Portugal Profits by Gulbenkian Inheritance

AZG Armenian Daily #162, 26/08/2006

Europe

PORTUGAL PROFITS BY GULBENKIAN INHERITANCE

Daniel Silva, correspondent of Agence France-Presse, writes from
Lisbon that though Portugal does not produce oil it nevertheless
profits by oil riches in the last 50 years. Those riches played a
big role in development of diverse spheres of the country.

The article that The Armenian Mirror Spectator published in its August
12 issue touches upon the Galust Gyulbekian Foundation. The Foundation
established in 1956 has brought the country a profit of 2 billion
euros by financing a number of rehabilitation centers, the country’s
philharmonic orchestra, libraries and educational establishments.

"The Foundation was a wonderful luck in the history of our country,"
sociologist Antonio Berton who is writing a book about the influence of
the Foundation on the country said last month during the celebrations
of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary.

Fleeing the Nazi occupied France at the age of 73, Gyulbenkian spent
the last 13 years of his life in a hotel in Lisbon and as an expression
of his gratefulness he handed down his fortune and the huge collection
of art works to the country with a hope that a charity foundation will
be founded. Thanks to correct handling assets initially estimated at 14
million euro rose to 3 billion that totals to 2 percent of Portugal’s
GDP and makes the Foundation the 6th biggest charity organization in
Europe. Among its holdings is Partex oil company that produces 13.5
million barrel of oil annually and exports it to Abu Dhabi, Angola,
Algeria, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Oman. 80 percent of revenue is spent
in Portugal, 20 percent in African colonies.

One of the first initiatives of the Foundation was creation of a
network of "mobile libraries" that provided Portuguese regions with
literature during the right-wing dictatorship in the country. The
second important task was providing scholarships to students. To date,
65.000 students, including Portuguese president Anibal Cavaco Silva,
benefited from the scholarship.

"I think we can never be sufficiently grateful to him for his
generosity," Rui Vilar, president of the Foundation, said in an
interview with JL literary journal.

By Hakob Tsulikian

RA Parliamentarians and Experts Of CE Venetian Commission To Discuss

RA PARLIAMENTARIANS AND EXPERTS OF CE VENETIAN COMMISSION TO DISCUSS
REFORMS OF ARMENIA’S ELECTORAL CODE

Yerevan, August 25. ArmInfo. RA Parliamentarians and experts of the CE
Venetian Commission will discuss the supposed reforms of the country’s
electoral code.

As Galust Sahakyan, the leader of the Republican party of Armenia,
said in an interview to "Hayots Ashkhar", the proposals of experts,
approved by Parliamentarians, will enter the draft changes. In
particular, the Venetian Commission proposed to bring back the
practice of using portable electoral boxes during elections, for
the invalids and the persons being in hospitals the election day,
could vote. This proposal is disputable, Sahakyan said as, in the
opinion of the opposition representatives, using of portable boxes
is an efficient mechanism for falsifications.

He also noted it would be interesting to know the opinion of
international experts regarding the issue of implementing a system of
electronic voting, which the opposition insists on. As for the issue
of ink marking of the voters’ fingers, Sahakyan said that it does
not protect the elections from a "roundabout" and delays the process.

Press release: The results of the first phase of archeological excav

PRESS RELEASE
"YERKIR", UNION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
FOR REPATRIATION AND SETTLEMENT
20 Bakunts str.,Yerevan, Armenia
Contact: Robert Tatoyan
Tel. +(374 1) 21 10 21
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST PHASE OF ARCHEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS OF THE CITY OF
TIGRANAKERT IN ARTSAKH

Yerevan, August 19, 2006

Through an initiative and the financing of the "Yerkir" Union of
Non-governmental Organizations for Repatriation and Settlement,
an expedition of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the
National Academy of Sciences (headed by Hamlet Petrosyan) achieved from
August 3-18, 2006 the first phase of the archeological excavations of
the city of Tigranakert and its surroundings, built in Artsakh by the
Armenian king Tigran the 2-nd, better known as Tigran the Great. Prior
to the excavation works themselves, the same team of researchers had
visited and studied the area in March 2005, to determine the exact
location of the city of Tigranakert.

Excavation works led to the discovery of the fortified outer wall of
a citadel, as well as the supporting wall of one of the terraces,
a basilica of the 5-6 centuries, and hundreds of archeological
artifacts. A church complex carved in the rock has also been studied
in the valley of Khachenaget, in the vicinity of the city.

The preliminary study of the findings has shown that since its
foudation in the 1-rst century B.C. until the 13-14 centuries A.D., the
city of Tigranakert has continued to exist without interruption. The
discovered buildings and pottery are similar to the ones found in other
Armenian areas, and in particular, to those discovered in the plain of
Ararat, a fact which corroborates once more the testimony of Armenian
medieval historians concerning the Armenian ownership, the Armenian
nature of the city of Tigranagert and of its surrounding areas. The
excavations also confirm that this area is part of our Homeland,
or in other words, part of that territory, where the Armenian people
has been formed and has built its history.

The findings have an exceptional historical, cultural and religious
value not only for Armenians, but also internationally speaking,
in terms of mankind’s patrimony. For example, the remains of the
early medieval basilica of the 5-6th centuries found in the inhabited
neighbourhoods of the city and the church complex carved in the rock
prove that Tigranakert has been one of the centers of the oriental
christian civilization.

The study of the findings will follow the excavation works, and the
results will be published in an illustrated book.

"Yerkir" Union will ensure the pursuit of the excavation works in
Tigranakert, as well as of the study of the findings.

To get Tigranakert excavation photos, please, visit
.

http://www.yerkir.org
www.yerkir.org/tigranakert

ANCA-WR NEWS: ANC West San Fernando Valley Leads Meeting With Congre

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Contact: Lerna Kayserian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANC of West San Fernando Valley Leads Meeting with Congressman Sherman

– Congressman expresses commitment to be at the forefront of Armenian
American issues

SHERMAN OAKS, CA – The Armenian National Committee of the West San
Fernando Valley met with U.S. Representative Brad Sherman (D-Sherman
Oaks) in his district office last week to discuss issues of concern
to the local Armenian American community. The delegation was led by
the West San Fernando Valley Chairman, Ara Papazian who was joined
by Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR)
Board Member Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, ANCA-WR Community Relations
Director Haig Hovsepian, and ANCA-WR Intern Allen Yekikan.

The meeting attendees expressed appreciation for the Congressman
Sherman’s record of support for Armenian American issues. Various
topics were discussed including Armenian Genocide legislation,
the controversial nomination of Richard Hoagland as the next
U.S. ambassador to Armenia, and congressional efforts to support
regional cooperation and integration in the Southern Caucasus Region.

Mrs. Zerounian-Khanzadian, a constituent of Rep. Sherman, explained
that the Armenian American community is extremely disturbed over
Richard Hoagland’s evasive and outright genocide denial leading
up to, during, and following his hearing in the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee. Rep. Sherman expressed his concern and agreed
to write a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, opposing
Richard Hoagland’s confirmation as the next Ambassador to Armenia.
The Congressman noted that "Ambassador Evans was a great ambassador
who should not have been recalled."

Papazian, a constituent of the Congressman, thanked him for his
continued support of the Armenian Genocide Resolution as well as
his co-authorship of the Crowley Amendment, an amendment to the
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006. The Crowley Amendment,
authored by New York Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights) and
co-authored by Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Rep. Brad Sherman,
prohibits the Export-Import Bank from providing any assistance "to
develop or promote any rail connections or railway-related connections
that traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars,
Turkey, and that specifically exclude cities in Armenia." The bill
to which it was amended was approved by the House of Representatives
in July and will go to the Senate for consideration. Rep. Sherman
expressed his commitment to the amendment and promised to work closely
with his collegues in the Senate to make certain the amended bill does
not get altered or excluded from the fi! nal draft of the legislation.

Mrs. Zerounian-Khanzadian invited Representative Sherman to both the
ANCA-WR Annual Banquet in November and the ANCA Leadership Conference
in Washington D.C. scheduled for September 14-17th. The Congressman
expressed his gratitude for the invitations and promised to attend,
even offering to lead a workshop during the conference.

Congressman Brad Sherman represents California’s 27th district,
home to a large Armenian American community. Since being elected
to Congress in 1997, Representative Sherman has worked to continue
building U.S. relations with Armenia, co-sponsored previous Armenian
Genocide recognition legislation, including the resolutions introduced
in the 109th Congress. He is also an original co-sponsor of the South
Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, H.R. 3361 as well as
the End the Turkish Blockade of Armenia Act, H.R.3103.

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United
States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad
range of issues.

Editor’s Note: Photo attached: (left to right) ANCA-WR Intern Allen
Yekikan, ANCA-WR Board member Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, Congressman
Brad Sherman, ANC West SF Valley Chairman Ara Papazian, and ANCA-WR
Staff Haig Hovsepian.

###

www.anca.org

New Radio To Open In Javakheti

NEW RADIO TO OPEN IN JAVAKHETI

Lragir.am
23 Aug 06

A-Info, Akhalkalaki, 23 August. Since October 1 a new radio station
will start operating in the region of Ninotsminda, Javakheti. The
radio station was set up by the Tbilisi office of the BBC.

The radio station of Ninotsminda will broadcast news, music,
sport programs, programs for women. The staff including 13 people
participated in trainings by a number of experienced journalists.

Laura Varjapetyan is the coordinator of the radio, Ararat Ptetyan is
the editor.

BAKU: Novruz Mammadov: OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Fail To Demonstrat

NOVRUZ MAMMADOV: OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS FAIL TO DEMONSTRATE A NEUTRAL STANCE

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Aug. 16, 2006

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group are planning to organize a
meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers, APA reports
quoting Azerbaijani President’s Office international relations
department chief Novruz Mammadov.

"We cannot say the negotiating process for the settlement of the
Nagorno Garabagh conflict is not held. Azerbaijan advocates peaceful
solution of the conflict. This option meets Armenia’s interests at
the same time," the department chief said.

Mr.Mammadov called on the Minsk Group co-chairs to take a fair stance.

"Regrettably, the co-chairs fail to demonstrate a neutral stance and
compliance with international law principles. This will neither give
an impetus to the settlement of the conflict nor increase confidence of
world states in big international organizations," Mammadov said.

Ra Ministry Of Education And Science To Hold Events Dedicated To 15t

RA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE TO HOLD EVENTS DEDICATED TO 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
Aug 15 2006

YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA Ministry of Education and
Science envisages holding of a number of events dedicated to the 15th
anniversary of independence of the Republic of Armenia. As Narine
Hovhannisian, the Chief of the Comprehensive Education Department
of the Ministry mentioned at the August 15 press conference, the
first event of that series will be the 2nd All-Armenian Educational
Conference to take place in Tsaghkadzor on August 17-20. 150
representatives of Armenia and Diaspora will participate in it. She
mentioned that a competition of compositions on the theme "My Free
Fatherland" will be held in secondary schools of the republic from
August 20 to September 30.

The best works will be published in the "Krtutyun" (Education) and
"Kanch" (call) periodicals, will be placed in the internet site of
the Ministry.

N.Hovhannisian mentioned that the Day of Knowledge, September 1, will
also be dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Independence. Meetings
with statesmen and politicians and participants of the Artsakh war
will be held in schools in these days as well as demonstrative lessons
dedicated to the theme will be held.

Besides, in schools, Artsakh war heroes’, Armenian Generals’ halls
of glory will be founded, albums will be formed, stands will be
prepared, wall papers will be published, photo-exhibitions will
be opened. N.Hovhannisian mentioned that a republican festival of
recitation entitled "You my Old and New Armenia" will be organized
jointly with the Writers’ Union of Armenia. Its results will be
summed up in October. A competition-review of works of fine arts
entitled "My Republic is 15" will also be held. The best works will be
exhibited at the State National Gallery. And a gala concert entitled
"My Marvellous Armenia" will take place in October, with school
teachers’ participation.

Scientific conferences, seminars, lectures, students’ and lecturers’
scientific sessions are also envisaged.

Archaeological excavations on the territory of Nagornyy Karabakh

Armenians carrying out archaeological excavations on the territory of
Nagornyy Karabakh

Arminfo
11 Aug 06

Yerevan, 11 August: Armenian archaeologists have launched large-scale
excavations in one of the biggest and well-known settlements of the
pre-Christian period on the territory of Nagornyy Karabakh founded by
Armenian King Tigran II (the Great), Gamlet Petrosyan, head of the
expedition and doctor of history, has told an Arminfo correspondent.

He said the excavations prove that Armenians lived in the valley of
the Khachenaget River in Agdam District in the first century BC. He
said that during the first days of the excavations, the archaeologists
found remains of a citadel wall that belongs to one of the four cities
built by Tigran II – Artsakh’s Tigranakert.

It is notable that the stone blocks discovered there are joined
together with the help of the then Hellenic technology or so-called
knots in the form of a martin’s tail. The archaeologists are also
excavating barrows and quarters of the city.

[Passage omitted: Armenians archaeologists have been searching for
historic monuments in Nagornyy Karabakh for three years]

Haladjian’s Nabaztag Wi-Fi rabbit targets US consumers

TelecomWorldWire
August 10, 2006

Haladjian’s Nabaztag Wi-Fi rabbit targets US consumers

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-10 August 2006-Haladjian’s Nabaztag Wi-Fi rabbit
targets US consumers ©1994-2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The Nabaztag Wi-Fi rabbit has been unveiled by Violet, a French
company 55% owned by French entrepreneur Rafi Haladjian and 30% by
Banexi Ventures, a private equity arm of French bank BNP Paribas.

Nabaztag means ‘rabbit’ in Armenian, which is the first language of
Haladjian, the man who conceived the idea. The rabbit is able to read
out e-mails and mobile phone text messages, provide alerts to stock
news and offer traffic updates through Internet feeds from a wireless
Wi-Fi network.

Basic Internet feeds, such as certain e-mail reading, stock market
performance and weather forecasts are free, while calls and text
messages are charged to the sender, although text messages are free
for premium service subscribers.

The Wi-Fi rabbit, which is made in China, costs EUR115 in France, £80
in the UK and USD150 in the US, has already been sold in Belgium,
France, the UK and Switzerland and is now being targeted at the US.

Nabaztag is expected to prove popular among certain groups of
consumers, and Haladjian said he expects sales to reach 150,000 by
the end of 2006, 400,000 in 2007 and around 2m by the end of 2008.

http://www.m2.com

Armenians Urged To Guard Against Unprecedented Heat

ARMENIANS URGED TO GUARD AGAINST UNPRECEDENTED HEAT
By Ruzanna Stepanian

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Aug. 10, 2006

Medical authorities urged the population on Thursday to stay indoors
in the afternoon and take other precautions against a blistering
heatwave that has gripped Yerevan and other parts of Armenia this week.

According to meteorologists, air temperature hit almost 42 degrees
Celsius on Wednesday and was just as high the next day, making August
the hottest month registered in the country in a century.

"This is the highest temperature registered in Yerevan in the last
100 years," said Albert Torosian, deputy director of the national
meteorological service. Torosian blamed the weather on air currents
flowing into Armenia from the south and said it will remain extremely
hot for at least two more days.

The Armenian Ministry of Health, meanwhile, advised citizens —
pregnant women, elderly people and children in particular — to avoid
walking in the streets from noon until 5 p.m. local time and to drink
at least three liters of water a day. Armenians were also urged to
cover their heads and wear cotton clothes when going out.

The summer heatwave is not confined to Armenia and the region. Many
parts of Europe and the United States have also been suffering from
an extremely hot weather and have reported scored of casualties. In
France alone, the heat has already claimed more than 100 lives.

The Armenian authorities have not reported any fatalities yet. Still,
health officials said the number of ambulance calls has soared
in recent years. Elmira Gevorgian, a senior doctor at the Health
Ministry’s ambulance service, told RFE/RL that her medics received some
50 heat-related calls and treated at least five people who fainted
on the streets of Yerevan on Wednesday. She said exposure to heat is
particularly dangerous for people suffering from cardiac diseases.