Author: Nalbandian Eduard

FIVE COMPANIES AWARDED WITH “QUALITY 2004” GOVERNMENTAL PRIZES

YEREVAN, January 21 (Noyan Tapan). Five companies are awarded with the
“Quality 2004” governmental prizes on January 21. The governmnet
selected “Ashtarak Kat”, “Dilijan Frolova Balka”, “Yerevan Brandy
Company”, “Vrasfer Technopark” and “Horizone 95” amomg nine companies
submitting bids. To recap, this prize is given for considerable
achievements in the sphere of quality provision and introduction of
effective methods on quality management.

I KNOW WHAT CRIMINAL ELEMENTS ELIZABETH JONES SAID ABOUT AND I DO NOT
THINK THE MATTER CONCERNED NAGORNY KARABAKH: JOHN EVANS

YEREVAN, JANUARY 21. ARMINFO. “I know what criminal elements US
Assistant Secretary of the State Elizabeth Jones had said about and I
don’t think that the matter concerned Nagorny Karabakh.”
U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia John
Evans stated in the interview to TV company Armenia, commenting on the
recent statements of Elizabeth Jones.

According to him, the U.S policy concerning the process of peaceful
settlement of the Karabakh conflict remains unchanged. The United
States provide assistance both to Yerevan and Baku in reaching
resolution to the conflict, which is said in the statement of the
U.S. Embassy this week. The United States is the good partner of
Armenia and what is said does not require proves. As regards the
statements of U.S. Assistant Secretary of the State Elizabeth Jones,
“I have known her for almost 30 years as a professional diplomat and
when I first read the information about its statements, I thought
immediately – something is wrong here”, John Evans stressed.

He thinks that the statements of Elizabeth Jones concerning criminal
elements did not concern Nagorny Karabakh. Generally, she had an
unofficial talk with journalists during his vide news conference and
meant then that the USA and Russia must cooperate closely in the issue
of settlement of the conflicts in Abkhazia, Transdnesitria, Nagorny
Karabakh. And she had noted there are extremist criminal elements here
in the districts bordering with Russia. “I know the geography and I
don’t think that the matter concerned Nagorny Karabakh – we know what
districts and elements she meant”, the American diplomat said.

He noted also that the USA has given humanitarian aid to Nagorny
Karabakh for a long time. This assistance is also provided by the USA
budget this year, at that the USA is one of the two countries of the
world which provides such an aid to Nagorny Karabakh. Those, who
wrongly comment on the statements of Elizabeth Jones, tries to damage
the Armenian-American relations, which are at not bad level, and it is
very important, John Evans said.

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER – January 20, 2005

BIBLE SEMINAR AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
The subtle religious and linguistic beauty of the Holy Bible will be the
subject of a seminar at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, on
Saturday, January 29, co-sponsored by the Christian Education Committee
(CEC) of St. Sarkis Church and the Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC) of the Prelacy. Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian, director of AREC, will
conduct the seminar.
Deacon Shant will present a brief overview of the Bible and its use in
the Armenian Apostolic Church. He will also explore the differences between
the Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic versions of the scriptures, and will
discuss Bible study aids.
The seminar will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th
Street, Douglaston, New York, and conclude at 3 p.m. A light lunch and
coffee will be served. All are welcome.
For information contact the St. Sarkis Church office, 718-224-2275.

ST. STEPHEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
GALA IS SATURDAY, JANUARY 29
St. Stephen Armenian Elementary School (Watertown, Massachusetts) will
celebrate its 20th anniversary with a gala celebration on Saturday, January
29, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The event is under the auspices His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
who will attend the gala to bring his congratulatory words on this occasion.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Vartan Gregorian, president of the Carnegie
Corporation of New York.
Visit the school web site for information about the school
and the 20th anniversary gala on January 29.

SIAMANTO ACADEMY STUDENTS HEAR GUEST LECTURERS
Following an edifying lecture on Gomidas Vartabed in December by
ethnomusicologist Krikor Pidedjian, the Siamanto Academy students will
participate in the second lecture/workshop by renowned actress and writer
Nora Armani on Saturday, January 29. The first lecture by Ms. Armani
included an overview of Armenian theatre and a workshop that captivated the
students attention. The roster of other recent guest lecturers has included:
Major Aram Sarafian, Ara Jigarian, artist Kevork Mourad, Associated Press
photographer Harry Koundakjian, NK Arts Neery Melkonian, Tony Vartanian of
the ANCA, and art historian Dr. Sylvie Merian.

SERIES OF MEETINGS IN ANTELIAS
A series of meetings, presided by His Holiness Aram I, have taken place
this past week at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.
The agenda of the meeting of the Religious Executive Council covered reports
pertaining to Christian Education, Ecumenical Relations, and the Youth, as
well as programs and concerns related to different spheres of religious
life.
The meeting of the Lay Executive Council studied questions and projects
related to finances, social services, and public relations.
During the joint meeting of the Religious and Lay Committees, diocesan
primates and lay representatives, a number of issues about the overall
activities of the Catholicosate were discussed. In his remarks, His Holiness
emphasized the importance of responsibility, accountability, and
self-critical assessment, in the work of the Catholicosate on a global and
diocesan level.

PRELATE OFFERS DAILY MORNING PRAYER SESSIONS
DURING CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan offered Morning Prayer services during the
one-week cruise in the Caribbean. His Eminence was gratified by the number
of people who attended the daily service each morning to participate in the
service and hear the message of the day, before beginning the activities of
the day.
Archbishop Oshagan said it was a good experience to see so many
Armenians coming together to enjoy a very well organized and planned
vacation.

PRELATE WILL GO TO FLORIDA TOMORROW
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Florida tomorrow, January 21, to
preside over meetings with the architects for the St. John Church in Boynton
Beach.

PRELATE WILL ATTEND MEETINGS IN VATICAN
Archbishop Oshagan will travel overseas to attend meetings at the
Vatican from January 24 to 30. The meetings are between the Oriental
Orthodox Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
Papers will be presented on various aspects of communion, the meaning of
sister churches, the meaning of church families, and common ecumenical
goals.
The Cilician See will be represented by Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop
Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of Cilicia.

22nd MUSICAL ARMENIA CONCERT SERIES:
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
The 2005 Musical Armenia concert, the 22nd performance in the series,
will take place Sunday, January 30, 2 pm, at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie
Hall, New York City. The concert will feature the baritone Oshin Gregorian
and the works of the composer Eric Hachikian, performed by the Motyl Chamber
Ensemble.
Mr. Gregorian will perform works by Gomidas, Mozart, Donizetti, Puccini,
Ravel, Ganatchian, Gregorian, and Sayat Nova.
The Motyl Chamber Ensemble will perform some works of Eric Hachikian,
including Voyage to Amasia and Saint Sarkis Suite.
Reserve your tickets now by contacting Sophie at the Prelacy,
212-689-7810.

GHEVONTIANK CLERGY CONFERENCE
WILL CONVENE IN MONTREAL
The annual Gevontiank Clergy Conference will convene in Montreal,
Canada, January 31 to February 2. Participating in the conference will be
the clergy of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies. The theme of the
conference will focus on the past, present and future mission of the
Cilician Seminary.

PRELATE WILL VISIT ST. SARKIS CHURCH THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, January 23, Archbishop Oshagan will officiate the Divine
Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, in observance of the
name day of the church. His Eminence will be assisted by the pastor of the
church, V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian. The morning services begin at 10
am followed by the Badarak at 10:30 am.
His Eminence will also preside over the blessing of the veils of the
choir members. A luncheon will follow the church services. For information
and reservations contact the church office, 718-224-2275.

PARISHIONER IS HEADED TO AFGHANISTAN
A message from St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley (North Andover,
Massachusetts) informs us that a member of that parish, Felix Gregorian,
will be heading to Afghanistan next month. The message states:
As some of you may or may not know we have a fellow parishioner who is
in the process of heading to Afghanistan. Felix Gregorian is currently in
Texas and should be there until sometime in February before heading
overseas. Below is his mailing and email address where he can be reached.
Feel free to send him letters/emails to keep in touch and let him know what’s
going on in our church/community. He would love to hear from all of you,
regardless of whether you have known him forever or have never met him. Let
us give him our support and let him know that he and his family are in our
thoughts and prayers.
ILT Felix Gregorian
ANA ETT 3Bgde 5BN CSSI
650th ASG Bldg 4228
Ft. Hood, TX 76544
[email protected]

ZULAL TO PERFORM IN NEW YORK CITY
ZULAL, the Armenian a cappella folk trio, will perform next Wednesday,
January 26, 7:30 pm, at Satalla, 37 W. 26th St., New York City.
Zulal, which means clarity, is receiving raves and critical acclaim
following performances in various parts of the United States and Canada. The
three talented performers, Anais Tekerian, Teni Apelian and Yeraz Markarian,
keep true to the folk tradition while providing fresh perspectives and
harmonies. We saw them in their New Jersey performance last year and found
their performance to be exciting, informative, and entertaining.

PAPER ON STEPANOS SIWNECI IN JOURNAL
The latest edition of the scholarly journal, Le Museon, (Volume 117,
Issue 3), includes a paper entitled Origen’s Commentaries as Sources for
Stepanos Siwneci’s Commentary on the Gospels, by Michael Papazian.
Stepanos Siwneci (c. 688-735) was the author of some of the earliest
surviving Armenian biblical commentaries. Professor Papazian is chairman of
the Religion and Philosophy Department at Berry College in Rome, Georgia.

ST. SARKIS, ST. ADOM, ST. SOUKIAS
It is a busy week for the Armenian Church in the remembrance of saints,
including St. Sarkis the Warrior, Sts. Adom and Generals, and Sts. Soukias
and Martyrs.

ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR
This Saturday, the Armenian Church remembers St. Sarkis the Warrior and
his son, St. Mardiros. It is a moveable feast day that generally occurs
between January 11 and February 15. It follows the five-day Fast of
Catechumens. Although the Fast is not connected to St. Sarkis, it has become
to be associated with this saint who enjoy a special popularity among the
Armenians. Sarkis lived during the fourth century and was from Cappadocia in
Asia Minor. He rose through the military ranks as a consequence of his
valiant campaigns on behalf of the Emperor Constantine. With the accession
of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took refuge in Armenia with his son, Mardiros.
Later he and his son went to Persia to join the Persian army in fighting
Emperor Julian. Both fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian king
(Shapur II) tried to convince them to abandon their Christrian faith and
embrace Zorastrianism. Both refused, and father and son were martyred.
Loyal Christian soldiers who went to retrieve the body, were killed as
well. Eventually, Christians found the body and sent it to Assyria, where it
remained until the fifth century, when Mesrob Mashdots received the remains
and moved them to the city of Garpi in Armenia. The famed Garpi Monastery,
erected over the site of the grave, stands to this day.
St. Sarkis is revered and there are many Armenian churches throughout
the world dedicated to his memory.

GEORGE W. BUSH INAUGURATED TODAY
George W. Bush was inaugurated to his second term of office as President
of the United States today at noon.
In his second inaugural speech to the nation, President Bush said,
freedom is not only the right of all people everywhere, and thus a
transcendent cause in itself, but an engine to help America secure. We are
led by events and common sense to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in
our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The
best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the
world.
The President struck an ecumenical tone in describing an America guided
by spiritual as well as secular precepts: Self-government relies, in the
end, on the governing of the self. That edifice of character is built in
families supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our
national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of
the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in
reaffirming all that is good and true that came before, ideals of justice
and conduct that are the same today and forever.

The U.S. Constitution has only two requirements for the inauguration:

1. That the president-elect take office at noon on January 20.
2. That the president-elect take a short 35-word oath: I,.do solemnly
swear to faithfully executive the office of president of the United States
and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of the United States.

George Washington, the first president, added so help me God to the oath and
kissed the Bible. His swearing in took place in 1789 in New York City, which
was the temporary capital. His second inaugural address in 1793 was 135
words, the shortest inaugural address in history.
The longest inaugural address was given by William Henry Harrison in
1841. His 8,445-word address, delivered in cold blustery weather, lasted two
hours. He developed pneumonia soon after and died a month later.
Historians agree that the most eloquent second inaugural address was
delivered by Abraham Lincoln on March 4, 1865. This is the with malice
toward none, with charity for all, speech that we have quoted here at other
times, but is worth repeating.
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the
right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work
we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have
borne the battle and for his widow and his orphans, to do all which may
achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all
nations.
Lincoln was assassinated a little more than a month later.

Visit our website at

New Zealand Herald, New Zealand
Jan 20 2005

Volcanic sites deserve UN recognition

by Brian Rudman

It would be nice, every now and again, if the Department of
Conservation’s Wellington bureaucrats showed signs of appreciating
that a third of DoC’s annual $300 million income comes out of the
pockets of Auckland taxpayers.

But once again, with the release of DoC’s list of “six tentative
candidates” for World Heritage Site listing, Auckland gets the cold
shoulder.

Instead, remote and sparsely peopled sites far from the Big Smoke
pick up three of the six nominations: Kahurangi National Park at the
northwest corner of the South Island, the ghost-town of Oamaru
farther south, and the distant Kermadec Islands 1000km northeast of
civilisation.

The other three are Papamoa Pa near Tauranga, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
and Napier’s dinky cluster of post-earthquake art deco buildings.

Now far be it from me to bad-mouth these places, or ponder whether
they’re worthy of a place on a list that includes the Taj Mahal,
Great Wall of China and Tower of London.

But they are “also-rans” compared with Auckland’s unique field of
50-odd volcanic cones, and DoC Auckland – if not DoC Wellington –
knows it. In 1995, the department’s Auckland Conservancy declared
achieving World Heritage Site status for the volcanoes an integral
part of its conservation management strategy for the region. If the
head office wallahs don’t have a copy, I can send them one.

DoC Auckland spokesman Warwick Murray loyally argues that
Wellington’s list is only “indicative” and “is certainly not a
comprehensive one”. To add Auckland’s volcanic field, “what is needed
is some submissions from the public”. His office has written to the
Auckland Volcanic Cones Protection Society and other groups telling
them to have their say.

Here’s hoping Auckland’s local politicians join the campaign. If
they’re wondering what’s the point, all they have to do is type in
“world heritage site” on an internet search engine and see the
tourism drawcard it is for existing title-holders.

There are 788 sites on the Unesco list. Everything from the Minaret
of Jam in Afghanistan and the Monastery of Haghpat in Armenia to
Fraser Island, Queensland, the last there because it claims to be the
largest sand island in the world. So?

The aim of listing is to seek “to encourage the identification,
protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around
the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity”.

To be selected, a site must have “outstanding universal value” and
meet at least one of 10 listed criteria, which include cultural and
heritage conditions.

For the first time in the committee’s 32-year history, New Zealand
has a representative on the selection panel, Ngati Tuwharetoa
paramount chief Tumu te Heuheu. As a man from volcano country
himself, he will appreciate the treasure that is Auckland’s rich,
volcano-based past.

To Auckland’s first visitors, both Maori and Pakeha, the volcanoes
were a thing of wonder. In 1858, Austrian geologist and explorer
Ferdinand von Hochstetter noted that “the isthmus of Auckland is one
of the most remarkable volcanic districts of the Earth”.

He could have been penning the application to Unesco. “The remarkable
extinct volcanoes are unique in their kind, both with respect to
their number and the peculiar shape of their cones and craters and
streams of lava. In a circumference of only 10 miles [29km] from
Auckland, I had to note down no less than 53 extinct points of
eruption.”

As to cultural import, he observed the extensive Maori terracing and
recorded that they once played “the part of mountain forts like the
castles of the Middle Ages … As in Europe the ruins upon rock and
mountain heights are the gloomy mementoes of club-law, where might
alone made right … ”

World heritage listing will provide better protection next time
someone tries to drive a road or railway through one of the cones.

It will also be a great tourist draw. You can see the punters
browsing the internet. City of Sails, ho-hum. World Heritage City of
Volcanoes – “Wow. Let’s don the hard-hats and go.”

First, though, Auckland has to get on DoC’s priority list. Details
for submissions at the Department of Conservation website (see link
below). We have until March 31.

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

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, January 20, 2005

AGBU MONTREAL UNVEILS NEWLY RENOVATED, STATE-OF-THE-ART COMMUNITY
CENTER

Montreal, Quebec – After five years of meticulous planning and
steadfast support from AGBU donors, members, and friends, AGBU
Montreal unveiled its newly renovated, state-of-the-art Alex Manoogian
Community Center Saturday, October 30, 2004. The recent unveiling of
the CAN$1 million, renovated Center symbolizes for the community a
renewed commitment by AGBU to its revitalization and continued
presence in Canada.

Demonstrating his vote of confidence in the future growth of the
Montreal Armenian community, AGBU Honorary Life President Alex
Manoogian acquired the site in Ville St. Laurent, Quebec in 1977. The
Center, along with the adjacent Armen Quebec – Alex Manoogian School,
thrived to become a cultural hub of the Montreal Armenian community in
the ’70s and ’80s. Due to general wear and tear on the facilities, the
Center was confronted in the ’90s with functional challenges to
accommodate its new programs and services.

Propelled into the 21st century, the Center can now boast, among other
improvements, three new halls, advanced audiovisual capabilities, new
furnishings, and accommodations for the physically handicapped. The
short-term sacrifices, willingly made by AGBU Montreal to reach their
long-term goal, including the closing of the Center for six months,
were worth the wait. As they usher in this new period with much pride,
the Center is now readily equipped with the proper resources to keep
pace with the needs of its growing community and its youth in
particular.

Fundamental to the preservation of the Armenian community, AGBU
Montreal is committed to advancing the future of Armenian youth by
adding new dimensions to their lives and offering a clear path of
education, opportunity, and leadership. The Center accommodates a host
of activities throughout the calendar year including the Youth Sports
Programs, Scouting, University Student Events, a Young Professionals
Group, an Armenian Studies Program, a Genocide Recognition Committee,
a Social and Fundraising Events Committee, a Cultural Committee, a
Bridge Club, and a Golden Age Group.

In commemoration of this landmark occasion, AGBU Montreal planned a
weekend complete with festivities and fanfare kicking off Thursday,
October 27 with an exhibition by local artists. Welcomed by the AGBU
Scouts’ marching band Saturday morning, over 300 guests attended the
official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Dervishian,
Demirdjian, and Yacoubian Halls. In attendance were AGBU President
Berge Setrakian, Vice President Arshavir Gundjian, and Central Board
member Sam Simonian, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, and over a dozen
prominent Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal government
officials, including Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay and the Honorable
Stéphane Dion, Canadian Minister for the Environment.

On Saturday evening, over 200 guests attended the inauguration banquet
and were treated to a grand tour of the newly renovated Center. The
following Sunday morning, a requiem service in memory of Alex and
Marie Manoogian and deceased AGBU founders, members, and benefactors
was held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral. Following
the services, Setrakian set aside time too meet exclusively with over
100 of the city’s youth emphasizing the importance of their ongoing
involvement in the community, the value gained by approaching AGBU to
implement their fresh ideas, and the various ways to restore pride in
Diasporan youth through the preservation of language and culture. The
weekend came to a fitting close Sunday evening at Salle Collège
Brébeuf where 600 spectators enjoyed sold-out performances by renowned
Los Angeles singer Hovig Krikorian and 45 members of the Shushi
Armenian Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral in New York.

AGBU Montreal, founded in 1957, is dedicated to preserving and
promoting the Armenian heritage and culture through humanitarian,
educational, cultural, and social programs reaching the Armenian
population within the greater Montreal region. For more information,
please contact AGBU Montreal at 514-748-2428 or e-mail
[email protected]. For more information on AGBU and its
chapters, please visit

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 14-20, 2005

HIGHLIGHTS:

MDI SEMINAR FOR “ARMENPRESS” STAFF

DEFENDANT ON ASSAULT ON “HAIKAKAN ZHAMANAK” CORRESPONDENT PLEADED GUILTY

NCTR FINED “HAYRENIK TV”

“PAKAGITS” WILL BE ISSUED THREE TIMES A WEEK

“SHOGHAKAT” TAKES A TECHNICAL BREAK

MDI SEMINAR FOR “ARMENPRESS” STAFF

On January 17-19 in Yerevan a training seminar on covering diversity for the
staff of “Armenpress” state news agency was held. The training was organized
by the London-based Media Diversity Institute under the project “Minority
Empowerment and Media Development in South Caucasus”, implemented with the
financial assistance of the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Netherlands. The MDI partner in Armenia is Yerevan Press
Club.

Theoretical and practical aspects of covering minority and vulnerable groups
of the society were discussed in interactive communication, moderated by
experts Mike Jempson, PressWise Trust journalistic organization, and Arjum
Wajid, BBC World Service, from the United Kingdom and Tatul Hakobian,
observer of “Azg” daily, from Armenia.
The practical continuation of the training will be the 50 articles that the
journalists of “Armenpress” must produce in the course of 6 months and
disseminate among their subscribers.

At the seminar the monitoring of how the print media of Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia cover various groups/minorities in the society was discussed.
The study was conducted in September 2004 by common methodology and within
identical time period in all the three countries of South Caucasus. The
monitoring object was five national newspapers in each of the countries. The
head of the monitoring in Armenia Elina Poghosbekian presented its findings
to the seminar participants. In particular, the extremely low attention of
the print media studied in Armenia and Azerbaijan towards the groups and
minorities existing in the countries was noted. Thus, of the total number of
pieces studied only 1.7% of publications in Armenian newspapers dealt with
the monitoring subject. In Azerbaijani media this figure did not exceed 1%.
The highest level of coverage was recorded in Georgian media – 7.5%. Out of
the five target groups of the monitoring, during the study period, the
Armenian media most frequently addressed the problems of the disabled, the
Azerbaijani media – the problems of refugees/displaced persons, the majority
of mentionings in Georgia referred to ethnic minorities. The third by the
media attention distribution in all the three countries were religious
minorities, the fifth (the last) were the sexual minorities that were
recorded 4 times in studies of Armenian and Georgian media each, and not
even once – for the media of Azerbaijan. A similar monitoring will be
conducted in February this year, but this time among the broadcasters of the
three countries.

DEFENDANT ON ASSAULT ON “HAIKAKAN ZHAMANAK” CORRESPONDENT PLEADED GUILTY

On January 19 at the court of primary jurisdiction of Center and Nork-Marash
communities of Yerevan the hearings of the case of assault on Arman Galoyan,
the correspondent of “Haikakan Zhamanak” daily, continued. As it has been
reported, the incident occurred on September 23, 2004, when the journalist
was interviewing the owners of the trade stalls demolished around one of the
Yerevan markets. The investigation identified one of the assaulters,
impeding the work of the correspondent of “Haikakan Zhamanak”, to be the
market supervisor Armen Vardanian. It also appeared that a month before the
incident this same Armen Vardanian beat two Yerevan residents next to the
same market. The two cases were united into one litigation, and Vardanian
was charged on these two episodes: by Article 164 (“Obstruction of
legitimate professional activities of journalist”) and 258 (“Public
disorder”) of the RA Criminal Code. The defendant failed to be present at
opening session of the trial on December 20, and the court ruled to bring
him to court by force (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, December 17-23, 2004).

At the hearings of January 19 Armen Vardanian pleaded guilty on both
episodes. The interrogation of the witnesses started, too.

The next session is scheduled for January 25.

NCTR FINED “HAYRENIK TV”

On January 18 at the session of the National Commission on Television and
Radio a decision was made to impose a fine of 200,000 (over $ 400) on
“Hayrenik TV”. The grounds for the penalty were the rebroadcasting of the
programs of French “Mezzo” TV channel by “Hayrenik TV” on December 23, 26,
27, 2004 and January 3-8, 2005. According to NCTR, by this TV company
violated the provisions of part 2 of Article 10 of the RA Law “On Television
and Radio”, stipulating the rebroadcasting of programs of foreign companies
only on a contractual basis and only with a prior written notification of
the National Commission about this. Besides, “Hayrenik TV” made an
unauthorized broadcast of a number of films.

At the same session on January 18 the NCTR resolved to change certain
frequencies previously allocated to the Public Radio of Armenia. The PRA
programs at the Sevan Pass will be aired on the frequency of 102.3 MHz
(instead of the previously allocated 102.1), in Vedi – on 102.5 MHz
(instead of 102.1), in Berd – on 103.0 MHz (instead of 100.5). The frequency
change is pre-conditioned by the electromagnetic incompatibility.

“PAKAGITS” WILL BE ISSUED THREE TIMES A WEEK

On January 18 “Pakagits” informed about the change in the periodicity of its
publication. From now on, the newspaper will be issued not once, but three
times a week.

“SHOGHAKAT” TAKES A TECHNICAL BREAK

Since January 17 “Shoghakat” TV channel stopped going on air. The suspension
of the broadcasts is due to the technical re-equipment of the TV company and
will last a week.

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from th
is mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
375007, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 1) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 1) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
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EU official threatens sanctions if Azerbaijan goes to war

Ekspress, Baku
5 Jan 05

A senior EU official has warned that sanctions may be imposed on
Azerbaijan and Armenia if the countries opt to resume hostilities. In
an exclusive interview with Azerbaijani newspaper Ekspress, an
official representative of the EU commission for security and conflict
settlement, Pierre Garton, said that the future integration of the two
Caucasus republics into Europe depends on the resolution of the
dispute over Azerbaijan’s breakaway region of Nagornyy Karabakh. He
also complained about what he thinks to be the “monopoly” of the OSCE
Minsk Group, a team of international mediators put in charge of
settling the conflict, and termed its activities as sterile. The
following is the text of Alakbar Raufoglu’s report by Azerbaijani
newspaper Ekspress on 5 January headlined “The EU will impose
sanctions if there is war” and subheaded “Pierre Garton: ‘Integration
of Azerbaijan and Armenia into Europe depends on the Karabakh issue'”;
subheadings are as published:

“If military operations resume in Nagornyy Karabakh, the European
Union may take tough steps against the two conflicting parties,” an
official representative of the EU commission for security and conflict
settlement and former rapporteur of the European Parliament
[Commission] on the South Caucasus, Swedish diplomat Pierre Garton,
said in an exclusive interview with Ekspress yesterday [4 January].

He said that Europe called on the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in
1992 to freeze military hostilities. “Since these calls went unheard
then, certain restrictions were introduced to the two countries’
cooperation with the EU. These sanctions will be imposed on
Azerbaijan and Armenia again should there be any clashes on the front
line.”

What is Brussels concerned about?

The EU’s attitude to the Karabakh conflict remains unchanged. “We are
interested in continued dialogue between the two countries. The
conflict should be resolved peacefully. It concerns both Azerbaijan
and Armenia.”

Garton believes that the EU’s cooperation with Armenia and Azerbaijan
is now based on three factors: economic cooperation, the development
of democracy and a peaceful solution to the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict. “We are having a close and balanced cooperation with both
countries and do not distinguish between them. But the parties to the
conflict often try to disrupt this balance,” the diplomat complained.

The EU’s high-ranking officials have recently visited both Azerbaijan
and Armenia to become familiar with the domestic situation here and
the settlement process. “We understand that the delay in the peace
talks is accompanied by certain tension in both countries. But it is
wrong to exaggerate this concern as if it could lead to war, and this
seriously worries us. At the same time we regret the fact that
Azerbaijan and Armenia have failed to officially appeal to the
European Union for mediation.”

The EU’s main concern is that calls for war are being made in the
conflicting countries at a time when peace talks are under way. “It
undermines the dialogue. The situation should be duly evaluated and
these occurrences should be eliminated.”

Armenian Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisyan did not rule out a military
option in the Karabakh settlement at a briefing in Moscow last
week. He said that “if the limits of negotiations are depleted, the
tension that will follow may provoke military operations.”

Monopolist co-chairmen

Garton believes that the takeover of the “mediation monopoly” in the
Karabakh talks by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen restricts active
involvement of other European entities in the issue. “This problem can
only be eliminated with joint efforts of the international
community. Someone’s reigning the process will not bear fruit. The
conflicting countries do not seem to have understood this
necessity. They may be thinking that if there are other mediators, the
Minsk Group will dodge its mandate. But its activity is sterile
anyway. In a settlement everything depends on the parties. It is not
possible to lead the parties to peace with one [mediating] party.”

Liberating five districts still on agenda

Touching upon the proposals the EU has made on the Karabakh settlement
to date, Garton said that “the fate of those ideas shows that acting
as a mediator, which is outside intervention in the process, is
difficult and ineffective”. “The EU possesses more possibilities and
leverage to solve the Karabakh problem.”

If so, why does the EU not back up its proposals such as five
districts [Armenian-occupied districts around Nagornyy Karabakh] in
exchange for railway communications or other solution models and put
pressure on Yerevan to ensure their implementation?

The refusal to accept the EU’s solution options does not mean that it
will not provide new proposals for a Karabakh solution, Garton
said. Simply, Europe “thinks it is better not to increase the number
of solution models which are being disputed by the parties and
remaining on paper”.

“Moreover, the liberation of five districts is still on the agenda,”
the rapporteur said.

Saying that Armenia’s position in the negotiation process “is
explained with rather heavy arguments”, Garton refused to call that
country “non-constructive”. “It would imply putting [the blame for]
the failure of the talks on one party. It can be just considered that
Yerevan’s position in the peaceful settlement requires more
concessions than Azerbaijan’s.”

Conflict can be resolved in 12 months

Garton also said that the EU’s increasing activity in the Karabakh
settlement is the main priority of the union’s future performance,
since Azerbaijan and Armenia have been included into Europe’s New
Neighbourhood programme and integration of both countries into the EU
depends on Karabakh.

“Negotiations will start with Ankara in 2005 on Turkey’s integration
into the EU, thus bringing the borders of Europe closer to
Azerbaijan. As for the EU, it does not want problems like Karabakh to
persist in territories close to Europe,” he said.

“I hope that the conflict will not last for another 12 years. Armenia
and Azerbaijan have already demanded that the [Minsk Group]
co-chairmen should increase their efforts. It builds up confidence
that the Minsk Group will increase activity and the conflict will be
resolved in 12 months.”

Baku is optimistic

Commenting on the EU representative’s statements to Ekspress,
Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov said: “The EU is our
strategic partner and supports Baku’s position in the settlement
process. We are optimistic about war. Naturally, Azerbaijan has never
promised to observe eternal peace. Even in Europe it is not ruled out
that military operations may resume if the peace talks fail.”

PRESS RELEASE
Mental Health Outreach to Tsunami survivors
Association for Disaster & Mass Trauma Studies
185 East 85th Street, NY NY 10028
Tel: 201-941-2266
Email: [email protected]

Southeast Asian Tsunami: Response, Relief & Recovery

United Nations Association of the United States of America and the
Business Council for the United Nations

13 January 2005

Dr. Anie Kalayjian

This panel presentation began with Chair Al Branel introducing the moderator
Suzanne Nossel, former Senior Advisor to Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke at
the US Mission to the UN, who in TURN introduced The Ambassador Bernard
Goonatilleke, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.

The Ambassador first pointed out how Sri Lanka was not prepared for this
devastation, since the last earthquake and tsunami occurred in 1883. The
Ambassador then began highlighting the extent of the devastation in Sri
Lanka alone, by sharing the following facts:

* 30,800 dead and 6,380 missing totaling around 37,000.
* 441,000 people displaced.
* 89,000 houses totally damaged and 41,000 partially damaged.
* 19,630 fishing vessels totally destroyed which is 66% of the total
fishing industry.
* 7,560 fisherman are dead and another 7,686 missing.
* 90,000 of those fisherman’s families have been displaced.
* Overall, 1.5 billion dollars needed to reconstruct Sri Lanka.

As of January 13, the following responses have been received by Sri
Lanka:
Immediately after the devastation the local government assisted the
communities until foreign aid came into the country. There was a rapid
response from India which was also affected. Ten thousand Indians died in
the devastation. Indians provided hospital assistance, rescue and medical
needs; Maldives also provided shipments of food and medical personnel.
Japan has pledged 500 million dollars, the United States pledged 350 million
dollars, and the European Union all together pledged about 2 billion
dollars. The need is great, since over 100 million dollars is needed JUST
to the fishing industry recover. In addition to governments, many NGO’s,
religious organizations, and other concerned people are campaigning to
collect funds and do what they can. One remaining fear is that these
countries who pledged to give funds for relief efforts will not come
through.

“It is a heartwarming experience to receive all the pledges and support from
around the world” stated the Ambassador. The Ambassador then moved on to
focus on the recovery effort’s goals both short and long term. The short
term goals are to:

1. Shelter the people.
2. Provide food and clean water.
3. Ensure adequate sanitation.
4. Provide medical assistance.

The need for food is immense since the demand is to feed close to half a
million people three times a day for every day to come.

Long term goals are to:

1. Build houses and find different land to build on since the shore
will no longer be appropriate for safe housing.
2. Reconstruct the infrastructure.
3. Preparation and tsunami detection.

The Ambassador shared the following fears that the international community
needs to address.

1. Fear that images of Dec 26 will go off the screen and be forgotten.
2. Fear that the pledges don’T come around as promised.
3. Fear that the warning system will not be in place. This could have
avoided the problem. UNESCO reported 2 years ago that an early warning
system would have cost $30 million, but thought it was too much to spend.

On January 18, the UN General Assembly will meet to come up with a
resolution regarding this devastation and its impact and recovery. Most
importantly, there will be a special Representative designated to be in
charge of these countries impacted by the tsunami.

Vanessa Tobin, Chief of the Water, Environment and Sanitation
Division of UNICEF,

made her presentation next highlighting how UNICEF is helping the relief
process. UNICEF with its partners has pledged 45 Million dollars to support
these countries in clean water supplies. UNICEF established water and
sanitation fund with THE Clinton Foundation and other partners SUCH as
OXFAM. Ms. Tobin focused on the other countries that wERE not covered by
the Ambassador and added the following facts:

* 106,000 dead in Indonesia, over 20 districts are affected.
* 5,00 dead in Taiwan, and many displaced.
* 21,000 people displaced in Moldavia.

In Indonesia, the UNICEF is working with CDC of Atlanta, getting health and
water

teams out to assess THE water quality situation and monitor. The goal is to
supply 15 Liters of water per person per day. The immediate need is to get
the sanitation to the camps where the displaced people are living. UNICEF
is also putting efforts on emergency preparedness. It is important to be
mindful that the displaced population is weak emotionally and physically.
They have not been eating balanced meals, havE NOT HAD their own
environments to rest and sleep IN, and are exposed to many diseases and are
susceptible to infection.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and others have warned that
those countries affected by the tsunami may not recover for a decade. With
the death toll expected to surpass 180,000, another 1.8 million individuals
are now in desperate need of food, according to UN emergency Relief
Coordinator Jan Egeland. The UN and all relief agencies are concerned BY
the enormity of the crisis, the anticipated respiratory and water-borne
disease expected to abound, and the amount of time it will take to get basic
services in afflicted countries up and running.

In the Q&A period Dr. Kalayjian thanked the speakers and asked
what has been done to address mental health and psychological needs of the
surviving community, and shared how the immune system gets suppressed when
one experiences mass trauma. SHE ALSO shared her efforts in mobilizing
professional psychologistS & psychiatrists to go to the impacted countries
and help train the trainers, and assist the community’s healing process.
The Ambassador agreed that this was necessary and that the governments
acknowledge the need for psychological assistance. HE encouraged her to get
in touch with the NGO’s already in those countries, and TO be mindful of the
language barrier.

For those mental health professionals who are interested in
volunteering their time to help the surviving communities kindly contact Dr.
Kalayjian at E-mail: [email protected], and pHone: 201 941-2266. For those
wishing to donate money to the project of the Mental Health Outreach to
Tsunami survivors, kindly send your tax deductible check to Association for
Disaster & Mass Trauma Studies, and send it to Dr. Kalayjian at 185 East
85th Street, NY NY 10028

PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Contact: Information Desk
Tel: (374-1) 52-35-31
Email: [email protected]
Web:

Armenia Aids Tsunami Victims

Minister Oskanian announced today¹s decision by the Armenian government to
provide short and long-term assistance to victims of the South East Asian
tsunami disaster.

After having received the necessary information from the governments of the
countries affected by the catastrophe, at the cabinet meeting of Thursday,
January 13, the government determined to allocate $50,000 to provide Sri
Lanka with blankets and mobile generators, per their request. In addition,
the Armenian government will provide aid in the same amount to Indonesia,
whose government has requested medical and educational personnel and
materials.

Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Baibourtian, who recently concluded his term
as Armenia¹s ambassador to India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Nepal, said, ³We
are calling for volunteers from Armenia and the Diaspora who are ready and
willing to offer their professional services to those who have suffered so
much. Those in the health and mental health fields are sorely needed and can
be of great help in offering post-traumatic assistance. Armenia has been the
recipient of such largesse and Armenians are eager to do their share in this
recovery effort.”

The Foreign Ministry is working with the appropriate Armenian agencies to
transport the materials and the personnel. Deputy Minister Baibourtian also
explained that the Foreign Ministry is cooperating with the Armenian
communities of Australia, India and Thailand to provide additional support.

The Indonesians have lost schools and therefore are in need of teaching
materials and stationery supplies. The Armenian government will work with
the Armenian community of Australia to procure such resources and make them
available.

The Armenian-Indian community, too, has mobilized its resources and provided
services to the tsunami victims of India. The Armenian government has worked
with the Indian-Armenian community and the Chairperson of the Armenian
Church Committee in Calcutta, Mrs. Sonia John, in order to provide this
internal assistance, given the Indian government¹s principled position not
to accept foreign assistance. The Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth sent the
equivalent of $210,000 to the Prime Minister¹s National Relief Fund. In
addition, the Armenian Government has offered that post-traumatic
rehabilitation be made available at the Red Cross Hospital in Yerevan.

Finally, in Thailand, through the leadership and generosity of Armenia¹s
Honorary Consul in Bangkok, Mr. Bob Kevorkian, monetary assistance and
housing construction has been offered to Thailand¹s tsunami victims.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Jan 11 2005

GREECE WANTS MILITARY COOPERATION WITH AZERBAIJAN
[January 11, 2005, 21:41:35]

Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev met
with Ambassador of Greece to Azerbaijan Mercurios Karafotias on the
occasion of completion of his diplomatic mission in the country,
press-service of the Ministry announced. Ambassador Karafotias noted
that much work had been done to foster development of the bilateral
relations, stressing his country intends to cooperate with Azerbaijan
in all spheres including military area. Colonel-General Safar Abiyev
touched on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict stating that Armenia is
pursuing aggressive policy, carries out illegal settling in the
occupied territories, ignores UN SC resolutions. He expressed
disappointment that the international community has not yet
recognized Armenia as a state-aggressor.

Probability of resuming the war increases with every past day, he
said.

The Ambassador stressed his country support efforts by President of
Azerbaijan, and OSCE to settle the conflict. We want the problem to
be resolved on the base of the principles of the international law
and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. This is our final stance,’
he said.