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09/22/2004
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1) Reps. Eshoo and Sweeney Urge House Colleagues to Call for a Vote on the
Armenian Genocide
2) 13th Anniversary Independence Celebrations
3) Garamendi Appoints Members of Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board
4) Conference Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Lebanon ARF Zavarian Student
Association
5) Georgia President Suggests Stage-By-Stage Settlement Plan

1) Reps. Eshoo and Sweeney Urge House Colleagues to Call for a Vote on the
Armenian Genocide

–Support Continues to Grow for Congressional Letter to Speaker Hastert in
Support of the Schiff Amendment and H.Res.193

WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)–New York Republican John Sweeney and California
Democrat Anna Eshoo have joined together in the effort encouraging their
Congressional colleagues to cosign a letter to Speaker Hastert urging him to
maintain the Schiff amendment in the House Foreign aid bill and schedule a
vote
on the Genocide Resolution.
The letter currently has over 60 signatories and support continues to grow in
the days leading up to the House and Senate conference to finalize the FY 2005
foreign aid bill.
In a letter to House Members, Reps. Eshoo and Sweeney, both of Armenian
descent, explained:
“Under the Ottoman Empire, nearly two million Armenians who were living in
Eastern Anatolia were deported from their homes. Of the two million deportees,
only 500,000 survived this ordeal. The historical record is clear. From
1915 to
1923, the Ottoman Empire succeeded in systematically eliminating the Armenians
from their historical homeland where they had lived for over two thousand
years. H.Res.193 reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to the noble aims of the
Genocide Convention, and urges the American people to learn from the
lessons of
past genocides in order to help prevent future crimes against humanity.”
The Schiff Amendment, spearheaded by California Democrat Adam Schiff, was
unanimously adopted by the House in a voice vote, during discussions of the FY
2005 foreign aid bill. The legislation would bar the Turkish government from
using US foreign aid funds for lobbying against the Genocide Resolution.
Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), and Majority
Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) immediately denounced the measure in a harshly worded
press release placed on the front page of the House Speaker’s website, citing
concerns about its effects on US-Turkey relations and pledging to remove the
language from the final foreign aid bill.
Following the Speaker’s announced opposition to the measure, more than a
dozen
national grassroots Armenian American organizations cosigned a letter to the
House leader, voicing the community’s unequivocal opposition to efforts to
reverse the Schiff Amendment to the fiscal year 2005 Foreign Operations bill,
and expressing the community’s “great dismay with your public statement
against
holding a vote on the Genocide Resolution, H.Res.193.”
The organizations that signed the community-wide letter were the ANCA, the
Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church–Eastern and Western US, the Prelacy
of the Armenian Apostolic Church–Eastern and Western US, the Armenian
Missionary Association of America, and the Apostolic Exarchate for Armenian
Catholics, as well as the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian
Democratic Liberal (Ramgavar) Party, United Armenian Fund, Armenian Relief
Society, Armenian Bar Association, National Organization of Republican
Armenians, Armenian Youth Federation, Homenetmen–Armenian General Athletic
Union, and Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Association.
Reps. George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional
Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) introduced
the
Genocide resolution (H.Res.193) in April, 2003. The legislation (H.Res.193)
was
unanimously adopted by the House Judiciary Committee in May of that year and
currently has 111 cosponsors. Similar legislation in the Senate (S.Res.164)
has
over 40 cosponsors.

2) 13th Anniversary Independence Celebrations

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)–Armenia’s President Kocharian kicked-off official
ceremonies marking Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union, by visiting
the Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan where hundreds of Armenians killed
during the war with Azerbaijan are buried.
“Today’s Armenia is an established state with a pronounced commitment to
deeper economic reforms, democratic transformation and international
engagement,” Kocharian told government officials, foreign diplomats, and other
dignitaries attending an official reception later in the day.
The holiday marks the September 21, 1991 referendum in which 94.99% of
Armenians voted in favor of secession from the Soviet Union, just months
before
its collapse.
In separate messages to President Robert Kocharian, the presidents of the
United States and Russia pledged to strengthen their relations with Armenia
US President George W. Bush described Armenia as a “major partner” of the
United States, according to Kocharian’s office.
“The United States will work hard to assist the government and the people of
Armenia in achieving economic growth, strengthening democratic institutions
and
resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” Bush was quoted as saying. “I expect
that cooperation between our nations and the very friendly ties between our
peoples will be further reinforced.”
“I am particularly thankful for Armenia’s important anti-terrorist support
for
the United States,” he said.
Armenia opened its airspace for the US military aircraft following the
September 11 terrorist attacks.
“I am convinced that a further deepening of the Russian-Armenian strategic
partnership is in tune with the fundamental interests of our countries and
plays an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the Caucasus,”
read Russia’s President Vladimir Putin letter cited by the Armenian
presidential press service.

3) Garamendi Appoints Members of Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board

LOS ANGELES (Insurance Journal)–Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi has
announced three appointments to the Armenian Insurance Settlement Fund Board,
created to oversee the settlement of claims against New York Life Insurance
Company as directed in the settlement of a class-action lawsuit on behalf of
heirs and descendants of policyholders who were killed during the Armenian
genocide more than 90 years ago.
The board members, Viken Manjikian, Paul Krekorian, and Berj Boyajian, will
evaluate claims and determine which are to be paid pursuant to the terms of
the
settlement agreement. The board’s decisions will be final with no right of
appeal.
“I am honored to appoint these three accomplished, capable and fair
individuals who will further the pursuit of justice for heirs and descendants
of victims of the Armenian genocide,” Commissioner Garamendi said. “This is an
important step to help bring closure to the victims and their families.”
Early this year, Garamendi secured a $20 million fund to help finance the
payment of claims in the case. At least $3 million of that amount will be put
into the “Unclaimed/Heirless Fund,” which will be contributed to
court-approved
charitable organizations–as set forth in the settlement agreement–whose
activities advance the Court-approved charitable interests of the Armenian
community.
Manjikian, of Lancaster, is Director of Inpatient and Emergency Radiology,
and
Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Antelope Valley Hospital.
He has extensive credentials in the field of radiology and earned his medical
and undergraduate degrees at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Boyajian, of Beverly Hills, operates Boyajian and Associates in Los Angeles.
His practice specializes in business and toxic torts, and he has extensive
experience in litigation on behalf of individuals and workers exposed to toxic
substances.
Krekorian, of Burbank, is a founding partner of the law firm Fisher &
Krekorian in Los Angeles. His practice specializes in representation of
business, charitable organizations and individuals in matters involving
trademark, copyright and commercial disputes.
Potential claimants in the Armenian genocide case have been informed via
Notice by the Court and published statewide. The Department of Insurance
consumer hotline will also be able to direct potential claimants to the
settlement Web site. Or, call the Department’s hotline at 800-927-HELP
(800-927-4357).

4) Conference Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Lebanon ARF Zavarian Student
Association

BEIRUT–A five-day pan-Armenian student conference commenced on September
20 in
Beirut, Lebanon, in celebration of the ARF Zavarian Student Association’s
(ZSA)
100th anniversary.
Representatives of various youth and student organizations from Armenia,
Mountainous Karabagh Republic, Javakhk, Russia, Iran, Iraq, France, Canada,
Germany, Greece, the US, Syria, and Lebanon are taking part in the before
mentioned conference gathered for the opening ceremony on September 20 at the
Aghpalian Sports and Cultural Center.
In his address, ARF Bureau representative Hrant Margarian said that students
must view the homeland and diaspora as one entity–the combined strength of
which can be coordinated and utilized to the benefit of its people.
A congratulatory letter from the International Union of Socialist Youth
(IUSY)
was read, and the ceremony ended with a documentary on ZSA founder Simon
Zavarian.
The conference, “Armenian Students Facing Challenges of The 21st Century,”
will run through September 25, allowing students the opportunity to strengthen
mutual relations and exchange ideas and experiences in facing challenges of
the
21st century. Participants will also examine their roles in the context of
realities Armenians throughout the world face.
The conference will address the following topics: The Armenian cause in light
of the presence of the Armenian Republic; the integration of the Armenian
Republic in the European Union: advantages and disadvantages; Globalization
and
the problems facing the Armenian Republic; the meaning of mutual relations
between Armenia and the diaspora and respective roles (diaspora in promoting
the development of the Armenian Republic and Armenia’s role in maintaining the
liveliness of diaspora); students and the Armenian national heritage
preservation (emigration, assimilation); the current situation and mission of
Armenian students living in Armenia or in the diaspora.
For more information, contact: [email protected] or [email protected].

5) Georgia President Suggests Stage-By-Stage Settlement Plan

UNITED NATIONS (Itar-Tass)–Speaking at the 59th UN General Assembly
session on
Tuesday, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili presented a stage-by-stage
plan
of settling the Abkhazian and South Ossetian conflicts.
The first stage of the plan would include concrete confidence-building
measures–specifically the exchange of people and goods, joint economic
projects, and the restoration of the right of displaced persons to return
home.

The second stage, he said, provides for material guarantees of the
dismantling
of military bases, demilitarization, internationalization of peacekeeping
efforts, as well as international monitoring aimed at achieving a peaceful
settlement.
According to Saakashvili, the third stage includes the granting of the
broadest possible autonomy to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which would ensure
“the protection of their culture and language, local government, fiscal
control” and equal participation in the settlement of all problems, which fall
under the jurisdiction of the national government.

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The Hindu, India
September 21, 2004

RETURN TO ROOTS

WHILE A business commitment brought U.S.-based media consultant
Kesiglo Garbis to Chennai, a desire to establish a connection with
Armenian history took him around the city.

First stop: The Armenian Church on Armenian Street. At first glance,
he was impressed with what he saw. But on further inspection, he
could not but deplore the mess that the church was in. “The courtyard
and the tombstones looked cluttered. There were cats, ducks and dogs
around. The English wife of the late caretaker was in a small room
that was short on comfort. And the 252-year-old church cries for
renovation. It’s high time the Armenian Association in Kolkata
allocated funds for repairs. As the oldest Armenian church in India
and the only Christian church, east of the Suez, with six bells and a
separate belfry, it deserves greater attention,” pleads Garbis.

Fearing that this criticism will overshadow his deep admiration for
India, he quickly adds, “I should say that Indians have been
preserving all the Armenian legacies with a tolerance that could be
an example for some nations.”

Narrowing down his focus to Chennai, he says, “Chennai has an
important place in Armenian culture.” He then goes on to peel layers
of history and decipher them one by one. “According to Portuguese
sources, Armenian merchants were trading in Chennai in the early 16th
Century. Armenian merchants from Julfa/Iran flourished here during
the 17th and 18th Centuries and carried on a lucrative trade with
Europe and the Philippines. An Armenian manuscript tells us that in
1666 Armenians settled permanently’ in Chennai. Actuated by
philanthropy, these opulent merchants helped the downtrodden. They
also contributed to the advancement of Armenian classical literature
in India. The first ever Armenian newspaper’ in the world was
published in Chennai in 1794 by Father Harutiun Shmavonian.

Next stop: St. Thomas Mount. “In 1726, Choja Bedros Woskan (Petrus
Uscan) built with his own money the long-arched Marmalong Bridge
enabling easy access to St.Thomas Mount. He also built the 160 steps
that lead up to the church on the Mount. Unfortunately, today there
is only a stone plaque commemorating his contribution in Persian,
Latin and Armenian. This plaque is dirty and in bad shape. I hope the
city administration will ensure that it is cleaned and hung at a
proper place on the new bridge, so that everybody can see it. Choja
Bedros extended his financial resources for the construction of the
Chapel Nossa Senhora de Milagres in Vepery, in whose yard he was
buried. When the French captured Chennai in 1746 under Count Lally,
40 of his houses were levelled to the ground and his wealth was
confiscated. After his death in 1751, his heart was taken out and
sent to his birthplace, Julfa (Iran). Today the St. Matthias Anglican
Church occupies the site where his chapel once stood. It will be a
nice gesture to give his name to a place or a street in Chennai.”

<image> <credi> </credi> <img src=”../images/2004092100350102.jpg”
align=center width=”350″ border=1> <caption> Kesiglo Garbis
connecting with Armenian history. </caption> </image>

Peering further into the past, he comes up with more capsules of
history. “The oldest Christian grave in Chennai, dated 1663, is that
of an Armenian named Khoja Margar, on St. Thomas Mount. And inside
the church (on the Mount), lies the tombstone of Choja Safar
Zacarias, dated 1725. Many Armenian inscriptions mark the wooden
support of the pulpit and 14 oil paintings in Armenian throw light on
the Apostles.”

Stop Three: St. Mary of Angels, Armenian Street. Garbis says that it
was a pleasure tracing the “footprints” of those “respected Armenian
citizens” of this city. “Today they have no presence in Chennai,
except their tombstones and stone plaques. Famous Roman Catholic
Armenian benefactors such as Samuel Migirditch Moorat, Edward Samuel
Moorat and Anna Raphael were buried inside the Roman Catholic
Cathedral, St. Mary of Angels on the Armenian Street. The Moorat and
Raphael families financed the famous Armenian College,
Moorat-Rapahaelian in Venice, for the benefit of Armenian children in
Europe. Unfortunately, the Mechitarist Fathers closed this college a
couple of years ago. Edward Raphael was one of the founders of the
Carnatic Bank.”

He also wanted to scour the city for Armenian citizens. But a hectic
schedule led him to abandon this plan. He could not even meet the two
Armenians he knew of – the caretaker of the Armenian church and the
other, a rugby trainer. Defining the character of the quintessential
Armenian, Garbis says wherever Armenians go, they fit in well with
the locals. There is a flip side to this – assimilation. “Very much
so in America where many youngsters claim they are Americans but
their parents are Armenians.” Inter-racial marriage is another factor
diluting Armenianness’. “Except in Arabic countries where
inter-racial marriages are rare, many Armenians are marrying into
other communities.

Garbis, however, sees insensitivity to Armenian culture and not
miscegenation, as the biggest threat to Armenian identity. He is
concerned that in many countries the Armenian ethos is fading into
obscurity because the rhythms of modern life have been allowed to
drown what it has to say. “But, India is the silver lining.”

CIS leaders realize need to reform to resist terrorism

RTR Russia TV, Moscow
16 Sep 04

[Presenter] CIS leaders met in the Kazakh capital of Astana today. The
central theme was one that both politicians and ordinary citizens
now talk about, namely the fight against terrorism.

They decided to pool their efforts: a CIS security council is being
set up to coordinate the fight against the common threat.

Our special correspondent Andrey Kondrashov reports from Astana:

[Correspondent] In the Kazakh capital of Astana, formerly Tselinograd,
where virgin lands are now ploughed to build palaces, today was the
day of CIS reform. The first item on the agenda was the main one:
joint resistance against terrorism. It turned out that everyone
feels solidarity with Russia – the only problem is that the CIS as a
structure hardly offers efficient help. Major reform now looms large
for the commonwealth.

The heads of state had agreed a week in advance of the summit that
the fight against terrorism and nothing else would be the central
issue. At their meeting without aides, the statement on the Beslan
tragedy was not even discussed. Everyone was in agreement, so the
chairman, [Ukrainian President Leonid] Kuchma, went on to read it
out in the presence of ministers and the press. [Passage omitted.]

[Kazakh President Nursultan] Nazarbayev said the current summit
was being held against a backdrop of advances made by international
terrorism. We need to respond together, the summit’s host went on,
and the first step is a drastic reform of the CIS. It turned out that
this step came as no surprise to the presidents. Everyone is sick of
the cumbersome bureaucratic structure, only a handful of the hundreds
of documents signed are working and officials who have been pensioned
off eat away at the common funds on foreign trips.

[Nazarbayev, in Russian] The total of our countries’ contributions
to the single budget of CIS bodies is 7m dollars. Large sums are
spent on holding summits, council meetings and sending experts to
various conferences. In January-August this year alone, over 30 expert
conference were held, many of them yielding practically no results.

[Correspondent] It has been proposed that virtually all CIS structures
should be reorganized and that a real security council should be set
up in their place so that the joint fight against terrorism is no
longer just talk, as they put it.

All the documents signed today were clearly antiterrorist in
nature. After that, Leonid Kuchma stepped down from his post and was
awarded the top CIS decoration for his good work. Taking over from
him as chairman of the council was not [Robert] Kocharyan [Armenian
president], [Ilham] Aliyev [Azerbaijan’s president] or [Alyaksandr]
Lukashenka [Belarusian president, as dictated by the alphabet, but
Putin – presumably as dictated by the situation. This meant that
everyone had the same understanding of what terrorism was. [Passage
omitted.]

It is impossible to fight terrorism efficiently as long as there are
conflicts in the CIS, including frozen one, the [final] news conference
was told. From that moment, each participant started believing that
his conflict was the most important.

[Georgian President] Mikheil Saakashvili said everything turned out
fine in Georgia once he had come, and the only outstanding issue
was Abkhazia. [Passage omitted] Robert Kocharyan then spoke about
[Nagornyy] Karabakh, but not for long: the Georgians once again
recalled Abkhazia, which they regard as the most frozen conflict.

At the end of the news conference, the Uzbek president could no
longer contain himself. He said it was not proper to use the CIS
platform for self-promotion. Mikheil Saakashvili, who obviously had
not received all the answers, was invited to a separate meeting with
Vladimir Putin. They did not talk long. [Passage omitted.]

ARKA News Agency
Sept 13 2004

Cancellation of NATO exercises due to position of Azerbaijan is a big
loss for regional cooperation – RA MFA

Presentation of collection of sociological polls takes place in
Stepanakert

Since 15, 2004 Converse Bank (Armenia) announce a month of free
services for its clients

On September 14 RA Prime Minister to leave for Astana to take part in
the sitting of CIS States Prime Ministers

RA National Assembly Speaker considers negative the efforts of
Azerbaijan on banning the participation of the officers of RA Armed
Forces in NATO exercises in Baku

RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian leaves for Brussels
and Astana on September 12-16

*********************************************************************

CANCELLATION OF NATO EXERCISES DUE TO POSITION OF AZERBAIJAN IS A BIG
LOSS FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION – RA MFA

YEREVAN, September 13. /ARKA/. Cancellation of NATO exercises due to
position of Azerbaijan is a big loss for regional cooperation, RA MFA
told ARKA that it was stated by RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian
during the meeting with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.
Oskanian highly estimated NATO position in the issue of equal
participation of all parties in the exercises. He said that Armenia
remains attached to the necessity of preservation of the atmosphere
of cooperation and mutual trust in the region.
Scheffer in his turn expressed deep concern with the fact that Azeri
party makes obstacles for participation of Armenian military men in
NATO exercises in Baku. He stressed that similar approach is
inadmissible from any party being a member of Partnership for Peace
program.
NATO Cooperative Best Effort -2004 exercises scheduled for September
14-26 in Azerbaijan were cancelled, according to RIA Novosti with
reference to Exercises press center. This decision was taken by NATO
Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces in Europe. According to the
information, this necessary decision was based on the fact that
during the organization of the exercises the principle of openness
for all countries cooperating with NATO in frames of Partnership for
peace was not applied. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

PRESENTATION OF COLLECTION OF SOCIOLOGICAL POLLS TAKES PLACE IN
STEPANAKERT

STEPANAKERT, September 13. /ARKA/. Presentation of collection of
sociological polls took place in Stepanakert. According to the
President of Stepanakert Press Club Gegham Baghdasarian, the project
is directed on support of democratic reforms, creation of traditions
of conductions of sociological polls in young republic, study of
dynamics of changes of public opinion under the influence of internal
and external factors. The Press Club conducted 4 polls, during which
it question 1000 people in the capital and regions of the republic.
The polls represented opinions of different strata of society
considering development of democratic processes in Nagorno Karabakh,
activity of different power branches, legal system and
law-enforcement bodies, perspectives and ways of Karabakh settlement.
The results of the polls are published in Armenian, Russian and
English.
Conduction of polls in Karabakh was realized in accordance to the
agreement achieved 2.5 years ago between Stepanakert Press Club and
German Fund of Friedrich Ebert. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

SINCE 15, 2004 CONVERSE BANK (ARMENIA) ANNOUNCE A MONTH OF FREE
SERVICES FOR ITS CLIENTS

YEREVAN, September 13. /ARKA/. Since 15, 2004 Converse Bank (Armenia)
announced a month of free services for its clients, the bank told
ARKA. This activity is dedicated to 10th anniversary of bank’s
activity and will last till October 15.
CJSC Converse Bank was registered on Dec 20, 1993. According to
financial reports of the bank, the assets of the bank as of June 30,
2004 amounted to 30.7 billion AMD, total capital – 4 billion AMD, net
profit in first half of 2004 – 852.9 million AMD. ($1 – 514.54 AMD).
L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

ON SEPTEMBER 14 RA PRIME MINISTER TO LEAVE FOR ASTANA TO TAKE PART IN
THE SITTING OF CIS STATES PRIME MINISTERS

YEREVAN, September 13. /ARKA/. On September 14 RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian will leave for Astana to take part in the sitting
of CIS States Prime Ministers, RA Government press office told ARKA.
According to the press release, the parties plan to discuss the
report on activity of agency on coordination of fight against
organized crime in CIS states, and creation of regional operative
group on coordination of fight against illegal turnover of drugs in
Central Asia. Special attention in the agenda is paid to economic
issues, namely issues of joint budget of CIS structures, financed
from the budgets of these countries.
The parties will also discuss cooperation in the sphere of television
and radio broadcasting on preparation and celebration of 60th
anniversary of victory in Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Besides
it is planned that the prime ministers will sign several agreements
on future development of cooperation in the sphere of energy,
transport, education, fight again illegal migration, in military and
other fields.
Armenian delegation includes RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian,
Regular Representative of Armenia to CIS States Suren Harutyunian,
Regular Representative of Armenia in Commission on Economic Issues in
CIS Economic Council Artak Vardanian and others. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

RA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CONSIDERS NEGATIVE THE EFFORTS OF
AZERBAIJAN ON BANNING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE OFFICERS OF RA ARMED
FORCES IN NATO EXERCISES IN BAKU

YEREVAN, September 13. /ARKA/. Arthur Baghdasaryan, the Head of RA
Parliament considered negative the efforts of Azerbaijan on banning
the participation of the officers of RA Armed Forces in Cooperative
Best Effort-04 NATO exercises in Baku. “The position of Azerbaijan
has always been harsh and unacceptable, it avoids contacts both on
regional level and on level of Heads of the Parliaments”, said the
speaker. According to him, Armenia should continue the regional
cooperation and active contacts both in frames of NATO and other
international organizations. “Issues of peace and security require a
constructive position and we should show to the world community that
Armenia is the supporter of civilized processes and problem solution
in calm and constructive atmosphere, and not through unsubstantiated
and warlike announcements”, noted Baghdasaryan. L.V.-0–

*********************************************************************

RA MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS VARTAN OSKANIAN LEAVES FOR BRUSSELS
AND ASTANA ON SEPTEMBER 12-16

YEREVAN, September, 13. /ARKA/. RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan
Oskanian left for Brussels and then for Astana, the capital of
Kazakhstan, on September 12-16. According to the RA MFA Press Service
Department, on September 13-14 Oskanian will head the Armenian
delegation at the 6th meeting of the Council on EU -Armenia
co-operation. Oskanian will meet its colleagues and the
administration of NATO in the framework of the working visit. On
September 14 Oskanian will leave Brussels for Astana, where he will
participate in the session of CIS Ministers of Foreign Affairs on
September 15-16, as well as in the regular Summit of CIS. A.H. -0–

*********************************************************************

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Sept 10 2004

PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN HELD ENLARGED MEETING OF SECURITY COUNCIL
[September 10, 2004, 21:23:23]

President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev presided an enlarged
meeting of the Security Council, on September 10.

President Ilham Aliyev comprehensively highlighted members of the
Security Council on his visits to Germany and France. Head of the
Azerbaijan State expressed satisfaction with the carry out of the
meetings and talks he held in the atmosphere of sincerity and mutual
understanding.

Then, foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov reported on the negotiations
conducted for peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijan, Nagorny
Karabakh conflict.

At the meeting, further, discussed were issues of socio-political
situation in the Country, course of realization of the presidential
Decree dated 24 November 2003 ”On measures of acceleration of
socio-economic development in the Azerbaijan Republic and ”State
Program on socio-economic development of the regions of Azerbaijan
Republic (2004-2008)”, in particular, the measures connected to
opening of new working places, also focused the tasks for coming years.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev summed up the meeting.

Azg Armenian Daily
Sept 7 2004

“IMPERIALISM IS THE MAIN OBSTACLE ON THE WAY OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH
RELATIONS; NEITHER TURKS NOR ARMENIANS ARE TO BLAME”

ARMENIAN’S TO BE BILLETED BESIDE POLISH TROOPS

“YERKIR” UNION ENDEAVORING TO INHABIT ARTSAKH’S DESERTED AREAS

RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES NOT TO BE HONEST ABOUT BESLAN TRAGEDY

OHAN DURIAN A TARGET

CINEMA AND THEATRE STATE INSTITUTE TO BEGIN FUNCTIONING IN GORIS

*********************************************************************

“IMPERIALISM IS THE MAIN OBSTACLE ON THE WAY OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH
RELATIONS; NEITHER TURKS NOR ARMENIANS ARE TO BLAME”

Dr. Hasan Oktay Assures

Hasan Oktay of the Institute of Armenian Studies in Ankara together
with a coworker Banu is in Armenia these days. On September 3 Oktay
visited Azg Daily publishing house and had a talk with
editor-in-chief Hakob Avetikian. Apparently, the Turkish scientist is
interested in the position of the Azg Daily as regard to the
international acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide,
Armenia-Turkish relations and the border-gate opening.

Oktay’s interview with Hakob Avetikian will be presented as soon as
the former returns to Ankara. For that very reason we present our own
interview with the head of the Institute of Armenian Studies. The
interview was interesting regardless any disagreement over issues.

Q: What’s your main purpose for visiting Armenia?

A: To see the neighboring Armenia, to go sightseeing. When you see
everything with your own eyes you become fond of it.

Q: As a head of an institute you must be interested in scientific
establishments of Armenia. Which of those will you visit?

A: I shall be at the National Academy of Sciences, particularly at
the Institutes of Oriental Studies and of History, I’ll also visit
the Yerevan State University, Department of Oriental Studies and the
Institute-Museum of Armenian Genocide.

Q: Have you visited other places besides Yerevan?

A: We had time only to visit Etchmiadzin. We’ll leave for Gyumri for
3 days, then we’ll visit the Sardarapat National Museum.

Q: What is your impression of Armenia?

A: I expected to see a better country. Armenia could have been in a
better condition and Yerevan more orderly. Saying “better” I mean the
reflection of economy on the city.

Q: What do you think of Armenian-Turkish relations?

A: I think they will improve in the near future.

Q: What do you consider the main obstacle on the way of development
of these relations?

A: I consider the imperialism the main obstacle on the way of
Turkish-Armenian relations; neither Turks nor Armenians are to blame.

Q: What about Turkey’s close cooperation with such imperialistic
state as the USA?

A: The Turkish-US relations are not on a healthy ground at present.

Q: If the imperialists are to blame, why is Turkey striving for the
EU? After all, such imperialistic states as France and Germany are
there.

A: No matter how hard Turkey tries, it will never be a member. It
seems to me that Turkey is being tricked. Don’t you think so?

Q: What do you think of Azg Daily’s online edition?

A: There in Turkey many people consider Azg Daily to be the only
Armenian newspaper with a daily online edition. Turkey is attentive
to Azg Daily’s publications. And we know that Turkey is always at the
spotlight of Azg Daily.

Q: What can you say about the Institute of Armenian Studies?

A: Our Institute was founded in May of 2001 and operates within the
frameworks of the Center for Eurasian Research. The Institute
publishes 2 editions in Turkish and English. And we have 9 scientists
at the Institute.

Q: What kind of researches are you carrying out?

A: We try to contribute the development of Armenia-Turkish relations.
We want the world to understand the Armenians of Turkey correctly.
Meanwhile we try to respond through researches to those attempting to
spoil relations between the two nations. Our studies include the
history of Armenia from ancient times till our days. We approach the
historic issues from social, psychological views as well as from the
angle of international relations.

Q: Do you have any message to deliver?

A: I appeal to Armenian people and the intelligentsia to join us in
our efforts of raising Turkish-Armenian relations to the level of
blessed old times.

By Hakob Chakrian

*********************************************************************

ARMENIAN’S TO BE BILLETED BESIDE POLISH TROOPS

RA National Assembly is Hardly to Hinder RA Government’s decision to
send Armenian Forces to Iraq

While the suicide-bombers continue their actions in Iraq, take
hostages and execute them and the US government with its allies, as
well as Iraqi puppet government try to make order in this Arabic
country, Armenian authorities are determined to send a group of
doctors, drivers and deminers to participate in the reconstruction
works in Iraq.

Arthur Aghabekian, RA Deputy Defense Minister, informed Azatutiun
Radio Station that an Armenian delegation will be sent to Iraq in
coming days to get familiarized with the situation. If RA National
Assembly votes for the decision of RA government to send our
specialists to Iraq, the Armenian support group will leave for this
country by the end of this year or next year. Aghabekian said that
the Armenian specialists will be located in the central, southern
part of the country that is controlled by the Polish forces. RA
Defense Minister Serge Sargisian is paying an official visit to
Poland these days. Poland send 6.500 militants to Iraq, but,
according to France-Presse, Warsaw will withdraw a part of its forces
from the country leaving only 2.500 soldiers there. Reuters agency
informed that Armenia envisages to send a group consisting of 50
specialists to Iraq.

Hovsep Khurshudian, expert of the Center for Strategic and National
Researches, believes that the issue of sending the Armenian
specialists to Iraq should be discussed in the context of the
negotiation around Nagorno Karabagh issue. “As Armenia’s
participation in the anti-terrorist struggle unfolded by the US
imparts with more importance to RA foreign policy’s positions and we
don’t have to make special efforts in this issue, because we endanger
the lives and the health of the Armenian soldiers, we can be left
behind by Azerbaijan. We can put at stake our position in Nagorno
Karabagh negotiations,” Khurshudian said.

Azerbaijan and Georgia joined the anti-terrorist struggle initiated
by the US in Iraq and send peace detachments there. Azerbaijan and
Georgia have their forces in Afghanistan and Kosovo as well. The
Armenian detachment consisting of 34 militants is still in Kosovo,
participating in the peace making actions.

Unless RA National Assembly approves the decision to send Armenian
forces to Iraq, the issue remains unsolved. Tigran Torosian, Deputy
Chairman of RA National Assembly, says the faction of the Republican
Party of Armenia hasn’t discussed the issue and it will be discussed
only when submitted to the Parliament. “Initially, Armenia intended
to render humanitarian aid and not participate in the military
actions. I can understand the concern aroused by the recent cases of
taking and executing the hostages from different countries.
Certainly, this arouses anxiety, but when the issue is submitted to
the parliament is will have relevant solution.”

Vazgen Manukian, Head of National democratic Union, believes that it
is not expedient to send Armenian specialists to Iraq. “I see no use
of it for the struggle against terrorist. Let’s not forget that we
have Armenian community in Iraq,” Manukian said, hinting that the
presence of the Armenian forces in the country create a complicated
situation for our compatriots.

Grigor Haroutiunian, member of Justice opposition faction at the
parliament, said that their faction didn’t discuss the abovementioned
issue. “I believe that this issue needs serious discussion and I
think that it is not right to go to Iraq,” Haroutiunian said.

Artak Arakelian, member of Orinats Yerkir, said that their party
didn’t discuss the issue either. “The war hasn’t finished in Iraq
yet. Taking into account the fact that we have a large Armenian
community there, Armenia’s active participation in the military
actions is not in our interests and can cause additional
complications. I think our participation is not important there.
Moreover, it can cause problems for the Iraqi Armenians,” Arakelian
said.

We couldn’t find out the position of ARF Dashnaktsutyun, as we failed
to get in touch with the MPs belonging to this party.

Parliament is most likely to vote for sending the Armenian forces to
Iraq, as our parliament obviously depends from Serge Sargisian,
Andranik Margarian and Robert Kocharian. As for the opposition, it
has decided to ignore the parliament’s sittings.

By the way, the Iraqi Armenians have hinted for many times that
Armenia’s participation in the coalition will create a hard situation
for them. Over 20000 Armenians lived in Iraq, when Saddam Hussein in
power. One can’t definitely say how many Armenians are living in Iraq
at present. On the eve of the war Armenia closed its embassy in Iraq
and called back the diplomatic staff. At present, our country is not
going to open the embassy again, as there are no elementary
conditions for the diplomats’ safety there.

By Tatoul Hakobian

*********************************************************************

“YERKIR” UNION ENDEAVORING TO INHABIT ARTSAKH’S DESERTED AREAS

Perhaps the name of Qarvachar (selling stones) is the only right name
for this place. The hills covered with stones are stretching 200
meters all around the region. Miners and soldiers are the only people
one can find here.

The “Yerkir” NGO that is engaged in bringing Armenians back to
Artsakh gathered a huge group of journalists to take part in the
opening of a new school in the village of Knaravan, in the territory
of Qarvachar. The organization that dates its birth back to 2002 is a
union of Armenian, Karabakh, and Diaspora NGOs that has undertaken
the inhabiting of Armenian and Karabakh frontier regions. The new
settlement of Knaravan is being built on money of the Haroutiunian
family. They planned to build 18 houses with cattle-sheds, a school
and a social center.

Knaravan together with other newly built villages of Nor Karachinar,
Eghegnut and Nor Getashen doesn’t meet the elementary standards of
living. One may cover many kilometers in search of a store or even a
trading booth. The journalists had to stand the trial with hunger as
the nearest store was far behind.

Perhaps Knaravan is best only for cattle-breeding in view of vast
pastures. And the cattle are the only means of survival for the
families.

The sponsor of the village construction Karo Haroutiunian together
with his son Narek was present at the opening ceremony. He dedicated
the construction of the new settlement to his late wife Knar who also
was known for benevolence. Their son Narek described the construction
of Knaravan as a vow and an appeal to the rich folk of Armenia and
Diaspora to help in building the motherland. Talking to the future
inhabitants of the village Karo Haroutiunian was trying to find out
their primary needs. He informed that an Arabian businessman was
going to start a textile industry in the village, and the
population’s ideas on this were interesting. People can only be glad
for any industry even with a low wages but they hinted that
cattle-breeding farms would be the best solution.

The new school will be fully functioning in October. It was designed
for 50 pupils but there are only 12 pupils today. The supporters of
the project hope that they will grow in number soon.

The sweet tunes of “Komitas” chorus closed the program, and the echo
of the songs shook the surrounding mountains notifying the animals of
human presence.

By Karine Danielian

*********************************************************************

RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES NOT TO BE HONEST ABOUT BESLAN TRAGEDY

Does America Hinder Putin’s Visit to Turkey?

On September 2 Turkey was getting ready for the Russian president
Vladimir Putin’s visit and was considering it an important one. But
the tragic events of September 1 held him back. Though the outcome of
the terrorist act was predictable, the Foreign Ministry of Turkey
declared that Vladimir Putin will arrive in Ankara in due time.

But the visit was postponed for an unknown term. The statement of the
Turkish Foreign Ministry shows that they in Turkey had great hopes
with Putin’s visit. The main hope, perhaps, was that Russia would
help Turkey to regain its lost positions in the South Caucasus and be
a fence-mending against the USA.

In the last coverage of Putin’s visit to Ankara Azg Daily mentioned
that September is a month of diplomatic riches for Turkey because
besides the Russian president there should have been Günter
Verheugen, of the European Commission, the PM of Palestine Ahmed
Korei, the president of Iran Mohammad Khatami and the Pope John Paul
II.

Nothing hindered commissioner Verheugen’s arrival but PM Korei also
stayed at home. Korei’s unwillingness to visit Turkey was explained
in Turkish Eni Shafak by the measures the Russians took against
terrorists in Beslan. The Pope’s delayed visit was also excused by
the last events in Beslan.

It’s rather difficult to find any connection with the two delayed
visits and the terrorist act in the North Ossetia. The Russian
authorities in their turn with their declarations and
counter-terrorist actions made a mystery out of tragedy. The aim of
the terrorist act, terrorists’ demands, the number of the dead are
still a mystery today. The nationalities of the terrorists are also
cloaked in mystery as the authorities claim for 9 Arabs among them
whereas none of the hostages has ever seen an Arab.

In other words the Russian authorities lie to the nation. The
counter-terrorist actions of the Russian forces turned into a bloody
slaughter. All the condemnations directed to president Putin should
not seem strange considering the number of killed.

Meanwhile the foreign affairs’ minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov
leaves for Israel where he signs a Russian-Israeli document of
“cooperation in the struggle against terrorism”. The Israeli PM Ariel
Sharon’s response to the agreement is interesting. He said: “The
terrorism Russia faces is of the same origin as we do”. Having said
this, Sharon in fact identified Beslan’s terrorist act with the
Palestinian confrontation and showed that the mystery that Russia
found Arabs among the terrorists was made up to sign the
Russian-Israeli agreement.

Byulent Orakoghlu, former deputy director of the Security
Administration of Turkey, made his own investigation into the matter
and came to a conclusion that the USA, the UK and Israel might have
organized the terrorist act to justify their Middle East
anti-terrorist policy. This opinion can be held up in view of the
coming presidential elections in the US, the Great Middle East
Project and the troubles that Putin’s visit of Turkey could have
caused.

By Hakob Chakrian

*********************************************************************

OHAN DURIAN A TARGET

Ohan Durian worked in the motherland during the most severe, coldest
and darkest years. He recorded the performances of all the symphonies
by Beethoven. By the way, only four conductors in the history of the
world’s music have recorded all the nine symphonies of Beethoven.
Only Ohan Durian kept to the unique scores of Beethoven when
recording the pieces. This is a great tribute to the genius of the
humanity.

Today Ohan Durian visits Armenia as a guest. He is estranged from
Armenia. I can recollect a case that happened in Tbilisi. The
Georgian Theatre Union organized a meeting dedicated to Gurgen
Janibekian at Rustaveli Theatre. Eduard Shevardnadze, who was
Chairman of Georgia’s Communist Party, was present at the meeting. He
held a welcoming speech and congratulated Gurgen Janibekian. He
completed his speech in the following words:” We, the statesmen will
pass away, while the history will remember our nations by our
cultural figures. These are not my words, these words belong to
Alexander Miasnikian. When he came to Armenian, the first thing he
did was to gather around himself the great people of the Armenian
nation, namely, Sarian, Tumanian, Spendiarian, Charents and others in
order to inspire and encourage the people.”

Today, thanks to the policy of the ignorant and brutal officials of
ruling cultural sphere many people leave Armenia. No regret. Instead
of them “the mice” are getting fatter in the sphere.

We have to cherish all the people that are sent to us from God. It is
a shame that no one could protect and cherish Minas, Sevak and
Shiraz. Today’s’ intelligentsia is leading a life that deserve only
scorn; they are serving the ignorant authorities. We feel shame and
pity for them. Our heart aches for the generation that will come
after them. Our former “most cultural” minister Roland Sharoyan will
remain in the history as the person who estranged Ohan Durian from
Armenia.

By Felix Aramian

*********************************************************************

CINEMA AND THEATRE STATE INSTITUTE TO BEGIN FUNCTIONING IN GORIS

Goris State Dramatic Theatre after Vagharsh Vagharshian was
established in 1936 and didn’t stop its performances even during the
Artsakh war. During the last four years the theatre is functioning
attached to Goris city administration. It has 13 employees instead of
the former 90 and they are getting the minimal salary. The theatre
has no basic troupe. Alfred Hakobian, director, believes that in case
of consistent work it will be possible to have a main and interesting
repertoire very soon. At present, the rehearsals for two performances
are in full swing; another performance for children is envisaged to
be staged by the end of the year. The first two plays, “The Parents”
and “Our Corner in the Big World” will be ready in September. Goris
city and Syunik regional administration greatly contribute to the
implementation of the program. But one should spare no efforts to
reach a professional level in the theatre. That is why Alla Zakarian,
head of the theatre, emphasizes the importance of RA Culture
Ministry’s support. Both Zakarian and Hakobian think that the theatre
needs to be financially supported to improve the quality of their
performances. Today the theatre is being innovated. The soldiers,
former students of Cinema and Theatre Institute, participate in the
performances of the theatre. This year the branch of the Cinema and
Theatre State Institute will be opened in Goris at the initiative of
Goris Theatre’s director and by support of RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian.10 students will be studying at the new opened branch of
the Institute and their studies will be financed by the head of the
Regional administration. These students will be working at Goris
Theatre during their studies as well as for five more years after
their graduation.

By Nana Petrosian

*********************************************************************

Anooshavan “Flash” Kurkjian
By John Cronin

Boston Herald, MA
Sept 2 2004

Anooshavan “Flash” Kurkjian, of Watertown and Manomet, a noted
Boston artist, died Tuesday at Mount Auburn hospital after a brief
illness.

Born in Kigi, in eastern Turkey, he was forced to flee in 1915
during the Armenian genocide. Only he, his mother and an aunt
successfuly escaped the pogroms when they arrived in Syria.

In the 1920s, his family settled in Watertown, where they
settled among what is still a very large Armenian-American community.
After his marriage, he and his wife settled in Boston’s South End,
then Dorchester and lastly Watertown.

While attending Watertown High School, he excelled in tennis and
basketball and earned the nickname “Flash” from his teammates. His
rather long and difficult to pronounce – at least to non-Armenians –
first name lead to his earning nicknames throughout his life, which
was source of unending humor.

Graduating from Watertown High, he enrolled in the Vesper George
Art School and went on to become a comercial artist. He maintained an
art studio in Boston’s Little Building for more than 35 years.

In a period when photography was still in the black and white
era, he was noted for his ability to “colorize” photos of bridal
and other special occcasion photos for such photography studios as
Ciro’s.

Mr. Kurkjian was also a distinguished painter and portrait
artist. His portrait of Pope John Paul II graced the cover of the
then Boston Herald American Sunday magazine when the pontiff visited
Boston in 1979.

His portraits can be found in many homes and businesses in the
Boston area. Another portrait, commissioned by the then Attorney
General Scott Harshberger, of slain state prosecutor Paul McLaughlin
hangs in the Attorney General’s office.

An avid athlete, Mr. Kurkjian was a long-time member of the
Boston Young Mens’ Christian Union. An even more avid handball
player, he often engaged in matches with many prominent Bostonians.
They included former Attorney General Francis Bellotti, real estate
developer Thomas Flatley and former Globe and Herald columnist, Dave
Farrell. At BYMCU he was called “George.”

In the early 1990s, he traveled to his birthplace, Kigi, with
his son, Stephen Kurkjian, an editor/reporter with the Boston Globe.
The trip and his reminiscences appeared in an article entitled
“Roots of Sorrow” in the Globe Sunday magazine.

Mr Kurkjian is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosella, a
former employee in the Boston Herald library, and three children,
Karolyn Kurkjian-Jones of Boston, Stephen of Boston and Elizabeth
Kurkjian-Henry of Winchester. He is also survied by his sister, Mae
Avakian of Watertown and six grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown. Funeral services will be held
at St. James Armenian Church, Watertown, at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Burial will be in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.

Funeral arrangements by Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown.

“ARMENTEL” CONSIDERS ACCUSATION OF NON-REREGISTERED “FREE HAIK
MISSION” PARTY AS GROUNDLESS

YEREVAN, August 24 (Noyan Tapan). The trial on the claim of the
non-reregistered “Free Haik Mission” Party against the “ArmenTel”
company continued at the court of the first instance of the Kentron
and Nork Marash Communities of Yerevan on August 24.

According to the side of the claimant, it became impossible to inform
representatives of the territorial and regional structures about the
special general meeting dedicated to the issue of the re-registration
of the party by reason of the faultiness of the telephone line of the
party office during seven days. The side of the claimant demands that
“ArmenTel” “should in public apologize to the organization and all the
citizens of Armenia who suffered moral and material damage.”

Artavazd Petrosian, a representative of “ArmenTel”, considered the
claimant’s application as groundless, because the telephone number
mentioned in the application belongs not to the party, but to its
Chairman Ruben Mnatsakanian, and according to the side of the
respondent, the disconnection of the indicated telephone line doesn’t
connected in any way with the non-registration of the “Free Haik
Mission” Party.

Artavazd Petrosian also mentioned that according to the current
law, “Free Haik Mission” should have reported through mass media about
the upcoming congress a month ago. The court sitting was postponded
till September 10 because of the completion of the working day.

Doghouse Boxing, Canada
Aug 22 2004

Darchinyan Ready to go to War with Pacheco

Interview by Anthony Cocks, Site Editor (August 22, 2004)

IBF #1 flyweight Vic `Raging Bull’ Darchinyan, 21-0 (16), is
expecting fireworks when he steps into the ring to challenge IBF
champion Irene `Mambaco’ Pacheco, 30-0 (23), for his crown on ESPN2
Friday Night Fights on Sept 3 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and
Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Speaking exclusively to Doghouse Boxing via his cell phone three days
before flying out to the United States, Darchinyan said that he was
happy with his preparation and the hard sparring that he received
from other world rated Team Fenech fighters.

`Training’s been very good, beautiful,’ said the 28-year-old
Armenian-born Australian. `I have good sparring partners, very, very
good. Sparring Hussy (Hussein), Lovemore (Ndou), Skinny (Hussein).’

Ndou in particular has been supplying Darchinyan with some quality
rounds, with the 140lb contender’s ability to fight effectively from
the southpaw stance.

`Exactly. He has been fighting southpaw, very similar to Pacheco. And
he’s giving me good sparring and I’m happy for the sparring. I’m
getting very good as the fight gets closer,’ he said.

Darchinyan, who earned his title shot by twice stopping former WBC
minimumweight interim world champion Wande Chor Chareon and winning a
ten round unanimous decision over former Pacheco victim Alejandro
Felix Montiel, will have his work cut out for him against the rugged
33-year-old Columbian, but he remains undaunted by the task at hand.

Although he admits fighting against another southpaw won’t be easy,
Darchinyan is confident that with the work he has put in in the gym
it won’t present too many problems for him.

`No, of course it’s not easier because I’m used to fighting
orthodox,’ he explained. `I’ve done it in the amateurs many times,
many fights in southpaw and I’m ready for southpaw. Not very
difficult for me, southpaw.

`I don’t think it will be a problem. I am ready for southpaw, it’s
not a big problem for me.’

With both heavy-handed lefties boasting knockout ratios above 76%,
it’s fair to assume that it will be an explosive contest for as long
as it lasts. The 2000 Olympian refutes any suggestion that he will
try to counterbox the aggressive Pacheco.

`No, no, no, I go aggressive like my name `Raging Bull’,’ laughed
Darchinyan. `I go destroy him.’

So does that mean we can expect the fight to finish within the
distance?

`I can’t say,’ said Darchinyan thoughtfully. `But no, I don’t think
so. I look forward to finishing early, but I can’t say. He’s a good
boxer, too.’

Darchinyan believes that the time Pacheco has spent out of the ring
between bouts could come back to haunt him. Since Darchinyan turned
professional in late 2000, he has logged 21 bouts. In the same
timeframe Pacheco has fought just four times.

`It’s very, very bad for a boxer,’ Darchinyan said. `A boxer needs to
have a few fights every year. Last time he fought against Damaen
Kelly nearly ten months ago. I think a boxer needs more fights in a
year and it’s not good for him, you know. He’s not ready now, maybe.’

Darchinyan sees the combination of possible ring rust and Pacheco’s
dislike of fighting off the back foot as the keys to victory on
September 3.

`I want to start from the first round, go forward all the time,
punching. Keep him going backwards. I’ve seen his last few fights and
nobody is pushing him. He likes to push forward, punching. I don’t
think he’s ready for a boxer who can push him back,’ he said.

In November 2000 South African Masibulele Makepula was unlucky not to
walk away with the IBF championship when he pressured Pacheco for
twelve full rounds only to lose a majority decision that most
ringside observer felt he deserved to win. Darchinyan admits he will
be looking to implement a similar game plan against the 11-year pro.

`I have this tape too. I saw it… that’s why I say he’s had a very
bad fight with him. Everyone thinks Makepula beat him, but they give
it to him,’ he said.

Darchinyan, who will be sparring one of the greatest southpaws of the
last decade in Mark `Too Sharp’ Johnson in the States, weighed 55kg
three weeks prior to the biggest fight if his life, but he doesn’t
anticipate the additional four kilos will be hard to lose in the
Miami heat.

`Training in the Miami summer it will be easy to lose, I think,’ said
Darchinyan. `It’s not a big problem. I already done it last year
three times. I fought at 50.8kg.’

If you enjoy watching little men fight who punch well above their
weight, then make sure you tune in to ESPN2 Friday Night Fights on
September 3 because flyweight matchups don’t come any better than
this.

Indian Express, India
Aug 21 2004

Harikrishna, Ramesh face-off in Abu Dhabi chess

Press Trust of India

Abu Dhabi, August 20: Grandmaster P Harikrishna has a tough challenge
on hand as he plays with black pieces against compatriot GM R B
Ramesh in the sixth round of the Master’s section of the 14th Abu
Dhabi chess festival here.

In the nine-round tournament, Harikrishna, Ramesh and their fellow GM
Tejas Bakre share the joint sixth spot along with top seed GM Evgeny
Vladimirov of Kazakhstan, GM Marat Dzhumaev of Uzbekistan, GM
Artashes Minasian of Armenia and IM Imad Hakki of Syria.

The lead is shared by GMs Ashot Anastasian of Armenia, Ghaem Maghami
Ehsan of Iran, Pavel Kotsur of Kazkhstan and Russians Mikhail Kobalia
and Evgeny Gleizerov who all have four points from five games played
so far. Yesterday was the only rest day and the battle starts again
later this evening for the $16,000 prize money tournament.

Former Asian junior girls champion Tania Sachdev is gunning for her
second women Grandmaster norm and plays IM Neelotpal Das in the next
round.