Author: Navasardian Karapet

IRNA, Iran
May 5 2004

Iranian professor, researcher, Herman Vahramian, praised by minister
of culture

Rome, May 5, IRNA — Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance
Ahmad Masjed Jamei praised an Italian-based Iranian research
professor for his efforts at making the world more familiar with
Iranian civilization and culture.
In a letter to Professor Herman Vahramian, Masjed Jamei said that all
Iranian citizens would be proud of his untiring efforts to introduce
Iranian and Islamic culture and civilization to the world.

The letter was handed over to Vahramian for Masjed Jamei by Iranian
Ambassador to Rome Bahram Qasemi.

Vahramian, 64, is an Iranian-Armenian graduate of architecture from
Milan University who left Iran in 1960 to continue his studies in the
field of architecture in Italy.

Since receiving his Ph.D in 1972, Vahramian has written some 106
books on Oriental and Occidental Arts some of which relate to Iranian
arts and architecture.

He has also penned more than 120 research articles on Iranian-
Armenian Oriental Art which have been published in various
publications in different parts of the world including Iran, the
United States and Armenia as well as in some countries in Europe and
the Middle East.

Masjed Jamei, in his letter to Vahramian, said that Iranian-
Armenians, along with other ethnic minorities of Iran, have always
served the country in many ways.

Praising Vahramian’s 40 years of untiring efforts in introducing
Iranian and Islamic culture to the world, the minister said Iranians
would undoubtedly be proud of him.

It was also learned that the Iranian professor was made an honorary
citizen of Italy in 1997 for his significant efforts at encouraging
relations among world nations.

Vahramian is currently in Milan taking a rest as he has been
diagnosed with a debilitating disease.

A1 Plus | 20:11:06 | 23-04-2004 | Politics |

NEW TIMES PARTY BECOMES ANOTHER VICTIM OF POLITICAL HARASSMENT

New Times party leader Artak Yeghiazaryan was arrested in Armenian town of
Armavir near his home.

Two hours later he was charged with insulting policemen and sentenced to
five days in jail.

The party says the illegal arrest of Yeghiazaryan is a politically motivated
step and condemns persecution of political activists.

Canadian MPs Recognize ‘So-Called Armenian Genocide’

ZAMAN Online
04.23.2004
aa
Ottawa, Ankara

The Canadian House of Commons followed in the footsteps of France and
Switzerland, reportedly approving a motion to recognize the ‘so-called
Armenian genocide’.

Despite Canadian Foreign Minister Bill Graham’s stern objections on the
ground that the motion would elicit negative reactions from Turkey,
which is a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally, the motion
was approved by a vote of 153 to 68.

True to Graham’s warning, Ankara harshly condemned the passage of the
motion. Ankara said that Canadian politicians are responsible for all of
the negativities stemming from the decision.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement rebuking the Canadian
House of Commons for classifying the tragic incidents between Turks and
Armenians in 1915 as “genocide”. It was emphasized that parliaments are
not obliged to reach judgments about debatable periods of history. Such
matters are best left to historians, not politicians.

Elsewhere, Graham in a letter he sent to the representatives, voiced his
concerns about the “extremely negative outcomes” the motion would cause.
After the approval he reported that the Canadian government maintains
its viewpoint on the issue, which Graham had made public on June 10,
1999. Graham also pointed out that motions are not binding on the
government.

In his letter to the Canadian deputies, Graham writes:

“Our government is in consensus with the members of parliament regarding
the tragic incidents that took place in 1915-1923. Canada had condemned
a broad range of exile and massacres against hundreds of thousands of
Armenians, had made a call for Turkish and Armenian communities to
contribute to regional stability and have continued to encourage them
towards reconciliation and peace.”

On the other side, Turkish Embassy Undersecretary in Canada, Fazli
Corman, pointed out that many Canadian companies are competing to be
awarded Turkish tenders. He then said, “Our relations with Canada have
been deeply harmed after such a decision.”

Armenian foreign minister, visiting Hungarian official discuss ties

Arminfo
21 Apr 04

YEREVAN

Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan received today the deputy
state secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jeno
Boros.

The meeting took place as part of regular consultations, the Armenian
Foreign Ministry’s press service told Arminfo news agency. The sides
emphasized the significance of the centuries-old Armenian-Hungarian
friendship and of cooperation between the two countries in various
spheres. It was noted that the forthcoming accession of Hungary to the
European Union might serve as a good example for Armenia in its
integration into European bodies, considering the path the two
countries covered when they were Soviet countries, and their
post-Soviet transition experience.

Oskanyan talked about Armenia’s tasks and priorities and said that
Armenia and Hungary still have a lot of potential to utilize in the
trade and economic sphere. The sides called for more detailed
discussions, business-forums and exchange visits of business
delegations.

Touching on Armenian-Hungarian ties, the sides emphasized the role of
the Armenian community in Hungary, which is one of the oldest Armenian
communities in the world. The community, which has completely
integrated into Hungarian society, also retains its identity. In
connection with this, Oskanyan praised the policy of the Hungarian
authorities on national minorities, thanks to which this multinational
country has been able to avoid undesirable tension and to successfully
address socioeconomic and political challenges.

The sides also discussed the situation in the South Caucasus, in
particular, Armenian-Turkish relations and a settlement of the
Nagornyy-Karabakh conflict.

On the same day [21 April] Boros met Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister
Ruben Shugaryan.

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
April 16 2004

MISTAKES IN MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF CONSCRIPTS

During the meeting of the National Assembly member of parliament A.
Gabrielian asked the government to explain the reason of double
medical examination of the conscripts and its results. In answer the
defence minister of NKR Seyran Ohanian mentioned that since 2000 he
has been struggling for maintaining the principle of fairness during
the conscription. Double medical examination is part of this process.
It turned out that 12-13 percent of the conscripts, 542 people were
released from service because of diseases. The examination showed that
49 were able-bodied, 12 conscripts are sent for additional
examination. 25 are children of university teachers, heads of
hospitals, doctors, businessmen. The minister particularly mentioned
the dean of university Mirzoyan, the chief doctor of the republic
hospital, lawyer Sahakian whose sons were illegally released from
military service. In this relation the prime minister suggested
drawing a list of such parents and publish in the newspaper `Azat
Artsakh’. He mentioned that although there will be phone calls from
people known in the society, occupying high positions, the process
will be consistently carried on. Member of parliament Artur Mossiyan
mentioned that according to the NKR law `On compulsory military
service’ those persons who did not serve in the army for not
acceptable reasons have no right for civil service. In answer prime
minister Anoushavan Danielian reminded that the law `On civil service’
which is already in effect, maintains the list of civil positions, for
the occupation of which it is obligatory to have served in the
army. During the upcoming attestation this requirement will also be
met. Member of parliament A. Gabrielian mentioned that not only the
parents illegally releasing their children from military service but
also the members of the corresponding medical commission must be
liable.Â

NAIRA HAYRUMIAN

CTV News, Canada
April 22 2004

Turkey condemns Canada’s genocide vote
CTV.ca News Staff

Turkey is condemning a decision by the House of Commons to approve a
motion calling the Armenian genocide a “crime against humanity.”

Parliament voted Wednesday 153-86 in favour of a private member’s
bill formally recognizing the genocide of Armenian Turks during the
First World War.

Turkey had warned that Canada would face economic consequences if it
recognized the killings as genocide, and in a statement issued
Thursday accused Canadian legislators of being “narrow-minded.”

“Some narrow minded Canadian politicians were not able to understand
that such decisions based on … prejudiced information, will awaken
feelings of hatred among people of different (ethnic) roots and
disturb social harmony,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Paul Martin was absent for the vote on the motion,
which read: “… this House acknowledges the Armenian genocide of
1915 and condemns this act as a crime against humanity.”

Armenia says 1.5 million people were killed between 1915-1923, during
a campaign to force them out of eastern Turkey.

Turkey’s government rejects the label of genocide, saying 2.5 million
Muslims were also killed during this period of civil unrest. It
estimates 600,000 Armenians were killed.

Canada is among a handful of countries to formally label the killings
as genocide. They include Switzerland, France, Argentina, Russia, as
well as U.S. state governments. The United Nations have also
recognized the genocide.

When French legislators recognized the genocide in 2001, Turkey
cancelled millions of dollars worth of defence contracts.

The Canadian Embassy in Turkey issued a statement today distancing
itself from the vote.

“Debates and votes on private member’s business in the House of
Commons are an integral part of the Canadian democratic process but
private members’ motions are not binding on the Government of
Canada,” it said.

It also reiterated Canada’s position on the killings from a June
10,1999, vote in the House of Commons as “tragic.”

Most Liberal backbenchers voted for the motion Wednesday, while many
cabinet ministers were not present.

Martin was accused by the opposition of hypocrisy for promising more
free votes but not showing up for this one.

Liberal MP Hedy Fry, who voted for the motion, said it’s important to
remember the atrocities were carried out by the Ottoman empire, which
has since been replaced by the current Turkish state.

“I think we need to recognize the past,” she said.

“I think it doesn’t mean we’ve broken ties with the current regime in
Turkey. They are our colleagues, they are our NATO allies. They are a
moderate, Muslim government and I think we need to work with them.”

City News Service
April 20, 2004 Tuesday

Suspect Sought

GLENDALE

Glendale police asked the public’s help today in finding a would-be
bandit who accidentally fired at a 51-year-old man while they were
struggling over the gun. The intended victim had just gotten home
from shopping about 9 p.m. on April 14, in the 900 block of Patterson
Avenue, when a gunman walked up and demanded the resident’s wallet,
Glendale police Officer Leticia Chang said. A struggle ensued, and
the intended victim managed to get the gun from the would-be robber,
who ran to a dark-colored car and fled with two other people, Chang
said. The suspect was described as a skinny Armenian, about 5 feet 8
inches tall, with black short hair, a white baggy jersey type shirt
with a logo on the front, white shorts and white tennis shoes. Anyone
with more information about the robbery attempt is asked to call
Glendale detectives at (818) 548-3987 or the department’s main
number, (818) 548-4840. Anonymous calls can be made to (818)
506-STOP.

Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
617-926-1918
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
April 19, 2004

Contact: Suzan Ekizian
[email protected]; 617-926-1918

ANC OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS SPONSORS FUNDRAISER
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE KOUTOUJIAN

WATERTOWN, MA–The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Eastern
Massachusetts recently held a fundraiser-reception in honor of State
Representative Peter Koutoujian. The event was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Bedros
and Arev Der-Vartanian at their Belmont residence.

During the evening reception, members of the Armenian American community had
an opportunity to discuss various issues with the fourth-term State
Representative. Among the topics discussed were the November Presidential
elections, Rep. Kotoujian’s upcoming trip to Armenia, and the 2004
Homenetmen summer athletic games being held in Greater Boston.

“Rep. Koutoujian has been a champion and longtime advocate of many issues of
particular concern to the Massachusetts Armenian American community. We are
extremely grateful for his leadership and organized this event to honor his
efforts,” remarked ANC of Eastern Massachusetts representative Ivan
Ardhaldjian.

During the gathering, Rep. Koutoujian addressed the audience on a number of
local and state issues, the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, and the
importance to introduce non-Armenians to our rich heritage and culture.
Koutoujian underscored that he would continue to do everything in his power
to positively contribute to Armenia’s rebuilding process.

The Massachusetts State Representative represents the tenth Middlesex
district, which includes parts of Newton, Waltham, and Watertown. Rep.
Koutoujian currently holds the position of House Chairman of the Joint
Committee on Health Care. He holds a Masters degree in Public Affairs from
the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Throughout his tenure in office, Rep. Koutoujian has pursued a number of
issues to help benefit Armenia. In the field of democracy, he was selected
by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to observe
the May 2003 Parliamentary elections in Armenia.

In the field of health care, he hosted a forum at the Massachusetts State
House with Armenian Health Minister Dr. Norayr Davidian and Massachusetts
Department of Public Health Commissioner Christine Ferguson. During the
forum, Rep. Koutoujian pledged to further cooperation between Massachusetts
and Armenia in the healthcare sector. He also recently offered to share
smoke reduction programs, which have been successfully implemented in
Massachusetts, with Armenia.

Additionally, Rep. Koutoujian is an annual host of the Massachusetts State
House commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian National Committee is the largest Armenian American grassroots
political organization in Massachusetts and nationwide. The ANC actively
advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian American
community.

####

News in brief Compiled and written by Zulfugar Agayev
ANS

Billions to flow into Azeri budget from oil revenues

Azerbaijan’s State Oil Fund has prognosticated the amount of money the
country may make from oil revenues in the next 20 years.

According to the calculations of the oil fund, Azerbaijan will earn $15.2
billion by 2024 if the price for one barrel of oil equals $16. That figure
could rise up to $33 billion if the oil price is $20.

In the case of one barrel of oil costing $24, the oil fund said Azerbaijan
would make $48.5 billion in the 20 years to come. The money allocated from
the Azerbaijan State Oil Company (SOCAR) to the state budget is not included
in the prognostications.

At present, the world market prices for Azerbaijan’s oil ranges between $33
and $34 per barrel.

Azerbaijan may recognize Turkish Cyprus
President Ilham Aliyev, who is on an official visit to Turkey, said on
Thursday that Azerbaijan would recognize the North Cyprus Turkish Republic
if the Turkish Cypriots say yes and the Greeks say no to the Kofi Annan plan
in the upcoming referendum, which is set for 24 April.”We will support the
position of Turkey whatever it will be. The citizens of North Cyprus are our
brothers,” President Aliyev said, adding, “We don’t want tragic events to be
repeated again.”

“We will evaluate the results of the referendum from an international
perspective. Azerbaijan will be among the first to recognize the
independence of the North Cyprus Turkish Republic,” Aliyev said.

The President said it was up to the Turkish Cypriots to determine their own
destiny, adding that he would respect their decision.

525 NEWSPAPER

U.S. insists on lifting embargo

The U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan, Reno Harnish, said that his country would
insist on Turkey ending its blockade of Armenia. In his meeting with a group
of local reporters on Wednesday, Harnish said that lifting of the blockade
would be beneficial both for Turkey as well as for the region as a whole.

However, the ambassador said his country’s position on the Nagorno
(Daghig)-Karabakh problem should also be taken into account on thus issue.

Harnish said that the U.S. government would not be supportive of Azerbaijan
if the latter were to resort to military means to liberate its territories.

“Azerbaijan is on the way to prosperity,” he said, explaining that the
resumption of warfare would be a stumbling block on the way to prosperity
and it also would lead to a tense situation in the region.

Harnish pointed out that the U.S. is interested in finding a fair solution
to the Karabakh problem and that peace negotiations are the best way to
reach a solution.

Burchard to leave

Peter Burchard, head of the OSCE’s Baku office, is due to finish his
diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan in mid-May. The OSCE’s Baku office told
Turan that the mandates of the body’s representative are prolonged every six
months. Since Burchard is going to head one of Sweden’s diplomatic missions,
he has asked not to protract his term at the Baku office.

Burchard has been heading the Baku office since December 2001.

ECHO

New stadium in Khankendi

The Mayor’s office of Marcel, France, along with the ministry of education,
culture and sports of the so-called republic of Nagorno (Daghig)-Karabakh is
planning to build a stadium in Khankendi, the center of the breakaway former
autonomous region within Azerbaijan.

Also the money that will be made from 4 September friendly football match
between Marcel’s Olympic club and the Armenian national team is going to be
allotted to the construction of the stadium, according to Azad Artsakh
newspaper of the Karabakh separatists.

The stadium will cost about $350 million.

YENI MUSAVAT

Opposition party sues Mayor’s office

The opposition Azerbaijan National Independence Party (AMIP) has sued the
Baku Mayor’s office, Turan reported. AMIP accuses the Mayor’s office for its
reluctance to meet the party’s repeated requests for permission to hold
protest actions. The plaintiff believes that the city authorities’ failure
to let them hold protest actions goes against the law on political parties
and also against the Constitution.

A statement by AMIP says that the planned actions were to protest against
the Economic Development Ministry’s refusal to provide the party with an
office.

Programming by Ayten Alizadeh. Copyight by IntraNS.

A1 Plus | 16:28:01 | 14-04-2004 | Politics |

OPPOSITION FIGURES MUST BE RELEASED

“Tension must lessen and the arrested people and Opposition representatives
must be set free”, USA Ambassador John Ordway said over the recent events
during the joint press conference with Armenian Defense Minister Serj
Sargssyan.

“I think the emotions must now relax. A political dialogue must be launched,
aimed at solution of political and economic problems in Armenia. Both parts
must promise to apply only political methods during the political strife”,
Ambassador said.