Author: Nahapetian Lilit

NKR PRESIDENT: GRATIFYING RESULTS OF ALL ARMENIAN TELETHON EVIDENCE OF
INCREASING TRUST OF ARMENIAN DIASPORA IN DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESS IN
NKR

STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 3. ARMINFO. NKR President Arkady Ghoukassyan
received members of the Security Council and the heads of the
ministries and departments and other executive officials of NKR,
Thursday.

The NKR Presidential Information Department informs ARMINFO that
meeting-participants discussed a broad spectrum of issues related the
results of Nov 25 telethon in the USA in support to
Karabakh. Participating in the meeting were also Parliamentary Speaker
Oleg Yesayan and Prime Minister Anushavan Danielyan. The president
once more confirms that the funds will be used to complete the
construction of North-South highway which is of strategic, economic
and social importance for Karabakh. The president emphasizes the
necessity of strong control over use of the collected funds as well as
over organization of construction works in all the sections of
North-South highway to complete them within the terms fixed.

Eleven million and 500,000 US dollars collected due to the telethon
testify to the increasing trust of Armenian Diaspora in
democratization of al the spheres of living activity in NKR, reforms
in the economy, formation of civil society in Artsakh, he
says. Diaspora believes in Artsakh and considers its duty to
contribute to Artsakh’s political and economic independence, the
president says. In this connection, Arkady Ghoukassyan have instructed
the meeting-participants to start preparation of the next telethon for
development of socio-economic sector of mardakert region in the north
of NKR, which has been most of all damaged by Azerbaijani
aggression. He says that in future telethon will be held to improve
the regions of Shushi and other rural area of Karabakh.

As regards the political results of his visit to the USA, the
president says that Diaspora, the Armenian political parties operating
abroad expressed readiness to more actively join lobbying of
Karabakh’s position in the conflict with Azerbaijan at various
international structures. The meeting-participants thanked their
foreign compatriots as well as Armenian and NKR citizens for active
participation in the telethon. It is only due to combined efforts of
Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora that the Armenian people will be able to
implement all-national tasks, NKR president says for conclusion.

Russian upper house heads CIS interparliamentary assembly for third time

ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow
3 Dec 04

Russian Federation Council Speaker Sergey Mironov has been re-elected
chairman of the Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA) Council of the CIS
member states for the third time, ITAR-TASS reported on 3 December.

It said the decision was made at an IPA Council meeting in St
Petersburg the same day.

The IPA comprises 10 CIS states, namely Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan and
Ukraine.

Boxing Central
Dec 2 2004

Pacheco vs Darchinyan on Dec 16 – Admission free

Press Release
World championship boxing comes to Hollywood, FL with an exciting
lineup of bouts. The first card to hold a world championship fight in
Hollywood, FL features current IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco
facing undefeated challenger Vic Darchinyan. The card, to be held at
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino takes place Thursday, December
16, and will consist of six scheduled bouts. The title defense for
Pacheco is a reschedule from the September 3 date which was canceled
due to hurricane Francis. The event is being promoted by Warrior’s
Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with the Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino. The event is during the grand opening of the Seminole
Paradise outdoors at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The
world title fight is free to the public that attend the grand
opening.

IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco (30-0, 22 KOs) of Barranquilla,
Colombia defends his title against the mandatory challenger Vic
Darchinyan (21-0, 16 KOs) of Sydney, Australia in a 12 round
championship bout. Upon turning professional in 1993, Irene `Mambaco’
Pacheco has compiled an outstanding record. In 1999, Pacheco, the
5’7′ southpaw, captured the vacant IBF Flyweight title in his 24th
professional bout by defeating Luis Cox Coronado by way of a ninth
round technical knockout in Pacheco’s hometown of Barranquilla,
Colombia.

Since then, Pacheco has defended his title impressively six times
with four victories coming by way of knockout victory. Pacheco’s
power and skill is unrivaled in the flyweight division. In his most
recent bout, Pacheco defeated Damean Kelly by way of a seventh round
knockout in September 2003. Pacheco was in control from the opening
bell and had Kelly down three times in round six. The December 16
bout against Vic Darchinyan will be Pacheco’s fifth time fighting in
the United States. Pacheco has defended the IBF flyweight title four
times in the United States. At 33 years old, Pacheco is going strong
and is in the prime of his career.

Twenty-eight year old Vic Darchinyan (21-0, 16 KOs), is looking to
become world champion on December 16 when he faces Irene Pacheco for
the IBF Flyweight championship. Darchinyan, originally from Armenia,
now fights out of Australia under the promotion of former three-time
world champion Jeff Fenech. The undefeated Darchinyan might be the
toughest fight of Pacheco’s career. Standing 5’5′, the southpaw,
Darchinyan, has a reputation of being a punishing body puncher.

This could be key in slowing down the fast and skillful Pacheco. All
21 of Darchinyan’s fights have taken place in Australia. September 3
will be Darchinyan’s first world title challenge as well as his first
bout in the United States. Darchinyan, the former Australian and IBF
Pan Pacific Flyweight champion earned his mandatory position to fight
for the title by defeating Wande Chor Charoen of Thailand on December
12, 2003 by way of a fifth round knockout. Since then, Darchinyan
defeated Falazone Fidal, in April, by way of a second round technical
knockout in his final preparation bout for Pacheco.

The co-main event features up and coming heavyweight Kendrick
Releford. Releford (11-4-1, 5 KOs) the World Boxing Organization No.
15 rated heavyweight is coming off back to back wins over Ramon
Garbey and former North American Boxing Federation champion Elieser
Castillo. Despite the four losses, the 22 year old Releford, who
turned pro at 19 years old, is quickly becoming a strong contender.

The undercard features junior welterweight Juan Urango (13-0-1, 5
KOs) back in action for the first time since his draw with Mike
Arnoutis in August.

Admission is free. First bout is at 7:00 PM. For more information on
Warrior’s Boxing Promotions, visit our Website at:

AMIC’s NEWSLETTER, MONTREAL, CANADA
AMIC’s Info-Flash
2340 Chemin Lucerne, # 30
Ville Mont-Royal, Quebec
H3R 2J8,Canada
Tel : (514) 739 8950
Fax : (514) 738 2622
Web:
E-mail: [email protected]

November, 2004

1.Article 1 : ” The latest news from the 9th World Congress organizers”
2. Article 2: “Armenia’s health minister visit to Canada”
3.Article 3: “The Armenian American Health Professionals Organization’s
tenth Annual Gala Celebration”
4. Article 4 : “Report from a recent trip to Armenia/Karabagh”
5. Article 5 : “The Achievements Of Chronobiology And Chronomedicine (2002).
A publication by Professor Levon Aslanyan”
6. Article 6: ” Information on health-care reforms in Armenia?”
7. Article 7: “What is AMIC?”

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

1. The latest news from the 9th World Congress organizers

“The Flyers are finally flying,”wrote Dr. Jerry Manoukian to AMIC in an
e-mail message sent on September 6. Every Armenian health professional
listed on AMIC’s main database (4600 names) must have received his or her
flyer.

Dr. Jerry Manoukian, president of the 9th Armenian Medical World Congress
organizing committee, also pointed out a problem that AMIC’s Executive
members and administrative director are well aware: the 4600 addresses need
constant updating, especially for those located in the United States of
America. The Info-Flash takes this opportunity to launch an urgent appeal:
please take less than a minute of your time to send to AMIC office
([email protected]) your latest e-mail and mailing addresses if and when you
change them; please pass the word to your colleagues who are not yet
registered on AMIC’s online and main databases.

Individuals who have not yet received their flyers, can also go to the
Congress’s website (listed above) and look for the latest news.
Any Armenian medical association not officially member of the AMIC’s
network, can contact AMIC office (by e-mail or by phone (514) 739 8950), and
send their members’ list and addresses and we’ll do our best to send them
quickly all the necessary information and documentation. The latest
association to have done so is the “Armenian American Pharmacists
Association of Massachusetts” that we officially welcome here.

Please pay attention to the following deadlines:
-Deadline for submissions of abstracts: January 31, 2005
-Deadline for especial registration fees: April 1, 2005
-Deadline for especial hotel rates: June 2005.

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

2. Armenia’s health minister visit to Canada.

His Excellency, the Minister of Health of Armenia, Dr. Norayr Davidian was
in Canada from October 21 to October 31. He was in Montreal during the
weekend of October 23-24, and then went to Ottawa and Toronto.

He had meetings with AMIC’s and AMAQ’s Executive members on October 23 and
24. Current health problems in Armenia and the development of future areas
of collaboration were discussed. During the October 24 meeting, the minister
met also Dr. Odino Riendeau, a dentist from Quebec, member of the “Dentists
Without Borders” organization; encouraged by Dr. Lena Terjanian, Dr.
Riendeau visited Armenia last summer, and now intends to develop a DWB
program in Armenia.

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

3. “The Armenian American Health Professionals Organization’ s” tenth Annual
Gala Celebration.

On October 30, 2004, the AAHPO held its Annual Gala dinner, honoring the
cardiologist Dr. Haroutune Mekhjian and the philanthropist Mr. Kevork
Hovnanian, and celebrating the 10th anniversary of its foundation. (Please
read below the letter sent by the organizers).
A delegation from AMIC’s Executive, Drs. Jean Aralelian and Zareh Ouzounian,
inaugurating a decision taken by the Executive, to try to attend as many the
business meetings of its member associations in the USA as possible,
attended both the Gala dinner and the brunch on Sunday morning, October 31,
during which, a presentation was made about AMIC, outlining its history, its
objectives, its membership, and the coming Journal to be launched in 2005.

Dr. Ted Chaglassian, AAHPO’s Board President, and Mr. Khoren Nalbandian,
Board Vice President, gave the following information about the event in
their accompanying letter:

“The Armenian American Health Professional Organization is celebrating its
10th anniversary. As you are aware we are having a banquet to honor two
distinguished Armenian Americans – Mr. Kevork Hovnanian for his unrelenting
support of medical and humanitarian needs both in the United States and
Armenia, and Dr. Haroutune Mekhjian for lifelong excellence in the practice
of medicine and surgery and his pioneering contributions to cardiac surgery.

Since the inception of our organization in 1994, we have held a number of
health fairs, lectures, seminars and panel discussions. We have honored
several outstanding Armenians for their involvement in the medical and
humanitarian fields. We have also extended our support and participated in
the Armenian Medical congress.

Our plans for the immediate future include the participation and hosting of
the next World Armenian Medical International Congress. This occasion will
welcome skilled health professionals from all over the world to get together
and network.

Last but not least, we would like to establish a small Health Care Center
that will serve as a foundation for a future Armenian Medical Center.
To accomplish these projects your financial support and generosity is kindly
requested and always appreciated.”

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AAHPO !
*************************************************************

4. Report from a recent trip to Armenia/Karabagh

Drs. Zareh Ouzounian and Avedis Bogosyan, from Toronto and members of AMIC’s
Executive, as well as other colleagues from the USA, made a trip to Armenia
and Karabagh from September 29 to October 16. We reproduce interesting
excerpts from the report sent by Dr. Ouzounian.

1- “The Women’s Health Clinic (funded by ACMAO) was officially opened on
October 9 in Stepanakert. The President of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh,
the First Lady (also Honorary Chairperson of our clinics), the Speaker of
the House, and many Ministers, officials, were present. The TV covered the
event. I need to mention here that since we came back, we are receiving
reports on the success of the clinic, which is seeing from 15 to 20 patients
a day already!

2- Because the clinics are growing in number, we had to register them under
one name for official registration, staff, etc.. After giving it long
thoughts, we decided to create a new umbrella NGO (Non governmental
Organization) to be also able to be tax-exempt. Because there are many
organizations and individuals involved in these clinics (Montreal, Toronto,
France, Lebanon, Boston..), we decided to call the new NGO “Hand in Hand”
(in Armenian” tzerk tzerki”). We are now officially registered in Karabagh
and hopefully we shall register the same in Armenia soon. We wrote the whole
constitution and bylaws and registered officially the whole thing in the
record time of two days!

3- The Martuni clinic’s construction is in full gear. It is coming very
nicely. We expect the construction to be completed sometime in mid-November.

4- The Martakert clinic’s construction raises some small concerns that we
are in the process of correcting at the present time. But overall it is
going well too.

5- Two meetings were held with the dentist for the mobile clinic, Dr. Vahag
Ghazarian. Some concerns about the establishment of the route for the mobile
must be resolved, such as logistics, where to sleep, which villages to
visit, how to coordinate, proximity and reachability of certain villages
etc,. Dr. Ghazarian is working on developing a realistic and feasible plan.

6- In May (5 and 6), 2005, a Conference will be organized on Preventive
Dentistry in Stepanakert. This conference will address not only dentists,
but also medical physicians, health administrators, school principals,
school nurses etc., in order to explain overall how preventive dentistry is
the way to go in terms of Public Health in the whole system. The second day
of the conference we will teach all the dentists how to actually perform the
hygiene and recall visits for all the children, establish protocols, prepare
Handouts..We already have the acceptance of five speakers from the
Diaspora as well as a hygienist from Los Angeles for the workshops.

7- Two meetings were held with the Armenian Dental Association, trying to
solve past differences and resume our cooperation in the future. The next
International Dental Congress will be held in Yerevan next October.
A.I.D.A.’s (Armenian International Dental Association) participation to the
Congress will be decided during its meeting of November 11-15 in Nassau.

8- We had two visits to the NIH (National Institute of Health). They now
have a clinic and are ready to conduct Continuing Education programs
including Hands-On courses. We will conduct such courses to benefit the
young generation of dentists who are engaged in the NIH in an 18 month GPR
(General Practice Residency) program. Speakers who would be able and willing
to provide such courses in this new setting, are greatly welcome
9- We visited the Hadrout and Shushi clinics. Small repairs have been
already completed in Hadrout, and the patient records are in very good shape

It was a satisfying trip. We have the feeling that we are getting more
organized and the scope of our projects is becoming really significant. Of
course, a fine-tuning will have to be made as we go along. We thank all the
participants for their continuous support to these nation-building projects.
Please do not hesitate to offer ideas and suggestions. We can use all the
help we can get.

Dr. Zareh Ouzounian.

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

5. ” The Achievements Of Chronobiology And Chronomedicine” (2002). A
publication by Professor Nubar Levon Aslanyan.

During its meeting of August 28, AMIC’s Executive received Professor Nubar
Aslanyan, the director of the Biochemistry Laboratory at the Institute of
Cardiology of Armenia, and the Founding President of the Armenian Society
for Chronobiology, who was visiting Montreal. His Laboratory’s specialty is
the study of the “biological rhythms”; the world leader specialist in that
domain is Professor Franz Halberg, (Minnesota University), who first
contacted AMIC a few months ago (see the Info-Flash of June 2004), and
introduced us to the work and needs of Professor Aslanyan’s Laboratory.
Dr. Aslanyan offered AMIC one of its latest publication: “The Achievements
Of Chronobiology And Chronomedicine”, (2002, 285 pages) written in English
and Russian, and published in Yerevan.
In their foreword to the book, Professors Halberg and Cornelissen write that
N. Aslanyan “placed his country on the map of chronomics- the mapping of
time structures and chronomes.. He has joined the “BIOCOS” project, bringing
with him his rich expertise in chronomics, worldwide monitoring (notably of
blood pressure and heart rate) and physical environmental variables.. As we
have learned in the past half-century, what was interpreted as a set of
conditioned Pavlovian reflexes is in fact a partly genetically anchored
circadian system. With Nubar in the lead, chronomics provide us with the
possibility of counteracting the ills of the second childhood by developing
coutermeasures in the womb and at birth..” In the book, Dr. Aslanyan
develops a scientific “who’s who”, giving by continents and countries the
names of the scientists (70) engaged in chronomics. Past meetings held
around the world are listed and explained etc.
For those who, among our readers would like to help Dr. Aslanyan’s
Laboratory needs, please contact AMIC’s office ([email protected], phone (514)
739 8950). With very modest sums, precious equipment with special discount
prices could be purchased.

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

6. Information on health-care reforms in Armenia

– The health care sector’s budget will rise dramatically in the coming
years: the 2004 year budget allocation was 25 billion drams; in 2005 it will
rise to 31.7 billion drams, in 2006 to 36.8 billion drams, and in 2007 to
50.1 billion drams, doubling the amount of money in three years.

– In 2003, the 34 health care centers of Yerevan were restructured into 10
units.

– The World Bank earmarked a loan of $ US 19.5 million; 7.5 million will be
used to train 950 family physicians, and create 20 polyclinics in the rural
regions of the country. The balance will serve to update medical equipment.

– The government of Armenia, with the material help ($ US 2.2 million) of
the German government initiated a “national campaign to eradicate
Tuberculosis” in Armenia.

– In 2004 an “open door days” policy was initiated with the participation of
the best specialists available: the March 29 to April 7 period was dedicated
to men’s health. From April 12 to April 17, the experience was extended
geographically to all the Marzes: 26 000 patients were examined. From May 12
to May 15, it was the turn of the (female) teachers of primary classes etc.

– In 2004, the minister of health toured regularly the different regions of
the country, not only to gather first-hand information about the needs of
the population, but also to deliver directly to them information about the
free health care services to which they are entitled..

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

7. What is AMIC?

The Armenian Medical International Committee was created fourteen years ago.
It is an umbrella organization that unites Armenian medical associations
throughout the Diaspora, creating thus a large network through which
information and data are exchanged.
AMIC organizes Armenian Medical World Congresses. So far eight have been
held in different cities of the Diaspora. In 2003, “The First International
Medical Congress of Armenia”, organized by Armenia, was held in Yerevan from
July 1 to July 3.
The 9th AMIC Congress will be held in 2005 (from June 29 to July 3), in San
Francisco (USA). You can have the latest news by visiting the website

AMIC publishes since 1998 an online newsletter and sends it freely to all
Armenian Health Care professionals. If you are a health care professional
and are interested in receiving Info-Flash, please send us your e-mail
address ([email protected]). To all those who already receive the Info, please do
not forget to send us your new e-mail address when you change it.
For further information visit our website:

A useful information to remember: you can send freely from wherever you are
located, medical equipment/medicine through the services of the United
Armenian Fund; President Mr. Harout Sassounian ([email protected])

ARMENIKUM IN STAGE OF CLINICAL EXPERIMENTS AND REGISTRATION

Azg/arm
3 Dec 04

Norayr Davidian, RA healthcare minister, informed that at present,
already 500 people applied to Armenikum Center. These people were
citizens of USA, France, Italy and African countries.

The medicament is in the stage of clinical experiments. Our
specialists try to get it registered in Europe, as well.

It is known that Armenikum has extremely positive impact on human
immunity system, increases a person’s physical capacities.

Lars Olof Callings, special UN representative in the Eastern Europe,
denied the spread legend that Armenikum heals HIV and said: “Armenikum
canâ=80=99t control HIV. It is not directed against that very
virus. Certainly, thanks to that,the virus can disappear from the
blood, but that is no healing yet.”

Samvel Grigorian said that Armenikum wasn’t tested on pregnant women
and their treatment was carried out through other medicaments.

By Karine Danielian

JACQUES CHIRAC TO SIGN DECREE ON AWARDING ARTUR BAGHDASARIAN “LEGION OF
HONOUR”

Azg/arm
2 Dec 04

On November 28, Unification for Nation Party led by Jacques Chirac
held a congress. Mher Shahgeldian, head of National Security, Home
Affairs and Defense Committee at RA National Assembly, representative
of Orinats Yerkir Party, participated in the congress as a guest from
Armenia. Over 40 thousand delegates from 60 countries participated in
the congress. Mher Shahgeldian met with many of them, as well.

Central democratic forces were represented at the congress. According
to Mher Shahgeldian, Orinats Yerkir attracted great attention as a
party bearing European values.

Representatives of Armenian National Movement were also invited to the
congress. David Shahnazarian represented the party in Paris.

There have been practical arrangements on Orinats Yerkir’s mutual
visits and activities made at the congress, as well as on the future
visit European Foundations’ representatives to Yerevan. They are aimed
to support legislatively our parliament. Jacques Chirac didn’t
participate in the congress. France’s first lady and the Prime
Minister were present at the congress.

Mher Shahgeldian’s visit to France was important for another reason,
too. He returned with the news that Jacques Chirac has already signed
the decree on awarding Artur Baghdasarian “Legion of Honor”.

In response to the question put by Azg Daily what services Artur
Baghdasarian was awarded such a high rank medal for and whether the
political figures of other countries were awarded the medal, Mher
Shahgeldian said: “The medal is given for strengthening the
French-Armenian relations and for his contribution to spreading the
European values. There are political figures of other European
countries that were given this medal, but they are not many.”

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
December 1, 2004 Wednesday

Russia is stabilizing factor in Transcaucasia – view

By Syuzanna Adamyants

MOSCOW

The deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament said on Wednesday that
Russia is a stabilizing factor in Transcaucasia.

“Russia is a Caucasian superpower, and its presence is necessary in
Transcaucasia,” Vaan Ovanesyan stressed. “Russia and Armenia are old
friends and allies,” said Ovanesyan, who is co-chairman of the
Russian-Armenian inter-parliamentary commission. “These are not just
emotions, but a basis for strategic partnership,” the top
parliamentarian added.

He said a Moscow session of the commission had considered political
and military cooperation between Russia and Armenia. According to
him, the two sides stressed “a high level of political and military
cooperation between Russia and Armenia”. “That meets the national
interests of the two states, while a military union is a key element
of national security in the Caucasus,” he added.

A decision was reached at the session that the two countries should
encourage integration in the military industry between two countries’
enterprises with an aim to develop economic cooperation in the sphere
of military technologies.

The next session of the commission is due in Yerevan in May 2005.

The main aim of the inter-parliamentary commission, set up in the
late 1990s, is to create a strong legal basis for the integration
between Russia and Armenia.

The two states have signed 160 agreements. During political
consultations they exchange opinions on the entire range of bilateral
relations, on major international and regional issues.

Particular attention is paid to the improvement of the situation in
the Caucasus, to the development of multi-lateral cooperation,
including within the framework of the Caucasus Four group, to fight
against terrorism and prevention of conflicts, as well as to
cooperation within the CIS and its Collective Security Treaty,
EurasEC and other international organisations. Armenia has got an
observer status in EurasEC.

ArmenPress
Nov 30 2004

ALAN HOVHANES CHAMBER MUSIC ORCHESTRA MARKS 20-TH ANNIVERSARY

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian chamber orchestra
that was renamed two years ago as Alan Hovhanes Chamber Orchestra,
convened a news conference today to say that it has become 20 years
old. The orchestra has been performing largely the music composed by
Alan Hovhaness, a prolific US-born composer with Armenian blood, who
melded Western and Asian musical styles to create a unique melodic
blend of his own.
Hovhaness wrote more than 400 pieces, including at least nine
operas, two ballets, more than 60 symphonies, and more than 100
chamber pieces. He was born Alan Chamakjian, in Somerville,
Massachusetts, in 1911. His mother was Scottish and his father, an
Armenian chemistry professor.
An American concert pianist Martin Berkovsky who is in Yerevan to
play a concert here, said he was impressed greatly by Armenian music.

California Courier Online, November 25, 2004

1 – Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can’t Be Under Azeri Rule

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
3 – Ron Mortanian’s Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
4 – Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
5 – Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon ’04
6 – Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
7 – Commentary
Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
*************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Azerbaijan Gives New Reasons Why
Karabagh Can’t Be Under Azeri Rule

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

Karabagh Armenians keep telling the world that Azeris abused them so much
and for so long that they can never go back to living under the yoke of
Azerbaijan again. Armenians provide documented evidence of the trampling of
their most basic rights by Azeri officials during the Soviet years. Most of
these arguments, regrettably, fall on the deaf ears of insensitive world
leaders who care more about Caspian oil than Armenian blood.

A scandalous incident at the Baku airport last week came to demonstrate
what Karabagh Armenians have been saying all along. A prominent Bulgarian
journalist, Edward Papazian, who is the sports editor of “24 Hours,” the
largest daily newspaper in Bulgaria, had flown to Azerbaijan along with
Bulgaria’s soccer team to cover a friendly match between the two countries.

Upon arrival at the Baku airport, the Bulgarian soccer players and their
entourage quickly made it through passport control and were allowed in the
country except for one passenger — Papazian. His sole guilt was that he
had an Armenian last name. Even though the government of Azerbaijan was
notified in advance of the list of the travelers accompanying the soccer
team, as soon as Azeri border guards saw Papazian’s last name in his
Bulgarian passport, they began yelling “Armenian, Armenian!” They
immediately took him in for questioning. They asked him how long he had
been a citizen of Bulgaria. Papazian told them that he was born in
Bulgaria, as were his parents and even grandparents. He told them that he
had traveled around the world, both in civilized and uncivilized countries,
and never had this kind of trouble. The border guards were angered by
Papazian’s implied reference to their country as being uncivilized. They
told him that all Armenians were barred from entering Azerbaijan,
ostensibly because their security could not be guaranteed! One of the
airport officials told Papazian that he was being harassed because of
Karabagh. Despite his vehement protests, the journalist was forcibly put
back on the same plane that he had just arrived in and unceremoniously
deported from the country.

In the meantime, Bulgarian officials, through their Ambassador in Baku, had
made every effort to secure Papazian’s entry into Azerbaijan. The
journalist’s deportation was not only discriminatory, but also offensive to
the government of Bulgaria. This incident had a chilling effect on
relations between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan. The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry
subsequently delivered a diplomatic note of protest to the Embassy of
Azerbaijan in Sofia.

The Bulgarian press widely covered this scandalous event. “24 Hours” quoted
Papazian as saying: “I thought we lived in the 21st century rather than the
Middle Ages. I am proud of my heritage and my family and I am not going to
change my name just because of Azerbaijan.”

Rather than apologizing for their shameful and racist behavior, Azeri
officials tried to cover up this incident by insisting that it never took
place and no person named Papazian had tried to enter Azerbaijan.

This appalling episode leads us to the following conclusions:

— Azerbaijan has declared an all-out war not only against Karabagh, but
also against all Armenians, regardless of their country of origin;
— Azeris resort to all possible means to demonstrate their hatred of
Armenians, including lying and covering up not only historic events but
also incidents that occurred just a few days earlier;
— By barring all Armenians from entering Azerbaijan, the Azeri authorities
are basically confirming that Karabagh Armenians are no longer considered
to be citizens of Azerbaijan, (which is exactly what the Karabagh Armenians
want);
— If the anti-Armenian hostility and hysteria in Azerbaijan is such that
even a third generation Bulgarian of Armenian ancestry cannot go to Baku to
cover a soccer match, how could more than 150,000 Karabagh Armenians risk
their lives believing that they can live in peace under Azeri rule?

A whole new generation of Armenians have been born and raised in Karabagh
since its separation from Azerbaijan. These youngsters have only known life
under a free and independent Karabagh! Putting them back under Azeri rule
would be as unnatural and unacceptable as returning the 13 U.S. colonies to
the British, Louisiana to the French, and Alaska to the Russians!

The Azeri officials, by their hateful action, proved once again that
Armenians couldn’t even visit Azerbaijan, let alone live there. Karabagh
Armenians are perfectly happy not to be associated with such a country!
**************************************************************************
2 – Western Diocese Holds Sanahin Institute
2004 at Sierra Nevada Church Camp
BURBANK, CA – The Second Sanahin Institute of the Western Diocese was held
Sept. 23-26 at the Armenian Church Camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Institute is a project of the Christian Educational Council (CEC) of
the Western Diocese. Its mission is to train participants to know about
their own faith through the study of Scriptures, the Sacraments, the
liturgies, the spiritual tradition and the history of the Armenian Church.
There is also training in the principles of faith development and teaching
methodology.
Topics covered this year were: Old Testament: Genesis, taught by Fr. Perry
Kavoukjian of the St. Paul Newman Center of Fresno; Scripture: Development
of the Armenian Canon of the Bible, Fr. Arshen Aivazian, St. Paul Armenian
Church, Fresno; Introduction to Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation, Fr.
Sarkis Petoyan, St. John, San Francisco; New Testament: Gospel of Mark,
taught by Michael Danks Fergusen, San Joaquin Memorial High School; and
Methods of Religious Education, Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian, Fresno.
The Sanahin Institute Committee is headed by Sarkis Hardy. Yn. Sirarpi
Aivazian is the project coordinator, and Maral Cingoz is the project
administrator. Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian is the Committee Secretary and the
chairperson of the Christian Educational Council.
The Committee thanks the St. John Garabed Ladies, Society, San Diego; St.
James Ladies Society, Los Angeles; St. Paul Ladies Society, Fresno; Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Ladies Society, Reedley, and St. Andrew Ladies Society,
Cupertino for their assistance. Their contributions assisted the CEC in
completing another successful year for this project.
For more information about the Institute and plans for 2005, contact the
Western Diocese – Armenian Church Office or Maral Cingoz, project
coordinator at (510) 847-4362.
***************************************************************************
3 – Ron Mortanian’s Class Makes
Monster Sandwich to Go
FRESNO – Ron Mortanian’s class made it big recently. A Subway sandwich,
that is. In fact, so big, it is due to be listed in the Guinness Book of
World Records as the largest Subway sandwich in the United States – over
200 feet, according to organizers’ records.
“I always like bigger, better and the first,” says Mortanian, whose Reach
for the Stars program, which benefits special needs students, organized the
event at Fresno’s Tehipite Middle School on Oct. 16. Mortanian is a Special
Education Teacher. His Language Arts Program “Reach for the Stars” enables
his students with writing skills.
The event brought out employees and owners from 18 Subway franchises to
build the monster sandwich.The sandwich was sold in $5 sections with chips
and soda. Part of the proceeds went to the Reach for the Stars program, the
rest was distributed between departments at Tehipite for teachers’ use.
More than a dozen sandwich artists worked 25 minutes to create the sub,
which included 204 feet of bread, 108 pounds of turkey, 120 pounds of roast
beef, 72 pounds of hand and 72 pounds of lettuce and stretched on a table
almost the full length of the grass field behind the school.
Moving away from the typical was important for organizers, who were tired
of seeing t he standard fund-raising fare.
“It’s book sales and candy sales, says Martin Viramontes, a Subway
franchise owner and event organizers.”We wanted to do something unique, so
we thought, “Why not do this?'”
They brought in several local organizations for the event, including the
Fresno County Sheriff’s Department – that flew in their helicopter – and
the Fresno Fire Department, which had a fire engine on display.
There was also music, dancing and more than 30 prizes given away. In all,
more than 50 local organizations and businesses took part.
Also participating in a big way was actor Max Gail, famous for playing
Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz on the Barney Miller television show.
Hands gloved in latex, a knife in one hand, and a loaf of bread in another,
he asks: “Are we making this to go?”
***************************************************************************
*********************
4 – Boxer Names Tom Bohigian
California State Director
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) last week announced that
she has selected Tom Bohigian as her State Director. Bohigian has been on
Boxer’s staff for more than 11 years, serving as Acting State Director for
the past 10 months.
Boxer, who was reelected to a third term on November 2nd, said, “I am
delighted that Tom Bohigian will stay on as my State Director. He is a
great asset to our staff and to the 35 million Californians we all serve.”
As State Director, Bohigian is responsible for supervising Boxer’s
California operations and her six state offices, which are located in
Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San
Diego. He will continue to be based in the senator’s Fresno office and
travel widely throughout the state.
Bohigian has worked for Senator Boxer since 1993, the year she entered the
U.S. Senate. He has previously held the positions of Field Representative,
Northern California Director, and Deputy State Director. Before joining
Boxer’s staff, he served as a Fresno city councilmember (1989-1993) and as
a field representative for Assemblymember Bruce Bronzan (1982-1989).
A lifelong resident of Fresno, Bohigian attended local public schools and
holds a degree in Journalism from California State University, Fresno.
**************************************************************************
5 – Renowned Musicians Will
Perform During Telethon ’04
GLENDALE – Several internationally-recognized Armenian entertainers from
the folk, jazz, pop, rock and comedy worlds will perform during the
Thanksgiving Day Telethon “Make it Happen,” organized by the Armenia Fund
on Nov. 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Armen Chakmakian, a keyboardist for the GRAMMY® award winning band
Shadowfax, will lead Telethon 2004’s live, seven-member house band with
world renowned oudist and composer John Bilezikjian. Zulal, the acclaimed
New York City-based a cappella folk trio of Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian
and Anais Alexandra Tekerian, will perform numerous sets throughout the
12-hour international broadcast.
The all-star entertainment line-up also includes live performances by Aram
Asatryan, Shushan Petrosyan, the Garni Folk Ensemble, Gor Mkhitarian, duduk
ensemble Winds of Passion and Nune Yesayan, as well as two monologues by
comedian Vahe Berberian.
The broadcast will feature interviews with celebrities, AFI supporters and
political leaders from Armenia, Karabakh and the Diaspora as well as
construction footage from Armenia and Karabagh and stories of lives
impacted by AFI initiated infrastructure development projects.
Telethon 2004, live from Glendale, Calif., will air throughout the United
States, Europe, South America, the Middle East, the CIS and Armenia.
Telethon 2004’s goal is to raise funds to complete the remaining 52 miles
of the North-South “Backbone” Highway in Karabagh. Upon completion, the $25
million, 105-mile highway will link 150 towns and villages and provide
crucial economic, trade and development opportunities. Telethon 2004 will
also provide continued assistance in the areas of health care, education
and infrastructure development in the Republic of Armenia.
Detailed domestic and international viewing/broadcast information is
available at or by calling 800.888.8897. Telethon 2004
will also be available in full-motion web-cast on
Internet users will be able to view and make secure contributions online.
**************************************************************************
6 – Online Forum Will Deal with 1915
Genocide, Intervention, Human Rights
OAKLAND, Calif. – On December 1-3, Facing History and Ourselves will host a
global online conversation for educators, scholars, and university and
graduate students focusing on the difficult choices individuals, groups,
and nations have confronted – and continue to struggle with – in the face
of genocide.
The forum will build upon the issues explored in Facing History and
Ourselves’ newest resource book, Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization:
The Genocide of the Armenians, as well as examine the work of contemporary
human rights activists and scholars who challenge indifference and believe
that prevention of genocide is possible.
Facing History and Ourselves staff will facilitate this three-day online
forum with the participation of leading human rights and Armenian Genocide
scholars, including Chair of Modern Armenian History at UCLA Richard
Hovannisian. Smith College Professor and human rights activist Eric Reeves,
a frequent writer and commentator on the genocide in Sudan will also join
us along with Helen Fein, the executive director of the Institute for the
Study of Genocide and the International Association of Genocide Scholars.
The online forum is free of charge, Interested individuals can RSVP online.

For more information, go to
***************************************************************************
*

7 – Commentary

Neither Courts nor Officials Care
That We Were Defrauded in Armenia
By K. George Najarian and
Carolann S. Najarian, M.D.
We would like to relate a sad, but true account of what we have experienced
within Armenia’s legal system over this past year.
Let us first introduce ourselves: our humanitarian efforts in Armenia and
Artsakh have spanned nearly 16 years. Our projects began after the
earthquake and during the Artsakh liberation war and continue through
today, with more than 50 trips to Armenia, the delivery of millions of
dollars of medical supplies to both regions; the establishment of the
Primary Care Center in Gyumri (1994) and the Arpen Center for Expectant
Mothers in Artsakh (1995); hospital renovations; and many other efforts,
including the rebuilding of Tsitsernavank, the 4th c. basilica in Kashatagh
(Lachine corridor), assistance to villagers, invalids, veterans, orphans,
and schools. Our work has been carried out through the Armenian Health
Alliance, Inc. and its supporters as well as through our own private funds.
In response to the Armenian government’s pleas to the Diaspora to invest in
Armenia, George undertook a project with a young man whom he met after the
earthquake and with whom he subsequently became a friend. (We even brought
him to Boston to have surgical correction of his infertility for which we
paid; he now has two children, thanks to us!)
In 1996, after a year of prodding George to finance a business venture,
they opened a photo shop as partners – he did the work and George paid for
everything. He also introduced George to various people with other business
propositions. One introduction led to our purchase of two parcels of land
in the Ethnographic Center at Tzorakugh with spectacular views of Ararat.
Throughout this time this ‘friend’ presented himself to us as an honest
person, thankful for the assistance we had given to him and wanting to help
George in whatever way he could.
This ‘friend’ was George’s representative, not partner, in the development
of these two parcels of land. Thus, he had Power of Attorney to represent
George in his absence. However, he used this Power of Attorney to
fraudulently privatize in his name these lands and our two newly
constructed buildings, in effect expropriating our substantial investment.
When we understood what he had done, with the hope of
avoiding a legal battle, we tried to negotiate with him for the return of
the properties. This failed, despite offers of significant sums of money.
Without any other recourse open to us and based on the advice of legal
experts in Armenia, we filed a criminal case against him, first with the
Yerevan City Prosecutor’s Office (September, 2003) and later with the
Prosecutor General of Armenia’s office (March, 2004).
We had assumed the facts in the case were obvious — “open and shut”–
given the evidence of scores of witnesses, bank documents, receipts, etc.
We had not anticipated that our ‘friend’ would enlist the help of
well-connected persons in the government who could influence the case
through bribes and whatever other means available to them, including
intimidating witnesses and threatening lives. In December, 2003, after a
long but superficial investigation, the Yerevan City Prosecutor’s Office
dismissed the case and referred us to civil court. (We suspected the
prosecutor had been bribed but could not prove it.) On appeal, the case was
reopened at the Prosecutor General level. This time prosecutors agreed we
were the victims of fraud. They also found that the ‘friend’ was guilty of
tax evasion. Attempts were again made to hijack the case through dismissal
at this point but failed. While the Yerevan City Prosecutor who previously
dismissed the case admitted during a meeting at the General Prosecutor’s
Office, in George’s presence, that he made a mistake by dismissing the
case, the current prosecutors said that the evidence was too powerful to
dismiss, and sent the case to the next phase within the criminal process —
that of acquiring evidence for the trial.
Two investigators were assigned the task of preparing the evidence for
trial: witnesses were repeatedly called and subjected to hours of
interrogation; George returned to Armenia again to testify – this time for
more than 40 hours; and, documents were requested and provided by us for a
third time. Again, the investigation dragged on for months and despite
mountains of evidence supporting our claims, and little on the other side
supporting his claim of ownership, the two investigators doing the work
dismissed the case! Their decision, a shabby, crude, and even absurd
document completely ignored or marginalized important
evidence supporting our claims and falsified facts –openly. We were again
referred to civil court. We had information that these investigators were
following orders from persons within the government who stand to benefit
from expropriating these properties from us.
Prominent legal minds in Armenia, including experts within the government,
have advised us that this is a criminal case of fraud punishable under
Armenian law. Similar cases, with less evidence, have been fully prosecuted
by the Prosecutor General’s Office. The attempt to move us into civil court
is an attempt to kill the case completely. Under Armenian law, we have no
civil case because there is no partnership agreement between the parties –
we were not partners with this ‘friend.’
It pains us to tell you we did not find an objective, fair justice system
in Armenia, but instead we have seen the inside of a system wrought with
deceit and corruption that crushes even their own when they try to resist.
During this past year, in addition to our direct appeals, others, including
a high ranking member of the Armenian government, have appealed repeatedly
for a fair and objective hearing of our case to persons within the judicial
system and to President Kocharian himself.
The US Embassy is fully aware of the circumstances of our case as are a
number of US congressmen who have written to the Armenian ambassador in
Washington expressing concern over the conduct of our case – judicial
processes must be open and fair otherwise investors will be leery of
undertaking investment risk in Armenia.
It is impossible to recount all that we have been through this past year.
It has been an emotional roller coaster as we faced the fact that persons
within this government would participate in this humiliating and base fraud
against us. It appears due process of law and the protection of rights and
investments are still fragile concepts for the government of Armenia. As we
understand other Diasporans have encountered similar problems and have been
treated in this same manner. We hope with our case being made public there
will be a willingness to discuss these critical issues, and the Armenian
government will take the necessary steps to clean up corruption: the
judiciary should not exist to guarantee people in power wealth. It is no
way to build a country!
Writing about our ordeal is a very painful step taken reluctantly after one
year of struggling to get a fair hearing of our case. Although we are still
in the appeal process, we understand that our property – including the
place where we anticipated living out our retirement years – has been taken
from us. What you are not seeing, though, are the tears we have shed over
knowing that we may never be able to return to Armenia, to live and
continue our work, and knowing not only has our property been expropriated,
but we as people who have loved and worked for the good of Armenia and its
people have been so dishonestly treated.
The pain goes very deep.
***************************************************************************
The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
through this service. Information in that regard should be telephoned
to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
[email protected]. Letters to the editor concerning issues
addressed in the Courier may be e-mailed, provided it is signed by
the author. Phone and/or E-mail address is also required to verify
authorship.

–Boundary_(ID_rl/8ADsd2oEqTp4UKiAcRQ)–

OFFICIAL VISIT OF RA PRESIDENT TO ITALY SCHEDULED FOR LATE JANUARY 2005

YEREVAN, November 23 (Noyan Tapan). An official visit of RA President
Robert Kocharian to Italy is scheduled for late January 2005. It was
mentioned during the November 23 joint press conference of Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vartan Oskanian and Deputy Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Italy Margerita Boniver. The Deputy Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Italy said that the purpose of her arrival in
Armenia is to prepare the visit of President Kocharian to Italy. The
sides highly estimated the level of the Armenian-Italian relations both
in terms of the political dialogue and in the sphere of economic and
cultural relations. Accoridng to M. Boniver, Italy not only strives
for the further development of bilateral relations with Armenia,
but it is interested in the deepening of cooperation within the
framework of the European Union. “We think that the “New Neighborhood”
program will be useful both for the countries of the South Caucasus
and for the countries-members of the European Union,” said Margerita
Boniver. As for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict she said that
Italy is for the peaceful settlement of the conflict and supports
the mission of the OSCE Minsk Group. Both diplomats gave assurance
that the upcoming visit of Robert Kocharian to Italy will become an
additional stimulus for the development of the bilateral relations.