Author: Tigranian Ani

GOVERNMENT APPROVES NEW METHODS OF FINANCING FAMILY DOCTORS

YEREVAN, JULY 15. ARMINFO. The RA Government has approved the “Pilot
public health program of organizing primary health care and
elaborating new methods of financing family doctors.”

Talking to journalists, First Deputy Minister of Health Haik Darbinyan
reported that a patient receives medical assistance from his family
doctor free of charge. The patient pay for the medical examination his
family doctor prescribes to him. The family doctor’s services will be
financed from the state budget. The Government pledges to pay 2,800
AMD for each child-patient and 1,302 AMD for each adult annually. The
minimum, optimal and maximum number of patients for each family doctor
has been determined – 1,000, 1,700 and 2,300 respectively. According
to Darbinyan, the salaries of family doctors will exceed those of
doctors at outpatient clinics by 50% and amount to 50,000 AMD a month.
Darbinyan reported that about 25,000 residents have been registered
for examination by family doctors in Yerevan’s Erebuni community
alone.

Darbinyan pointed out that under the WB’s credit program, 276 Armenian
doctors were trained as family doctors in 2003-2004,m and eight of
them studied abroad. However, he said that the country needs 1,700
family doctors. Darbinyan reported that about 200 medical nurses have
been retained. Besides, 81 medical outpatient clinics were repaired
and equipped for family doctors. Darbinyan reported that another 20
clinics are to be constructed under the WB’s 2nd credit program for
2004-2008.

PRESS RELEASE
BIRTHRIGHT ARMENIA
Contact: Linda Yepoyan
Email: [email protected]

July 8, 2004

BIRTHRIGHT ARMENIA KICKS OFF ITS FIRST SUMMER IN ARMENIA

Yerevan, Armenia – Young diasporans venturing out on journeys of
self-discovery are multiplying in the homeland. They are here in
Armenia to participate in a multitude of volunteer, cultural and
internship programs, representing many of the existing organizations
within our diasporan communities. In addition to their ethnicity, a
group of 40 such youth from different walks of life have one additional
thing in common with each other. They are all participants of
Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk, a new initiative experiencing its first
year of operations in Armenia this summer.

Birthright Armenia was established to strengthen ties between diasporan
and homeland youth by creating the right conditions for young adults to
best connect with their collective past and commit themselves to our
nation’s future. This new organization is building on the initiatives
of established diasporan institutions that offer youth programs in
Armenia, to make the homeland experience all that it can be. The four
parameters that define each participant’s requirements for qualification
under the Birthright Armenia program’s acronym QUEST include: public
service, language training, leadership development, and continuing
involvement.

The 40 Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk 2004 summer participants are
representatives of seven organizations: Armenian Christian Youth
Organization of America (ACYOA), Armenian Youth Federation (AYF),
Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC), Armenian Assembly of America (AAA),
Armenian Medical Association (AMA), Armenian Students’ Association-NY
(ASA), and the Land and Culture Organization (LCO).

As part of their QUEST, (qualified experiences in service and training),
each participant is fulfilling 30-40 hours per week of rewarding
community service through internships or volunteerism, all the while
garnering valuable work experience that will enhance their future career
tracks. Volunteer placements this summer include exciting opportunities
within the private and public sectors, as well as various government
offices, some of which include: Nork Marash Hospital, Ministries of
Foreign Affairs and Health, Zadik Orphanage, Vem radio station, Council
of Europe, Armenian Medical Association, Armenian Tree Project,
Zangagadoon NGO in Vanadzor, Youth Christian Movement, Spendarian House
Museum, Ameria Consulting, and the Armenian Tourism Development Agency.

In addition to providing travel fellowships that cover the roundtrip
airfare of each participant, their QUESTS continue with Birthright
Armenia/Depi Hayk supplementing the community service aspect of their
experience with an action-packed line-up of activities including a
thorough in-country orientation, one-on-one Eastern Armenian language
instruction, weekly `havaks’ and excursions, and a forum series. These
support services provided by Birthright Armenia are designed to provide
a more in-depth immersion experience for those who are interested in
gaining an understanding of our current homeland’s situation, people,
history, and opportunities for involvement – all contributing to a more
meaningful, life-changing journey of self-discovery of what it means to
be a diasporan at this point and time in our history.

`Each of the participants is building a base of new relationships
through their work environment, host families, and interactions with
local counterparts, and trying to process how they will bridge these
newfound relationships with their lives back in their local communities.
We can see the wheels turning in each of their minds, and find the
amount of energy, emotion, and identity seeking within them refreshing’,
says Linda Yepoyan, U.S. based executive director for Birthright
Armenia/Depi Hayk. `I believe that the words of one of our participants,
Sonia Shahrigian from CA, who is an AVC volunteer, encapsulates the
experience better than I ever could’:

`Before I arrived in Armenia, I tried not to get my hopes up. I had
wanted to come to Armenia for years, and finally, the time was ripe! 
After talking about Hayasdan, the “homeland,” my whole life, sometimes
placing it upon a pedestal, I tried not to have high expectations before
my departure from the U.S. Although I’ve been here for a short time,
and although my stay will last only 2 months, I can confidently say that
I’ve never felt more at home anywhere else. Everything feels so natural,
despite my slowly progressing Armenian skills. Since my arrival, I’ve
met so many wonderful, kind people who are often as excited about me
being here as I am.  Now, I know why some Armenians are afraid to come
here; they are afraid that they might never want to leave, and might
have trouble picking up the roots they have planted elsewhere. But the
deepest, strongest root is deeply buried in Armenian soil, which is why
so many of us feel like we are coming “back” when we come to Armenia,
even if we’ve never physically been here before’.

`This, our first year of providing services in Armenia, is the pilot
test for much larger numbers of volunteers to sponsor in the near
future. Next year we are counting on over 100 participants, and then
doubling that number every consecutive year to truly increase the number
of youths connecting with the homeland in meaningful ways,’ Yepoyan
concludes.

For those who are interested in learning more about Birthright
Armenia/Depi Hayk, please visit the Web site at

Birthright Armenia’s mission is to strengthen ties between the homeland
and diasporan youth by affording them an opportunity to be a part of
Armenia’s daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through
work, study and volunteer experiences, while developing a renewed sense
of Armenian identity. This is accomplished by supporting and
complementing the initiatives of existing diasporan organizations that
offer youth programs in Armenia, and encouraging them to expand their
offerings in depth and breath. Birthright Armenia assists with travel
fellowships, language instruction, in-country seminars, orientation and
excursions in exchange for community service in Armenia.

Study Shows Impressive Progress in Developing Independent Media in
Southeast Europe But Continuing Obstacles for Central Asia’s Media

WASHINGTON, July 6 /PRNewswire/ — In the newly released Media
Sustainability Index (MSI) 2003, IREX documents dramatic improvement
for the media environments in the countries of Southeast Europe during
the last year. In Central Asia, however, independent media continued
to face serious obstacles to development. The study also shows the
Caucasus region has witnessed gradual progress while, on average,
independent media development stagnated in Russia and the Western
Eurasian countries.

The MSI indicates:

* Croatia is the closest to independent media sustainability for 2003,
with the highest average score of any country reviewed.

* Uzbekistan has the lowest average rating of all 20 countries, and

Central Asia on average is the least hospitable region for independent
media.

* Armenia shows slowly but steadily improving scores, mirroring gradual
improvement in Azerbaijan and Georgia.

* Belarus’ ranking dropped below its starting point in 2001.

The Media Sustainability Index is the only study that looks at the
entire media system in each of 20 countries in Southeast Europe and
Eurasia. The MSI analyzes freedom of speech, plurality of media
available to citizens, professional journalism standards, business
sustainability of media, and the efficacy of institutions that support
independent media. The MSI features country-by-country rankings using
a proven methodology and detailed input from media professionals in
the 20 countries. The study also offers a comparison of trends from
2001 to 2003 in order to show which countries have improved, where
backsliding has occurred, and what can be expected going forward.

The MSI, funded by USAID, offers a valuable tool for media development
practitioners, public officials, scholars and others concerned about
the region’s media. The new MSI 2003 can be found at

IREX (the International Research & Exchanges Board) is an
international nonprofit organization specializing in education,
independent media, Internet development, and civil society programs.
Through training, partnerships, education, research, and grant
programs, IREX develops the capacity of individuals and institutions
to contribute to their societies.

SOURCE International Research & Exchanges Board
CO: International Research & Exchanges Board; IREX
ST: District of Columbia, Russia
SU: SVY NPT FOR
Web site:

07/06/2004 11:42 EDT

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: July 1, 2004

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
ON THE WEB PAGE
Press releases about the National Representative Assembly (NRA), which
took place in May in Philadelphia, are now posted on the Prelacy web site.
Also posted are the texts of the message delivered by the Prelate, His
Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and the keynote address given by
Professor Vigen Guroian. A gallery of photographs by our talented and
dependable photographer, Bedo Der Bedrossian, is also on the web page. For a
direct link to the NRA page click here

ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE IN FULL SWING
AT ST. MARY OF PROVIDENCE CENTER IN PENNSYLVANIA
Seventy-seven Datevatzies (junior and senior high school students) from
various parts of the country are at Datev this week learning, playing, and
strengthening their bond with God.
We are receiving daily updates, including photographs and impressions of
Datevatzies, which we are posting on our web page immediately.
Yesterday, June 30, Archbishop Oshagan, accompanied by Judge Sarkis
Teshoian and Mrs. Ardemis Teshoian, visited the Datevatzies. Oshagan Srpazan
was very impressed with the general atmosphere and the quality of the
students attending. His Eminence said: The atmosphere was joyful and very
respectful. I told the students that they are part of our family and they
have the love of God and our Church in their hearts.
Judge Teshoian addressed the students telling them the importance of
being Armenian in our society and what it means to be an Armenian American.
Utilizing experiences from his own life, Judge Teshoian advised the students
to be good citizens and meet the challenges ahead. Don’t think that others
are better than you, or that you are better than others. He told them that
participation in both Armenian and American society is very important. He
also stressed the importance of education and the knowledge of other
languages, not just Armenian and English. In this age of globalization, he
said, the one who knows more will be hired and will advance up the ladder of
success. He told them: Remember that just as you get happy when you read
about a successful and famous Armenian, that someday an Armenian youngster
will read about you and your success and become very happy.
Daily updates, photographs and comments of Datevatzies are on the
Prelacy web page:

REGIONAL SEMINAR IN PENNSYLVANIA
About 25 people attended the first of three regional seminars for adults
sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). The seminar
topic was Critical Issues of Life and Faith-an Armenian Orthodox
Perspective. The keynote speaker was Dr. Vigen Guroian, Professor of
Theology and Ethics at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. Panelists
included V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, Dr. Carlo Bayrakdarian and Dr. Meline Karakashian.
The weekend began with Bible Studies on Friday evening followed by an
evening service. The discussion on Saturday centered on Christian ethics and
ethical issues that surround us in our daily lives and what the Bible tells
us on these subjects. Deacon Shant Kazanjian, Executive Director of AREC,
welcomed the group and set the stage for the day providing a framework for
learning, understanding, and sharing points of view. The weekend ended on
Sunday with Badarak and lunch.
To quote a participant (Alice Movsesian from New Jersey), The weekend
was fulfilling, nourishing, and enlightening. I would return next year and
encourage others to do the same.
The second of the three regional adult religious seminars will take
place in New England in October 2004, followed by a third in the Midwest. It
is planned that these seminars will be conducted on an annual basis.
Reported by Karen Jehanian

THREE PRELATES OF NORTH AMERICAN PRELACIES
MEET IN CALIFORNIA
The Western Prelacy hosted a meeting of the three prelates of North
America on June 23 and 24, in California. Participating were His Eminence
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy; His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of Canada; and His Eminence Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy.
This meeting was an outgrowth of meetings that took place several months
ago with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
members of the Central Executive Committee, and representatives of the three
prelacies.
Topics discussed included: Christian Education; preparation of deacons
and acolytes; programs for Bible study groups; youth groups; organization
and re-vitalization of parish activities; improving the work of the clergy;
the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Armenian Theological Seminary;
canonical issues; communications and publications; programs to help Armenia,
Artsakh and Javakh; ecumenical relations.

OFFICIALS FROM ARMENIA VISIT PRELATE
This morning, Thursday, July 1, His Excellency Armen Martiroyan, Armenia
‘s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Manouk Vardanyan,
Chairman of the State Committee of the Real Property Cadastre of the
Republic of Armenia, and Hayk Sahakian, chairman of the International
Committee of the same agency, paid a courtesy call to the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan. The Prelate and his guests discussed the current
situation in Armenia, as well as ways that the Diaspora can assist.

NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF ELECTION AND
CONSECRATION OF CATHOLICOS ARAM I
The ninth anniversary of the election and consecration of His Holiness
Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, was celebrated in all
churches under the jurisdiction of the Cilician See, including all parishes
of the Eastern Prelacy.
On this occasion the Catholicos said: The ninth anniversary celebration
is for me a prime occasion to give thanks to God for His gifts of life and
ministry which made me put the whole of my life and ability in service of
His Church. I have always perceived my ministry as one of mission and I will
continue in faithful obedience to the call of God to carry on my God-given
mission and renewed faith and strong commitment. The ninth anniversary
celebration is also an occasion for me to look back and realistically and
objectively identify the failures and successes of my ministry at home and
abroad, in my Church and in the ecumenical movement at large. Looking back
must help us to look ahead clearly and courageously. Our Church is faced
with tremendous challenges and concerns; we cannot simply avoid to be a
responsible Church which in the context of the present day world means to
take these issues very seriously. It means to be relevant and a credible
Church. This is how I see the future of our Church and the way we must
follow.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL ATTEND
HOMENETMEN GAMES
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan will attend the HMEM Eastern Region USA 14th
Inter-Chapter games this weekend. The games and related events will take
place in the greater Boston area.

ARMENIAN ROYAL FAMILY REMEMBERED THIS WEEK
This Saturday, July 3, the Armenian Church commemorates King Trdat,
Queen Ashkhen and Khosrovidoukht-all members of the royal family at the time
of Armenia’s official acceptance of Christianity as a state religion. It was
the King’s sister, Khosrovidoukht, who suggested that Gregory (who was
imprisoned by the king in a deep pit) could cure the king’s mysterious
madness. Gregory was released and brought to Vagharshapat where Trdat asked
for forgiveness. Gregory replied: I am a man like you, and I have a body
like yours. But do you recognize your creator, who made heaven and earth,
the sun and moon and stars, the sea and the dry land. He is able to heal
you.

THE FOURTH OF JULY
And of course, Sunday is the Fourth of July-Independence Day, the
birthday of the United States. The document that we know as the Declaration
of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Thomas Jefferson wrote the
first draft of the Declaration as a member of a committee that included John
Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The principles embodied in the Declaration have
resounded throughout the world in all the years since 1776. The words from
the Declaration have been recited wherever and whenever people have fought
against undemocratic regimes.
Some of us old-timers remember when all holidays were celebrated on
their rightful day. Many years ago, by an act of Congress, most holidays
were moved to the weekend to give American citizens the much-desired long
weekend. In the United States today only four of our major holidays are
still celebrated on their proper calendar days: Halloween, Christmas, New
Year’s and Independence Day. Any suggestion to change the July 4th date has
been met with outrage (thankfully!). The general feeling of the sanctity of
America’s Independence day was best expressed in a quotation from the
Virginia Gazette of July 18, 1777: Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious
and ever memorable day, be celebrated throughout America, by the sons of
freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen and Amen.
Happy Birthday, America.

Visit our website at

Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia plan to hold tripartite meeting in September

Anatolia news agency, Ankara
28 Jun 04

Istanbul, 28 June: Foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia
who had a trilateral meeting under NATO summit decided to continue the
process, diplomatic sources said on Monday [28 June]. Sources stated
that a following trilateral meeting was planned to be held in New York
in September.

Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul held a
trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Elmar Memmedyarov of
Azerbaijan and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan of Armenia. The
ministers were in Istanbul to attend the 17th NATO summit. Sources
noted that Memmedyarov and Oskanyan thanked Gul for taking such an
initiative.

Oskanyan and Memmedyarov recalled that NATO and the European Union
(EU) were going through a process of enlargement, stating that Turkey,
which was a member of NATO and which would probably be a member of the
EU, could undertake a role of bridge in integration of South Caucasus
to Europe.

Foreign ministers of Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan discussed to
include Georgia in the process in their meeting on Monday. Ministers
decided to hold another trilateral meeting as soon as possible.

armenianow.com
25 June 2004

Chemical Concern: Mothers in farm regions threatened by harmful pesticide

By Marianna Grigoryan
ArmeniaNow reporter

Research conducted on 30 women in three regions of Armenia found that 25
had traces of the chemical DDT in their systems.

Decades ago, Soviet health officials banned the use of DDT
(dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), a pesticide used to kill weeds and bugs
in agriculture crops.

As in other countries, USSR scientists concluded that exposure to the
powerful chemical could lead to birth defects, could promote the incidence
of cancer, cause liver failure, effect the nervous system. Exposure was
especially dangerous for pregnant women.

Tests were conducted on 30 mothers.
The research began last year and is now in its second phase, testing women
in maternity homes of Ararat, Masis, and Aparan regions – farming districts
where pesticides are used for treating vineyards and other crops.

“We examine 30 women from different regions in every stage of our research,
however thousands of women have similar problems in Armenia,” says Albert
Mayrapetyan, director of Scientific Research Institute on Environment,
Hygiene and Preventive Toxicology at the Ministry of Health. “And if we’ve
found those substances in mother’s milk, this already shows that those
pesticides are put into use in the surrounding area. During the second stage
of our research we will examine the negative affect of that milk on the
health of the newborns.

“Considering the threat, prohibition during Soviet times was very strict and
DDT was out of use right away. However, our latest research shows that it is
still are a threat to people.”

“The existence of DDT in milk can lead to various negative consequences
during the period of a child’s development, beginning with mental
development damage up to nervous and immunity damage,” says Lilia Simonyan,
representative of a non governmental organization that focuses on women’s
health.

Simonyan says women become exposed to the chemical while working in gardens
or fields where DDT has been applied.

And while the rate of incidence may seem alarming, Karine Saribekyan, head
of Mother and Child Health Department at the Ministry of Health, says that
research is not yet a reason to discourage mothers from breastfeeding.

“Mother’s milk is irreplaceable for a newborn and it’s not a wise thing to
refuse from feeding babies in a natural way,” says Saribekyan. “Specialists
have to start teaching villagers how to use pesticides wisely and to find
out where DDT came from.”

There are different opinions regarding the reappearance of DDT, but there
hasn’t been any specific conclusions about its renewed use.

The chairman of the Union of Greens Hakob Sanasaryan says the DDT was not
destroyed after it was banned, but it was kept and after a while was again
put into circulation.

According to Mayrapetyan DDT is being smuggled in from Azerbaijan and Middle
Asia.

“Even though usage of DDT is prohibited, the import of pesticides is in
general free for individual small owners and it’s impossible to have a
complete control of this situation,” says the head of Plant Cultivation
department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Gagik Manucharyan.

According to specialists, during Soviet years everything was systematized
and experts oversaw the use of agricultural chemicals. Today, however,
villagers have their own land and their means of farming is practically
unregulated.

“We have been doing researches for five years in regions and carry out
information campaigns on how and what quantities pesticides have to be used
in,” says Simonyan. “The awareness level is not so high.”

Mayrapetyan says DDT in mother’s milk is not the only trace of pesticide
misuse.

“As a result of our research we found out that in the region where a large
quantity of pesticides is being applied, health problems are incomparably
higher than for instance in mountainous regions where they use very little
pesticides,” he says. “Now, another study is in process regarding the number
of stillbirths, and anomalies in the ‘risk’ area and the preliminary picture
is not encouraging at all

Associated Press Worldstream
June 23, 2004 Wednesday

Heavy rains caused blockage of single Russia-Georgia highway

TBILISI, Georgia

Heavy rains over Georgia’s Dusheti region on Wednesday blocked the
only route connecting Georgia with Russia.

The rain fell in the early hours of Wednesday, causing numerous cargo
trucks to get stuck on the highway, said Georgian Prime Minister
Zurab Zhvania.

The Military Georgian Highway is the only route connecting Russia and
Georgia, through which cargo is also carried to Armenia. Georgia used
to have other railway and motor connections going through the South
Ossetia and Abkhazia regions, but the two provinces broke away in the
early 1990s.

Zhvania said that until the flooded route is freed, cargo may be
shipped through the Roki tunnel in South Ossetia.

Hucknall Today, UK
June 24 2004

Ten-day Byron Festival set to be best yet

ONE of the world’s most famous Byronists is due to visit Hucknall.

Former Labour Party leader Michael Foot is expected to attend a
final-day event at the seventh International Byron Festival.
This will be a service at Hucknall Parish Church to dedicate a
monument to the memory of former rector, Canon Fred Green.
The monument is made from a broken khatchkhar, an Armenian Christian
symbol.
Canon Green, affectionately known as Father Fred, gave strong
personal support to a friendship agreement between Hucknall’s Holgate
Comprehensive School and the Lord Byron School in Armenia.
The festival, described as ten days of family and community events in
tribute to Lord Byron, will run from next Friday (July 2) to Sunday
July 11.
Festival co-ordinator John Wilkinson said it was the most ambitious
so far with 35 attractions ranging from dancing to dinners, film to
flowers and talks to tours.
In a bid for greater involvement of young people, a six-hour open-air
rock concert will be held on Hucknall Market Place
Those festival stalwarts, writer Bill Studdiford and actor Ian Frost,
will present the world premiere of a play entitled ‘Extraordinary
Friends Byron and Shelley’, putting on two performances.
The new Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system will play a part
in the festival, with the offer of a trip to Basford for a Thai meal,
while another innovation will be a charity fashion show.
At the annual Byron dinner, the guest speaker will be Edward Enfield,
father of comedian Harry Enfield, with a talk on ‘Byron And The Elgin
Marbles.’
While Hucknall Community Centre will be the scene of a ‘Fawlty Towers
Murder Mystery Night’ of the type once held at Newstead Abbey’s
former White Lady restaurant.
One of last year’s festival hits was an open-air production by the
Common Players on Hucknall Titchfield Park. They are back again to
perform ‘Robin Hood And The Sherwood Experience’ on the park and it
promises to be a family highlight, with the audience encouraged to
take picnics.
The famous 1949 movie, ‘The Bad Lord Byron’, which was filmed partly
in Hucknall and at Newstead Abbey, featuring Dennis Price in the
title role, will be shown at the new-look Byron Cineplex cinema
during the festival.
The festival is set to score a bullseye when a Byron Festival open
darts championship will be held for the first time, the venue being
the town’s Royal British Legion Social Club.
The very last event will be a ceremony to mark the official renaming
of Hucknall Community Centre in Ogle Street as the Lovelace Centre.
“We want a new name but we could not call it the Byron Centre because
that name has already been given to the nearby former Co-operative
building,” said Mr Wilkinson.
“As the community centre already houses the theatre, which is named
after Byron’s daughter, Ada, Countess of Lovelace, it is felt that
this would be an excellent alternative.”

THE FULL PROGRAMME
FRIDAY JULY 2
9.30 am – Traditional opening of the festival as a town crier strolls
through Hucknall town centre, including the Market Place.
7.30 pm – ‘Extraordinary Friends Byron and Shelley’, world premiere
of a play by Bill Studdiford, starring Ian Frost. What happened in
the six years Byron and Shelley knew each other? Lovelace Theatre,
Hucknall Community Centre £5/£4. For tickets and further information,
contact Maureen Crisp on 0115 9664367.
7.30 pm – ‘Nothing To Wear’, fashion show and sale of quality
clothing at crazy prices (in aid of Hope Lea Project), Central
Methodist Church, £3. Tickets from 150 Watnall Road or the committee.
SATURDAY JULY 3
12 midday – Bellringers of Hucknall Parish Church will ring a peal.
12 midday – Poached salmon and real ale lunch, including a glass of a
selection of festival ales, £4. Bookings in advance only by ringing
0115 9529303.
12 midday to 6 pm – Open-air rock concert, featuring some of the best
local bands, Hucknall Market Place. Free of charge.
7.30 pm – International concert. An evening of culture for all the
family, Hucknall Parish Church. Free of charge.
SUNDAY JULY 4
Annual open golf tournament for the Byron Cup, presented by Maureen
Crisp, at Leen Valley Golf Centre. For entry details, contact the
centre on 0115 9642037.
2.30 pm – ‘Chance To Dance’, a spectacular showcase from the students
of Hucknall-based Sarah Adamson School Of Dance, Lovelace Theatre,
£3.
2.30 pm – ‘Beppo’, a Venetian love story by Bill Studdiford, starring
Ian Frost. A chance to hear the delights of amorous adventures in
Venice, Newstead Abbey, £5/£4. For tickets and further information,
contact Maureen Crisp on 0115 9664367.
6 pm – ‘Robin Hood And The Sherwood Experience’. Return of the Common
Players to Hucknall Titchfield Park after their first open-air show
last year. Take a picnic. Free of charge.
MONDAY JULY 5
1.30 pm – ‘The Bad Lord Byron’, a rare chance to see the 1949 film,
starring Dennis Price, Byron Cineplex Cinema, £3.
2 pm – ‘With Great Pleasure’, music and poetry presented by Gwenda
Watkins and Gillian Berry, Gallery Restaurant and Millennium Garden,
Nottingham University, £6.50 (including afternoon tea). For tickets
and further information, contact Maureen Crisp on 0115 9664367.
6 pm – ‘Newstead And Its Owners’, a talk by Denis Hill that traces
the history of Newstead Abbey and its owners from its foundation to
the 20th century, Hucknall Community Centre, £3.
7.30 pm – ‘Italian Night’, an evening of Italian food, wine and
music, Hucknall Community Centre, £4. Bookings in advance only by
ringing 0115 9529303.
TUESDAY JULY 6
2.30 pm – ‘Strawberry Fayre’. The fruits of summer to be enjoyed in a
delicious afternoon of pleasure, Hucknall Community Centre, £3.
Bookings in advance only by ringing 0115 9529303.
2 pm to 4 pm – Heritage Bus Tour, taking a look at the heritage of
Hucknall and surrounding villages, starting from Hucknall Community
Centre. No charge but booking essential by ringing 0115 9529303.
7.15 pm – The Byron Dinner, including a talk by Edward Enfield,
entitled ‘Byron And The Elgin Marbles’, Hucknall Community Centre,
£10.50. For tickets and further information, contact Maureen Crisp on
0115 9664367.
WEDNESDAY JULY 7
10 am – Festival Health Walk, part of Hucknall’s Taking Steps
project. Meet at Hucknall Community Centre. Free of charge.
11 am – Evergreen Arts Group. Creative and visual performing by young
adults with learning difficulties, Watnall Road Baptist Church. Free
of charge.
2 pm to 4 pm – Arts And Crafts, exhibitions, demonstrations and
have-a-go, Watnall Road Community Centre. Free of charge.
7.30 pm – ‘Fawlty Towers Murder Mystery Night,’ including two-course
supper, presented by Ken Purslow, Hucknall Community Centre. Advance
bookings only. Tickets and further information from Maureen Crisp on
0115 9664367.
THURSDAY JULY 8
Visit to Southwell Minster. Contact Hucknall Community Centre on 0115
9529303 for further details.
10 am – Heritage Walk, a chance to look at Hucknall’s town centre
heritage, including some well-known places and others not quite so
well known. Meet outside Hucknall Library. Free of charge.
7.30 pm – ‘Extraordinary Friends Byron And Shelley.’ A second chance
to see this new play by Bill Studdiford, starring Ian Frost, the
Great Hall of Southwell Minster, £5/£4. A pre-performance supper also
available. For tickets and further information, contact Maureen Crisp
on 0115 9664367.
FRIDAY JULY 9
6.30 pm to 8.30 pm – Heritage Bus Tour. A repeat of this popular
tour, starting from Hucknall Community Centre. Free of charge but
booking essential by ringing 0115 9529303.
12 midday – ‘A Tram Trip And A Thai’, a trip by tram to a location in
Basford providing wonderful Thai food. From Hucknall tram stop, £7.50
including tram fare. Bookings in advance only by ringing 0115
9529303.
7.30 pm – ‘A Poem And A Pint’, traditional Friday night festival
event. Go along and listen to or recite your favourite poems. Themes
this year include friendship, family and, of course, love, Hucknall
Community Centre, £3.
SATURDAY JULY 10
>From 10 am – Flower Festival, Seymour Road Baptist Church. A welcome
return after the success of last year’s festival, includes stalls.
Lunches available.
7.30 pm – Concert For Armenia, Hucknall Parish Church. Tribute to the
friendship agreement between the Lord Byron School and Holgate
Comprehensive School, including performances by Armenian dancer
Shake, Newstead Welfare Brass Band, Holgate and Lord Byron School
pupils, supported by Hucknall Rotary Club. At Hucknall Parish Church,
£5.
SUNDAY JULY 11
10 am – Boatswain Walk, a pleasant Sunday stroll for yourself and
your dog in memory of Byron’s dog, starting from Hucknall Community
Centre. Free of charge.
>From 10 am – Flower Festival, Seymour Road Baptist Church. Final day.
Free of charge.
11.30 am – Byron Festival Open Darts Championship, competing for the
Byron Trophy, donated by Coun John Wilmott (Lab), of Hucknall, at
Royal British Legion Social Club, Beardall Street. To enter and for
further details, contact Les Berridge on 0115 9528658.
3 pm – Dedication, Service And Concert. Dedication of a khatchkhar in
memory of the late Canon Fred Green, followed by a service and
concert of music and poetry from members of the Byron Society and
students from Holgate Comprehensive School and the Lord Byron School
in Armenia. Free of charge.
4 pm – Naming Ceremony. The official renaming of Hucknall Community
Centre in Ogle Street. Free of charge.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Festivals Past, exhibition at Hucknall Library throughout the
festival.
nExhibitions at Newstead Abbey. Ring 01623 455900 for further
details.
Tours of Hucknall Parish Church, Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 12
midday and 2 pm to 4 pm.
Festival lunches at Red Lion pub in Hucknall High Street.
Byron Festival Radio on air from June 28 to July 11. Frequency 97.5
FM.
Dispatch coverage every Friday to July 16

NATO conference suspended as Azeris protest at Armenian officers’ presence

Lider TV, Baku
22 Jun 04

The final planning conference of the Cooperative Best Effort-2004
exercises, which are due to be held in September within the
framework of NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme, started in Baku
today. Representatives from 10 NATO member countries and 11 partner
states are attending this event.

Members of the Karabakh Liberation Organization [KLO] have been
picketing the Hyatt Regency Hotel since last night in protest against
the arrival of Armenian officers in Baku. They said they had learnt
that the Armenian officers were staying there.

Today, members of the KLO gathered outside Hotel Europe, the venue
of the conference. Although police tried to disperse the crowd, some
of the protesters managed to get into the hotel. Despite the police
resistance, the protesters smashed the glass door and entered the
conference hall. The conference suspended its work for a few minutes,
but it resumed after the protesters were sent away from the hall.

PRESS RELEASE

The Adjutant General’s Department
Kansas Army National Guard
Kansas Air National Guard
Division of Emergency Management
CONTACT: Joy D. Moser
Director, Public Affairs Office
Work: (785) 274-1192
Home: (785) 232-4518

FOR RELEASE ON June 17, 2004

No. 04-071

June 18 Ceremony Marks Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day

A ceremony at the State Defense Building, 2800 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka,
will mark “Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day” on Friday, June 18. The
ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Room 11 and will feature remarks
by Maj. Gen. (KS) Tod Bunting, the adjutant general; Col. Joe Wheeler,
Plans, Operations and Training Officer, Kansas Army National Guard;
and Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Putnam. They will share information about
their recent visit to Armenia, the National Guard State Partnership
Program and plans for an upcoming visit by an Armenian delegation.

Since 2003, Kansas has been partnered with Armenia through the
State Partnership Program. This program pairs developing nations
in Europe, South America and Asia with the National Guard in states
and territories to foster mutual interests and establish long-term
relationships. In April, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a proclamation
declaring June 18, 2004, as “Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day” in Kansas.

“Kansas troops are deployed around the globe helping to protect the
cause of freedom through force of arms and it is through programs like
the State Partnership Program that peace will be strengthened,” said
Bunting. “By modeling military-to-military, military-to-civilian and
civilian-to-civilian relationships, our Citizen-Soldiers are showing
the world how we, as Soldiers and Airmen, are servants of the people
instead of the other way around. Our Constitution starts ‘We, the
People of the United States…” Through this program, it is “We the
People” of Kansas who are reaching out in a spirit of cooperation to
the people of Armenia to show them who we are and how we live and to
learn from them who they are and how they live.”

In addition to Bunting, other dignitaries attending the ceremony
include Alex A. Kotoyantz, a retiree from the Kansas Department
of Transportation in Junction City and an active member of the
Armenian community in Kansas. Kotoyantz was a key advocate for the
“Kansas-Armenia Day” proclamation.

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