Author: Jabejian Elizabeth

SCHEDRIN DAYS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 11-14 IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan

Ju ne 10, 2008

YEREVAN, JUNE 10, NOYAN TAPAN. Schedrin Days will be held on June
11-14 in Yerevan within the framework of the Prospects of 21st
9th International Music Festival initiated by the Armenian Music
Information Center. The world-famous composer, Rodion Schedrin,
as well as other internationally-famous musicians will take part
in it. Maya Plisetskaya, the live legend of Russian ballet, will be
festival’s honorary guest.

The Armenian State Philharmonic Orchestra, the Serenade Chamber
Orchestra, and the Hover Chamber Choir will take part in the
concerts. On June 11, 13, and 14 the concerts will take place at Aram
Khachatrian concert hall and on June 12 in Komitas Chamber Music House.

As RA Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosian said at the June 10 press
conference, it is an honor to organize the days of the great composer
in Armenia. "Both Schedrin and Plisetskaya are highly evaluated
in Armenia.

They both are world-famous figures, and their names have been already
written with gold letters on the pages of the world history of culture
of the 20th century," H. Poghosian said.

According to R. Schedrin, he has a special attitude to Armenian
culture and is proud that he cooperated and was a close friend with
Armenian composers.

"The most intimate people in my life were your compatriots, including
Aram Khachatrian and Arno Babajanian. I was especially attached to
Khachatrian with whole my heart," he said. M. Plisetskaya also said
that they are attached to Armenia, and these concerts gave them a
possibility to come to Armenia after a long interval and to once more
communicate with Armenian art-loving society.

EU REPEATS CALL FOR ARMENIA TO CLOSE POWER STATION
By M. Alkhazashvili

The Messenger
June 10 2008
Georgia

The EU repeated an offer last week to provide financial support to
the Armenian government in shutting down the Metsamor nuclear reactor.

Hugues Mingarelli, the deputy head of the European Commission’s
Directorate-General for External Relations, said the EU would provide
EUR 100 million to help close the plant down when he visited Yerevan
last week.

"Armenia should search for alternative energy sources. We understand
that it’s not an easy decision but the [Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant]
is outdated and represents a danger for the country and the entire
region. The EU can also help Armenia with diversification of energy
sources," Armenian news agency PanArmenian quoted him as saying.

Metsamor provides around 40 percent of Armenia’s electricity. In recent
years Yerevan has been under pressure from the EU to close the power
station down as soon as possible, due to safety concerns over its
lack of a containment system to deal with potential radioactive leaks.

Last month officials from the Russian company INTER RAO UES, which
manages the plant, said they would continue managing it after their
initial contract expires later this year. They also said INTER RAO
plans to build a replacement plant.

WHY ON THE 20TH OF JUNE?

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on June 07, 2008
Armenia

The chain of instabilities of the spring-summer-autumn `collection’

The specter of the June 20 demonstration has recently become a subject
of most active discussions.

We hear L. Ter-Petrosyan’s team making arrogant speeches on their
intention of holding a demonstration on that day, `without considering
the circumstances’. In the meantime, the European structures are, for
some reason, hurrying to admonish us not to disrupt the demonstration
which is going to be held in half a month’s time.

Some people have again started `making a mountain out of a molehill’,
i.e. applying the experimented technology with the help of which one of
the presidential candidate who had received 21 percent of votes managed
to destabilize the country’s political situation.

Why especially on the 20th of June?

When LTP’s Press Secretary Arman Mousinyan announces that `The struggle
against these authorities will not cease even for a day’s time’, and
`these authorities will all the time feel the spirit of the public
reprimand and hatred and the opposition’s coordinated struggle,’ such
prediction-desire is entitled to exist as much as the contrary
allegation saying, `the confrontation artificially provoked against
these authorities will cease; they will earn more public trust while
the opposition’s coordinated struggle will gradually die out.’

Since the authorities are engaged in eliminating the existing flaws in
different spheres, especially in the tax and customs services, i.e.
they are rooting out the causes of public dissatisfaction instead of
making predictions, the opposition needs to look for new occasions for
exacerbating the previous confrontation. That’s to say, the current
search for fanning the flames of the struggle is nothing more than the
opposition’s fear of the prospect that the country’s internal political
situation may stabilize.

In case of viewing the problem from this particular angle, it will
become clear why the pro-Ter-Petrosyan activists intend to organize a
demonstration on the 20th of June. The thing is that political life
comes to a standill during the summer months. In order to maintain the
existing tension till September, Ter-Petrosyan’s team needs to give
society food for thought for the summer.

There are several reasons for that.

First: The hearings of the lawsuits filed in connection with the March
1 mass disorders are coming to an end, and it is obvious that the
overwhelming majority of the detainees will be released in the near
future, at least on probation. And what are the revolutionaries going
to speculate in that case?

Second: During its summer session, the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe will by all means evaluate the conduct of the
Armenian authorities and refrain from applying strict sanctions against
our country. As to the State Department, it is unlikely to make a new
statement in autumn – at the heated moment of the presidential race.

Third: The reforms currently implemented by the new authorities in
different spheres of governance will produce their positive results
till the start of autumn, especially if more decisive steps are
undertaken in the sphere of reinstating justice and conducting an
anti-corruption policy.

Thus, if there are no force majéur situations imposed by foreign forces
by way of torpedoing the Karabakh peace talks and making Azerbaijan
demonstrate its aggressive posture, the Ter-Petrosyan-led camp will
turn out a loser in the political initiatives and become faced with the
deepening internal controversies.

Therefore, in order to remain on the political arena from spring till
autumn, it is necessary to play some dirty tricks on the authorities,
by staging the scenario of the March 1 events or organizing something
of the kind. That’s to say, it is necessary to find the new chain link
of periodical instabilities uniting the spring with the autumn and
impose it on society.

Such calculation has not only internal political but also serious
external reasons. On October 15, 2008 Azerbaijan is to hold
presidential elections; thereafter the negotiating parties will be
weakened enough to succumb to pressures. How is it possible to allow
Armenia to sigh with relief, heal the wounds of `March 1′, come to its
senses and be able to resist the external challenges?

Why then do our `revolutionary’ organizations receive funding in such
large amounts? Will they allow the authorities to establish law and
order in the country, increase the amount of the taxes, punish the tax
evaders, create equal conditions for all the entrepreneurs, that’s to
say, to bring their initiatives to the end?

The 20th of June is a specific kind of springboard for the fifth
`military column’ actively working in the country. This will pave the
way for hampering the implementation of the initiated reforms,
undermining the state government system and imposing on it the
successive scenario.

We believe that this time L. Ter-Petrosyan has to take the entire
burden of responsibility for the events expected on June 20 and only
thereafter obtain the right of organizing a demonstration.

MATTHEW BRYZA. THE STATUS QUO IS DANGEROUS
By A. Haroutiunian

AZG Armenian Daily
05/06/2008

Karabakh Issue

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen expect the peace talks on
Nagorno-Karabakh, which are to take place in Saint-Petersburg,
Russia, to be continued from the point where they stopped after the
presidential elections in Armenia, said Matthew Bryza in an interview
to Day.az.

With the presidential election in Azerbaijan upcoming, Bryza noted
that the peace talks on Karabakh must proceed in despite of President
Aliev’s engagement in the pre-election campaign.

Bryza said he has no special expectations from the introductory meeting
of Serge Sarkisian and Ilham Aliyev. Bryza promised to figure out the
differences between Aliev-Kocharian from Aliyev-Sarkisian meetings
after the talks in Petersburg.

Referring to the lack of compromise in Armenia-Azerbaijan negotiations,
the American Co-Chair said, "I think the status-quo is dangerous. It
is obvious when there are skirmishes on the border and people are
killed. There is no aggrieved party in this case. Both the sides
suffered and both of them have to find ways to understanding and
achieve and agreement".

AZERBAIJAN SHOULD BE "READY TO LIBERATE" ITS LANDS – LEADER

Azerbaijani TV station ANS
June 4 2008

[Presenter] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is in Naxcivan
from yesterday. On the first day of his visit, the head of state
opened numerous facilities and delivered a speech before Naxcivan
residents. During his speech, he mainly spoke about the socio-economic
development of regions and touched on the Karabakh issue. He made
some serious statements.

[Aliyev addressing people] The Armenian-Azerbaijani and the Nagornyy
Karabakh conflict will be resolved only within the framework of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Let nobody have doubts about
this. We will draw that day closer if we are stronger. I believe
and am sure that Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity
and sovereignty. All our compatriots, refugees and displaced persons
will return to their native lands. Of course, we take political steps
to do this and strengthen our diplomacy. Azerbaijan’s position in
international organizations enjoys great support. The adoption of a
resolution on the situation on occupied territories at the UN General
Assembly recently shows Azerbaijan’s strength. The international
community once again confirms that we are right. However, along with
diplomatic and political steps, we should be ready to liberate our
lands in a military way at any time. There are all opportunities to
do this. I want to say again that our army is the strongest army in
the region and the level of professionalism of people serving in the
army is improved from day to day.

PETER SEMNEBY HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE ON RESULTS OF HIS VISIT TO AZERBAIJAN

Azeri Press Agency
June 3 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Tamara Grigoryeva-APA. Special Representative of the European
Union for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby held a press conference
on overall results of his visit to Azerbaijan.

APA reports Peter Semneby said that he had met with President,
Foreign Minister, Minister of Industry and Energy, Chairman of
Central Election Commission, leaders of opposition, representatives
of nongovernmental organizations and diplomats. He said the meetings
focused on the forthcoming presidential elections, solution of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, state of mass media and energy issues. The Special
Representative underlined the importance of the presidential elections
and noted that it would be the first elections after Azerbaijan and
European Union signed Action Plan.

"We would like the elections to be maximally democratic and free. We
would also like to know what we can do for it. Carrying out just
election campaign, ensuring freedom of assembly and investigation
of election complaints are the most important conditions of normal
elections", he said.

Peter Semneby said the state of mass media was in the focus of
attention of the European Union. Touching on energy issues EU
representative especially noted his meeting with the ambassador
of Turkmenistan.

"The relations with Turkmenistan are of great importance in terms of
energy. We will discuss strengthening of cooperation in this field
along with Pjer Morel," he said.

PRESS RELEASE
From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Haigazian University
Mexique Street, Kantari, Beirut
P.O.Box. 11-1748
Riad El Solh 1107 2090
Tel: 01-353010/1/2
01-349230/1

"Life and Dreams": The Recent Works of Jacqueline Ohanian at Haigazian
University

On Friday the 30th of May 2008, under the high patronage of the
Ambassador of Belgium to Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Johan Verkammen, represented
by First Consul Jacqueline Fontaine opened the painting exhibition of
Jacqueline Ohanian, at the Haigazian University Art Center, Matossian
Gallery, in the presence of a host of diplomats, artists, media
representatives and art appreciators.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Haigazian University President, Rev.
Dr. Paul Haidostian welcomed the audience and considered this exhibition
as a positive reaction to the last tragic circumstances Lebanon has
suffered.

In her turn, Jacqueline Ohanian expressed her pride and gratitude
towards Haigazian University, for giving her the opportunity to
introduce her recent works at the University’s Art Center.

Ohanian shared with the audience the spirit of her exhibition, "Life and
Dreams", stating that "life is full of challenges, hardships, and
natural disasters,… whereas dreams are filled with hope, bright
colors, and happiness".

"It’s been three years that I’ve been preparing for this exhibition.
Today my dreams have come true, as I stand among my friends surrounded
with my paintings", Ohanian concluded.

Jacqueline Ohanian is a Lebanese Armenian artist. She studied History of
Arts and graduated from the State University of New York at Albany, NY
in 1986.

She has taught in the Lebanese American University and the Lebanese
University, in addition to colleges in the USA.

She has participated in collective exhibitions and major biennials, and
has had 37 solo shows in different countries such as the USA, the UAE,
France, Indonesia, Switzerland, Belgium, and Lebanon.

In her 38th exhibition, Ohanian is exhibiting 50 watercolor, oil and
acrylic paintings of various sizes. Most of the paintings belong to the
"contemporary realism" school, as Ohanian calls it, meaning realistic
but in a personal style.

The collection has various themes; it is an amalgam of bouquets, horses,
and Armenian ladies. The vivid color combination expresses the joy of
life and optimism of the spring season.

It is worth noting that right after this exhibition, Artist Jacqueline
Ohanian will participate in a collective exhibition entitled "Meeting
East with the West", in Windsor, United Kingdom.

P.S.The exhibition runs till Monday 9th of June 2008, from 10:00 till
7:00 p.m. including Sundays.

EVENTS DEDICATED TO RESISTANCE OF JAVAKHK AND MESKHETI POPULATION TO TURKISH INVASION IN 1918 HELD IN SATKHA

Noyan Tapan

Ju ne 2, 2008

NINOTSMINDA, JUNE 2, NOYAN TAPAN. Festive events dedicated to the
resistance of the population of Javakhk and Meskheti to the Turkish
invasion in 1918 were held in the village of Satkha (Javakhk) of
Georgia’s Ninotsminda region on June 1.

According to a press release submitted to NT by the RA MFA Press
and Information Department, numerous honorary guests, including a
representative Armenian delegation headed by the RA National Assembly
deputy H. Sanosian, arrived in Satkha in order to participate in the
festive events.

The Armenian ambassador to Georgia Hrach Silvanian, the head of the
Georgian Armenian diocese Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanian, deputies of
the Georgian parliament V. Bayburt and H. Mkoyan also attended the
festivities dedicated to the historical events.

PRESS RELEASE
Date: June 3, 2008
Armenians and Progressive Politics
P.O. Box 419, New York, NY 10108
Contact: Laura Boghosian
Tel: 917-428-1918

"ARMENIANS AND PROGRESSIVE POLITICS" CONFERENCE HELD IN NEW YORK
–Eight Panel Discussions Open with "The New Imperialism"

NEW YORK — Scholars, writers, and activists from around the world
gathered to exchange ideas at the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation’s third annual "Armenians and Progressive Politics"
(APP) conference on May 30-31 in New York City. The meeting
is designed to offer a forum for progressive activists and thinkers
who tie Armenian issues to a broader political field. This year’s
assembly featured a plenary session on "The New Imperialism" with
noted progressive intellectuals Tariq Ali, David Barsamian, and
Neil Smith, who discussed the politics of empire and globalization,
and how these might affect dispossessed peoples and fledgling
nation-states such as Armenia.

The conference attracted a diverse cross-section of the Armenian
community, as well as progressive non-Armenian activists, who
approached their topics in an open environment of criticism,
reflection, and debate. Panels included a spirited discussion of
gender roles in the Armenian Diaspora; a self-critical examination
of the progressive track record of Armenian organizations; an
informed debate on the lessons and prospects of coalition building
between Armenians, Jews and human rights activists, drawing on the
recent Anti-Defamation League controversy; a critical, searching
approach to foreign assistance issues, identifying ways such aid
might help or hinder Armenia’s progress; a student panel designed
to introduce new voices with an emphasis on activism; and an
exciting and contentious exchange on the lessons learned from the
recent unrest following Armenia’s presidential elections. The
meeting closed with a plenary session on "Coalition-Building Among
Dispossessed Peoples," featuring incisive remarks by scholar-
activists Nubar Hovsepian, Tariq Ali, and David Barsamian.

"Overall, we are quite pleased with the direction of this
conference," stated APP committee chair Antranig Kasbarian. "We
hope to continue and expand our effort to build new discussions,
agendas, and ultimately activism aimed at re-energizing and
redefining Armenian issues from a progressive standpoint."

"Armenians and Progressive Politics" continues with a second
conference on June 6-7 in Los Angeles. For more information and to
view past conference proceedings, please visit the conference
website at
###

Photo Caption 1: Left to Right: Armineh Arakelian, John Hughes, and
Simon Maghakyan during the "Unrest in Armenia: New Seeds of
Democracy or Destabilizing Acts?" panel

Photo Caption 2: Left to Right: Sevag Arzoumanian, Laura Boghosian,
Khatchig Mouradian, and Joey Kurtzman during the "ADL and the Armenian
Genocide: Pursuing Common Goals Through Grassroots Activism" panel

Photo Caption 3: Left to Right: Antranig Kasbarian, Nubar
Hovsepian, Tariq Ali, and David Barsamian during the closing
plenary, "Coalition Building Among Dispossessed People"

Panorama.am

18:40 30/05/2008

14 THOUSAND DONORS SIGNED UP

Yesterday the Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran
Sargsyan received the president of Armenian Bone
Marrow Donor Registry Charitable Trust Frieda Geordan
and the executive director of the foundation Sevak
Avagyan.

According to the press service of the Government the
president of the foundation mentioned the goals and
visions, the last years’ achievements and the
forthcoming perspectives of the foundation founded in
Armenia since 1999. She said that the laboratory of
the registry founded in Yerevan corresponds to the
international standards and that the foundation is a
member of Bone Marrow World Association.

Since 2001 14 thousands volunteer donors have signed
up not only from Armenia but from the Diaspora.

Source: Panorama.am