Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
May 5, 2004

ONLY HUMANISM WILL SAVE THE WORLD

So far the minefields are a serious problem for post-war Artsakh,
endangering the life and health of the peaceful population and
hindering postwar rehabilitation, restoration and development of
agriculture. The British humanitarian organization The HALO Trust has
been working in Karabakh for three years already. This organization
specializing in mine clearance in the post-conflict areas of the
world, works in 24 countries. The activity of this organization
requiring significant financial means is funded by the USAID, the
Royal government of the Netherlands, the foundation “Gafesjian”,
“Cooperative Bank” and other organizations. In the beginning The HALO
Trust cooperated with the field engineer battalion of the Karabakh
Defence Army then it started implementing the program separately.
According to the director of the program Ed Row, so far 3 million
523967 square meters of area has been cleared of mines, about 3377
projectiles, 26396 ordnance were rendered to pose no threat. Within
the organization strict control and order is maintained. To our
question why the managers of the program are rotated often, the head
of the office said the manager of the program is rotated once in two
years against the background of the promotion of quality. Due to the
hard work of the organization the mines of Drmbon and Chldran operate
at full. The HALO Trust also carries out popular teaching programs at
schools and among the village population. The organization has
distributed hundreds of signs warning against minefields. The manager
of the program complained of people who deliberately spoil the signs,
as a result of which accidents are sometimes reported. According to Ed
Row, the program of mine clearance of the entire territory of NKR will
take 5-7 years. The HALO Trust also solves a problem of unemployment,
providing jobs to 205 young and middle-aged men.

LIRA MIRZOYAN.

A1 Plus | 18:21:29 | 06-05-2004 | Politics |

“WE MUST NOT TOLERATE IT ANY LONGER”

Discussion on “Inner Political Resistance in Armenia: Reasons and Ways Out”
took place with participation of the representatives of various political
powers. National civil initiative headed by the first Armenian Foreign
Minister Raffi Hovhannissyan resumed the series of discussions over the
issues interesting the Armenians.

“We demand the world to stop blockade while we block ourselves in our
state”, Hovhannissyan says. According to him, it’s impossible to continue
this way, we must not tolerate that a 23-year-old girl in a party office is
tortured by policemen under the threat of rape for political convictions in
our state.

“Welcoming the different stages of dialogues and contacts, I think, however,
the matter is between the President and the national situation”, Raffi
Hovhannissyan says.

He says everything must be done to establish a stable democracy in Armenia.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
May 6, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]

PAN-ARMENIAN CONFERENCE SALUTES ARMENIAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS KNOLLENBERG,
PALLONE

Washington, DC – Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Joe
Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), both well-known champions
of Armenian issues, were honored with a major public service award during a
pan-Armenian advocacy conference held in Washington last month.

The Congressmen were presented with the Armenian Assembly’s Deukmejian Award
for Public Service April 19 during a banquet at the Mayflower Hotel – part
of a three-day advocacy conference sponsored by the Armenian Assembly of
America, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and Eastern and
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.

Event organizers devised the conference, the first of its kind, to relay to
Washington decision makers that non-partisan community leaders and
organizations are united in purpose and priorities.

Pallone, on accepting the award, said it is crucial for the community to
stand united as they advocate of behalf of Armenia and Armenian-American
issues. “The bottom line is that if you’re out there working as
Armenian-Americans pressuring Congress, meeting with your congressmen and
women, meeting with your senators, and telling them that you want the U.S.
government to be a better friend to Armenia, I think that is going to happen
primarily through your efforts,” said Pallone.

Armenian Caucus member Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) accepted the
Assembly award on behalf of Knollenberg who was unable to attend.
Knollenberg, in expressing thanks for the award, recently told the Assembly,
“By standing together and presenting a common voice, the Assembly, AGBU and
Diocese Church present a stronger case to public policymakers. Your unity of
purpose will have a very positive effect both within the Armenian community
and outside.”

Throughout their tenure in Congress, both Knollenberg and Pallone have been
steadfast supporters of issues facing the Armenian community. They have
repeatedly fought for affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, co-sponsoring
legislation that would properly recognize the cataclysm of 1915 and urging
President Bush, as well as his predecessors, to accurately characterize the
events as genocide. The Congressmen, working closely with their House
colleagues on both sides of the political aisle, have also fought for
increased funding to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, U.S.-Armenia trade
normalization, the re-opening of Armenia’s borders and maintaining Section
907 of the Freedom Support Act, among other critical issues.

Pallone, who created the Caucus in the mid-1990s, has traveled to Armenia
and Karabakh on numerous occasions, most recently with fellow Caucus member
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) as part of an Assembly-led delegation.
Knollenberg, also a frequent visitor to Armenia, earned a unique distinction
when in 2001 President Robert Kocharian awarded him the Order of Mkhitar
Gosh.

Since 1997, the Assembly has given the Deukmejian award, named after former
California Governor George Deukmejian, to individuals who embody the
qualities of an exemplary public servant. Among those who have received the
award are: Representatives David Dreier (R-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and John
Sweeney (R-NY), as well as Armenia’s former Minister of Trade and Industry
Garnik Nanagoulian.

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

NR#2004-051

Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:

Caption: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), in accepting the Deukmejian
Award for Public Service, praised the public cooperation of the Armenian
Assembly, AGBU and Eastern and Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.

PRESS RELEASE
AGBU Montreal Office
805, rue Manoogian
St-Laurent,QC H7T 1Y8
Tel:(514)748-2428
Fax:(514)748-6307

AGBU MONTREAL SCOUTS RECEIVE SPECIAL RECOGNITION FROM LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF
QUEBEC

Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA May 3, 2004- AGBU Montreal Scouts received special
honours during the yearly Gala of Excellence organized by the Federation of
Scouts of Metropolitan Montreal (SMM). The event was held at the AGBU
Center in the newly renovated Dervishian Hall, and was attended by over two
hundred of the leadership of the scouting movement in Quebec. The event was
also attended by Her Excellency, Mme Lise Thibault, the Lieutenant-Governor
of the Province of Quebec.

In his welcome address, AGBU Vice President, and Chairman of the Scouts’
Council, Mr. Viken L. Attarian highlighted AGBU’s mission and achievements
as well as its history of dedication to scouting and the leadership training
opportunities it represents. Mr. Attarian mentioned that the current
President of the AGBU, Mr. Berdj Setrakian himself, had started his service
to the AGBU within its scouting ranks.

The Scouts of Metropolitan Montreal then presented Mr. Attarian and Ms. Lory
Boudjikanian, Group Leader, with the official Level 2 certification plaque
of the SMM. The group certification process was introduced a year ago by
the Federation to ensure quality of leadership and scouting program content.
To date, only a handful of groups in Quebec scouting have reached this level
of achievement. “We are very excited by this recognition” said Ms.
Boudjikanian, “and we are confidently targeting to achieve the highest level
of certification of Level 5 within a couple of years; we want to be the
first ever scouting group to reach that level”.

The evening continued with various volunteer and excellence recognition
awards. The highlight of the Gala was the presentation to the AGBU venturer
company members by Her Excellency the Lieutant-Governor, with the most
prestigious Inukshuk award, in recognition of their outstanding
international project of renovating a children’s rehabilitation center in
Armenia. A project completely conceived, organized, financed and realized
by our youth. Inukshuk, a word of the Northern Inuit, means a symbol for a
direction to follow. This award is presented to scouting youth who are a
model of excellence for all and who, by their exemplary team spirit and
volunteer implication surpass all expectations and act as an inspiration to
all others. The attendees greeted the AGBU scouts with several minutes of
standing ovations.

In her address to the attendees, Her Excellency Mme Lise Thibault invited
all to follow the example of the Armenian scouts. She reminded them that
Armenians are a nation who was a victim Genocide, but now, four generations
later have become a shining example to all their fellow citizens. She
called this a true example of rebirth.

For Further information please contact Viken L. Attarian at 1-514-244-7575,
or AGBU Montreal at 1-514-748-2428. Information about the SMM and the Gala
of Excellence can be found at

PRESS RELEASE

May 6, 2004

American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576

Contact: Gohar Momjian
E-mail: [email protected]

AUA VP KENELL TOURYAN SELECTED TO RECEIVE NREL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AWARD

Golden, CO – Dr. Kenell Touryan, who was recently appointed as Vice
President for Research and Development at the American University of Armenia
and Director of the AUA Engineering Research Center, has been selected from
among a very large and strong slate of qualified nominees to receive the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Technology Transfer Award on
June 10, 2004. This laboratory-wide award was initiated last year, and
recognizes exceptional initiative and performance in a technology transfer
role. Dr. Touryan will receive the Technology Transfer Outstanding
Achievement Award, which is the most prestigious of several awards in this
area.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the U.S. Department of
Energy’s premier laboratory for renewable energy research, development and
deployment, and a leading laboratory for energy efficiency. As such, NREL is
a world leader in the development of these technologies, benefiting both the
environment and the economy.

Dr. Touryan holds a Doctorate Degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences
from Princeton University and has worked extensively with countries of the
Former Soviet Union in his capacity as Chief Technology Analyst of the NREL
in Colorado. He currently manages 15 renewable energy projects with
Armenia, Russia, and Ukraine, and has a record of outstanding achievements
collaborating with private industry and laboratory staff.

`We warmly congratulate Ken for this prestigious and well deserved award. He
brings unparalleled technical and administrative experience to AUA’s
research programs, particularly in the area of renewable energy. I have no
doubt that under his leadership (after he retires from NREL), AUA research
centers will become even more productive,’ said Prof. Armen Der Kiureghian,
Dean of AUA’s Engineering College.

—————————————————————————-
The American University of Armenia is registered as a non-profit educational
organization in both Armenia and the United States and is affiliated with
the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from
the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the Masters Degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA, visit
From: Baghdasarian

ic Lanarkshire.co.uk, UK
May 6 2004

Boxing title rival says he will `cook’ champ Scott May 6 2004

SCOTT Harrison’s trash talking challenger William Abelyan has
threatened to `cook’ the WBO Featherweight Champion.

The Armenian, who is the Cambuslang fighter’s mandatory opponent at
the Braehead Arena on May 29, believes he will strip the world champ
of his title.

William Abelyan said this week: `Harrison is only keeping my world
title belt warm for me. Just make sure he is polishing it so it’s
nice and shiny for me when I take it off him on May 29.

`My world title opportunity has been a long time coming. I stepped
aside to let Harrison fight Medina the second time following his loss
to him. By rights I should have fought Medina and I am certain I
would have knocked him out and would be the World champion now.

`Medina gave him a grilling but I’m going to cook him.’

The 26-year-old is not intimidated by going into the Braehead Arena
which will inevitably be packed with Harrison fans.

Abelyan said: `Everyone’s telling me what a hostile atmosphere it is
going to be in the arena on the night. To tell you the truth I
couldn’t care less.

`If you saw where I come from in Armenia then you would have a reason
to be worried. Going to Scotland does not scare me one bit.

`What are his fans going to do for him? They are not going to be in
the ring taking sledgehammer punches – Harrison is.

`I’m not going to Scotland to make friends, I’m going there to do my
job which is to knock Harrison out cold.’

With just over four weeks until their fight, Abelyan claims to be
ready for Harrison now.

Said Abelyan: `I wish the fight could be tomorrow because the way I
am punching now he will not make it passed the first round. My
training for this fight has been fantastic and I’ve never felt in
better shape.’

Tickets for Harrison’s fight are priced at £30, £50, £75 and £125 and
are available from the Seatem Box Office on 0870 906 3839 or the
Braehead Arena Box Office on 0870 444 6062.

Anadolu Agency
May 6 2004

Basesgioglu: We Are In Favor Of A Peaceful Solution To Upper Karabakh
Dispute

BAKU – Turkish Labor and Social Security Minister Murat Basesgioglu
has said, ”we are in favor of a peaceful solution to the dispute
about Upper Karabakh under Armenian occupation.”

Basesgioglu, who is currently paying an official visit to Azerbaijan,
visited Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Murtuz Aleskerov on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting, Basesgioglu said, ”Turkey’s approach about
the Upper Karabakh dispute has not changed. We are in favor of a
peaceful solution to the dispute about Upper Karabakh which was under
Armenian occupation.”

Informing Aleskerov on efforts to protect social security rights of
Turkish people living in Azerbaijan and of Azerbaijani people living
in Turkey, Basesgioglu recalled that an administrative agreement was
signed between the two countries earlier the day about putting into
practice the ”Convention on Social Security”.

Meanwhile, Aleskerov said in his part that the Upper Karabakh dispute
was the most important problem of Azerbaijan, adding, ”I believe
that we will overcome this problem with the assistance of Turkey. We
are quite sure that Turkey would not open its border with Armenia to
this end.”

Bellona, UK
May 6 2004

European Union calls for Armenian NPP closure

The European Union could allocate 100m euro to shut down Armenian
nuclear power plant and establish alternative sources of energy after
the concrete date of the plant’s closure is established.

2004-05-06 13:22

The chief of the delegation of EU in Armenia and Georgia Mr. Torben
Kholtse made this statement, Novosti reported. However, the Armenian
administration believes the nuclear plant should operate until the
alternative energy sources of the appropriate capacity are at place.

The Armenian minister of finance and economics Vardan Khachatryan
told journalists that the country works on establishing alternative
energy sources in case the nuclear plant is closed. It is required
about 1 billion euro to complete the works. The international donor
organisations and other countries could allocate the money. The
minister believes the gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia could become
an alternative source of energy for Armenia. The construction of the
pipeline should be launched already this year.

The Armenian nuclear plant operates one Soviet-design reactor
VVER-440 and generates from 30 to 40 percent of all energy in
Armenia.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 6 2004

SLOVENIA TO SUPPORT FAIR POSITION OF AZERBAIJAN
[May 06, 2004, 18:10:53]

Executive secretary of the `Yeni Azerbaijan Party’ /YAP/, Milli
Majlis deputy Ali Ahmadov met with Ambassador of Slovenia to Turkey
and Azerbaijan Andre Groselli, YAP’s press service reports.

Ali Ahmadov updated the ambassador on the party’s activities, state
program on socio-political development of regions for 2004-2008 and
steps towards further development of democracy. YAP executive
secretary highly rated the relationship between the two countries and
expressed confidence that Slovenia would be more active in protecting
Azerbaijan’s interests.

The Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the present state of
relationship between the two countries, and stated that Slovenia
stands for peaceful resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the scope of international law. He
pledged that his country would support Azerbaijan’s position during
the term of presidency at OSCE.

Iosco County News Herald, MI
May 6 2004

Babcock is Liberty Bell Award winner for 2004
by John Morris

EAST TAWAS – A Tawas City businessman who runs a longtime
family-owned business, Iosco County Abstract Office, and who has been
involved with many community activities and boards is the 2004
recipient of the 23rd Circuit Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award.

He is Carl “Butch” Babcock of East Tawas who is a lifelong resident
and native son of the Tawases. The Award was presented Friday at the
Tawas Bay Holiday Inn Resort in East Tawas during the bar
association’s annual Law Day luncheon.
Nichol Palumbo, president of the 23rd Circuit Bar Association, said
Babcock is a valuable asset not just to her profession in matters of
real property and information, but as a historian to the community,
especially as the area grows. Babcock’s business deals primarily in
land abstracts, title insurance and mortgage closings.

“He constantly donates his time and energy to the community,” Palumbo
said of Babcock. “And he is always available.

“What he brings to us is something that can’t be measured. He is a
valuable source of information and a lot of questions of him.”

Babcock said he is shocked, surprised and honored to receive the
award.

“I consider everyone in this room a friend,” he said. “There’s a lot
of sharing between attorneys and land title concerns. Likewise, I ask
a lot of questions of you.”

The Liberty Bell Award was established by the American Bar
Association about 35 years ago to acknowledge outstanding community
service to a person who is not an attorney. The 23rd Circuit Bar
Association has historically presented its award to those who have
dedicated careers to promoting better understanding and respect for
the rule of law, good government of the area or community service.
Law Day is May 1.

Keynote speaker for the luncheon was retired 23rd Circuit Judge J.
Richard Ernst who recently returned from a year’s trip to Armenia.
Ernst said Armenia uses a civil law system, a system that goes back
to the Roman Empire.

He call Armenia a “unique country” fought over by Mongols, Turks,
Persians and Russians. “It’s little country with a rich history,” he
said.

“The Armenian people are a proud people,” he said. “There are more
Armenians in the world — six million — than in their own country —
2.3 million.”

Ernst said the Armenian legal system is derived from its 80-year
existence an a Soviet Union state. “Judges receive a lifetime
appointment from the president,” he said. He said an Armenia judge
can be removed, although it is rare when it happens.

The Armenian legal system is in three branches: a Court of First
Instance (one judge); a three-judge Court of Appeals; and a Court of
Cassation which is split into two divisions — civil and criminal —
with seven judges in each division.

Ernst said Armenia courts are located in “very dilapidated quarters.
In earthquake-ravaged areas, the judges were too embarrassed to show
me their quarters,” he said.

A temporary cage holds defendants while they are in the court and in
recently history, there’s only been seven acquittals, Ernst said.

“They don’t try people if they’re not guilty,” he said. “Judicial
independence is practiced in theory, but obviously it does not exist.

“The judge will naturally favor the party that supples the largest
bribe.”

He said an attorney in Armenia received a law degree after four years
of college and can purchase grades and purchase a position.

There’s also no time constraint for court cases. For example, he said
one case began in 1998 and is continuing to this day. “There’s no
finality,” Ernst said. “There’s no date for trail and no date for
when he trial ends.

That is, he said, unless the defendant pleads guilty.

Ernst said the court system in Armenia made him reflect “how
fortunate we are in what we have and what we have the possibility to
lose.”