Author: Nalbandian Eduard

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

July 16, 2004

ACNIS Releases Public Opinion Results on Economic Growth

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
issued today the results of a public survey on “The Trends of Economic
Growth in Armenia,” which it conducted between June 20 and July 12 in
Yerevan and all of Armenia’s regions. The announcement and accompanying
analysis were made during a roundtable discussion at ACNIS headquarters
which considered the attitude of Armenian citizens toward Armenia’s
controversial “economic miracle.”

ACNIS director of administration Karapet Kalenchian greeted the invited
guests and public participants with opening remarks. “These deliberations,
as well as the survey preceding them, aim to evaluate public perceptions of
economic growth in Armenia, to draw a true picture of its impact on the
budget of Armenian families, and to determine the factors obstructing and
those promoting economic development in the Republic,” Kalenchian said.

ACNIS legal and political affairs analyst Stepan Safarian presented “The
Aims, Methodology, and Results of the Survey,” focusing in detail on the
findings of the public opinion polls. Accordingly, 55.7% of the surveyed
citizens assert that the reported economic growth in Armenia has not had any
impact on their family budget, 36.5% say it has had a small positive impact,
and only 7.5% are completely satisfied with it. It is noteworthy that 33.5%
state that their family budget has increased owing to their and their
relatives’ employment in Armenia, 16.4% to their employment abroad or money
sent by their relatives living abroad, and only 4.2% to improvement of the
general economic situation and living standards in Armenia, and 45% assert
that their family budget has not increased at all.

In response to a question on whether the Armenian authorities pursue an
economic policy supporting the development of enterprise and investments,
22.8% of respondents give positive answers, 48.4% are of the opposite
opinion, while 28.6% find it difficult to answer. 19.5% of citizens point to
the clan system as the main obstacle to economic growth in Armenia, 32.9%
mark corruption and patronage, 16.5% the moral-psychological atmosphere
within society, 6.4% tax and customs bureaucracy, 4.2% the unresolved status
of the Karabagh issue, 4.3% Armenia’s closed borders with Azerbaijan and
Turkey, and 1.7% interference by external forces. 26.4% think that the
prerequisite for surmounting the obstacles to economic growth in Armenia is
the formation of a new administration, 12.8% improvement of the atmosphere
for investments, 16.5% encouragement and development of small and
medium-sized enterprises, 22.6% operation of large industrial enterprises,
and 12.3% the ensuring of Armenia’s active participation in regional
economic programs.

54% of respondent citizens believe that Russia most promotes the economic
development of Armenia, 12% think it is the United States, 2% France, 1.5%
Iran, while 13.3% hold that none of them do and 13.8% find it difficult to
answer. Most of the respondents, 35.3%, are convinced that Armenia should
have the closest economic relations with all countries, 32.6% with CIS
member-states, 13.9% with European Union member-states, 7% with the
countries of the region (Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran), and 2.7%
countries of the American continent, particularly the United States and
Canada. The role of the Diaspora in the economic development of Armenia is
highly valued by 25.8% of citizens, 44% view it as important, 23.1% think it
plays a small role, and 6.6% find it plays no role at all.

According to 20.3% of citizens surveyed, in the event of maintaining the
present pace of economic development Armenia will become a prosperous
country in the next 10 years, 30% expect this in the next 25 years and 16.5%
in the next 100 years, whereas 25.1% assert that Armenia will never become a
prosperous country under the circumstances.

ACNIS economic and diaspora affairs analyst Hovsep Khurshudian offered a
comment on the poll results, referring to their most compelling indices. “We
may deduce from many of the answers that the public is not satisfied with
the pronouncements of the authorities about unprecedented economic growth in
Armenia as, even if true, it does not bear a positive impact on all
society,” underlined Khurshudian.

The formal presentations were followed by contributions by Yerevan State
University professors Haik Sargsian and Gagik Galstian; Supreme Council
Deputy Club chairman Samvel Tonoyan; director Gagik Makarian of the
“Haiconsult” firm; editor Haroutiun Khachatrian of Noyan Tapan Highlights;
Yulia Kuleshova of “Delovoy Express” weekly; Vaghtang Siradeghian of
Transparency International Armenia; Yerevan State Linguistic University
professor Hrach Tatevian; Stepan Mantarlian of “Armaveni” consulting
company; and several others.

37.9% of all respondents hail from Yerevan, and 62.1% are from outside the
capital city. 38.7% of them are male, and 60.8% female (the item on gender
was missed in 5 questionnaires (0.5%) filled in during telephone survey);
7.3% are 20 years of age or below, 25.2% 21-30, 20.5% 31-40, 21.5% 41-50,
12.1% 51-60, 8.4% 61-70, and 6.1% 71 or above. 41.8% of the citizens
surveyed have received higher education, whereas 9.7% have incomplete
higher, 19.1% specialized secondary, 24.9% secondary, and 4.1% incomplete
secondary training. 41.3% are actively employed, 10.4% pensioners and
welfare recipients, 7.1% students, and 40.6% unemployed. According to their
income 62.9% consider themselves middle class, 27.8% poor, and 5.5%
extremely poor, 0.6% rich, 2.7% well off. Urban residents constitute 67.5%
of the citizens surveyed, while rural residents make up 32.5%.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi K.
Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors, ACNIS serves
as a link between innovative scholarship and the public policy challenges
facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the post-Soviet world. It also
aspires to be a catalyst for creative, strategic thinking and a wider
understanding of the new global environment. In 2004, the Center focuses
primarily on public outreach, civic education, and applied research on
critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the state and the nation.

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

AGBU PRESS OFFICE
55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone (212) 319-6383
Fax (212) 319-6507
Email [email protected]
Webpage

PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, July 13, 2004

PHOTO JOURNALIST CAPTIVATES SAN FRANCISCO
HARRY KOUNDAKJIAN PRESENTS PHOTOS AT AGBU YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (AGBU YPNC)EVENT

Renowned photojournalist, Harry Koundakjian, enthralled the crowd of
AGBU guests on Saturday, June 26th, at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel
in downtown San Francisco. Mr. Koundakjian’s presentation, entitled,
“The History of Photo Journalism in the Middle East” captivated the
audience as guests witnessed over 80 of his most famous photographs
during his decades of work as an Associated Press photojournalist.

Mr. Koundakjian described some of the most touching moments of human
triumph and despair around the world as seen through the
photographer’s lens. From the snapshots of the joyous wedding of
Jordan’s King Hussein to Elizabeth Halebi to the harrowing images of a
hijacker pointing his pistol at a Lufthansa pilot’s head in Beirut,
the photographic journey covered many subjects and crossed countless
borders. To animate his stricking images, Koundakjian explained the
stories behind each photograph and the personal risks associated with
the more daring shots.

Mr. Koundakjian responded to questions about his experience at the
conclusion of his talk and presented the AGBU YPNC Chair Sako
Soghomonian and Vice-Chair Kim Bardakian with signed photographs as a
gesture of thanks for their role in organizing the event.

For more information about AGBU Young Professionals of Northern
California and their upcoming events, please visit:

PRESS RELEASE
July 9, 2004
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]
Web:

Embassy of Armenia Hosts Presentation on Armenian Science and Lake Sevan

On July 7, 2004, the Embassy of Armenia hosted members of the Federal Water
Quality Association and the Greater Metropolitan Washington Area Section of
the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America for a presentation on
Armenian science and environmental issues. Dr. Arman Kirakossian, Armenian
Ambassador to the U.S., delivered the keynote address, entitled “The State
of the Science in Armenia, with a View Toward the Water Environment of Lake
Sevan,” to an audience of some 60 experts, researchers, and officials from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Civilian Research & Development Foundation, and other
public and private entities.

In his presentation and the Q&A that followed, Ambassador Kirakossian
presented the modern state of scientific infrastructure, policies, and
directions in Armenia. He described the many challenges facing the Armenian
scientists today, such as drastic decrease in government funding, greater
need for commercial viability and involvement of the private sector in
directing and funding R&D, and curtailing the so-called ‘brain-drain.’
Despite these challenges, the Armenian scientists continue to make progress
in many areas of fundamental and applied science due to perseverance and
support from their foreign colleagues and international donors, the
Ambassador noted. He also presented the government’s plans to strengthen
science and education sectors.

Turning to Lake Sevan, Ambassador Kirakossian described the severity of the
man-made ecological problems in Lake Sevan during the twentieth century,
caused by extensive irrigation and hydropower usage. The resulting 18-meter
drop in water level and disruption of water balance in the lake was a good
example of Soviet era environmental damage, he added. The Ambassador then
noted the current positive trends in Lake Sevan ecology, but stressed the
need for continuing attention for and greater international cooperation to
preserve the unique environment of Lake Sevan.

Glendale News Press
LATImes.com
July 10 2004

FROM THE MARGINS
Rebel, not without a cause

PATRICK AZADIAN
This is the first of two parts.

In April, I finally saw “On the Waterfront,” featuring Marlon Brando,
on the silver screen. I was thankful to the Alex Film Society for
this unique opportunity. In my excitement, I joined the society, and
as if “On the Waterfront” was not enough of a reward, I was gifted a
DVD of another Brando movie, “Sayonara,” for becoming a member.

In “Sayonara,” Brando stars as Maj. Lloyd Gruver; it is a tale of an
American stationed in Kobe, Japan, during the Korean War. At the
time, the military regulations forbade marriages between American
troops and Japanese women. Gruver initially supported the military’s
regulations but eventually falls in love with a local showgirl, named
Hana-ogi. By the end of the movie, Gruver is in direct conflict with
the military’s regulations as he proposes to his Japanese darling.

–

August of 1953 was a particularly warm summer month in Glendale. The
U.S., North Korea and China had just agreed to end the Korean War.
The American troops were gradually making their way home to scenes
far less jubilant than the ones their compatriots encountered after
World War II.

Maj. Lloyd Gruver and his bride, Hana-ogi, arrived at the Glendale
Greyhound station at 400 Cerritos Ave. Gruver’s buddy, George, was
awaiting them at curbside. George had a healthy dose of envy for
Gruver’s ability to serve his country. George had flat feet; the
military examiners had rejected him. But he was determined to pay his
dues by helping the Gruvers settle into their new home in Glendale.

George spotted Gruver carrying two pieces of large luggage. He darted
away from his 1952 white Oldsmobile Super 88 and greeted Gruver in a
manner reserved for Russian party officials from the Caucasus. The
two men embraced for a few seconds before George smacked Gruver’s
cheeks with his trademark kisses. Years of service overseas, and
Gruver still had not gotten used to the idea of being kissed by a
male friend.

“Welcome home, Gruvers.”

“Thank you for picking us up, George.”

“My pleasure; that’s the least I could do. Sorry about the weather;
it is unusually hot.”

“Not too bad. Oh, George, this is my wife, Hana-ogi.”

“Nice to meet you. You are even more beautiful than Gruver had
described.”

“Thank you, you are kind.”

“Let me take those,” George pleads as he bends forward and extends
his arms to take charge of the luggage.

“That’s OK, George. I got it.”

“Let me have them, if you don’t want me to knock you around, right
here in front of your wife!”

“OK, big guy. Take ’em away.”

George lifts the luggage as if they were filled with feathers, and
swiftly places them in the trunk of his Olds coupe. He runs over to
the passenger side and opens the door. He pushes the seat backing
forward to make way for Gruver to sit in the back.

“No, no, I sit in back. Gruver sit in front,” Hana-ogi exclaims.

“What! That big lug in the front? Impossible!”

“George, the chances of Hana accepting to sit in the front are as
good as North Koreans surrendering to the South, sporting a smile.”

“OK, Hana-ogi. Go ahead.”

–

George shifts his Olds into drive and proceeds to make a U-turn
heading north to Kenwood Drive.

“Nice wheels, George.”

“Thanks, finally I got something to show for after working at
Eagleson’s for so long.”

“You still work there? Do the guys still give you a hard time for
your last name?”

“Yeah, every once in a while they try to get under my skin. It’s
worse when I make the salesman of the month.”

“Well, next time they call you a ‘starving Armenian’ or a ‘Fresno
Indian,’ let me know. I will need some physical exercise after this
war.”

“Naah, it’s not a big deal.”

“You can always shorten your name. All the actors in Hollywood are
doin’ it. ‘Kalebdjian’ can become ‘Caleb’ with a ‘C.’ ‘George Caleb.’
”

“First of all, if you still haven’t noticed, we are going to live in
Glendale, not Hollywood. Second, I am not so sure how my parents
would feel about that. They didn’t flee persecution to voluntarily
give up their family name.”

“I am just pulling your leg. I am just hoping you can make us some
Turkish coffee once we get home.”

“Turkish?! Haven’t I told you it’s Armenian, and not Turkish?!”

“I know, I know, take it easy. I am just having fun with you.”

“I actually had to special order some just for you from Syracuse, New
York.”

“Can’t wait!”

–

Marlon Brando’s life may best be defined by a line from “The Wild
One,” in which Brando, playing a motorcycle gang leader, is asked
what he’s rebelling against. “Whattaya got?” was his reply.

His most famous act of rebellion was his refusal in 1973 to accept an
Oscar. He sent a woman named Sacheen Littlefeather to read a
statement against Hollywood’s mistreatment of Native Americans. She
was booed.

“I am myself,” he once declared, “and if I have to hit my head
against a brick wall to remain true to myself, I will do it.”

– PATRICK AZADIAN lives and works in Glendale. He is an identity and
branding consultant for the retail industry. Reach him at
[email protected].

Egoyan’s Ararat wins top prize at Armenian festival

Globe & Mail
Page R2
UPDATED AT 9:33 AM EDT Tuesday, Jul 6, 2004

Yerevan — Atom Egoyan’s two-year-old movie Ararat won the top prize
at the Golden Apricot Film Festival of works by ethnic Armenian
directors, officials said yesterday.

The festival included 57 movies by directors from 20
countries. Toronto-based Egoyan is a Canadian of Armenian heritage.

The film depicts the plight of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey during the
Armenian genocide of the early 20th century. The title refers to the
mountain that Armenians regard as their national symbol but which now
lies in Turkey.

Egoyan’s film tells of the persecution of Armenians by Turks through a
tapestry of stories that take place during the filming of a movie. A
young man, Raffi (played by newcomer David Alpay), is stopped at the
Toronto airport by a customs officer (Christopher Plummer) who
questions the contents of sealed film canisters. As Raffi tries to
explain his situation, the story of the killings unfolds.

In 2003, the film won five Genie Awards in Toronto, including one for
best picture. CP

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
June 30, 2004 Wednesday 12:54 PM Eastern Time

RAO UES to develop cooperation with Iran – Chubais

By Dmitry Zlodorev

MOSCOW

The Unified Energy Systems of Russia (RAO UES) is interested in
developing cooperation with the Iranian energy sector, the head of
the Russian holding, Anatoly Chubais, said on Wednesday.

RAO UES is working towards this goal both “from Armenia whose energy
system is synchronised with Iran’s, and from Tajikistan,” he said.

Chubais pointed out that a three-party meeting of Russian, Tajik and
Iranian energy engineers would take place in the near future to
discuss key projects.

The RAO UES head said his company was planning foreign acquisitions
in a short while but refused to elaborate.

PRESS RELEASE June 29, 2004
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]; Web:

ARKA BALLET UNVEILS “JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY” IN PREP FOR ARMENIA PERFORMANCE
IN AUGUST

The voyage of ARKA ballet’s “Journey of Discovery” set sail on June 12, as
well wishers joined Ambassador Arman Kirakossian at the American Dance
Institute (ADI) in Rockville, MD, to see work that will be presented at the
National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Yerevan, Armenia, on August 6 and 7.
The benefit, which featured a program of dance by ARKA Ballet, an exhibit of
paintings by Roudolf Kharatian, and a reception, helped raise money for ARKA
Ballet’s Armenia tour, which will contribute to strengthening cultural
understanding and linkages between Armenia and America.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring fine wines from
Armenia, provided courtesy of Ararat Import-Export Co. of Charlotte, NC.
The Pomegranate wine, which was especially popular among guests, spotlights
one of Kharatian’s paintings, ‘Temptation’, on its label. Following the
reception, guests were invited into ADI’s brand-new black box theatre where
master of ceremonies Todd Felts welcomed them and presented the evening’s
invited speakers and special guests.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Kirakossian greeted Ambassador Mikeladze
of Georgia and the cultural attaché of the Embassy of Russia Irina Popova,
noting that it was interesting that “Roudolf Kharatian trained in Russia,
danced in Armenia, Georgia and throughout the Soviet Union and world, and is
now teaching and creating in Washington, DC.” The ambassador went on to say
that “this event is very important because it is building a bridge between
the United States and Armenia, between the cultures, between the art worlds
of both countries.”

The next speaker, Michael Bjerknes, Executive Director of the American Dance
Institute, welcomed the audience to this inaugural performance in the new
space. He thanked ARKA Ballet and Roudolf Kharatian, “one of the few people
whose class I enjoyed taking, enjoy watching, and enjoy learning from.”

The evening’s final speaker was Claudia Rousseau, art historian and critic.
Ms. Rousseau stressed the worthiness of this effort to “build bridges
through art between our countries.” She reminded the audience that “the
history of a nation and its worth are not defined by war or conquest, but by
its artistic achievement.” Speaking of the difficult times in which we are
living, Ms. Rousseau stressed that “art does matter, now more than ever.
This is the time to come forward and support our artists. This is the time
to help make peace happen – in our hearts, in our minds, in our world.”

The program of dance presented by ARKA Ballet showcased the many talented
dancers and their ease in both the classics and more contemporary works.
The performance gave the audience a preview of the repertoire the company
will take to Armenia. At the conclusion of the program, ARKA Ballet’s
artistic director Roudolf Kharatian thanked guests for their support and
expressed his gratitude and appreciation to his wonderful dancers. He then
invited audience members to meet the dancers as the reception continued.

ARKA Ballet travels to Armenia on July 28, becoming the first professional
American ballet company invited to perform in Armenia. The troupe of 14
will perform works by American choreographers Balanchine and McIntyre, a
classical jewel by St. Leon, as well as recent works by Kharatian. Says
Kharatian: “I know that what we are doing now is very important for
tomorrow.”

G I B R A H A Y E R
e – n e w s l e t t e r

[email protected]   
 

TURKEY INVITED TO RECOGNISE CYPRUS THROUGH EUROPEAN COUNCIL CONCLUSION
ON CUSTOMS UNION

Extension of Turkey’s customs union towards Cyprus cannot be prevented

Nicosia, Jun 17 (CNA) — The extension of Turkey’s customs union towards
Cyprus cannot be prevented, Cyprus Government Spokesman Kypros
Chrysostomides has said.

Chrysostomides described as satisfactory paragraph 26 of the European
Council draft conclusions which says ”the European Council invites
Turkey to conclude negotiations with the Commission on behalf of the
Community and its 25 Member States on the adaptation of the Ankara
Agreement to take account of the accession of the new Member States.”

The spokesman described the European Council, which started today in
Brussels, as very important, and expressed certainty that the EU wisely
and in the way it functions will find the way forward for the Convention
for the Future of Europe, so that there will be unity among the states
and people… with every EU citizen at the epicentre of its interest.”
————————————————–

FRENCH SOCIALIST LEADER URGES TURKEY TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE FOR
EU MEMBERSHIP

Saturday June 5, 2004.- French Socialist Party (SP)
leader Francois Hollande yesterday said that the European Union giving a
date to Turkey to begin its accession talks should be contingent on
Ankara recognizing the so-called Armenian genocide. In a joint press
conference with Murat Papazyan, the European head of Armenia’s Tashnak
Party, Hollande said that in addition to the Copenhagen criteria, Turkey
should heed a 1987 European Parliament 1987 resolution calling for
recognition of the so-called genocide, withdrawal of Turkish troops from
Cyprus and respect for human and minority rights. /Milliyet/

————————————————–

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF EUROPE TO HOLD OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING

Brussels, 11/06/2004 – The Administrative board of the Assembly of
Armenians of Europe informs you that AAE’s general annual meeting will
take place on September 25-26, 2004 in Brussels, Belgium.

AAE’s all members and guest organizations will take part in the general
annual meeting. Important issues, such as Turkey’s accession to the
European Union, the strengthening of EU-Armenia relations and
Armenia-Diaspora relations, the resolution of Nagorno Kharabakh problem
will be discussed during the annual general meeting.

The annual general meeting will be followed by exhibition on Armenian
Cultural Heritage in South Caucasus and Middle East to be held in the
European Parliament on September 27, 2004. The AAE’s Administrative
Board will take into account your proposals and suggestions while
finalizing the Agenda of the Annual meeting. Therefore, you are kindly
requested to send your proposals and suggestions to the AAE’s Brussels’
Head Office until August 10th, 2004.

The AAE’s general annual meeting is open to the general public, as well.
In order to take part, you can contact  AAE Brussels’ Head Office,
Assembly of Armenians of Europe, Rue de Treves 10, 1050 – Brussels –
Tel: +32 2 647 08 01  [email protected] until September 15th, 2004.

————————————————–
NEWS IN BRIEF
– Foreign Minister Oskanian was on a two-day working visit to the
U.S.On Monday, June 14, he held two separate meetings with Secretary of
State Colin Powell and National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice.

– Speaking at a conference on Monday, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet
Sezer said, “we note with regret that concrete steps have not been taken
for the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh dispute.”

– Local human rights activists joined about 1,000 Armenians in a
demonstration in Paris on June 12 calling to prevent Turkey’s accession
to the European Union citing that country’s denial of the Armenian
Genocide.

– Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian and his Azerbaijani
counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov are scheduled to meet in Prague on June 20
and 21 for another round of the Nagorno Karabakh peace talks.

– The European Armenian Federation has sent a questionnaire to a
representative sample of some 20,000 candidates participating in the
upcoming European Parliament elections.

– Azerbaijani forces opened fire from machine guns on the early hours of
June 11 on the Paravakar village of the Tavush region.

– Armenia expects to receive $700 million in aid from the United States
in 2004-2008 under the Challenges of the Century program, Armenia’s
Finance Minister Vardan Khachatryan said on Thursday.
————————————————-
THE END OF AN ERA?  NOT EVEN CLOSE –
     By Skeptik Sinikian

I have a confession. I wasn’t really upset when I heard about the
passing of President Ronald Wilson Reagan last Sunday. Judging from the
media frenzy and the hordes of people lining up to view his casket, I’m
probably in the minority when I say that I wasn’t really moved by the
loss of our 40th President. In fact, I felt bad but it wasn’t because
Reagan had suffered from Alzheimer’s in the last years of his life but
because I had thought that he had already died some time ago. C’mon. As
if any of you knew he was still alive. Some folks in the media have gone
so far as to say that the passing of President Reagan is the end of an
era. I wasn’t sure what era they were referring to.

Would it be the era that plunged our nation into its worst deficit ever,
caused thousands to drop out of college due to slashing of federal
grants for poor students, ignored the AIDS crisis which cost thousands
of lives and is ravaging Africa today? Or was it the era that witnessed
blatant disregard for the rule of law in the way of the Iran-Contra
scandal, the ludicrous invasion of Grenada and Lebanon, and the Savings
and Loan disaster? to read the rest of the commentary click here

Skeptik Sinikian is trying to become an actor so that he can break into
politics. After his first movie starring a gorilla, orangutan or chimp,
he plans to declare his candidacy for Governor of California. His
campaign can be reached at [email protected]
————————————————

GIBRAHAYER MOBILE ALERTS
Gibrahayer are initiating Gibrahayer mobile alerts, a mobile sms
notification service about upcoming events and happenings as well as
important news related to Armenia and Cyprus.

If you would like to subscribe to this service, you can do so by sending
an sms to 99437073 with your subscription notification reading: YES HOS
EM and you will be added to the list.
Alternately to unsubscribe you can send a notification reading: TS

The service will begin on a trial run for FREE from July 2004. Details
to follow. Friday June 11, 2004. Gibrahayer – Nicosia.

————————————————
RECOMMENDED SITES

For all your Notary Public services you can visit Vazken Medzavorian’s
site at

——————– —————————-

g i b r a h a y    c a l e n d a r

* HAND PAINTED CLOTHING…Anahid Nassibian’s SPRING-SUMMER 2004 FASHION
COLLECTION on FRIDAY 18th JUNE 2004 From 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Venue: AGBU
clubhouse Nicosia – Free entrance, Snacks & Drinks. An exhibition of
unique & original hand painted designs on clothing for all ages. All
artistic designs are hand painted on fashionable garments and sold at
reasonable prices.All welcome. For more information: Anahid: 99 428052,
Alidz: 99 487701

* Tour to Armenia and Artsakh organised by the Armenakan Movement of
Armenia from August 7-14, 2004. Open to all diaspora youth from 13-35
years old. Participation fee 335 CYP, including seven day stay and full
board at Lousagerd Hotel 20 m from Yerevan. All rooms, fully equiped
with modern facilities, TV, constant supply of hot water. Daily tours to
historic sites. Book early to ensure participation to the following
numbers in Cyprus. 99747798 and 99929343.

* A Tour to Armenia is being organised by the Central Executive of
Hamazkayin from August 20-September 3, 2004 with the participation of
members and friends from Armenian diaspora communities. Trips to
Karabagh are also scheduled. To receive more info and to apply for the
trip please contact the Cyprus Hamazkayin committee members until June
30 2004.

* The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus announces that the next permit for
the Armenian Cemetery visitation at Ayios Dhometios on the Green line,
is scheduled for this Sunday June 27, 2004.

* HAMAZKAYIN FORUM 2004 The 10th Forum, Lebanon:From July 12-18
(Optional) Armenia: From July 19-31, 2004. Thought provoking lectures,
trips to historic and amazing destinations, and nights of dancing and
entertainment are only some of the Forum highlights. For many Armenian
students across the globe, the Hamazkayin Summer Forum is one of the
most anticipated events of the year. Those interested should visit the
website for more details on how to apply.

* JOURNEY TO ANATOLIA 2004
13th. August 2004 – 28th.August 2004
– Flights – Istanbul – Kayseri  (2004-08-13)
               Kars – Istanbul  (2004-08-28)
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Xinhua, China
June 28 2004

Romania not to send more troops to Iraq

BUCHAREST, June 27 (Xinhuanet) — Romanian President Ion Iliescu
announced in Istanbul, capital of Turkey, on Sunday that his country
will not send more troops to Iraq.

Speaking to the correspondent of the Rompres, Iliescu, who
arrived in Istanbul on Sunday to attend the NATO summit, said
thatRomania will only make some adjustments in the structure of its
troops in Iraq and may send a few technical officers there.

The president said that the Iraqi issue will be a top item on the
agenda of the NATO summit, and NATO is possible to get into the Iraqi
affairs.

Iliescu said Romania holds that NATO should expand the range
ofits peaceful partnership action plan in the western Balkans and the
Black Sea region to include Georgia and Armenia.

Romania will also propose NATO invite Serbia and Mongenegro,
aswell as Bosnia-Herzegovina to the partnership plan, Iliescu added.

Romania became the full-fledged member state of NATO on Mach
29this year. It is the first time for the Romanian president to
takepart in a NATO summit.

Armenian president calls for closer ties with Iran

IRNA news agency, Tehran
28 Jun 04

Yerevan, 28 June: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan in the meeting
with Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Farhad Koleyni on Monday [28 June]
called for expansion of Tehran-Yerevan ties.

During the meeting which took place at the end of Koleyni’s tenure,
the two sides discussed mutual cooperation in political, security and
economic fields aiming to restore stability to the region.

Kocharyan called for further Tehran-Yerevan cooperation compared to
the past and stressed the necessity of steady development of the
region.

He assessed the upcoming visit of President Mohammad Khatami to
Armenia as a “turning point” in bilateral ties and a step towards
bolstering mutual relations. He hoped that Khatami’s visit would bear
fruitful results.

President Khatami is schedule to pay an official visit to Armenia in
September.