Author: Nadirian Emma

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 1) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 1) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

March 4, 2005

ACNIS Releases Public Opinion Results
on Constitutional and Election Code Reforms

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
today issued the results of a public poll on “Constitutional and Electoral
Reforms” which it conducted in February among 1500 citizens from Yerevan and
all of Armenia’s regions.

ACNIS founding director Raffi Hovannisian greeted the invited guests and
public participants with opening remarks. “I trust this first survey of the
year will provide a solid basis for interpreting and evaluating Armenian
public attitudes toward democratic values and for clarifying citizen
perceptions of key constitutional and electoral issues,” Hovannisian said.

ACNIS research coordinator Stepan Safarian focused in detail on the findings
of the opinion poll. Accordingly, a majority of surveyed citizens (70.7%) is
completely or partially familiar with the content of the Armenian
Constitution, while 29.3% are not familiar at all. 29.5% of those who are
more or less familiar with the provisions of the Constitution think that
whatever is written in it is not implemented at all, 46.5% believe it to be
partially implemented, and only 2.3% completely implemented, with 21.5%
finding it difficult to answer. 38.5% of participating citizens are of the
opinion that the Constitution needs reform, 10.4% feel the necessity for a
new Constitution, whereas 38.8% conclude that more important than reforms is
the systematic implementation of its existing provisions.

As for society’s expectations from the constitutional reforms, 37.1% of
citizens expect expansion of human rights and improvement of constitutional
guarantees for their protection, 3.9% the opposite, that is restriction of
human rights and freedoms, 14.4% clarification of relations among the
president, parliament, government, and judicial branch of power, 10.9%
limitation of the president’s prerogatives, 8.2% raising the role of the
National Assembly, 8.7% stipulation of mechanisms for the real independence
of judicial authority, 4.5% raising the self-sufficiency of local
government, and 7.2% fulfillment of Armenia’s commitments before the Council
of Europe. 26.2% have no expectations, and 9.7% find it difficult to answer.

11.6% of respondents prefer a presidential system of government, 7.7% a
parliamentary system, and 16.7% a semi-presidential one, whereas 51.7% think
what is most important is democracy. 5.6% of citizens opine that the prime
minister should be appointed by the president without the National Assembly’
s consent, 14.9% by the National Assembly without the president’s consent,
24.9% by the president with the National Assembly’s consent, and 20.9% by
the National Assembly with the president’s consent. As for the dissolution
of parliament, 13% of the respondents assert that the president should
retain the right to dissolve it and call new elections, 42.5% think it
should be dissolved only by referendum held by demand of a certain number of
voters, and 15.5% are generally against its dissolution. 25.1% of citizens
are convinced that courts will be just and impartial if judges are elected
by the people, 8.3% if the National Assembly appoints and dismisses judges,
and but 4% if the president appoints and dismisses them.

Among the surveyed public, 26.7% consider presidential elections to be most
important, 6.3% parliamentary polls, and 3.5% municipal elections, with
46.6% finding all of them to be equally significant. 17.9%, however, say
they have not taken part in the elections of recent years. 15% of these are
not interested in politics, 35.2% have abstained because of falsifications,
and 11.3% are convinced that no candidate deserved to be elected. 40.9% hold
that the results of the 2003 presidential elections raise the most doubts
from the point of view of their legitimacy, 24.8% cite the elections of
1996, and 22.2% those of 1998, while 33.6% maintain that they are equally
untrustworthy. A plurality (38.9%) of responding citizens asserts that the
most unfair parliamentary elections were held in 2003. As for local
elections, 4.7% think the 1996 results are the most suspect, 6.4% those of
1999, and 16.7% those of 2002.

As for the major factor influencing elections held in Armenia, 39.9%
pinpoint money, 36.8% pro-incumbent administrative levers, 6.9% the mass
media, 4.3% the candidate’s ideological and party belonging, and only 5.7%
the candidate’s personal characteristics. 51.4% of citizens believe that
elections will be freer and fairer if the army is deprived of the right to
vote. Nonetheless, there also are other ways of reducing election
falsifications. 21.4% think elections will not be falsified or will be
falsified in smaller measure if the election commissions represent equally
all the parties competing in the electoral process, 18.1% if commissions are
composed not of political party representatives but of neutral specialists,
18.8% if the commission head or certain members are appointed by
international observation missions, and 17.3% if the president does not
possess the prerogative to appoint commission members.

The second item on the day’s agenda was a presentation by Constitutional
Court Justice Felix Tokhian on “Securing Constitutional and Electoral Rights
in the Armenian Reality.” “The ideology of the current Constitution is
intended to ensure the country’s governability, but it should instead be
focused on citizens’ rights, that is the establishment of democratic
precepts,” he underscored.

An alternative conception on the constitutional and electoral code reforms
was presented by Grigor Ghonjeyan of the United Labor Party. He detailed the
controversial provisions of the reform draft proposed by his party,
referring particularly to the impermissibility of depriving people of
citizenship, the manner of alienating property, the role of the church, the
ban on dual citizenship, and the functions of the branches of power. “We
have been guided by the principle of making the human being the axis of the
Constitution,” he emphasized.

“To what extent have the suggestions of the Venice Commission been taken
into account?” Political scientist and constitutional lawyer Vardan
Poghosian reflected on the two drafts proposed by the governing coalition
and the United Labor Party, underlining the importance of clarifying the
president’s constitutional-legal status as well as the relations between
president and government, government and parliament. “The president should
not have the prerogative to dismiss the prime minister, as he is not the
head of the executive branch under the current system,” he said, adding that
the president’s authority should be limited to guaranteeing the country’s
defense capacity and national security. In his opinion, the constitutional
reforms should be based on the draft of 2001 approved by the Venice
Commission.

The formal interventions were followed by contributions by former Prime
Minister Khosrov Harutiunian of the Christian Democratic Party; former
presidential adviser Levon Zurabian; Ruben Torosian of the Human
Rights-Democracy Party; Noyan Tapan news agency political analyst Davit
Petrosian; Albert Baghdasarian of the National Democratic Union; Petros
Makeyan of Democratic Fatherland; lawyer Norair Yeghiazarian; and several
others.

47.2% of respondents participating in the ACNIS poll are male and 52.8%
female; 7.2% are 17-20 years of age, 24.8% 21-30, 23.1% 31-40, 22.8% 41-50,
14.2% 51-60, 7.1% 61-70, and 0.8% 71 or above. 44.4% of them have received a
higher education, 12.8% incomplete higher, 20.5% specialized secondary, 16%
secondary, and 2.3% incomplete secondary training. 58.3% are actively
employed and 23.9% unemployed, 5.2% are pensioners, 1.7% welfare recipients,
and 10.7% students. Urban residents constitute 61.9% of the citizens
surveyed, while rural residents make up 38.1%. 30.7% of all respondents hail
from Yerevan, and the rest are from outside the capital city.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2005, the Center focuses
primarily on civic education, conflict resolution, and applied research on
critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the state and the nation.

For further information on the Center or the full graphics of the poll
results, call (3741) 52-87-80 or 27-48-18; fax (3741) 52-48-46; e-mail
[email protected] or [email protected]; or visit or

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE MEETING
OF THE MECC UNIT ON “LIFE AND SERVICE”

The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized a meeting of its “Life
and Service” unit on the 15th of February in the headquarters of the
council, Beirut. Aline Baghdasarian participated in the meeting as a
representative from the unit on behalf of the Armenian Catholicosate of
Cilicia.

The activities carried out by the unit’s central committee in the fields of
health and preparation of manpower were discussed during the meeting. The
participants decided to carry on these activities by consulting with MECC
member churches.

##

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

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone 212.319.6383 x.118
Fax 212.319.6507
Email [email protected]
Website

Thursday, March 3, 2005

AGBU YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF LOS ANGELES PRESENT DIG ART EXHIBIT

Pasadena, CA – AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles (YPLA) hosted
DIG Art, an exhibit of digital artwork, the weekend of January 21st at
AGBU Pasadena Center. The opening night event attracted over 300
guests. DIG Art showcased the works of cutting-edge artists in the
Armenian community who transform traditional two-dimensional artwork
into three-dimensional computer imagery and animation.

Under the direction of YPLA Chairwoman, Cynthia Simonian, the YPLA
Committee curated a striking exhibit by displaying the artwork in an
industrial setting with print work and looping demo reels on plasma
screens set to vibrant sounds. Participating artists included Hovig
Alahaidoyan, Zareh Gorjian, Yvette Khalafian, Roger Kupelian, Michele
Matossian, Mike Yazijian, and Addis Zaryan.

DIG Art was also proud to present the U.S. premiere of “Pencils to
Pixels,” a short documentary chronicling the wide shift from hand
drawn animation to 3-D, computer-generated imagery. The film included
interviews with renowned animation artists, directors, and
producers. “The documentary is a fantastic piece featuring some of the
best artists in animation, from Disney, DreamWorks, Sony, and Rhythm
and Hues. It gives an in-depth look at the transition from the artists
perspective, and it was a great ‘tie-in’ for the exhibit,” commented
Jamie Kezlarian Bolio, “Pencils to Pixels” cast and crew member.

YPLA Chairwoman Cynthia Simonian added, “The exhibit’s main purpose
was to introduce and promote Armenian artists who have excelled in the
field of digital imagery. Our community should know about these
artists who truly are a force in their respective professions of film,
academia, and science.”

Established in 1995, AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles has
created an exciting environment that encourages fellow Armenian
professionals to network by cultivating a greater sense of community
through its many philanthropic, cultural, and educational
programs. For more information on YPLA, visit For
more information on AGBU Young Professionals, please visit

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 3 2005

Ceasefire violations could be purposeful, says OSCE chairman’s envoy

Baku, March 2, AssA-Irada

Ceasefire violations on the Armenia-Azerbaijan frontline are
unacceptable and cause tensions in the region. Such instances
negatively affect peace talks and could be purposeful, the OSCE
chairman’s special envoy Anjey Kaspshik said, commenting on the
frequent ceasefire violations on the contact line of the Azeri and
Armenian troops.
Kaspshik said it was difficult to find out which side is responsible
for the ceasefire violations, as the sides blame each other for such
incidents. He added that he would prepare a report on the frontline
situation soon.*

PRESS RELEASE
March 2, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]; Web:

Conference on Armenian Literature and Identity to be Held in Yerevan in
October 2005

The Government of Armenia is organizing a series of celebratory events in
2005 and 2006 dedicated to the 1600th anniversary of the invention of
Armenian alphabet by St. Mesrop Mashtots, to promote the Armenian language
and literature and raise awareness of the Armenian culture globally.

In October 2005, a conference on the Armenian Identity and Literature will
be held in Yerevan, as part of the Holy Translators Festival. The conference
is open to participation by all Armenian writers, including Armenian authors
living in foreign countries whose works are in a language other than
Armenian. Translators of Armenian authors and publishers are also encouraged
to attend.

Writers, translators, and publishers interested in attending the conference
in Yerevan, or any other event in connection with the 1600th anniversary of
the Armenian Alphabet should contact the Embassy of Armenia at 202-319-1976
or [email protected].

The Embassy of Armenia will provide a program of celebratory events upon
request.

EUROPA (press release), Belgium

European Neighbourhood Policy: the next steps

Reference: IP/05/236 Date: 02/03/2005

IP/05/236

Brussels, 2 March 2005

European Neighbourhood Policy: the next steps
The Commission has today recommended an intensification of relations with
Egypt and Lebanon, and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, based on Country
Reports on all five countries published by the European Commission today. On
the basis of these reports, the Council is invited to decide whether to
develop Action Plans under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) with the
three Southern Caucasus countries: the decision has already been taken to
negotiate Action Plans with Egypt and Lebanon, although for Lebanon the
timing will depend on the evolution of the political situation. The purpose
of these Action Plans will be to define a joint agenda for relations with
the EU for the following three to five years, with the objective of
deepening political co operation and economic integration.

Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy,
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commented `For the Neighbourhood Policy, 2005 will
be the year of delivery – we will begin implementation of the Action Plans
already adopted, develop as soon as possible Action Plans with Egypt,
Lebanon, and, I hope, also for the countries of the Southern Caucasus. The
challenge for the EU and for our partners will be to turn the commitments
and aspirations contained in such Plans into reality, through measurable
reforms bringing concrete benefits for our neighbouring countries and their
citizens.’

Action Plans have already been negotiated with Israel, Jordan, Moldova,
Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Tunisia and Ukraine. The Commission has
today adopted Country Reports on five more ENP countries, following
developments in each case: for Egypt whose Association Agreement has entered
into force; Lebanon, where entry into force is imminent; and for the
countries of the Southern Caucasus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, which
were added to the ENP in mid-2004.

The Country Reports give a factual analysis of political, economic and
institutional reforms in the countries concerned, with a particular focus on
areas which would form the basis of any future Action Plans, such as:

Political reform: strengthening democracy, good governance and dialogue on
human rights
Economic reform: including promoting a good business and investment climate
Trade, market and regulatory reforms: promoting trade and helping partner
countries to integrate into the global trading system, encouraging partner
countries to apply the standards of the EU’s internal market
Cooperation in the field of justice, liberty and security: judicial reform
and migration issues
Infrastructure networks (energy, transport and telecommunications,
information society) and cooperation on the environment
People-to-people contacts: education, research and development, culture,
civil society, the opening of certain Community programmes
Addressing challenges and opportunities, bringing added value

The objective of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is to share the
EU’s stability, security and prosperity with neighbouring countries in a way
that is distinct from EU membership. It is designed to prevent the emergence
of new dividing lines in Europe by offering neighbouring countries closer
political, security, economic and cultural co-operation.

Pursuing the ENP will call for major economic and political reforms in our
partner countries, which the EU will support through financial and technical
support, opening of markets and providing access to Community programmes
where possible.

For more information on the European Neighbourhood Policy:

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
March 1 2005

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE CONFIRMS FACT OF RESETTLEMENT OF ARMENIANS IN
OCCUPIED AZERBAIJAN LANDS
[March 01, 2005, 15:01:30]

On February 28, the Department of State of the United States of America
has issued its annual report (the 28th) on human rights protection,
the Washington-based correspondent of AzerTAj said. The Report contains
facts and figures on human rights protection in 196 world countries.

In the preface, the Secretary of State Condeleezza Rice states that
another report to be issued shortly will deal with the steps of the US
Government to support human rights over the numerous world countries.

In the part related to Azerbaijan, the Department of State informs
on resettlement of the Armenian emigrants who came from Near East
and other regions of world in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of
Azerbaijan and surrounding areas. It is also stated that the Government
of Azerbaijan has addressed on the matter to the UN and the Council of
Europe, and the OSCE fact-finding mission is engaged in the question.

In the Report of the State Department, it is underlined that the
Armenian forces continue to keep under occupation Nagorno-Karabakh
and adjoining areas. The government of Azerbaijan does not control
these territories, and to receive information on state of affairs
with human rights, therefore, is not possible. Last year, as a result
of infringement by Armenia of the ceasefire regime, were lost six
Azerbaijanis – civilians and militaries.

In the Report, the US Administration, positively regarding signing
by the Head of the Azerbaijan State of some decrees on pardoning,
welcomes continuation by the government of Azerbaijan of the programs
directed on development of market economy. It is informed that the
last year, economic growth on the country has exceeded 10 percent,
the level of poverty was reduced, unemployment among the population
changes within the limits of 15-20 percent.

According to the American legislation, the said Report prepared
by the Bureau of the State Department on democracy, human rights
and labor affairs, will be submitted to the chairman of the House
of Representatives in Congress and External Relations Committee of
the Senate. The Report together with some other documents will be
used for definition of the state policy, directions of diplomacy,
allocation of the assistance to the countries and in other purposes.

Courier Mail (Queensland, Australia)
February 26, 2005 Saturday

So long . . . so long

by Nui Te Koha

Cher has turned saying goodbye into a three-year tour, writes Nui Te
Koha

FOR Cher, the 299th show of her farewell tour has a special sense of
occasion. She is in Auckland, New Zealand — a city and country the
multi-tasking icon has never visited before.

But here is the twist: Cher is so enamoured with the landscape after
watching director Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, she wants
to buy property in the Bay of Islands.

On a scheduled day off, Cher flies by helicopter to inspect
multimillion-dollar real estate, then to a meeting with Jackson,
shooting yet another epic.

A film buff who finds sanity and sanctity in old movies, Cher is
treated to a two-hour set visit and quiet time with an overworked
Jackson.

“I would love to direct a film again,” Cher tells, “but I have no
real plans. I never plan anything. And that has worked well for me.”

Cher’s Auckland show also is different because it is the first of
only two outdoor performances in 325 shows.

However, a nagging breeze taunts Cher enough to reconsider her usual
grand entrance: descending to a $3 million stage spectacle inside a
giant chandelier.

Backstage, Cher meets and engages, with sincere eye contact and
smiles, a long line of fans.

“I think I’ll need luck coming down in the chandelier tonight,” she
laughs.

Fifteen minutes later, Cher opts for Plan B. She ascends to centre
stage on a platform for a solid reading of U2’s I Still Haven’t Found
What I’m Looking For.

“I’ve started my last three tours with that song,” Cher says. “It’s a
good-luck charm. It means I haven’t settled on what it is I want to
be once I grow up.”

For 40 years, a worldwide legion has watched Cher, born Cherilyn
Sarkasian LaPier, grow and hold the spotlight against all odds.

Fashionistas said her Armenian-Cherokee heritage would stall a
modelling career. Music luminaries said she would fail at singing
without former husband and svengali, Sonny Bono. Film powerbrokers
said she should not try acting.

Cher’s farewell spectacular is testament and tribute to the fact she
listened to nobody but herself.

Cher scored her first magazine cover in 1965, and is the only female
artist to have No. 1 singles across four decades. She also has won a
Best Actress Oscar, for Moonstruck, in 1988.

“My philosophy is, don’t pay much attention to what other people
think,” she says. “Be yourself. Do the things you want to do now. You
cannot live your life according to what others think.”

But on this night at a stadium on Auckland’s north shore, 20,000 fans
are celebrating the life and times of Cher, a superstar who stayed
the course and won.

Over 90 minutes, 11 costume changes and a parade of acrobatics,
jungle creatures and feelgood moments, Cher revisits an inspiring and
ever-changing career.

Sonny Bono, who died in a ski accident six years ago, is remembered
in a loving video tribute.

The production, appropriately, is larger than life with up to 100
people and 15 semi-trailers on the road.

Her managers, Roger Davies and Lindsay Scott, are both Australian,
and also represent Tina Turner, Sade, Pink and Joe Cocker.

Certainly, the scale of Cher’s farewell tour rates alongside mammoth
outings by Turner, Pink and Janet Jackson, a former Scott and Davies
client.

“Physically, Cher is the biggest show we’ve ever done,” says Scott.
“I think there is a sense of whimsy, of Cher’s personality, that is
projected in her show. But I think her vision for the show wasn’t any
more complicated than, ‘Let’s go out and have some fun. Let’s get
some fabulous costumes, lots of sparkles, great lights and enjoy
it’.”

Cher agrees. “Because it’s the last tour I’ll ever do, it’s pretty
much a history lesson about me.

“People always ask me what it is I do. If I’m not a singer, I must be
an actress. If I’m not an actress, I must be a singer. I like to
think of myself as an artist. I don’t think I have to be pigeonholed.

“It used to be that people didn’t trust you if you did more than one
thing. But I think that’s changing.

“When I was a singer and wanted to trying acting, everybody was:
‘Yeah, right.’ But when I acted, I didn’t make an album for eight
years.

“Then, when I came back and made a new album, there were people who
didn’t even know I sang,” Cher laughs.

“There were even more people who didn’t know I’d sung with Sonny.”

Cher’s farewell tour began as a 58-date run in 2002. But demand for
dates has been relentless.

When she performs at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 11
and 12, she will have been on the road for 34 months and played to
three million people at more than 300 shows.

Cher will take her final bow at the Hollywood Bowl, a venue where she
recalls her fondest Sonny and Cher memory, on April 30. It will be
show No. 325.

“I can’t get emotional about the final show yet,” Cher says. “Right
now, I can only take it show by show.

“But it will be hard to pack this show away. I think that’s why I’ve
kept it going. At some point, I’m going to be really sad about it
because I’ve never thought of not touring. It’s always been part of
my life.

“I’m sure the realisation will hit me later. For now, my focus is the
shows.”

Offstage, Cher is relaxed and spontaneous. She will venture from her
hotel room to sightsee, or sneak into a cinema when the lights have
gone down.

“Obviously, it’s not easy for her to get out,” Scott says. “She loves
old movies. She will have those running in her room, even if she’s
not watching them.”

To break the tour grind, Cher reads and takes a keen interest in
politics.

“And she does needlepoint,” Scott reveals. “Most people would never
imagine Cher doing simple things like fixing her clothes, but she
really enjoys it. Tina (Turner) is the same. You find maintenance
things to do and look after yourself.”

Cher will travel by private jet to Australia, but she has done 90 per
cent of this farewell run on a customised bus.

“She has a bed and a movie screen on the bus, so she’s very happy
back there,” Scott says.

“Cher will do the 14-hour drives rather than get on a plane and fly
for an hour. Besides, it’s expensive to fly in private jets
everywhere. You have to be selective.”

A TYPICAL tour day is boring. Cher sleeps until noon, exercises or
gets a massage, then prepares for the show.

She phones her kids Chastity and Elijah regularly.

She draws a blank when asked how she feels she has made an impact on
people’s lives.

“It’s hard to know any of these things,” she says.

“And I’m not pretending. It’s hard to know. People say things but you
can’t believe it. It’s hard to understand how important your
contribution really is.

“Honestly, I just don’t get it sometimes. I’m just living my life.
Every time I get on stage, I’m genuinely surprised at all the people
there.”

Cher has no firm plan after April 30. She will record a new album.
She wants to direct. She may do an opera.

“I’m not going to give up show business, but there are new girls
coming up like Britney and J-Lo,” Cher tells the crowd in Auckland.

They boo in response.

“I know,” Cher says, joking: “They are hoes, aren’t they?”

Later, Cher, in ringmaster outfit and brandishing a whip, revels in
the spectacle about to unfold.

Tongue firmly in cheek, she sends another missive to the young
bloods: “Follow this, you bitches.”

Cher plays Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 11 and 12, with
some tickets still available for March 11 through Ticketek

PRESENTATION OF OSCE PROGRAM “SETTLEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS” IN THE GEORGIAN REGION OF SMATSKHE-JAVAKHETIA

AKHALKALAKI. FEBRUARY 18. ARMINFO. A Presentation of an OSCE-elaborated
program “Settlement of International Relations” took place in the
Georgian region of Smatskhe-Javakhetia settled mainly with Armenians.

A-INFO reports that the program was presented on the initiative of OSCE
Office for National Minorities in Tbilisi. The major direction of the
project is organization of seminars with participation of local and
central administration representatives, NGOs. Issues of integration of
national minorities, awareness of national minorities of the issues of
international relations will be discussed during the seminars. The
program is designed for 2 years. The first seminar has already
started on 15 February and will be completed on 19 February. The
second stage of the program provides for education of teachers of new
methods of teaching of the Georgian Language to non-Georgian schools
in the region. This stage will be implemented in cooperation with the
Georgian Education Ministry. On the whole, the program, provides for
teaching Georgian to civil servants and students, translating TV news
into Armenian, rendering juridical assistance to the population in
the towns of Akhalkalaki, Ninotsminda and Akhaltsikhe, A-INFO reports.

Making music in the diaspora

Watertown TAB & Press, MA
Feb 18 2005

Four Armenians active in the music industry will participate in a
roundtable discussion on contemporary thinking in the Armenian/American
music world on Sunday, Feb. 20, 3 p.m., at the Armenian Library and
Museum of America, 65 Main St.

Illustrating their comments with their own live and recorded music,
John Baboian, Leon Janikian, Raffi Meneshian and Sarine Balian will
confront some of the major issues for Armenians in the music world
today. The conversation will be followed by an open discussion with
the audience.

Baboian, the moderator of the event, is an associate professor of
guitar at the Berklee College of Music. He has been on the faculty
since 1980, focusing mainly on mainstream jazz styles. A composer
and arranger, his music has been heard on such television shows as
“The Sopranos,” “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “All My Children.” His
Be-Bop Guitars is an all-Berklee faculty band with five guitars and
a rhythm section.

Janikian, associate professor of music and coordinator of music
industry at Northeastern University, has been an academician,
professional musician and recording engineer for over 40 years.
Janikian was the primary engineer/producer for more than 150 records
in all musical genres, and for numerous multimedia and commercial
productions. He is a sought-after musician in the United States as a
performer of the traditional music of Armenia, Greece and the Middle
East. He also has been instrumental in the creation of the Archive
of Armenian Music in America.

Meneshian, founder/CEO of Pomegranate Music, has produced four
albums which have achieved popularity in the Armenian community,
and has been the executive producer on three other CDs for his music
label. Meneshian is known for the live concerts he has produced, most
notably the Armenstock Festival and the Lilit Pipoyan U.S. Tour. He
is a member of the Recording Academy, where he holds a vote for the
Grammy Awards, and is a contributor to Global Rhythm Magazine and
the Armenian Weekly.

Balian is San Francisco-area vocalist specializing in jazz and world
music. She performs with a jazz trio and, on occasion, doumbek.
She teaches instrumental music at Krouzian Zekarian Vasbouragan
Armenian School in San Francisco.

“Armenian Musicians in the Diaspora” is the third in a series of
presentations held at ALMA celebrating the opening of the Mesrob
Boyajian Library, a facility designed for use by scholars at all
levels engaged in research on topics related to the Armenian people,
as well as by the general public. For more information, call ALMA at
617-926-2562, ext. 3.