ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Jan 24 2005

Iran is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan and Armenia on Karabakh
issue

RA President receives EU Special Representative

RA Minister of Defence: Armenia should become a full member of the
European family

RA PM to leave for Poland on Jan 27

Armenians of Europe: the Atkinson report is the report of Azerbaijan

No Azeri prisoners kept in penitentiary institutions of Nagorno
Karabakh – NKR CCI Director

85% of respondents consider the statement of US Secretary of state
assistant Elizabeth Jones reflecting opinion of the US authorities

Delegated of the Armenian Apostolic Church participated in the
meeting of Ancient -East Orthodox churches

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

IRAN IS READY TO COOPERATE WITH AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA ON KARABAKH
ISSUE

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. Iran is ready to cooperate with
Azerbaijan and Armenia on Karabakh issue, according to RIA Novosti it
was stated by the President of Iran Mohammad Hatami at the meeting
with the President of Azerbaijan Ilkham Aliev who arrived in iran
with official visit. `We are sure that it is wrong to use force in
Karabkah settlement. Splits should be overcame by dialogue, mutual
understanding, logics and law’, Hatami stated. L.D. -0 –

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

RA PRESIDENT RECEIVES EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian received
EU Special Representative to South Caucasus Heikki Talvitie,
president’s press service told ARKA. The parties discussed EU policy
in South Caucasus, namely related to `Expanded Europe: New Neighbors’
program. The parties also discussed Karabakh conflict settlement,
Armenian-Turkish relations. L.D. -0 –

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

RA MINISTER OF DEFENCE: ARMENIA SHOULD BECOME A FULL MEMBER OF THE
EUROPEAN FAMILY

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. We consider ourselves Europeans, and our
goal is to become a full member of the European family, as stated the
RA Minister of Defence, Secretary of the National Security Council of
Armenia adjunct to RA President Serge Sargsyan in the course of
today’s meeting with a delegation headed by a special representative
of EU to the South Caucasus, Ambassador Heiki Talvitie, according to
the Press Secretary of the RA Ministry of Defence, Colonel Seiran
Shakhsuvaryan. Speaking of Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Sargsyan noted
that he had always adhered to peaceful settlement of the conflict and
expressed his firm belief that the issue would be settled exactly in
that way.
In his turn H. Talvitie greeting such a position of the RA Minister
of Defence and expressed hope that in the near future real progress
will be in the process of peaceful settlement of Nagorno- Karabakh
conflict. According to Talvitie, one of his functions is the
establishment of good basis for cooperation in the process of
development of relations between EU and Armenia, aimed at settlement
of conflicts. Talvitie added that as a result of the program on
individual partnership in the framework of the initiative of EU `New
Neighbourhood’, all South-Caucasus countries will be evaluated
commensurate with their real possibilities.
According to the press-release, the delegation headed by Talvitie
consists of the Chief of the delegation of European Commission on
Georgia and Armenia Torben Holts, representatives of the European
Commission Viliam Boen and Harry Kamarainen as well as GB Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Thorda Abbott-Watt.
A.H. – 0 –

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

RA PM TO LEAVE FOR POLAND ON JAN 27

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. On January 27 RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian will leave for Poland for participation in the activities
dedicated to 60th anniversary of liberation of concentration camp
Osventsim, RA Government press office told ARKA. Armenian delegation
will take party in international conference `Let My People Live’ that
will open in Krakow.
Armenian delegation includes RA Deputy Foreign Minister Ruben
Shugarian, heads of Government’s and MFA’s apparatus.
Margarian will meet with Armenian community of Poland and Archbishop
of Krakow, Cardinal Franchisek Makharsky. L.D. -0 –

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

ARMENIANS OF EUROPE: THE ATKINSON REPORT IS THE REPORT OF AZERBAIJAN

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. ` The Atkinson report is the report of
Azerbaijan’, according to the Executive Director of the European
Armenian Federation Laurent Leylekian. As ARKA was informed from the
federation, according to the report by Atkinson, which will be read
tomorrow at a regular session of PACE, `the significant part of the
Azerbaijani territory is still occupied by the Armenian forces ‘, and
`separatist forces still control the region of Nagorno-Karabakh’.
Atkinson notes that `if the negotiations under the auspices of the
co-chairs of the Minsk group fail, the conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan should be settled in the framework of UN International
Court of Justise’. According to Leylekian, `shifting the
institutional framework Baku believes to turn its crimes into virtues
‘. ` Without the fight for self-determination led by the
Karabakhiots, there would be no more Armenians on these historically
Armenian territories, as it is the case in Nakhitchevan or in
Turkey’, he emphasized.
Before that RA minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian called the
initial report by Atkinson as `usual’,at that noting that `the
document contains wording that doesn’t reflect the reality
truly’.A.H.-0 –

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

NO AZERI PRISONERS KEPT IN PENITENTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF NAGORNO
KARABAKH – NKR CCI DIRECTOR

STEPANAKERT, January 24. /ARKA/. No Azeri prisoners kept in
penitentiary institutions of Nagorno Karabakh, Director of NKR Center
for Civil Initiatives Albert Voskanian told ARKA commenting recent
statement of Azeri mass media that NKR prisons have Azeri prisoners
of war.
According to Voskanian, regular report of CCI on result of monitoring
of penitentiary institutions at the territory of NKR are provided to
more than 100 international organizations, including OSCE, CE, UNHCR
and even Azeri organizations. He added that each report mentions that
Artsakh prisons keep only Armenians. L.D. -0 –

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

85% OF RESPONDENTS CONSIDER THE STATEMENT OF US SECRETARY OF STATE
ASSISTANT ELIZABETH JONES REFLECTING OPINION OF THE US AUTHORITIES

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. Vox Populi Center conducted a poll on
Jan 20-21 related to the statement of Elizabeth Jones. The poll was
conducted among 107 experts, including 21 political figures,
including 9 deputies of RA Parliament, 20 art figures, 22 media
representatives, 23 state servants, 21 representatives of public
organizations. According to the results of the poll, 85% of
respondents consider the statement of US Secretary of State Assistant
Elizabeth Jones reflecting opinion of the US authorities, 8% consider
that the statement was personal opinion of Jones, 7% could not
answer.
75% of respondents sure that the statement was basically directed to
Armenian authorities, 11% think that it was directed to Russian
authorities, 3% – to Nagorno Karabakh, 9% – to all parties of the
conflict, 2% – could not answer. 70% of respondents agreed with
opinion of some political figures and mass medai representatives that
statement of Jones is a signal from US on beginning of the process of
power shift in Armenia on the example of Ukraine and Georgia. 14% of
respondents did not agree with this opinion and 16% – could not
answer. L.D. -0 –

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

DELEGATED OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH PARTICIPATED IN THE
MEETING OF ANCIENT -EAST ORTHODOX CHURCHES

YEREVAN, January 24. /ARKA/. Delegated of the Armenian Apostolic
Church participated in the meeting of Ancient -East Orthodox churches
that was held in Rhodes Greek island on January 10-17. According to
St. Etchmiadzin Department for inter-church relations,
representatives of Catholicosats of All Armenians and those of the
Kilikian Great House, Koptsk, Assyrian, and Ethiopian Orthodox
Churches and Indian Malabarka church participated in the meeting.
Some actual issues as well as issues connected with the beginning of
joint work with the Bible association were discussed at the meeting.
According to the press-release, the Armenian side was represented by
the bishops Yeznik Petrosyan and Narek Alemezyan, the responsible for
inter-church relations of St. Etchmiadzin and Catholicosats of
Kilikian Great House. A.H. – 0–

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

PASSION NARRATIVES FOCUS OF THE PRELACY LENTEN PROGRAM

Great Lent, 6 weeks set aside for a disciplined spiritual exercise, is upon
us. During this season, as a community, we abstain from certain foods and
entertainments, and devote more time and energy to prayer and to the study
of the scriptures, as well as to acts of mercy. We do these things so that
we would more fully conform to the Gospel, submitting ourselves to the
lordship of Jesus the Christ.

Accordingly, every year the Armenian Prelacy organizes a Lenten Program for
the faithful in the NY-NJ Metropolitan area, co-sponsored by the Armenian
Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG). This
year, the program will include the traditional Husgoom service (7:30-8:00pm)
followed by a Bible study (8:00-8:45pm) and will be held at the St.
Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral in New York City, on Wednesday evenings
starting February 9, 2005.

The Bible studies will focus on selected passages from the passion
narratives, particularly those that are solemnly read during the Holy Week
services in the Armenian Church, and will be presented by Deacon Shant
Kazanjian, Director of AREC. (For a complete list of Bible readings for the
Holy Week, please visit the Prelacy website at
).

As always, the participants will enjoy Lenten delicacies during the
fellowship hour, which will be graciously provided by the Prelacy Ladies
Guild (PLG).

For further information, contact the Prelacy office at 212.689.7810

California Courier Online, January 27, 2005

1 – Commentary
Armenia Fires the First Shot on
90th Anniversary of Genocide

By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
2 – Sen. Chuck Poochigian Honored at California
Attorney-General Campaign Dinner in L.A.
3 – Armenian American Nurses
Association Holds Flu Clinics
4 – Keyan Donation Raises Prelacy
Scholarship Fund to $100,000
5 – Prof. Levon Chookazsian to Teach
At UCLA During Winter Quarter
6 – Paul Krekorian Named President
Of Education Policy Coalition
7 – AAMSC’s Honors Dr. Autian with
2005 Lifetime Achievement Award
8 – Director Oliver Stone Apologizes to
Turks for ‘Midnight Express’ Film
*************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Armenia Fires the First Shot on
90th Anniversary of Genocide

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier

The Armenian government fired the first shot this week to begin the
yearlong commemorative activities planned for the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide.
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian spoke on January 24 during the Special
Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations to mark the 60th
anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camps. Mr. Oskanian’s
remarkable statement, along with several others, was broadcast live in
Israel. Here are excerpts from his remarks that were delivered
extemporaneously with a heavy heart and profound passion:
“On behalf of the people and government of Armenia, and as a descendant of
genocide survivors, I feel compelled to be here today, to join other
survivors and descendants of both victims and perpetrators, to take part in
this commemoration….
“In the 20th century alone, with its 15 genocides, the victims have their
own names for places of infamy. What the French call ‘les lieux infames de
memoire’ are everywhere. Places of horror, slaughter, of massacre, of the
indiscriminate killing of all those who have belonged to a segment, a
category, an ethnic group, a race or a religion. For Armenians, it is the
desert of Deir-El-Zor, for Cambodians they are the killing fields, for the
children of the 21st century, it is Darfur. For the Jews and Poles and for
a whole generation of us growing up after The War, it is Auschwitz….
“After Auschwitz one would expect that no one any longer has a right to
turn a blind eye or a deaf ear. As an Armenian, I know that a blind eye, a
deaf ear, and a muted tongue perpetuate the wounds. It is a memory of
suffering unrelieved by strong condemnation and unequivocal recognition.
The catharsis that the victims deserve, which societies require in order to
heal and move forward together, obligates us here at the UN, and in the
international community, to be witness, to call things by their name, to
remove the veil of obfuscation, of double standards, of political
expediency….
“Recognizing the victims and acknowledging them is also to recognize that
there are perpetrators. But this is absolutely not the same as actually
naming them, shaming them, dissuading or warning them, isolating or
punishing them….
“The Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana admonished us to
remember the past, or be condemned to repeat it. This admonition has
significance for me personally, because the destruction of my people, whose
fate in some way impinged upon the fate of the Jews of Europe, should have
been more widely seen as a warning of things to come.
“Jews and Armenians are linked forever by Hitler. ‘Who, after all, speaks
today of the annihilation of the Armenians?’ said Adolf Hitler, days before
he entered Poland.
“Hitler’s cynical remembrance of Armenians is prominently displayed in the
Holocaust Memorial in Washington because it is a profound commentary about
the crucial role of third parties in genocide prevention and remembrance.
Genocide is the manifestation of the break in the covenant that governments
have with their peoples. Therefore, it is third parties who become crucial
actors in genocide prevention, humanitarian assistance and genocide
remembrance.
“We are commemorating today, because the Soviet troops marched into
Auschwitz 60 years ago. I am here today because the Arabs provided
sanctuary to Armenian deportees 90 years ago.
“Third parties, indeed, can make the difference between life and death.
Their rejection of the behaviors and policies which are neither in anyone’s
national interest nor in humanity’s international interest, is of immense
moral and political value.
“What neighbors, well-wishers, the international community can’t
accomplish, is the transcending and reconciling which the parties must do
for themselves. The victims, first, must exhibit the dignity, capacity and
willingness to move on, and the perpetrators, first and last, must summon
the deep force of humanity and goodness and must overcome the memory of the
inner evil which had already prevailed, and must renounce the deed, its
intent, its consequences, its architects and executors.”
Mr. Oskanian’s UN remarks are significant for several reasons:
1) They were delivered by the Foreign Minister, and not by the Ambassador
at the UN;
2) They exposed once again the Turkish lie that Armenians in Armenia do not
care about the Genocide. Several years ago, Pres. Kocharian himself spoke
about the Armenian Genocide from the UN podium. Furthermore, the
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is one of the foreign
policy objectives of the Republic of Armenia;
3) They sent a message to the Turkish leaders that Armenians would keep
raising this issue at every opportunity, and in every forum, until the
Turks acknowledge the skeletons in their closet;
4) By speaking about this issue at the UN, the Armenian Genocide was
brought to the attention of the whole world.
As I reported in this column last December, the U.S. Ambassador to the UN
had asked for a Special Session of the UN General Assembly to mark the 60th
anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. Since the US
government would not make a similar request to have the UN observe the 90th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, it was very commendable that Foreign
Minister Oskanian made a personal appearance at the UN to deliver a major
statement marking the anniversaries of both the Jewish Holocaust and the
Armenian Genocide.
It is noteworthy that during a press conference last week, when the
Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan, was asked if holding a Special
Session of the General Assembly for the Holocaust “may open the gate for
other groups such as the Armenians… to demand a similar treatment,” he
appeared to leave the door open for a UN commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide by saying: “It is possible that, in the future, Member States
would want to commemorate other events.”
On this occasion, it is important to compare and contrast the attitude of
the representatives of Germany and Turkey. While the German Foreign
Minister very strongly condemned the atrocities committed by the Nazi
regime, the Turkish Ambassador shamelessly lied about the abysmal human
rights record of his country, stating that Turkey has always been a
tolerant state that combated hatred and prejudice! While Germans offer
profuse apologies and make amends for the crimes committed by their
predecessor regime, Turks continue to defend their genocidal ancestors.
Turkish commentators had expressed the fear that an “Armenian Tsunami” was
fast approaching Turkey on the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Despite these warnings, the first wave of the “Armenian Tsunami” caught
Turkish officials by surprise. Their Ambassador was unprepared to respond
to Mr. Oskanian’s statement. He simply read his prepared speech that
contained no answer to the Armenian Foreign Minister’s call for the
acknowledgment of the Genocide.
The Turks should expect more such bad weather in the next 12 months, as
long as they continue to deny the first genocide of the 20th century.

**************************************************************************
2 – Sen. Chuck Poochigian Honored at California
Attorney-General Campaign Dinner in L.A.
LOS ANGELES – California State Senator Chuck Poochigian (R-Fresno) was
honored at a dinner in support of his campaign for Attorney General held at
Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City on Jan.13.
The dinner program featured California’s 35th Governor, George Deukmejian,
who also served as Attorney General. Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a longtime
Poochigian family friend was the emcee for the event. Gov. Deukmejian was
introduced by former California Congressman and Assemblyman Steve
Kuykendall. Deukmejian offered remarks on the history and importance of the
office of Attorney General and praised Poochigian and his wife, Debbie, for
their work in government and politics. He warmly introduced Senator
Poochigian to approximately 500 enthusiastic dinner guests.
Sen. Poochigian spoke about his preparation for the office beginning with
his work as a member of the senior staff to governors Deukmejian and Pete
Wilson. His responsibilities included considerable work in assisting in the
selection of members of the judiciary and seeking men and women for
appointment who were highly respected, hard-working, and committed to the
rule of law. He spoke of the importance of similar qualities in the state’s
chief law officer who, in the ideal, should judiciously carry out the
duties of the office.
Poochigian spoke about the challenges of conducting a statewide race and
the necessity of having strong involvement of committed supporters
throughout California. He encouraged guests to actively participate in the
campaign and to encourage others to join in the effort.
Entertainment was provided by Fred Travalena, a renowned singer,
impressionist, comedian and song writer who has performed internationally
on stage and screen. Jill Simonian, who is a television host of World
Entertainment Connections, sang the National Anthem and closed the evening
with a wonderful rendition of America the Beautiful.
First elected to the Legislature in 1994, Chuck Poochigian has in the
course of two Assembly and Senate terms, represented Central California
from Bakersfield to the Sacramento county line. He has been in the
leadership of the Republican Caucus for his entire time in the Legislature
– beginning in his first term when he chaired the Appropriations Committee
and was named “Republican Rookie of the Year” (in a class of 22). He has
had a distinguished legislative career with many important legislative
accomplishments in the fields of education, business and law enforcement.
Most recently, he was the author of comprehensive legislation sponsored by
Governor Schwarzenegger to reform California’s workers’ compensation
system.
The mailing address for the Poochigian for Attorney General campaign is
P.O. Box 8446, Fresno, California 93747. ID#1265332; Phone 559-255-1699;
Fax 559-255-3123; E-mail [email protected]
***************************************************************************
3 – Armenian American Nurses
Association Holds Flu Clinics
By Adlina Minassi
GLENDALE – The Armenian American Nurses Association joined forces with the
Glendale Adventist Medical Center to hold a “free” flu clinic recently
with the assistance of volunteers from Glendale High School.
The flu clinics were held in Glendale, at St. Mary’s Armenian Church and
Daylight Adult Health Day Care Center.
The volunteer nurses that helped at St. Mary’s Armenian Church were, Mary
Konyalian (coordinator), Magy Chorbajian, Rosig Der-Tavitian, Sossi
Mikaelian, Marina Manukyan, Siran Balian, and Anjel Matevossian. The
nurses who helped at Daylight Adult Health Day Care Center were, Siran
Balian (coordinator), Knarig Massih, and Marina Manukian. The volunteers
and nurses were able to help 253 people all together.
“Once again, Glendale can take deep pride in having the excellent caliber
of youth that helped fill our forms, translations and other logistic work
that was needed to accomplish our mission in serving the Glendale
community. They gave up their leisure time as did the Armenian American
Nurses Association on a sunny Saturday morning to serve the community,”
noted John Krikorian, of Krikorian Marketing Group.
**************************************************************************
4 – Keyan Donation Raises Prelacy
Scholarship Fund to $100,000
LOS ANGELES – Longtime Western Prelacy benefactor, Charles Keyan, has made
a donation of $50,000 to the special scholarship fund he established a year
ago, raising the total amount since last year to $100,000.
Keyan had made a similar donation last year, thus establishing a
scholarship fund for students at the Armenian Mesrobian High School in
Montebello.
Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, the Religious and the Executive
Councils of the Western Prelacy and the Education Network functioning under
their auspices thanked Keyan for his donation and dedication to the Prelacy
schools.
“We consider this a true expression of confidence to the mission of the
Western Prelacy and the school system functioning under its auspices,” the
Prelacy said.
**************************************************************************
5 – Prof. Levon Chookaszian to Teach
At UCLA During Winter Quarter
LOS ANGELES – The Friends of UCLA Armenian Language and Culture Studies,
announced the arrival of art historian Levon Chookaszian UNESCO Professor
of Armenian art at Yerevan State University. During the current Winter
Quarter 2004/5, Prof. Chookaszian will teach two courses in Armenian art
history under the auspices of the UCLA Narekatsi Chair for Armenian Studies
held by Prof. S. Peter Cowe. The two courses are Modern Armenian Painting
(Tue.,Thurs. 10-11:20, Rolfe Hall 3123) and Medieval Armenian Manuscript
Illumination (Tue., Thurs., 12:30-1:50, Rolfe 3131)
These courses were made possible through funds raised by the Friends
organization within the Armenian community. It is intended that these and
other courses to be offered in the future in other armenological fields
will help promote the establishment of an Armenian Major (B.A.) at UCLA.
Profiting by Prof. Chookaszian’s presence in Los Angeles, the Friends have
organized a series of three illustrated public lectures, in Armenian – all
to be presented at the Glendale Public Library. The first two will be
dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, while the third
celebrates the 1600th anniversary of the invention of the Armenian
alphabet.
The first lecture, Armenian Art Treasures Rescued from the Genocide, will
be held Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.; the second, The Armenian Liberation Movement,
the Genocide and Armenian Painters, will be presented Feb. 27 at 4 p.m.;
the third topic will be Decorated Letters of Armenian Manuscripts and will
be presented on March 20 at 4 p.m.
Prof. Chookaszian did his undergraduate work in Armenian language and
literature and his graduate work in Armenian art at the Erevan State
University. He furthered his graduate studies at Moscow State University
with special emphasis on Byzantine art and European art of the Middle Ages.
His first doctoral degree in art history was defended at the Art Institute
of the Georgian Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi (1981), while he received his
second doctorate in the field from the Institute of Art of the Ministry of
Culture of Russia, Moscow (2001).
Prof. Chookaszian is multilingual, is a member of many professional
organizations, has given more than 200 lectures and published numerous
articles on medieval Armenian art, manuscript illumination, architecture,
and sculpture. He has participated in dozens of international conferences
and has an important monograph on Grigor Tsaghkogh (1986) and has published
a 60-page summary of his dissertation on Toros Roslin in Russian (2001).
Further, he has published book reviews, has acted as consultant on matters
of Medieval Armenian art including the Matenadaran series on medieval
Armenian art and artists produced by Armenfilm, and for one year (1991) he
was advisor on culture to the Prime Minister of Armenia. He is also the
recipient of several prestigious grants that have helped him pursue his
research in Armenian art history.
It is possible to audit the professor’s classes, with special permission
from him and the public lectures (in Armenian) at the Glendale Public
Library (222 E. Harvard) are open to the public.
**************************************************************************
6 – Paul Krekorian Named President
Of Education Policy Coalition
BURBANK, Calif. – Paul Krekorian, the Vice President of the Burbank Board
of Education, has been chosen to lead the Five Star Coalition of local
school boards as its President for the coming year. Krekorian will assume
the Presidency at the Coalition’s February 25 meeting.
The Five Star Coalition is the combined legislative advocacy effort of the
Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, South Pasadena and La Canada school districts.

The Coalition represents the interests of over 75,000 students and 89
schools in the five school districts. By working closely with state and
federal legislators, as well as community and business leaders, the
Coalition helps to shape education policy and otherwise to improve the
quality of education for the districts’ students.
“I feel privileged to be able to lead the combined legislative efforts of
these five great school districts,” Krekorian said. “Public education is
facing unprecedented challenges right now, and the Coalition gives local
education leaders the opportunity to make an impact on the actions of the
state and federal governments in meeting those challenges.”
As the only Armenian-American member of the Coalition, Krekorian has a
special role in ensuring that the needs of Armenian students and their
families are met in dealing with the state and federal governments. For
example, state and federal law impose strict requirements upon school
districts dealing with students who are not yet fully fluent in English.
“In complying with state and federal mandates, we need to ensure that all
of our students are treated fairly and have every opportunity to
participate fully in all school programs. No student should ever be
stigmatized by limited English abilities,” Krekorian said. “At the same
time, we must do everything possible to help our students become fluent in
English and to reclassify them as fluent as quickly as possible.”
Krekorian is a lawyer specializing in business disputes, copyright,
trademark and entertainment matters. Krekorian was elected to the Burbank
Board of Education in 2003, and he is believed to be the only
Armenian-American ever elected to any public office in Burbank.
***************************************************************************
*
7 – AAMSC’s Honors Dr. Autian with
2005 Lifetime Achievement Award
LOS ANGELES – In recognition for his numerous national and international
contributions to science, the Armenian American Medical Society of
California will present the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. John
Autian at the AAMSC’s 19th Annual Dinner, Feb. 26 at the Glendale Hilton.
Known internationally for his contribution to science, humanity, business,
academia and government, Dr. Autian is an environmental consultant for A.
Zaker Associates of which he is the founder and president. He travels all
over the world as a speaker, advisor and consultant for UNESCO and other
relief organizations.
Dr. Autian has visited Armenia every year since 1990. Through Medical
Outreach he has visited schools, pharmaceutical colleges and has helped
them financially.
Dr. Autian has worked in academia for over 35 years. At the University of
Texas he established and directed the Drug-Plastic Research Laboratory, the
first of its type in the country. He served as Dean of the College of
Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee and later Dean of the Graduate
School of Medical Sciences and Vice Chancellor for Research. He was the
Senior Science Advisor to a Joint U.S. and Saudi Arabian project
establishing the first environmental toxicology laboratory in the Kingdom.
He has authored or coauthored 220 scientific, technical and professional
articles and has contributed to 18 textbooks in the field of pharmacy,
toxicology and biomedical materials.
A contributing columnist to various Memphis newspapers, Dr. Autian has made
generous contributions to several universities, colleges and high schools
in developing environmental programs. He has set up endowments at the
University of Tennessee, University of Memphis, LeMoyne Owen College, and
South West Tennessee Community College. He has supported inner city Dropout
Prevention programs.
Dr. Autian is the recipient of several National and International Awards,
including The Clemson Award, Temple University’s The Most Distinguished
Graduate Award, South American and Biochemical Industries Award, US
Environmental Protection Agency Award and was recognized by the Indian
Parliament for establishing endowments with several Indian scientific
societies. In September of 2004, Dr. Autian received the Kabakjian Award,
given to an Armenian American for the advancement of sciences.
A veteran of World War II, Dr. Autian served in the Pacific theater and was
a member of one of the first units to land in Japan. He has one son, John
Zaker and grandson Tyler Christian Autian.
**************************************************************************
8 – Director Oliver Stone Apologizes to
Turks for ‘Midnight Express’ Film
LOS ANGELES – Only days before the European Union’s decision whether to
launch membership talks with Turkey, Hollywood filmmaker Oliver Stone has
apologized for offending the Turks for his 1978 film, “Midnight Express,”
an article in the Jan. 7-13, 2005 L.A. Weekly by Paul Krassner revealed.
“It’s true I overdramatized the script,” Stone told reporters in Istanbul.
“But the reality of Turkish prisons at the time was also referred to…by
various human rights associations.” Stone had been afraid of visiting
Turkey since the release of Midnight Express, he said, because of the
effect it had on the country.
“For years, I heard that Turkish people were angry with me, and I didn’t
feel safe there. The culture ministry gave me a guarantee that I would be
safe, so I feel comfortable now.”
Midnight Express was adapted from the book by Billy Hayes, an American who
was sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempting to smuggle hashish out
of Turkey, and eventually escaped. Stone also did a week’s worth of
interviews with Hayes in a hotel room after he’d read the book.
Krassner contacted Hayes to get his reaction to Stone’s recent statement.
“How was the script overdramatized?”
“My biggest problem with the screenplay and the film was that you didn’t
see a single good Turk,” Hayes told Krassner, “so the overall impression
was that all Turks are like those depicted in the film. And, of course,
this is not true. It doesn’t take away from the fact that the prison was
brutal and the legal system hypocritical, but that can be said of almost
any country, particularly, and unfortunately, ours. Prison guards are not
necessarily the cream of any society.”
“What would you say was the most offensive to the Turks?” Krassner asked
Hayes.
“The most offensive scene for the Turks was Billy’s speech in the courtroom
calling them all ‘a nation of pigs,’ etc. In fact, when I spoke to the
court, knowing I was having my sentence changed to life, I was trying to
hold on to my shredding sanity and wanted to affect these people who were
taking my life away, but really knew nothing about me as a person. I said
something like, ‘I’ve been in your jail four years now and if you sentence
me to more prison I can’t agree with you, all I can do is forgive you…’
It affected them. The judge told me his hands were tied. They all looked
upset. Then they sentenced me to life, which the kindly judge reduced to 30
years. Thanks. I think. Anyway, Oliver wanted to know how I could forgive
people who had just taken my life away. I told him about trying to maintain
my balance. He asked how I felt the next morning after sentencing. I told
him I was furious. So he wrote that courtroom speech.”
***************************************************************************
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AMIC’s Newsletter, Montreal, Canada
AMIC’s Info-Flash
2340 Chemin Lucerne # 30
Ville Mont-Royal, Quebec
H3R 2J8
Tel : (514) 739 8950
Fax : (514) 738 2622
Web:
Email: [email protected]

December, 2004

1. Article 1: “Making a Difference in the Health Sector in Armenia:
Canadian-Armenian Health Administration Training Project”.
2. Article 2: “85 People Register as Donors at the Armenian Prelacy of
Canada Bone Marrow Drive”
3. Article 3: “Vocation Awards”
4. Article 4 : “The Armenian Medical Association”
5. Article 5: ” September-October 2004 Medical and Scientific Meetings in
Armenia
6. Article 6 : “What is AMIC?”

****************************************************************
News from Canada

1. Making a Difference in the Health Sector in Armenia: Canadian-Armenian
Health Administration Training Project.

Since May 1996, the Canadian International Development Agency has supported
an initiative of the Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH), aimed
at helping Armenia reform its health sector. Working closely with the
Canadian-Armenian Medical Relief Committee of Ontario , the CSIH has managed
the Canadian-Armenian Health Administration Training Project.

The project allows Armenian health professionals to visit Canadian health
organizations and facilities, such as NGOs, federal and provincial
ministries of health, community health centers, universities and hospitals,
accreditation councils, and professional health associations. Canadian
health experts have also traveled to Armenia as part of this project, to
meet with officials from the Ministry of Health and also with university
personnel, to consult on issues that have been identified following the
in-depth study tour in Canada.

The Armenian health community is interested in studying the Canadian model
as part of its efforts to rebuild that country’s health care system. Armenia
faces many challenges as its government and the emerging private sector
attempt to reform the delivery of health care to its citizens. Under Soviet
rule, health care in Armenia was highly centralized and dependent on
hospitals for basic health services. Both the government and health care
professionals now envisage a decentralized and privatized health care
system, one that would emphasize primary health care and would strengthen
linkages between clinics in rural areas and clinics and hospitals in urban
areas. The opportunity to learn about the Canadian health care system and
the “ins and outs” of Canada’s approach to the delivery of health services
will allow Armenia to make a more informed decision as they move forward in
their own health reform process.

“The CSIH is pleased to help the Canadian Armenian Medical Relief Committee
of Ontario on this project” said Charles A Shields Jr., Executive Director
of the CSIH. “It allows the CSIH to build on the lessons we have learned
through the Partners in Health program that CSIH manages in Ukraine. It also
allows us to understand similar issues that Armenians and Ukrainians are
concerned about”

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

2. “85 People Register as Donors at the Armenian Prelacy of Canada Bone
Marrow Drive”

Info-Flash received the following communiqué from the Armenian Prelacy of
Canada.

“Montreal (Qc) – Canada. 85 donors registered in the Armenian Bone Marrow
Project organized jointly by the Armenian Prelacy of Canada and the Armenian
Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) during the first weekend of December.

The youngest clergy member, Rev. Fr. Karnig Kouyounian, Pastor of Sourp
Hagop Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, was one of the first people to provide a
sample of blood for the Bone Marrow Project.

Armenian Prelacy of Canada Executive Council and Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) Canada Central committee members also participated in the
drive, as well as school officials and members of the Montreal and Laval
chapters of the ARF Youth Organization Committee of Canada and Homenetmen
Gamk (the scouting and athletic organization).

The Bone Marrow Project is a mission of crucial importance, which was put
into place to ensure that every Armenian (and others) struck with leukemia
or other blood related diseases have the hope of finding a genetically
suitable match for a bone marrow transplant, which often is the only and
final life-saving procedure for the patient.

However, due to the lack of Armenian donors in other registries and due to
the unique genetic make up of Armenians, finding a bone marrow match is more
likely to occur among other Armenians, rendering the ABMDR the greatest hope
for Armenians, particularly since only one match is projected for every 200
donors.

Established in 1999, the ABMDR is an internationally accredited,
independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization and currently has
more than 150 patients in need of a transplant.

Founded by Dr. Frieda Jordan and Dr. Sevak Avagyan, the ABMDR is a member of
the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and the World Marrow Donor
Worldwide (WMDW), and although it shares its database information with other
registries around the world, it still needs as many donors as it can
recruit.

It is not too late to become a donor, for all those interested, please visit
for further information.

****************************************************************
News from Armenia

3- Vocation Awards

The AMIC office in Yerevan, and Mrs. Lilit Ohanyan
([email protected]) both sent the following text. For any further
information, please contact Mrs. Ohanyan.

” The National Television of the Republic of Armenia which represents the
“Health” popular science, an informative educational medical program (aired
every Saturday, and repeated on Mondays and Fridays) and “Vocation” non-
governmental organization are currently engaged in the organization of the
“Vocation” national award, with the participation of the best physicians or
clinics of Armenia and the Diaspora, and the non medical professionals or
organizations who have made significant contributions to the development of
medicine.

Provisions of the “Vocation” Award

1. Award Description

“Vocation” is awarded to the best physicians or clinics, as well as to the
non-medical professionals or organizations that have made significant
contributions to the development of medicine.
1.2 Prize shall be awarded annually. Nominations do not carry over one year
to another. To be considered for a particular year, the candidates must be
nominated for that particular year.
The deadline for the submission of nominations is February 15, 2005.
1.3 Each prize presented to the laureate shall consist of a statuette, a
certificate
in the winner’s name containing the Award winning nomination, and
prize
amount (cash award)
1.4 A prize shall be awarded to the winner or winners of each category.
1.5 Cash prize shall be awarded to the winner at the presentation ceremony.
The cash award shall be divided in equal shares between all the winners in
case the nomination has more than one winner. Cash award cannot be awarded
posthumously (Posthumous rewarding may not include cash award).

2. “Vocation” Award Categories

2.1 For conducting a Unique Operation which saved a human life. Awarded to a
surgeon who conducted a unique operation of which, at least a year after the
operation, the remote results are known.
2.2 For the introduction of an innovative curative methodology. Awarded to
physicians for the development or implementation of a unique curative
methodology that shortens the treatment duration and/or makes it more
affordable
2.3 For generating a new diagnostic method. Awarded to physicians who have
generated a new diagnostic method. The prize shall be awarded at least in a
year after the implementation of the method.
2.4 For establishing a new discipline (direction) in medicine. Awarded to
physicians and clinics that have created new disciplines or services in the
field of medicine.
2.5 To representatives of fundamental sciences and non-medical professionals
for significant contributions in the medicine development. Awarded to
non-medical professionals for drug and medical equipment development and
implementation. All the developments shall have corresponding certificates
of conformity and undergo relevant trials.
2.6 For great devotion to the profession. Awarded to physicians who have at
least fifty years of medical practice and made significant contribution to
the development of the field.
2.7 A special prize awarded to physicians who deliver help to war, terrorist
act and natural misery victims. Awarded to physicians who rendered
(delivered) professional help under martial conditions, natural disasters
and terrorist acts.
2.8 The best medical clinic or staff

3. Award nominating order

3.1 The nominee for the award may be presented by a group of physicians or
one physician, a group of patients or one patient, an administration of
curative and preventive, educational or scientific medical institutions. It
is possible to self-nominate. The nominee may compete for only one category.
3.2 All the nominees shall fill in a special questionnaire confirmed by the
Board of Trustees. The questionnaires of the nominees competing for the
second, third, forth, and fifth categories shall enclose special
certificates, licenses and other credentials which confirm the
implementation of clinical trials and permit to use the methods in medical
practice.
3.3 Supplementary information about the health condition and location of the
operated patient shall be enclosed in case of competing for “the unique
operation” category.
3.4 The nominees for the sixth and seventh categories are introduced by the
Board of Trustees decision and shall not have an alternative. Each year this
nomination is awarded to a physician or physicians introduced by the Board
of Trustees.

4. Examination procedure.

4.1 The organizing committee delivers the questionnaires and relevant
credentials, received from the nominees to the “Vocation” award experts.
Upon the receipt of the first negative notice the nominee shall be dismissed
from any further participation to the contest.
4.2 Upon receiving the first positive notice the nominees undergo the
experts’ evaluation again. Upon receiving a negative notice during the
second evaluation the nominee is dismissed from further participation to the
contest as well.
4.3 Nominees who possess two positive notices undergo the third and the
final evaluation. During the third evaluation of the experts, the nominee is
dismissed from the contest upon receipt of a negative notice.
4.4 Nominees recommended for the sixth and seventh categories are exempt
from the experts’ evaluation.

5. Selection procedure of winners.

5.1 Only the nominees who possess three positive notices may participate in
the secret balloting for the winner’s selection.
5.2 The winners are selected by secret ballot from the members of the Board
of Trustees.
5.3 The Board of Trustees members have the right to vote only for one
participant in each category.
5.4 The results of the voting are promulgated during a special closed
session of the Board of Trustees.
5.5 The Board of Trustees reserves the right to grant the award to one of
the nominees or to share it between two persons in case both nominees
collect equal votes in the appropriate category.
5.6 The results of the voting shall not be announced before the official
ceremony of the “Vocation” award. Special envelops with the names of the
winners shall be opened during the presentation ceremony.

6. The Experts Panel Activities Order

6.1 The leading specialists of all the medical disciplines are recruited to
the composition of the Experts Panel.
6.2 The “Vocation” award organizing committee recruits the experts into the
Experts Panel activities.

7. The Board of Trustees Activities Order

7.1 The “Vocation” award organizing committee establishes the Board of
Trustees.
7.2 The Board of Trustees executes the final selection of the winners from
those nominees who have received three positive notices. The “Vocation”
award organizing committee reserves the right to make changes in the Board
of Trustees composition without stating the reasons.
7.3 The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is elected during the session of
the Board of Trustees by means of voting by show.

8. The “Vocation” Organizing Committee Activities Order

8.1 The “Vocation” award organizing committee disseminates the credential
package informing about the award and provides the rules of award
nomination. It also accepts the questionnaires of the nominees, submits them
to the experts evaluation, sends ballot papers to the Board of Trustees
members, calls off the Board of Trustees sessions.
8.2 The founders of the “Vocation” non-governmental organization shall
establish the “Vocation” award organizing committee.
8.3 The president of the “Vocation” non-governmental organization assigns
the “Vocation” award Chairman.

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

4- The Armenian Medical Association

Since 2002, The Armenian Medical Association has been trying to raise the
overall standard of medicine in the Republic of Armenia. Founded by a small
group of progressive physicians in Armenia, the organization has been able
to build organizational infrastructure, set up an office, and in just the
last year alone has doubled their membership to over three hundred.

The organization is now composed of physicians from a broad background of
specialties from throughout the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh.
The organization gives its members a window into the international medical
community, greater insight into and a forum for discussing the medical
problems in Armenia and Armenian healthcare issues and sets standards for
good medical practice.

One of many ambitious efforts of the Armenian Medical Association is a
hypertension survey, which is currently being conducted throughout the
nation. The organization also provides a wonderful network for doctors to
become informed about informational conferences in Armenia and abroad,
sponsors the education of physicians, and provides short to long-term
internships for premedical and medical students of Armenian origin via
Birthright Armenia, a non-profit organization that hopes to create valuable
links between the Diaspora and Homeland in all sectors. Also, in 2005, the
Armenian Medical Association will release the first volume of the Armenian
Medical Journal, the first English-language medical journal to be published
in Armenia. This journal will hopefully provide a new standard of academic
works in Armenia. The journal will be peer-reviewed by an international
group of physicians and will be published bi-yearly.

While still a small organization, the Armenian Medical Association holds
great promise for the future of medicine in Armenia. The organization has
set itself up to take on many roles and may be the mechanism by which
resources can be more adequately supplied, medical issues can be more
readily addressed and the overall standard of healthcare in the Republic of
Armenia can be bettered.

For further information, please contact Dr. Yaghjyan ([email protected]) or
go to

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

5- September- October 2004 Medical and Scientific Meetings in Armenia.
(Message received from Mrs. Ruslana Kevorkian from the Ministry of Health of
Armenia)

-22 September 2004: The third meeting of the
Transcaucasian countries’oncologists
took place in Yerevan. The Minister
of Health, Dr. N. Davitian presided the
meeting.

-24 September 2004: The Association of Stomatologists of
Armenia, with the help of the
International Federation of
Stomatologists, organized specialized
courses at the Medical Faculty, with
the collaboration of specialists from
Sweden and New York University
(Dr. Bedros Yavrou).

-27-28 September
2004: An International Forum of
Neurologists took place for the first
time in Armenia, honoring during one
of its sessions, the well known 75
years old Dr. Levon Badalyan.
Specialists from Russia, the United
States, Great Britain, Israel, Germany
were in attendance.
Presentations, discussions and new
methods of treatment of neurological
disorders were conducted.

11-13 October 2004: The Erebouni Medical Center
organized an International
Congress of Cardiology at the
Business Center of the American
University of Armenia. A cardiology
center has been operating at the
Erebouni Hospital for the last year,
under the direction of Dr. Vatche
Kasparian, who specialized in
Singapore (See Info-Flash No 1,
April 2003). Specialists from around
the world (Singapore, Monaco,
France, Spain, United States, Russia)
were present.

13-15 October 2004: The financial and medical management
of the health care services in Armenia
was examined during a two day
conference held at the Business
Center of the American University of
Armenia. Topics under discussion
included financial revenues, expenses
by specific services, the social
categories benefiting from the health
services, and the educational and
theoretical amendments to be
introduced.

6- What is AMIC?

The Armenian Medical International Committee was created fourteen years ago.
It is an umbrella organization that unites Armenian medical associations
throughout the Diaspora, creating thus a large network through which
information and data are exchanged.
AMIC organizes Armenian Medical World Congresses. So far eight have been
held in different cities of the Diaspora. In 2003, “The First International
Medical Congress of Armenia”, organized by Armenia, was held in Yerevan from
July 1 to July 3.
The 9th AMIC Congress will be held in 2005 (from June 29 to July 3), in San
Francisco (USA). You can have the latest news by visiting the website

AMIC publishes since 1998 an online newsletter and sends it freely to all
Armenian Health Care professionals. If you are a health care professional
and are interested in receiving Info-Flash, please send us your e-mail
address ([email protected]). To all those who already receive the Info, please do
not forget to send us your new e-mail address when you change it.
For further information, visit our website:

A useful information to remember: you can send freely from wherever you are
located, medical equipment/medicine through the services of the United
Armenian Fund; President Mr. Harout Sassounian ([email protected])

Note from the Editor:

This last issue of December 2004 of the Info-Flash was delayed, due to a
very bad flu of Info’s Editor, Aida Boudjikanian.

AMIC’s Executive President, Dr. Jean Arakelian, and Members, send to all the
Info-Flash readers their best wishes for a New and fruitful New Year.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
January 24, 2005 Monday 3:40 AM Eastern Time

Azerbaijan president to begin official visit to Iran

By Sevindzh Abdullayeva, Viktor Shulman

President Ilkham Aliyev of Azerbaijan begins a three-day official
visit to Iran on Monday. He left for Teheran by plane on Monday
morning.

This is the first official visit of the Azerbaijanian president to
Iran. At least eight inter-governmental agreements, mainly of
economic character, will be signed during the visit.

According to diplomatic sources in Baku, the Azerbajanian head of
state is to have meetings with President Mohammad Khatami of Iran and
other leaders of the country.

During the meetings, the sides are expected to discuss all problems
of bilateral relations, as well as issues of regional security,
cooperation within the framework of international organizations,
settlement of the Karabakh conflict and defining of the Caspian Sea
legal status.

Besides, they are to sign an agreement on Iran’s allocating one
million dollars for the construction of a bridge across the Araks
River. Iran also intends to give Azerbaijan a credit of 40 million
dollars to build a Baku-Astara highway.

PanArmenian News
January 23, 2005

OSCE MG NEW FRENCH AMBASSADOR ARRIVING IN YEREVAN

24.01.2005 17:56

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Bernard Facie, the new French Ambassador to the
OSCE Minsk Group for settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, is
arriving in Yerevan tomorrow. As reported by the Armenian Foreign
Ministry, in Yerevan B. Facie will meet with President Robert
Kocharian, as well as hold meetings in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. It should be noted that on the post Bernard Facie has
replaced Henry Jackolin, who had retired.

PanArmenian News
January 23, 2005

“YOUR PAIN IS NOW OURS TOO,” FAMOUS TURKISH PUBLISHER WRITES ABOUT
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

24.01.2005 18:25

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Famous Turkish publisher R. Zarakolu considers that
each person should have a flower in his or her hand on April 24. He
reminds that the 90-th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is in
2005. “No matter how those events are called, no one can deny that a
big human tragedy occurred that year,” he writes in the Turkish
press. Having fulfilled our human duty, we will remind ourselves of
humanity and simultaneously eliminate hatred from the hearts of
generations of Armenians that are full with that pain. Everyone has
to do his duty to purge oneself from that crime, R. Zarakolu calls
upon his compatriots. “One should find a place to lay a flower and
say: your pain is now ours, too,” R. Zarakolu writes.

IRNA, Iran
January 24, 2005 Monday 7:42 PM EST

Economic cooperation between Armenia and Mazandaran discussed

Tehran, January 24

Deputy Governor General of Mazandaran province Ali Akbar Mirlouhi met
in Yerevan on Monday with Head of Armenian Presidential Office and
also Armenian Head of Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission Artashes
Toumanian.

In the meeting, Toumanian expressed satisfaction over establishment of
ties and cooperation with the Iranian northern province and emphasized
the cooperation in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry,
fishery and tourism.

Elaborating on potentials and abilities of Mazandaran province,
Mirlouhi expressed the province readiness for expanding cooperation
with Armenia in different fields.

Mirlouhi also met with Head of Merchants and Industrialists Union
Arsen Ghazarian on Monday evening.

The two sides emphasized promoting and expanding private sectors` ties
for effective cooperation.

Mirlouhi is visiting Armenia at the head of an economic and commercial
delegation from Mazandaran.

IRNA, Iran
January 24, 2005 Monday

Iranian, Azeri presidents talk to reporters

Tehran, January 24

Immediately after the formal ceremony to welcome Azeri President
Ilham Aliyev, Iranian and Azeri presidents talked to reporters
calling for expanding Tehran-Baku relations.

President Mohammad Khatami accompanying President Ilham Aliyev told
reporters at Saadabad that Iran is keen on further development of
relations with Azerbaijan Republic.

Responding to an Azeri reporter about what Iran will do to help
resolve Karabakh crisis, President Khatami said that Iran is among
the few countries which supports Azerbaijani national sovereignty and
territorial integrity.

“Iran believes that Karabakh crisis would be resolved through logic
and understanding between the two parties without resorting to
force.”

“I believe that Karabakh conflict will be resolved if the two sides
seriously decided to do so,” President Khatami said.

He said that Iran has friendly relations with both Azerbaijan and
Armenia and is ready to mediate between them to help resolve the
crisis and hoped for immediate settlement of Karabakh conflict.

Another Azeri reporter asked Khatami whether there is similarity
between occupation of the Arab lands by the Zionist regime and
occupation of Karabakh by Armenia, the Iranian president said that
Iran condemns occupation and use of force being exercised by any
country.

“Of course, there is a difference.

I believe Israel has occupied the entire Palestine and has
established illegitimate existence, but, Armenia is a country itself
and at the same time occupation and seizure of an inch of the other`s
territory is condemned and the international community should help
end the occupation,” President Khatami said.

President Aliyev told reporters that his visit to Iran is aimed at
developing relations in all fields including the economy.

He pointed to the accords President Khatami has signed during his
visit to Baku and said Azerbaijan Republic calls for implementation
of these accords.

The Azeri president said that Tehran-Baku relations are developing
rapidly and political and economic cooperation is excellent.

“The exchange of visits by presidents of the two countries indicated
the extent of relations both countries enjoy,” President Aliyev said.

IRNA, Iran
January 24, 2005 Monday 8:55 PM EST

Azeri president, Iranian FM discuss bilateral ties

Tehran, January 24

Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi met here on Monday night with
visiting Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and discussed the latest
developments in bilateral relations and regional issues.

President Aliyev referred to Iran`s status in the region and said
Iran is a great and respected country in the eyes of Azeri people.

Aliyev expressed satisfaction over the talks with Iranian senior
officials and said the two countries` cooperation has always been
sincere and positive.

He praised Iran`s technical and industrial abilities in production of
machineries and said this is one of the fields for exchanging
experience between Tehran and Baku.

Kharrazi, for his part, evaluated mutual ties and said Tehran-Baku
relations have always been based on mutual respect, good neighborly
relations, religious commonalities and cultural interests.

He added, “By continuation of current dialogue we hope to be able to
deepen and strengthen new capacities in our ties”.

Concerning the regional developments, especially Karabakh issues,
Kharrazi expressed hope that current negotiations between Azerbaijan
and Armenia could result in a positive outcome and establishment of
peace and security in the region.