Author: Nalbandian Eduard

Armenian president to visit Russia in late July

Regnum, Russia
July 10 2006

Armenian President Robert Kocharyan will visit Russia in the second
half of July 2006 to attend the informal CIS summit, as well as to
observe, being accompanied by other state leaders, the annual horse
race for the prize of Russia’s President.

Armenian president spokesman Viktor Sogomonyan is quoted by a REGNUM
correspondent as saying that both the visit’s agenda and the meeting
schedule have not been detailed yet.

The horse race was held for the first time 2-3 July 2004 in Russia.

Most of the CIS leaders, except for Turkmenistan and Byelorussia,
gathered then in Moscow.

VAHAN HOVHANNISIAN HIGHLY ESTIMATES RESULTS OF WORK OF OSCE PA DELEGATION HEADED BY HIM

YEREVAN, JULY 10, NOYAN TAPAN. As a result of the Armenian delegation’s
efficient work at the OSCE PA summer session convened on July 3-7
in Brussels, all its initiatives, as well as all proposals on draft
resolutions discussed were adopted. Vahan Hovhannisian, head of the
Armenian delegation, RA NA Vice-Speaker, ARFD Bureau member, informed
about it at the July 10 press conference expressing his satisfaction
in this connection.

According to Vahan Hovhannisian, thanks to the delegation’s efforts
it was managed to prevent adoption of resolutions and proposals
not favorable for Armenia presented by the delegations of the
three neighbors, Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan. As a result,
no country at the Assembly supported these initiatives, except
the above-mentioned three countries that distinguished themselves
with active cooperation. By the way, 56 countries are members of
the Assembly, including Montenegro that has joined the Assembly
lately. "The resolutions or amendments proposed by us always have many
supporters, at that, these are countries that cannot be suspected of
regional interest," NA Vice-Speaker emphasized.

Hovhannisian mentioned that he and some delegation members, National
Unity faction head Artashes Geghamian and RPA faction member Samvel
Nikoyan, also took an active part in the work of the Assembly’s three
standing committees, where also "serious arguments took place."

As an example of his statement Vahan Hovhannisian attached a special
importance to some discussions in the Committee on Political Issues,
as a result of which for the first time it was managed to stipulate the
issue of nations’ rights in the resolution documents adopted by OSCE,
taking the referendum of Montenegro as a basis. In this connection
they also greeted the approach of Serbia recognizing the democratic
values, which "did not respond to the referendum of Montenegro with
tanks, planes or with another force, but recognized its results." "The
Assembly registered by voting that this is an excellent example for
finding a right balance between the immunity of borders and nations’
right of self-determination," V.Hovhannisian said at the same time
emphasizing that the above mentioned formulation of the adopted
resolution was "violently resisited" by the Azerbaijani and Georgian
delegations but in vain.

According to him, the Armenian side also managed to fail "two very hard
resolutions" proposed by the above mentioned two delegations. One of
them, in particular, proposed stipulating that the unsolved conflicts
should be solved by returning the disputable areas to the country, to
which it belong, so, as Vahan Hovhannisian characterized, this is an
"obvious obscenity." By the second draft the above mentioned two states
proposed registering that irrespective of the further status of Kosovo,
it cannot be a precedent for settlement of other similar conflicts."

According to him, another initiative of the two neighboring states was
liquidated, which proposed stipulating in the form of a resolution
that the national monorities are obliged to protect the territorial
integrity of the given country.

SECOND WATER AUTO-ACCIDENT ON LAKE SEVAN

Panorama.am
16:09 10/07/06

Judging from everything it may be said that Armenians cannot keep to
traffic rules not only on the ground but also on water. Two accidents
were reported on lake Sevan in the course of 15 days.

On July 9, at about 2:40 pm, two water motorbikes collided near the
vicinity of Akhtamar peninsula, rescue services report.

Bella Abrahamyan was taken to hospital with body injuries. Doctors
say her conditions are bad.

Note: on June 25, at 2 pm two other motorbikes collided near beach
Water nymph. The accident took the life of Karen Karapetyan born in
1981. /Panorama.am/

Armenian-Georgian Group to Study Opportunities to Open Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi Railway

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.07.2006 13:59 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan met with his
Georgian counterpart Zurab Nogaideli, reports the Press Service of the
Armenian Government. Welcoming the decision of Georgian authorities to
restore infrastructure of Samtskhe-Javakheti Georgian region populated
by Armenians, Margaryan said he thought to slacken the tension among
the population it would be expedient to involve local entrepreneurs and
residents in construction works planned. The Armenian PM reaffirmed
Armenia’s commitment to assist to implementation of the program. At
this stage the Armenian party will help restore a number of education
institutions of Javakheti. The form of further assistance will be
determined when information on the complex restoration programs is
submitted to the Armenian party.

The interlocutors also discussed matters of restoration of regional
transport communications. Armenian and Georgian PMs agreed to form
a joint working group, specifically to study opportunities to resume
Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway communication.

Over 400 Attend Annual AYF-YOARF Eastern Region Junior Seminar

AYF-YOARF Eastern Region
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
617-923-1933
[email protected]
Contact: Tamar Kanarian; [email protected]

Watertown,MA- Over Memorial Day Weekend, over 400 AYF junior and
senior members, representing over 15 chapters of the Eastern Region,
gathered at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, Penn., for the annual
AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar. Attendees, as well as lecturers and guests,
gathered for a weekend of educationals, discussions, and AYF
camaraderie.

This year’s theme was "Identity. Spirit. Tradition: Experience AYF."

The weekend’s educational content revolved around this
central message where members learned about the various realms that
the organization encompasses. The educational aspect of the weekend
commenced early Saturday morning where members attended various
lectures geared to their specific age group.

Various topics such as Armenian Kingdoms; the AYF-ers college
experience; AYF evolution; and the AYF-ers role in the Armenian
community, sparked discussion on all levels amongst juniors, seniors,
and lecturers. "This year’s content was exceptional. Given that we
are two years away from celebrating the 75 th anniversary of the AYF,
it is important for our members to know about the AYF as it relates
to itself, the community, and other organizations with which it works
with," said Nora Keomurjian, 2006 Junior Seminar committee
chairperson.

In addition to taking part in eight lectures, attendees rekindled
friendship and met fellow ungers and ungerouhis from various
chapters. "One of my favorite parts about Junior Seminar when I
attended as a junior was meeting new people from so many different
places. I continue to do so today as a senior," said 2006 Junior
Seminar committee member Simone Dinkjian-Soultanian.

Evening activities also added excitement to the weekend, including
the traditional Saturday night talent show. Entertainment throughout
the weekend was provided by DJ Chris Krikorian, Aram Hovagimian, and
Sevag Khatchadourian. A special addition to this year’s program was a
showcase of young talented members from the New Jersey Arsen chapter.

Brothers Shant and Raffi Massoyan, and Raffi Kouyoumjian played
Armenian melodies on traditional Armenian instruments such as the
zurna, oud, and dhol.

In its 36th year, Junior Seminar continues to be the driving force
that brings together membership, not only providing them with social
outlets, but the tools and knowledge needed to continue their
membership in the AYF.

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION LAUNCHING ACTIVITY IN THE CZECH PARLIAMENT

ArmRadio.am
07.07.2006 12:50

"The European Armenian Federation is working in the direction of
discussion and adoption of the bill on the Armenian Genocide by the
Czech Parliament," Head of the European Armenian Federation Hila
Tchoboyan told "Armenpress" correspondent. She noted that there is
a bill on the Armenian Genocide in the European Parliament, which
allows launching activity in Parliaments of all European countries.

As for the bill on the Armenian Genocide denial in the French
Parliament, Hilda Tchoboyan said that the issue will be addressed
preceding and during the fall session. She noted that members of
the Party in power might not respond to the call of the four of their
colleagues to sign the bill. However, the Socialist faction, comprising
minority in the Parliament, has promised that despite everything the
bill on the Armenian Genocide denial will be included in the agenda.

CONSTITUTION IS A HOLIDAY WHICH IS ALWAYS WITH US
Hakob Badalyan

Lragir.am
05 July 06

Since 1995 July 5 has been celebrated as the Constitution Day. And
though on November 27 nothing remained of the Constitution adopted
on June 5, July 5 of 2006 was not an exception, and the society is
celebrating the Day of Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. The
word "celebrate" is exaggerated, however, and is closer to the vision
rather than the reality. The word "not to work" is closer to the
reality. The Constitution Day is a day off. Usually, holidays are
days off for the pubic to enjoy them at full. However, with regard
to the Constitution Day, besides a simple explanation, a day off is
also symbolic because this document, supposed to regulate state and
public relations, continues not to work. And apparently by not going
to work on July 5 the citizens get tuned to the Constitution a day
in the year, although the contrary would be desirable.

Perhaps, the Constitution is devised to bring the vision closer
to the reality for the state to live in accordance with the wish
or wishes established by an agreement of the society rather than
separate people. It is known to everyone that the Constitution of
Armenia adopted in 1995 and changed in 2005 does not reflect the
wish and approach of the society. In both cases the main law of the
country was used as a political tool, and in this case it is not
important whom it served and what prospects it guaranteed for the
state. Consequently, with regard to the Constitution of Armenia,
11 years after its adoption the establishment of a tie between
the constitution and the public remains urgent. The content of the
Constitution is not a problem. Perhaps, it is not bad, and maybe it
was not bad before the reform either. We may even assert that the
Constitution is good, which is affirmed by the leadership of country
on this holiday, who are to guarantee the work of the Constitution.

And the work of the Constitution is important, which can fill in for
content, and the absence of which cannot be filled in by the content,
because a good Constitution is a Constitution, which is never violated.

RA PRESIDENT PAYS TWO DAYS WORKING VISIT TO ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
By Nana Petrosian

AZG Armenian Daily
06/07/2006

RA President Robert Kocharian is currently paying a two days’
working visit to the Islamic republic of Iran. The delegation of
the Armenian statesmen includes RA Foreign and Energy Ministers,
Head of RA President’s Staff, RA Ambassador to Iran and other high
ranked officials. The sides will hold various meetings and sign
documents. After the meeting, RA President Robert Kocharian and Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave a press conference. President
visited the memorial of Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei, Supreme leader
of the Iranian people, and laid a wreath on his grave.

It’s worth mentioning that in the preparation stage of the meeting
Armen Movsisian, RA Energy Minister, met with Vazir Khamanei, Iranian
Oil Minister, and Parviz Fattahi, Iranian Energy Minister, to prepare
the July 5-6 meeting of RA President Robert Kocharian. At the meeting
the sides discussed a number of issues on energy cooperation included
in the agenda of the coming Presidential meeting. In particular, the
sides touched upon the construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline,
as well as other projects for energy cooperation. In his turn,
Arman Kirakosian, RA Deputy Foreign Minister, met with Manouchekhr
Mottaki, Iranian Foreign Minister. In the course of the meeting the
sides touched upon the organization issues for the coming visit of
RA President. They also dwelt on the regional political-economic
cooperation, as well as the implementation of the agreements
signed by the Armenian-Iranian inter-parliamentary commission for
cooperation. Iranian FM represented the current situation around
the nuclear program of Iran and inquired about the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement process.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO TRAVEL TO IRAN FOR TALKS

Jerusalem Post
July 4 2006

Iran’s disputed nuclear program and natural gas supplies will likely
top the agenda when Armenian President Robert Kocharian meets his
Iranian counterpart in Teheran on Wednesday.

Pressure is mounting on Iran to respond positively to an international
package of incentives aimed at defusing the standoff over its nuclear
program. Western nations have threatened to reactivate efforts to
seek punitive UN Security Council sanctions unless it suspends uranium
enrichment and agrees to talks by July 12.

A statement by Kocharian’s press service made no mention of the
issue. Reached by telephone in Teheran, presidential spokesman Viktor
Sogmonian refused to say whether the two leaders would be discussing
the standoff.

CINEMA: LA PROMENEUSE D’EREVAN
par Marie-Aimee Bonnefoy

Charente Libre , France
1 juillet 2006

Avec Ariane Ascaride, sa compagne et fidèle interprète, Guediguian
retrouve le fil de ses origines. Le plus marseillais des Armeniens
part pour un periple au pays de ses ancetres et son Voyage en Armenie
commence evidemment du côte de l’Estaque.

Anna y est cardiologue. Après l’avoir ausculte, elle annonce a son
père, Barsam, qu’il doit subir une operation. Mais celui-ci disparaît,
laissant des indices pour que sa fille vienne le retrouver la ou il
est. Voila la rigide Anna, obligee de partir dans un pays qu’elle
ne connaît pas et n’a nulle envie de connaître. Or dès lors qu’elle
atterrit a Erevan, elle realise qu’elle n’est pas la uniquement
pour retrouver son fugueur de père mais pour etre confrontee a son
armenite…

Le propos de Guediguian est personnel. Rien a voir avec Le promeneur
du Champ-de-Mars qui dressait un portrait subjectif de Mitterrand
a la veille de sa mort. Il a ici realise un film a son usage sans
doute pour apprendre a aimer et tolerer ce qu’est devenue la terre
de ses aïeux. S’il est sincère, Guediguian est toutefois maladroit
dans la facon de bâtir une intrigue. Les rencontres d’Anna semblent
aussi artificielles que les peripeties policières qui arrivent aux
personnages.

Sans doute l’histoire n’etait-elle pas la priorite du realisateur
que l’on sait depuis toujours engage a gauche. Elle etait juste un
pretexte aux decouvertes: les difficultes des petites gens depuis la
fin du communisme, la survivance de la foi dans ce qui fut le premier
royaume chretien, l’attachement au mont Ararat situe en territoire
turc… Mais aussi l’emergence d’une nouvelle economie mafieuse,
capitalisme du troisième type qu’Anna nomme l’internationalisme de
la saloperie

Guediguian constate et analyse. Il est genereux et vrai. Il evite
tout jugement hâtif et sait faire entendre tous les points de vue.

Mais son discours tombe vite dans une demonstration un peu trop
didactique. Son film de deux heures aurait gagne a etre plus concis,
il aurait tout autant convaincu et davantage persuade.

Voyage en Armenie de Robert Guediguian avec Ariane Asacaride et Gerard
Meylan, salle Nemo Angouleme.

GRAPHIQUE: Dans Voyage en Armenie avec Ariane Ascaride, Guediguian
retrouve le fil de ses origines * repro CL

–Boundary_(ID_/9pg1kinpemPGUmXU1dDJg)–