Nature gives it for free.
For six years jeweler Robert Hovsepyan has been spending several rest days
in this cave and although he can afford to enjoy more comfortable vacations,
only here he finds complete harmony escaping from urban noise.
This time in his favorite cave he received his friend from Georgia painter
Maria Mehrabyan, who despite spending all her life in Georgia, has now
decided to settle down in her homeland.
This place is of particular importance for residents of the neighboring
villages. The cave, as they call it Tchgnavor’s Zagha (”cave” translated
from Turkish) or Kioroghli’s Zagha (”cave of a blind man’s son” from
Turkish), is a pilgrimage place for them.
”Even if somebody is planning to leave outside for work or is going to face
exams or he has a dream then they necessarily go to Zagha for lighting
candles and comforting their souls and only after that they do whatever
they’ve planned,” says 73-year-old Vazgen Kirakosyan.
The cave was once used by Geghard clerics who devoted themselves to an
ascetic life.
According to spiritual father of Geghard priest Ter Petros Malyan, there are
about 150 caves in the neighboring mountains of the church. There was a time
when these caves served clerics for a hermitage. They says there is even a
cave where Saint Grigor the Illuminator would live as a hermit.

Mountain-side solitude
According to Father Petros, these caves used to serve not only spiritual but
also defensive purposes. Armenian historian of 17th century Arakel
Davrizhetsi also bears record to that fact writing that during military
campaigns of Shah Abbas villagers were taking refuge in Tchgnavor’s Zagha.
However, cunning Persians burnt wet grass below the cave and smoke choked
women and children hiding in the cave. ”There were strange smiles on the
faces of choked people as if they were favored with eternal rest,” writes
the historian.
Of course, today this sad story has been forgotten and people hide in
Tchgnavor’s Zagha not from enemies but simply to escape from sun and
pollution and the routine life of the city.
For getting to the cave you have to walk a long road leading through thorny
briar bushes and over a stony river. If you can successfully overcome the
path then you reach the real challenge of climbing over the rock to reach
the cave entrance. The mania of reaching the cave fills even the most coward
visitors with courage. Regular visitors to the cave made the path easier in
some measure. They dug foot prints in the ground and fixed rope for safety
next to a 20 centimeter wide path leading over the rock.
After a few mountaineering jumps the rock is conquered and the huge cave,
which looked like a small hole when looking at it from afar, is before your
eyes with all of its beauty.
The cave is divided into several parts and only the first part is natural
while others were dug by visitors. Walls and ceiling of the middle-sized
rooms are completely covered in engraved graffiti, such as: ”One has to
have more power to live than to die”.
There was a time when clerics tasted that power of faith and life, isolating
themselves from comfortable life and settling down in this cave.

Big cave, small journalist
Robert Hovsepyan believes that in this cave people really experience new
feelings of self-assessment and self-knowledge and begin to look at life
with new standards.
”Many people like to visit this place. Sometimes it even happens when there
is no place to stay here,” says Hovsepyan, who passes through 40 centimeter
wide openings in the rock with the abyss below, as if walking around in his
house.
A most peculiar part of the cave is a place like a chair located on the edge
of rock fragment. It is a narrow ”armchair” dug in the rock, in which only
thin people can sit. The whole ”armchair” is in the air and it is
connected with the rock only by a small part. Its upper part pushes out
arch-wise and gives its guest a feeling of aloneness. This stone seat is
also an echo chamber sending even whispers circling back around its guest’s
ears. Perhaps it was meant for praying?
Almost every day guests go to Tchgnavor’s Zagha.
Varduhi Zohrabyan, a waitress at a café on the road to the cave says
tourists visiting them are very interested in that cave and even old
tourists venture to climb it.
”Every time I feel proud when foreigners say words of praise about our
Geghard and I also feel happy when they pay attention to the cave too,”
says Zohrabyan. “What do we have except for these beautiful, wonderful
monuments? We should be represented to the world by them.”

ANSA Notiziario Generale in Italiano
July 28, 2004

CONSIGLIO EUROPA: ALLARME SITUAZIONE DETENUTI IN ARMENIA ;
COMITATO ANTITORTURA: CARCERI SOVRAFFOLLATE E POLIZIA VIOLENTA

BRUXELLES

(ANSA) – BRUXELLES, 28 LUG – Arriva dal Consiglio d’Europa
l’allarme sulla situazione dei detenuti in Armenia e il richiamo
alle forze dell’ordine del paese perche curino di piu’ la
formazione professionale degli agenti.
Secondo il Comitato per la prevenzione della tortura di
Strasburgo, che ha presentato oggi il suo primo rapporto
sull’Armenia, oltre al sovraffollamento delle carceri e
all’assenza di qualsiasi attivita’ ricreativa, i detenuti armeni
devono infatti affrontare un “rischio elevato di maltrattamenti
da parte della polizia”.
In particolare Strasburgo chiede misure urgenti per migliorare
le condizioni di detenzione dei condannati all’ergastolo nella
prigione di Noubarashen, in provincia di Erevan, e evidenzia le
carenze dell’ospedale psichiatrico della stessa citta’.
In risposta al rapporto, le autorita’ armene hanno annunciato
una diminuzione della popolazione carceraria, grazie
all’adozione del nuovo codice penale, e hanno presentato delle
misure destinate a migliorare le condizioni negli istituiti di
Noubarashen.(ANSA).