Author: Kanayan Tamar

Creativity Required: Surname Spellings & Variations

geneaology.about.com
June 22 2004

When we think of tracing our family tree, we often envision following
our surname back thousands of years to the first bearer of the name.
In our neat and tidy dream, each successive generation bears the same
surname – spelled exactly the same way in each and every record –
until we reach the dawn of man.

The dream comes to an end, however, when confronted with the
cold hard facts of genealogy research. For the majority of human
existence surnames were not even used. According to legends, China
first initiated the custom of using surnames during the reign of
Emperor Fu Xi (2852BC), but their use didn’t begin in the European
world until about the eleventh century, with some patronymic surnames
in Scandinavia bestowed as late as the nineteenth century. Surnames,
for the most part, evolved during the past eight hundred years to help
distinguish one person from another as the world’s population grew.
The acquisition of surnames has been influenced by many factors,
including social class, naming practices and patterns, and even
unusual events.

Even tracing your ancestors back to the point where they first
acquired surnames can be a challenge as surname spelling and
pronunciation has evolved over centuries, making it unlikely that
your present surname is the same as the original surname bestowed
on your distant ancestor. You may have a slight spelling variation
of the original name, an anglicized version, or even a completely
different surname. This may have occurred for such reasons as:

Illiteracy – the further back you go in your research, the more
you will find cases of ancestors who couldn’t read and write. Many
didn’t even know how their own names were spelled, only how to
pronounce them. Therefore, when they gave their names to clerks,
census enumerators, clergymen, or other officials, that person wrote
the name the way that it sounded to him. Even if they did have the
spelling memorized, the person recording the information may not have
asked. Example: the German HEYER has become HYER, HIER, HIRE, HIRES,
HIERS, etc.

Simplification – Immigrants, upon arrival in a new country, often
found that their name was difficult for others to spell or pronounce.
Therefore, they often simplified the spelling or altered their names
to relate them more closely to the language and pronunciations of
their new country. Example: the German ALBRECHT becomes ALBRIGHT,
or the Swedish JONSSON becomes JOHNSON

Necessity – Those from countries with alphabets other than Latin had
to transliterate them, producing many variations on the same name.
Example: the Ukranian surname ZHADKOWSKYI became ZADKOWSKI

Mispronunciation – Letters within a surname were often confused due to
verbal miscommunication or heavy accents. Example: depending upon the
accents of both the person speaking the name and the person writing
it down, KROEBER could become GROVER or CROWER

Desire to Fit In – Many foreigners changed their names in some way to
assimilate into their new country and culture. The most usual change
of surname was to translate the meaning of their surname into the
new language. Example: the Irish BREHONY became JUDGE

Desire to Break with the Past – Immigration was sometimes prompted in
one way or another by a desire to break with or escape the past. For
some immigrants this included ridding themselves of anything, including
their name, which reminded them of an unhappy life in the old country.
Example: Mexicans fleeing to America to escape the revolution

Dislike of Surname – People forced by governments to adopt surnames
which were not a part of their culture or were not of their choosing
would often shed themselves of such names at the first opportunity.
Example: Armenians forced by the Turkish government to give up their
traditional surnames and adopt new “Turkish” surnames would revert back
to their original surnames, or some variation, upon emigration/escape
from Turkey

Fear of Discrimination – Surname changes and modifications can
sometimes be attributed to a desire to conceal nationality or
religious orientation in fear of reprisal or discrimination. This
motive constantly appears among the Jews, who often faced
anti-Semitism. Example: the Jewish surname COHEN changed to COHN/KAHN
or WOLFSHEIMER shortened to WOLF

Gul: We Must Take Strength From Our Common Heritage Which Offers A
Rational And Humanistic Understanding Of The World

Anadolu Agency:
6/14/2004

ISTANBUL – Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah
Gul said on Monday, “as the Islamic countries, we must take strength
from our common heritage which offers a rational and humanistic
understanding of the world.”

Speaking at the 31st session of Islamic Conference of Foreign
Ministers in Istanbul, Gul said, “we meet again at a very crucial
time. The Arab-Israeli conflict with the question of Palestine at
its core is bleeding hopes away. Iraq has yet to show a genuine sign
towards stability. Africa`s problems remain to be solved. Terrorism is
expanding its scope and intensifying in ferocity. Sense of security
is fast diminishing. The continuing political, social and economic
deprivation is bringing greater instability. Those preaching clash of
civilizations are winning more attentive ears. Prejudices, fanaticism
and discrimination are everywhere. And, insecurity is now threatening
a global economic downturn.”

“We, as the Islamic countries, are affected by all these issues
directly. Therefore, we need to rise to the challenge. This is not
a matter of choice; it is a mission dictated by our common heritage
and our deep sense of history. Our task may be difficult. However,
we must not fall to desperation. We must take strength from our common
heritage which offers a rational and humanistic understanding of the
world. This quality of Islamic culture and tradition has produced
remarkable achievements in the past. But it is not enough to content
ourselves with the old times. Our present challenge is to work for
similar achievements today and in the future,” he said.

Gul noted, “it is gratifying to see that many fellow OIC members feel
the need for improved quality of political and social standards.
Even within the past one year, we have witnessed individual and
collective efforts towards this end.”

“There has been an increasing interest both in the West and the
East in Turkey`s experience in harmonizing contemporary values with
the traditional identity. Indeed, human rights, gender equality and
realization of universal standards including the European political
criteria by a Muslim society has been welcomed by all,” he stressed.

Gul listed common values as, “the sovereign nations that make up
the OIC are determined to further the political, economic, social
and cultural progress of their societies; equality and freedom
of their citizens is their cherished principle; transparency and
accountability are guiding principles of good governance; broadening
the representative nature and democratic practices of government is
a constant objective; providing contemporary education to all its
citizens is an essential function of the government; and sustainable
economic and social development should be pursued vigorously and
efforts should be deployed in reducing poverty.”

He enumerated collective efforts as, “the OIC members should assist
each other in their efforts for progress and reform; the OIC,
as an institution, should devise ways and means for supporting the
reforms in a collective framework; also for the purpose of shouldering
these tasks, the OIC needs to make a determined effort to adapt its
secretariat to the growing demands of today.”

“The OIC should develop and increase institutional relations with
other regional organizations such as the Arab League, the Economic
Cooperation Organization, the D-8, the Gulf Cooperation Council,
the African Union, the ASEAN, the European Union (EU), the Council
of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe,
and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, for the purpose
of fostering intra and inter-regional cooperation and for drawing
expertise and resources for the OIC members` national projects. These
institutional relations should also help strengthen global harmony
and attract meaningful interest in the settlement of the regional
disputes,” he said.

Gul added, “I also look forward to the convening of the second OIC-EU
joint forum in Istanbul next October. This meeting will take place at
a time when the need for cooperation and mutual understanding becomes
more important than ever.”

GUL: IT IS TIME FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ENGAGE IN DIRECT
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAS CONTACTS WITH TURKISH CYPRIOTS

Gul said, “the United Nations Settlement Plan was overwhelmingly
rejected by the Greek Cypriot side on April 24, 2004, while the
Turkish Cypriots approved it with a clear majority. This vote has
fundamentally changed the circumstances in Cyprus. The international
organizations and many countries expressed regret over the Greek
Cypriot attitude. They all welcomed the Turkish Cypriots` determination
for the settlement.”

“OIC Secretary General Dr. Belkeziz reported that the international
community, and the Muslim countries in particular, should work
together to address the plight of the Turkish Cypriots by supporting
them materially and politically. Also, the first ever official visit
of the OIC Secretary General on May 28, 2004 to the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus was most timely and meaningful. I commend this
action of solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots,” he stressed.

Gul noted, “The United Nations Secretary-General, in his recent report,
calls on all states to cooperate both bilaterally and in international
bodies to eliminate restrictions and barriers that have the effect
of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development.”

“Now it is high time for the international community to give full
backing to the Turkish Cypriots by engaging in direct economic,
commercial, social and cultural contacts with them. The EU and the
United States have already taken some steps with a view to putting
an end to the isolation of Turkish Cypriots,” he emphasized.

Gul added, “our current meeting is an opportunity for this organization
and the Islamic World to extend full support to Turkish Cypriot Muslim
brothers, so as to put an end to their isolation.”

GUL: IRAQ REMAINS INSECURE AND VOLATILE

Gul said, “Iraq now has an interim government that will assume
sovereignty by the end of this month. We wish this government to be
successful. We wish they prove to serve the collective interests of
the Iraqi people in their entirety. We wish they remain conscious
that the source of legitimacy of this interim government ultimately
lies with the people.”

“I commend Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, the Special Advisor of the United
Nations Secretary General, is helping move forward the transition in
Iraq. I hope the United Nations will be able to play its independent
and effective role in assisting the Iraqis in institution-building
and election preparation in the months ahead,” he said.

Gul stressed, “Iraq meanwhile remains insecure and volatile. Violence
and terror in Iraq need to be dealt with. This is essential for the
transformation and the rebuilding of the country. The international
community should support the Iraqi people in this process. It is a
moral obligation for us. It is also an investment for regional peace
and stability. In this respect, we welcome the unanimously adopted
UN Security Council resolution 1546.”

“The neighboring countries of Iraq have supported this country`s
free and peaceful future since the onset of the Iraqi crisis. This
continuing joint initiative is a great asset for the integrity and
the stability of Iraq,” he said.

Gul added, “the OIC has a meaningful role to play in Iraq.
Furthermore, UN Security Council Resolution 1546 calls upon
international and regional organizations to contribute to Iraq`s
stability. Therefore, we should elaborate on ways on how to assist
the political process as well as the humanitarian needs in Iraq.
Turkey, during its Chairmanship of the ICFM, will pay particular
attention to this point.”

GUL: I BELIEVE FULL SUPPORT WILL BE EXPENDED TO IHSANOGLU

Gul said, “Ihsanoglu has long been a household name for our
organization as the successful director general of IRCICA. I do not
need to repeat here what we all already know about this professional,
academic and administrative credentials. I am confident that the will
have more to offer as the Secretary-General of the Organization.”

“My government has an increasing interest in revitalizing the OIC
and its Secretariat. The OIC needs to continue to move forward as an
institution. We want to contribute to this in every possible way we
can. It is in this spirit that my Government has decided to nominate
a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the OIC,” he noted.

Gul said, “Turkey will do its utmost over the next year as the Chairman
of the ICFM to rise up to the challenges facing the Organization. We
are confident that we can count on your full support.”

“The question of Palestine has become even more acute over
the past year. Violence claimed many more innocent lives. The
destruction brought by the policies of Israel deprived thousands
of more Palestinians of even minimum requirements for living. The
Palestinian Authority remains mainly incapacitated. Turkey has
all along stated that the employment of terror, suicide missions,
targeted assassinations and deliberate destruction can bring no good
to any party either now or in the longer run. I would like to draw
the attention of the international community once more to the urgency
of the solution of this problem which, coupled with the situation in
Iraq, continues to undermine global peace and harmony,” Gul noted.

Abdullah Gul stressed that, “in this regard, I commend the initiative
taken by Malaysia, the OIC Summit Chairman. The Special Ministerial
meeting held last April has led to a well-organized diplomatic
activity. The OIC Ministerial delegation, including Turkey, has thus
far met three of the four Quartet partners. Our message to the sponsors
of the road-map has been clear. The OIC will actively stand behind
genuine movement towards settlement, and the OIC will be watchful of
all concerned parties.”

He said, “inspired also by the Arab Peace Initiative, based on the
wise ideas of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the OIC can
oversee the process to achieve the two-state solution between Israel
and Palestine. We can do the same for Israel`s peace with Syria and
Lebanon, based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. This
can be achieved through the OIC mechanisms already available. Thus,
the OIC, from its political and moral high ground, can offer full
normalization and cooperation in the region.”

-AFRICA-

Gul said, “Africa needs our particular attention. The longstanding
problems of economic development, health and famine continue to
undermine the nations of this continent. Regional conflicts make their
challenges even more difficult. The need to support sustainable
development and social progress in Africa is an international
responsibility of which we need to take our share.”

-AFGHANISTAN-

“Concerning Afghanistan, we are pleased that the Bonn process is
being implemented successfully despite difficulties. Adoption of the
new constitution is an important step towards the establishment of a
new political structure in Afghanistan. With the upcoming elections
in September, a new chapter will be opened. To maintain the pace
of this progress, Afghanistan needs the continued commitment of
the international community. Turkey will continue its support to
Afghanistan,” Gul noted.

-JAMMU AND KASHMIR-

Foreign Minister Gul said “we remained concerned by the ongoing
situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Its people have already suffered
greatly. This question undermines the stability of the whole region.
We look forward to a peaceful solution to this question through
dialogue, on the basis of international legitimacy. The human rights
of the Kahsmiri people should be fully respected and their will
honored as mandated by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The recent moves made by both Pakistan and India and the process of
“composite dialogue” have increased our hopes. We commend Pakistan
for its continued efforts to sustain this dialogue. We wish to see
these efforts will be crowned with success this time.”

-AZERI-ARMENIAN CONFLICT-

Gul stressed that the Azeri-Armenian conflict still stands as
one of the principle obstacles to regional stability, prosperity
and cooperation in Southern Caucasia. The time has come to find a
peaceful solution to this conflict within the territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan. The Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories
has to be brought to an end. This is in the interest of the regional
countries as well as the international community. Turkey is ready to
play its role in settling this issue.

“International terrorism is widening its reach and increasing in
ferocity. It continues to claim lives and hopes around the world.
Terrorism has not religion, ethnicity or culture. It is an affront
to the humanity. Therefore, it must be fought back resolutely,”
he pointed out

-MUSLIM MINORITY-

“For many years, the OIC has been monitoring the conditions of the
Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace. This minority has vested
rights based on bilateral agreements and international instruments.
However, they are not yet able to enjoy these basic minority rights
to the full extend. The OIC therefore needs to continue to follow
the Turkish Muslim minority`s plight closely. I hope my Government`s
improving relations and dialogue with Greece will also contribute to
the betterment of this minority`s conditions,” Gul stated.

-ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OF OIC-

“The economic and commercial activities of the OIC constitute one
of the main pillars of our cooperation. The Standing Committee for
Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), chaired by the President
of Turkey, has been a highly effective instrument in this respect. And
this year marks the 20th anniversary of its inception. A special
meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade will be organized to mark
this and to evaluate the perspectives of further economic-commercial
cooperation among us,” Gul said.

Gul emphasized, “this year, we are also pleased to see the Framework
Agreement for the Trade Preferential System among the Member Countries
of the OIC coming into force. This is indeed a landmark. The Trade
Negotiating Committee formed under this agreement has also held its
first meeting recently in Turkey.”

“In this respect, I would also like to express my Government`s
continued support for the activities of the two successful subsidiary
organs of the OIC hosted by Turkey, namely IRCICA and SESRTCIC,”
he noted.

Gul said, “I tried to address a number of major issues for our
organization. Many more vital matters constitute part of our agenda.
Dealing with these requires year-round dedication and hard work. That
is where the role of the Secretariat becomes crucial.

WORLD BANK TO REVIEW AND APPROVE NEW LOAN PROGRAM FOR ARMENIA

ArmenPress
June 10 2004

YEREVAN, JUNE 10, ARMENPRESS: The World Bank Board of Directors
is set to review and approve today a four year loan program for
assisting Armenia. WB Resident Representative Rodger Robinson is
to represent Armenia at the meeting. Armenian finance and economy
minister Vartan Khachatrian said earlier that the government expects
to receive around $200 million from World Bank in the four years to
come for implementation of strategic projects.

Vigen Sarkisian, a spokesman for World Bank Yerevan office, said
three additional projects, related to health, social security and
dam reinforcement, worth $30 million, will be also submitted to the
Board of Directors’ consideration.

World Bank has made available a total of $788 million to Armenia
for implementation of 33 projects since 1992, when Armenia joined
this organization.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
June 11, 2004

His Holiness Karekin II Departs for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland

On June 10, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, departed for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland for an official visit to the Church of England, upon the invitation
of His Grace Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the
Anglican Communion. Following the ecumenical visit, His Holiness will
conduct his first Pontifical Visit to the Armenian Church Diocese of Great
Britain.

>>From June 10-14, His Holiness will stay in Lambeth Palace, which is the
administrative center of the Church of England. On June 11, the Pontiff of
All Armenians will meet with the Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by a
meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. In the
course of the trip, His Holiness will visit the Nikaean Club, the Shrine of
St Edward and Shrines of 20th Century Martyrs, St Mary’s Abbey (Anglican
Benedictine Women’s Community), and the King’s School, Canterbury. His
Holiness will also attend prayer services in Westminster Abbey, and on
Sunday, June 13, will deliver a homily in Canterbury Cathedral during church
services.

As part of the ecumenical portion of the visit, His Holiness is scheduled to
have meetings with His Eminence Gregorios, Archbishop of Thyateira and Great
Britain (of the Greek Orthodox Church), and the Council of Oriental Orthodox
Churches.

>>From June 14-19, the Catholicos of All Armenians will visit the Armenian
Church Diocese of Great Britain. His Holiness will meet with Armenian
community members, visit the St. Sarkis Armenian Church (Diocesan
Headquarters), and will preside during the celebration of Divine Liturgy in
St. Yeghishe Armenian Church. His Holiness will also receive the Armenian
community of Manchester.

His Holiness Karekin II is accompanied by His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrosian,
Director of Inter-Church Relations; His Grace Bishop Yezras Nersissian,
Primate of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia; Rev. Fr.
Mesrop Parsamian, Staff-bearer of His Holiness; and Dr. Radik Martirossian,
Rector of Yerevan State University.

##

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
June 8 2004

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONCERN FOR PEOPLE – PRIORITY
DIRECTIONS OF STATE POLICY IN AZERBAIJAN

SPEECH OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV AT CEREMONY OF NAMING
CENTRAL SQUARE AND AVENUE IN THE TOWN OF YEVLAKH AFTER NATION-WIDE
LEADER HEYDAR ALIYEV
[June 08, 2004, 18:21:38]

Dear residents of Yevlakh!

Dear sisters and brothers!

I am cordially greeting you all, and expressing my deep respect and
love to you.

A very remarkable event is taking place today in Yevlakh. These nice
square and avenue are about to be named after nation-wide leader of
our people Heydar Aliyev. On this occasion I extend my sincere
congratulations to all of you.

Nation-wide leader of our people Heydar Aliyev served the Motherland
and nation during all his lifetime. In 1970-80s, the great
constructive work was carried out under his leadership. The country’s
economy was developing leaving behind the rest of the Soviet
Republics. The people in the Soviet Azerbaijan, indeed, felt this:
standard of living increased, new enterprises, hospitals, schools,
scientific and cultural centers were built. It was exactly the period
when powerful economic potential was created in Azerbaijan,
particularly, on oil sector. This potential is serving independent
Azerbaijan even today, and is a great support of the country’s
economy.

After coming back to power in 1993, this time to govern independent
Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev continued to serve his people, and helped
the country out of difficult situation. We all remember well that
after re-gaining independence Azerbaijan appeared to be in the very
difficult situation. On the one hand, Armenian aggression against
Azerbaijan, on the other hand processes taken place within the
country. Chaos and anarchy were ruling the country. At that hard
time, the people appealed again to their nation-wide leader, and
invited him to Baku. After Heydar Aliyev returned to the capital,
stability has been re-established in the country, and favorable
conditions have been created here for further development. Since
then, Azerbaijan has been successfully developed.

Our country has managed to occupy a worthy place in the international
arena. My recent foreign visits have shown again that Azerbaijan has
turned into a very important country in the region. Of course, it, in
the first place, is the result of Heydar Aliyev’s efforts, triumph of
his diplomacy.

Huge investments have been made in our country, and Azerbaijan is a
leading one from this standpoint, as well. Today, a section of the
Baku–Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and large pumping station are being
constructed in Yevlakh. It of course became possible thanks to the
activities of Heydar Aliyev. If the oil strategy were not laid by
Heydar Aliyev in 1994, we would not achieve such successes.

At the same time, social problems are also resolved in Azerbaijan.
Living conditions of refugees and IDPs are improved – new
settlements, schools and hospitals are being constructed for them.
This process will be continued. I stated during my pre-election
campaign that no an encampment would remain in the country. In this
connection, relevant decrees have already been signed, and their
implementation has already started.

In a word, Azerbaijan has been strengthened under the leadership of
Heydar Aliyev for the past decade. Today, our country is looking to
the future with confidence. We have great prospects. The whole world
knows that Azerbaijan will shortly turn into economically powerful
state. To reach this goal, it is first of all necessary to continue
Heydar Aliyev’s policy. Today, taking the opportunity, I want to
express my gratitude to the people of Yevlakh for supporting the
Heydar Aliyev’s policy in the elections. There are no alternatives to
this course. And we will do continue that in all spheres.

Azerbaijan’s positions in the international arena will do
strengthened. My recent visits indicate once again that Azerbaijan is
pursuing very successful policy in this direction. Azerbaijan has
good relations with the world’s most prestigious international
organizations – Council of Europe, European Union and NATO, as well
as with the world’s leading countries.

Azerbaijan’s economy strengthens day by day and intensively develops.
Measures are taken to open new working places. Oil strategy continues
successfully and in early next year the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan MEP will
be put into operation. Social problems are solved. Last year the
pensions and wages have increased. These positive trends will
continue. We shall try to do our best to improve living conditions of
our people.

As you know, we have adopted socio-economic and regional programs
important for future development of Azerbaijan. These programs are
being realized. I am confident that in the coming five years,
realization of them will greatly benefit our Republic. We are
fighting poverty and this will be continued. Opening of new working
places is priority for us and I have several times stated on this.
Today, with a feeling deep pleasure I would like to say that about 30
thousand of working places have been opened after the President
elections. It is also pleased that these working places have been
opened in the regions. This is one of the major factors of our
policy. All regions of Azerbaijan should develop. All the regions and
cities, settlements and villages, all residential areas should
develop. The people should be employed. I am very glad that early
conclusions of this policy have become reality. I am convinced that
these trends will continue and poverty and unemployment will be
abolished.

Today, I am pleased of being in Yevlakh. It was said here that I had
visited Yevlakh before the elections and met the residents of
Yevlakh. I received their support and won at the elections. It is
rather pleased that large-scale works are carried out in Yevlakh. You
know that I have appointed a new head of the executive power in
Yevlakh. In the course of conversation, we have decided that probably
in six months I shall come here to familiarize with the done works. I
am very glad that this was two months. Large works have been done in
Yevlakh during these two months – streets and parks have been paved,
enterprises restored, attention and care for people increased. Should
these factors exist everywhere, Azerbaijan will solve its problems in
a short period. I hope it will be so. If in Yevlakh during two months
such large-scale works have been done, then, I am sure it can be done
on other regions as well. I have a demand for all the executives and
managers in the places – to develop the cities, regions, build and
open new working places, set conditions for entrepreneurs, assist the
farmers, peasants, at the same time attentively treat the people. I
am rather glad that all these are being realized in Yevlakh. I wish
success to the new management, the residents of Yevlakh in this
direction.

The grounds of this policy have been established in 1993. Should this
course of development not be taken in that year, today Azerbaijan
would face more problems. In those years, difficult problems of the
Republic were solved. Restoration of stability, maintenance of order
and rule and at the same time, as an important problem – the process
of strengthening of Azerbaijan statehood was launched. At that time,
the state independence of Azerbaijan was under jeopardy. As a result
of Heydar Aliyev’s gigantic efforts, significant steps were made in
this direction. To say, Azerbaijan, since 1996, has overcome all
these difficulties. Since that time, the country is developing
dynamically.

Today, we are optimist for the coming years. Morrow is bright. The
Country will develop, strengthen, become stronger and our crucial
problem – the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh problem find its
solution. I am confident. Our cause is fair. We support justice, want
to restore territorial integrity of our Country. We try this conflict
to find its solution in the frame of international law and
peacefully. At the same time, we should be ready for all other
happenings. We have no claims on territories of others and will not
give a span of Azerbaijani land to others. We shall liberate our
native lands. We are going to do it in peaceful way. Should it not be
possible, we shall do it by all means.

Heydar Aliyev’s policy should be continued to solve the forthcoming
tasks and problems. Azerbaijan needs this policy today and it will
need it tomorrow. I have stated to adhere to this policy before the
elections and I am devoted to this policy today and will not
backtrack from this. We shall go only forward and to new
accomplishments.

Dear residents of Yevlakh, I once again congratulate you on naming
this Square and Avenue after the national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar
Aliyev, wish you new successes, new victories. Thank you.

Fighting for Life: “I couldn’t bury my daughter alive”
Yulia Kirnitski and Janar Amankulov, ArmeniaNow Interns

ArmeniaNow
04Jue2004

The little girl who has few reasons to smile is holding a ball that
says: “Smile ! Jesus loves you!”

Liana, age 10, was not expected to be alive by now. She has acute
myelogenous leucosis, one of the most fatal forms of leukemia.

Four months ago doctors told her father that the girl was too sick to
even bother staying in hospital. They told him to take her home. To
die.

“I couldn’t bury my daughter alive,” says Aram Givargizov, Liana’s
father. “I knew I had to do everything to save my child and I insisted
on her hospitalization.”

The disease has completely destroyed the girl’s bone marrow and
the level of white blood cells was 10 ten times below normal,
says the doctor who treats Liana at the Institute of Hematology,
Samvel Agatelyan.

In her first month of treatment, she had 25 blood transfusions because
of non-stop bleeding from her gums.

Liana lives with her parents and two sisters, in Upper Dvin, a village
of about 3,000 in the Artashat region, some 35 kilometers south of
Yerevan. Her father is Assyrian; her mother is Armenian.

At the end of last year the girl caught cold. There is no hospital
in Upper Dvin. There’s only one doctor, who examined Liana and said
she had a usual case of flu.

But when Liana’s health worsened, her parents took her to doctors in
Artashat. There, the discovery of her true condition was devastating
and incomprehensible.

“She never fell ill when she was little,” recalls Anna Khachaturyan,
Liana’s mother.

The doctor says that if she’d been brought to the hospital a week
later, it would have been impossible to save the girl.

Only 15 percent of patients with her diagnosis are cured. Intensive
treatment lasts a year and a half and consists of four courses. On
whole, patients have to be under a doctor’s observation for five
years to get the disease to a manageable level.

After the first course of treatment the girl’s state significantly
improved. The mother is happy saying, “Lianik’s analysis is clear.”

Agatelyan explains that “tissues of bone marrow have completely
recovered but there still are cancerous cells in the organism.”

After a month of being confined to bed the doctor allowed Liana to
walk, but not long. The first thing she did was ask her mother to
take her to a church and then to a merry-go-round. In the street
the girl never takes off her blue hat. It covers the balding effects
of chemotherapy.

Liana says that during the long days spent in hospital she likes
most of all to draw. Her drawings now decorate the pale walls of the
hospital ward. She especially likes drawing flowers and animals.

The first course of treatment cost $1000, says Anna. For a family
dependent on a teacher’s salary (an average of about $30 a month)
and whatever the garden produces to sell in market, the amount is
inconceivable.

But while money is hard to come by, the support of friends has
been plenty.

When villagers found out about Liana’s disease, they came to the
hospital to give blood. They also collected money. Anna says there was
a lot of support from the priest of Upper Dvin village, father Isahak.

Just recently Liana has started the second course of treatment. The
girl’s father says if they don’t manage to find money to continue
the treatment they’ll have to sell their only cow.

But giving up the family’s source of income would be a price worth
paying, especially seeing the improvement Liana has made in recent
weeks.

She remains in hospital. But these days, Liana can sometimes go
outside. She plays with her sisters and other kids at the hospital. And
the smiles in her room are not just on the ball in her hand.

(If you would like to send a letter of encouragement, or help Liana
and her family, write to us at [email protected])

INTERNET CHESS TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER

A1 Plus | 18:04:01 | 04-06-2004 | Sports |

Armenian Chess Academy has decided to organize Internet Chess
Tournament in December of this year, in which four best countries –
China, India, Russia and Armenia – will take part.

Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan called on the Council for
Informational Technologies Development and its crews to take active
part in the event.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
June 3 2004

ONE-ON-ONE MEETING OF PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV AND
PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE LEONID KUCHMA
[June 03, 2004, 22:57:13]

President Leonid Kuchma and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had
a one-on-one meeting at the residence of the President of Ukraine on
3 June, AzerTAj correspondents reported.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked to President Leonid Kuchma for
invitation on a state visit to Ukraine and expressed hope that the
current visit would play important role in development of relations
between the two countries. Expressing his gratitude to the Ukrainian
leader for erection of monument to the national leader of Azerbaijan
people Heydar Aliyev in Kiev, Head of Azerbaijan State said that just
thanks to the efforts of President Heydar Aliyev President Leonid
Kuchma the bilateral relations between the two countries developed
speedy. As was noted the cooperation of the two countries in the
frame of international organizations is also high level. President
Ilham Aliyev also underlined his satisfaction with the economic links,
goods turnover and realization of joint projects.

Noting exclusive role of President Heydar Aliyev in development of
the relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, President Kuchma said
that he always remembers him.

Touching upon the prospects of the bilateral relations, the state visit
of President Ilham Aliyev and the documents to be signed, including
the joint Statement the Presidents will sign, President Leonid Kuchma
said that this visit would open a new phase in the bilateral relations.

During the meeting, discussed were issues of cooperation in the
trade-economic relations, including in transportation of the oil
and energy carriers to Europe, international problems, cooperation
issues in the frame of GUUAM, mutual links with the European Union
and NATO, and exchange views on political, socio-economic situation
in both countries. The Heads of State also focused settlement of the
Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict. President Leonid
Kuchma stated that Ukraine adheres to peaceful resolution to the
problem, supports territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and would do
it henceforth.

Those dark, soulful eyes

The Age
Australia

May 29, 2004

Melbourne writer Carole Browne remembers a charmed moment with
Charles Aznavour.

The promoter was horrified at the question. “No, he won’t agree.”
“But surely I can ask him?” I replied.

“It’s a waste of time. You know he never touches women in public.”
It was 1976 in Melbourne. The man we were talking about interrupted
the exchange, which involved an introduction to a TV interview. He
was short, craggy and dressed in brown; brown jacket, brown trousers
and brown-striped shirt.

Even his thinning hair and long sideburns were brown.

An ordinary-looking man, until he smiled and spoke. The voice was
soft and accented, his face crinkled in an elfin grin.

Quickly I asked: “Monsieur, before the interview, I’d like us to
slowly dance for the camera. What do you think?”

A pause, a frown, a Gallic shrug and then a smile as he agreed. I
gently turned his back to the camera and danced, in a fashion, with
the man adored by millions of women, Charles Aznavour.

As we were the same height, around 162cm, it was easy to address the
camera across his shoulder. He then turned to thefront on the final
words, so ladies eat your hearts out.

Aznavour was then 52 and had that undeniable something, a
sexiness. During the interview, it was more than pleasant looking
into dark, soulful eyes or being aware of his sensuous mouth. His eyes
widened under bushy raised eyebrows when confiding that away from the
stage he loved simple things: shopping, cooking or just doing nothing
at home. Coyly he said he had learned to work with his hands. So
he was a handyman? He chuckled that, well, he could change a fuse.
Those expressive hands were never still, pointing or emphasising words.

Discussing early struggles, his censored songs and connection with
Edith Piaf, he became sombre. More than once he stressed that even
having known poverty as a child, his family had been very loving;
very different to Piaf’s life. Two years later, Charles Aznavour was
again in Melbourne. He looked happier and younger than before. His hair
was short and thicker, with just a hint of grey. No brown clothes ths
time. Instead, he wore a navy sweater with sailing pennants. He said
was going to be a sailor. He waxed lyrical about riding motorcycles
with his children down to a harbour and cruising in a small motorboat
he intended to buy. They lived close to Lake Geneva and he wanted to
visit cafes around the lake to sit, drink coffee and meet people.

When complimented on how healthy he looked, he was animated, raving
about his new saltwater spa bath.

>>From his mid-20s he had had arthritis and rheumatism. For years
he had felt like an old man. Grinning again, he sat back relaxed,
arms out wide, saying he had been cured and felt great.

Talking about his composition, Yesterday When I Was Young, I asked
if he would like his youth back again. No, he felt that life was not
long enough for him and it would not be interesting to step back and
do it again. No, he would much prefer to have a longer life with 20
more years to live.

Then he was only 54. Recently he turned 80. Happy Birthday – Bon
Anniversaire – Charles Aznavour.

Carole Browne worked for channels Nine and Ten in the 1970s.
This story was found at:

CHS students hear first-hand stories of survival
By MICHELLE COLE 05/28/2004

Coventry Courier, RI
May 28 2004

COVENTRY – High school students from across the state heard firsthand
the stories of survivors during Coventry High School’s first annual
History Symposium last Thursday.

The theme for the day was “Terror and Tragedy in the 20th Century,”
and presentations focused on three infamous historical events: the
Armenian genocide; the Holocaust; and the Cambodian genocide.

Nicole St. Jean and Mackenzie Zabbo, two CHS seniors, organized
the history day as part of their CIM project. The students had
participated in a “Terror and Tragedy” unit in their 11th grade
history class and decided to pursue the issues as their CIM project
to share the experience with others, according to Matthew Brissette,
social studies chairperson.

Five schools attended the History Symposium last Thursday, packing
about 450 students into the high school auditorium to learn from the
guest speakers.

“If [the students] can see things firsthand, it’s going to have that
much more profound of an impact,” Brissette explained.

With moving presentations from the survivors, students learned how
some childhoods end suddenly and tragically as young children are
caught in the crossfire of government changes and warfare.

For Loung Ung, one of the three guest speakers, her childhood – with
its memories of going to the movies with her father and sitting on
his lap eating fried cricket snacks – ended when a new regime took
power in Cambodia.

She was five years old.

In 1975, Ung’s family joined in the mass evacuation of homes from
the city of Phnom Penh and was forced to try to farm in primitive
“labor camp villages” in the countryside. She shared memories of
malnutrition and starvation and how she ate charcoal – imagining it
was cake – for her sixth birthday.

These changes were part of the new Khmer Rouge regime’s desire to
create a utopian agrarian society, Ung explained, and any who were
different or did not conform to this ideal were killed. Ung told
students how both of her parents – as well as 20 other relatives –
were killed by the regime. At nine years old, she was orphaned and
had to train as a child soldier.

In 1979 the Vietnamese army defeated the Khmer Rouge, and Ung was
able to escape the country. Today, she speaks to audiences about the
dangers of land mines – which still threaten the people in Cambodia
decades later – and the need for justice and peace. She is the
author of First They Killed My Father: a Cambodia Daughter Remembers
(published by HarperCollins in 2000).

“Peace is a choice. Peace is an action,” Ung said. Other speakers
included Moushegh Derderian and Alice Golstein. Derderian was born
in Turkey in 1911 and is a survivor of the Armenian genocide. From
1915 to 1923, more than 1.5 million Armenians were killed by the
Ottoman Turkish Government in a move to exterminate all of the
two million Armenians from the multi-ethnic Empire, according to a
handout. Golstein was born in Germany at the beginning of the Nazi era
and experienced many of the devastations leading up to the Holocaust.

“[The History Symposium] went very well for the first time,”
Brissette said. “Most students seem to be pretty positive [about
the experience].”

Brissette said he hopes the history day will continue in the coming
years through student organization and departmental support.