YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

APRIL 30 – MAY 6, 2004

HIGHLIGHTS:

PRESS FREEDOM PAYS

ARMENIAN MEDIA STILL NOT FREE

DEMONSTRATION AND RALLY TO SUPPORT “A1+”

ENEMIES OF THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

CASE OF ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS ON APRIL 5 SENT TO PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

BROADCASTING HAS NOT STARTED BUT THE PROBLEMS HAVE

CEC RATIFIED THE ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST DEMANDS TO INSTITUTE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST
CORRESPONDENT OF “HAYOTS ASHKHAR”

DIVERSITY IN LIFE AND IN MEDIA

ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION OF JOURNALISTS

PRESS FREEDOM PAYS

On May 3 in Yerevan “Partnership for Open Society” initiative that unites
around 50 public organizations of Armenia, held a round table meeting on the
World Press Freedom Day.

Ambassador of Germany in Armenia Hans-Wulf Bartels who opened the meeting
congratulated the journalists on the international professional day. He
stressed that the European Union closely follows the situation of freedom of
expression in Armenia.

The Country Manager of World Bank Armenia Office Roger Robinson mentioned as
a positive example of cooperation with the journalistic community the book
“The Right to Tell. Role of Mass Media in Economic Development”, published
by Yerevan Press Club with the assistance of the WB and the Open Society
Institute (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, April 2-8, 2004). In his speech Mr.
Robinson referred to the recently published article of the World Bank
President James Wolfenson “Press Freedom Helps Fight Poverty”. Basing on the
researches showing that the freer the press is, the less corruption there is
in the country, the WB President believes: “As we mark World Press Freedom
Day on May 3, this year’s campaign theme, ‘Press Freedom Pays’, provides an
excellent opportunity to reflect on the catalytic role that an open and free
media can play in economic development and particularly in the fight against
global poverty.”

The effective cooperation of the legislative and the “fourth” estates of the
country is illustrated by the work on the improvement and adoption of the RA
Law “On Mass Communication”, the Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on
Science, Education, Culture and Youth Issues of the RA National Assembly
Hranush Hakobian said.

The representative of the UN Department of Public Information Valeri
Tkatchouk read out the message of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, in
which the United Nations, that proclaimed May 3 the World Press Freedom Day
in 1993, reaffirms its “commitment to the freedom and independence of the
media as an essential requirement for building a better and fairer world”
and states its readiness to do its utmost for the journalists to be able “to
do their vital work in safety and without fear”.

The possibility to perform the professional duty without caution is becoming
all the more important in Armenia due to the frequent and unpunished
displays of violence towards media representatives. The Chairwoman of the
Journalists Union of Armenia Astghik Gevorgian familiarized the participants
of the round table with the statement of the “Partnership for Open Society”
initiative for May 3.

The statement says:

“‘Partnership for Civil Society’ initiative congratulates all the media on
the World Press Freedom Day.

Having analyzed the media situation in Armenia, we state:

1. In 2003 the RA National Assembly passed two laws that directly relate to
the media sphere – “On Freedom of Information” and “On Mass Communication”.
The two documents were adopted as a result of public dialogue and are mainly
compliant with international standards. At the same time it is a source of
much concern that amendments to the RA Law “On Television and Radio”,
criticized by the journalistic community and international organizations,
were shallow and inessential, failed to solve the main problem – ensuring
the independence of the two regulatory bodies, the National Commission on
Television and Radio and the Council of the Public Television and Radio
Company. In the legislation another concern-provoking fact is that the
implementation of the RA Law “On Freedom of Information” is in fact delayed,
as the government to this day has not fulfilled the provision of the law: it
has not defined the procedure for provision of information or its duplicate
(copy) by the state structures and local self-governance bodies, state
institutions and organizations. And, finally, having adopted legislation
containing rather progressive clauses that regulate the media activities,
the authorities must amend other laws to make them correspond to
international standards and the newly passed bills. This calls, in
particular, for the removal of libel and insult provisions from the Criminal
Code passed in 2003 (Articles 135, 136, 318) that endanger the freedom of
expression and can induce media to exercise self-censorship.

2. The consistent refusal to provide license to “A1+” TV company by the
results of the broadcast licensing competitions in 2003 came to reconfirm
that the National Commission on Television and Radio is not guided by the
principles of objectivity and impartiality. Moreover, the National
Commission declined the proposal of non-governmental organizations to
involve independent experts with a right to consultative vote at least in
one of the competitions, although this procedure is provided for by the law
and the presence of experts would have ensured the transparency of the
tender.

3. The Public Television of Armenia remains an addendum to the executive
power and serves as its rostrum. This TV company has adopted the policy of
praising the authorities and relegating the opposition, does not provide
objective and impartial information, diversity of opinion.

4. The press mostly fulfils its function of disseminating diverse
information, however, the newspapers circulations are small, they are mostly
sold out in the capital and the regional centers. The press remains
polarized and entangled in the controversy of authorities and opposition.

5. On April 5 and in the early morning of April 13, 2004 violence was exerte
d on the journalists covering the opposition rallies. If in the former case
those who beat the journalists and broke their photo and video cameras were
people dressed in civilian clothes, on the latter occasion the attackers
were policemen. These offenders have not as yet been found and punished, and
the damages to the media have not been compensated.

6. The reputable international organization “Freedom House” qualified the
Armenian media in 2003 as not free.

We, the representatives of non-governmental organizations of “Partnership
for Open Society” again demand the law enforcement bodies to find and punish
the individuals who violently attacked journalists on April 5 and April 13
as strictly as the law stipulates.

We demand that Armenian authorities ensure the free and unimpeded activity
of media and journalists, remove Articles 135,136 and 318 from the Criminal
Code as being dangerous for the freedom of expression, refraining from their
application till this is accomplished.

We state that we will continue to advocate the improvement of the
media-related legislation, the establishment of real freedom of expression
and truly independent media.”

During his presentation at the round table the President of Yerevan Press
Club Boris Navasardian quoted the address of the UNESCO Director General
Koiichiro Matsuura: “The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is the
media in conflict and post-conflict zones and in countries in transition. In
such situations, the media’s work to provide independent and trustworthy
information can contribute significantly to processes of reconstruction and
reconciliation.” In this regard the YPC President noted that the Armenian
media, using the freedom that the authorities must guarantee, are to ensure
the free information flow and by this contribute to the establishment of a
dialogue both in the country and on the regional level to arrive at
consensus of the parties.

Among those speaking at the event were the UNDP Resident Representative in
Armenia Lise Grande, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States in
Armenia Vivian Walker, the Executive Director of the OSI Assistance
Foundation-Armenia Larisa Minasian.

At the round table the statement of “Article 19” international organization
was disseminated on the incidents of violence against journalists. “Article
19” in particular called upon the authorities of Armenia “to respect the
international standards in the field of freedom of expression, to conduct an
immediate and full investigation of the reported assaults of journalists and
human rights activists, and to undertake all necessary measures to ensure
the safety of journalists in the future”.

ARMENIAN MEDIA STILL NOT FREE

On April 28 the international human rights organization “Freedom House”
published the annual global survey of media independence in 2003.

“Press freedom suffered a substantial worldwide decline in 2003” is the main
conclusion of the researchers who evaluated the media situation in 193
countries of the world. Legal harassment, political pressure and violence
against journalists combined to worsen conditions in many countries,
resulting in the second consecutive year of global decline in freedom for
news media, “Freedom House” stressed.

The situation with the media was evaluated using the numerical scale from 1
to 100 based on the following criteria: free (1-30 points), partly free
(31-60), not free (61-100) – the lower the score the higher the degree of
freedom. The freedom of press was evaluated along three dimensions:
legislation influencing media; political pressure, control and violence
towards media; economic pressure and control over media. The sum of the
scores along the three dimensions yielded the aggregate rating of the
condition of media in a country.

In 2003 the rating of Armenia made 64 points. In other words, the Armenian
media remain in “not free” category where they found themselves in 2002,
having scored 65 points. The insignificant difference in the evaluation of
the press freedom situation in Armenia in 2003 versus 2002 is due to the
somewhat improved legislation.

As to the CIS overall, “other than in Georgia, the situation remained deeply
troubled”. Having scored 54 points, similarly to 2002, the Georgian media
retain the characteristics of partly free ones, while the Moldova was unable
to do it and entered the category of “not free” press (63). The somewhat
improved situation in Azerbaijan (71 points versus 73 in 2002) did not
impact the general picture of the media in this country as they remain not
free. The media of other CIS countries also remain in this category. The
most unfavorable ones are the ratings of Turkmenistan (95), Uzbekistan and
Belarus (84 each).

DEMONSTRATION AND RALLY TO SUPPORT “A1+”

On May 3 in Yerevan a demonstration and rally to support “A1+” TV company
were held. About 150 participants of the action passed from the House of
Press to Charles Aznavour Square. At the meeting on the World Press Freedom
Day the demands of the journalistic community to the authorities of the
country were voiced again: to hold broadcast licensing competitions for the
vacant frequencies and involve the representatives of public organizations
into the process of rating evaluation of the bids.

ENEMIES OF THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

On May 3 the National Press Club (NPC) once again announced the names of
“enemies of press” in 2003. For the third year already the main media-enemy
has been named to be the Armenian President Robert Kocharian. This time the
title was conferred on him in particular for signing the RA Law “On Mass
Communication” and not punishing those who obstructed the professional
activities of journalists during the opposition rallies. Another “press
enemy” was named to be the Chairwoman of the Parliament Committee on
Science, Education, Culture and Youth Issues Hranush Hakobian that assisted
the adoption of the Law “On Mass Communication”, by, as NPC thinks,
concealing the conclusions of the international experts from the deputies
and thus disorienting them.

Notably, another three of the nine candidates were nominated by NPC to this
title because of the same Law “On Mass Communication” – the author of the
draft law himself, the RA Deputy Minister of Justice Ashot Abovian, the
Speaker of the RA National Assembly Artur Baghdasarian, who, as NPC alleges,
held the voting on the draft with violations, and the President of Yerevan
Press Club Boris Navasardian, who assisted the adoption of the law.

Meanwhile, Yerevan Press Club continues to think that the RA Law “On Mass
Communication”, passed in December 2003, is generally progressive and
complies with international standards. This opinion as well as the reasons
for the unhealthy climate around the draft were given a detailed analysis
and argumentation in the article of YPC President Boris Navasardian “Going
towards Liberal Legislation through the Self-Elimination War”, published in
the YPC Weekly Newsletter (see the issue of December 12-18, 2003).

As to the attitude of the National Press Club to this law, it is prompted by
the fact that this organization on its behalf had proposed an alternative
draft law on media, evaluated very negatively both by the Government and the
NA, as well as by the media experts, and NPC cannot forgive everyone whose
lawmaking proved to be more effective.

CASE OF ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS ON APRIL 5 SENT TO PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

On May 5 the press-service of the RA General Prosecutor’s Office reported
that by the order of the General Prosecutor Aghvan Hovsepian the criminal
case on the violent acts against media representatives during the opposition
rally on April 5 is passed to the authority of Yerevan Prosecutor’s Office.
The proceedings were instituted by the RA Police on Article 258 (“Public
Disorder”) of the RA Criminal Code. As it has been reported, on April 5
journalists were assaulted by a group of “strong guys”, when they tried to
shoot them throwing eggs at the rally participants. As a result the media
and their representatives incurred physical, material and moral damage (see
details in YPC Weekly Newsletter, April 2-8, 2004).

BROADCASTING HAS NOT STARTED BUT THE PROBLEMS HAVE

On May 4 the representatives of the traffic police of Kotayk region of
Armenia impeded the work of the shooting crew of “Aravot” TV channel. This
was reported on May 5 by “Aravot” daily. On the eve of an opposition rally
in the capital the TV journalists tried to check whether the complaints of
citizens that the policemen restrict their freedom of movement on the main
routes to Yerevan are true. According to “Aravot” daily, at the moment of
shooting the car with the TV channel staff was stopped by the
representatives of the Nairi Division of traffic police who called their
boss to help. Arriving on site, the head of Nairi Division of traffic police
Avetik Abrahamian, as the newspaper writes, first demanded the journalists
to give him the tape and then made them erase the shots on it.

As it has been reported, “Aravot” TV company (previously “Kentron”) has
changed its owner and name quite recently (see details in YPC Weekly
Newsletter, April 23-29, 2004) and has taken a temporary time out till May
10, to go on air with a new image. In other words, “Aravot” TV has not as
yet started its broadcasts, but the problems with law enforcement bodies
already have.

CEC RATIFIED THE ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE

On April 29 RA Central Election Commission, in accordance with the RA Law
“On Mass Communication”, ratified the Procedure for accrediting journalists
at the RA CEC. The document mainly adheres to the provisions of the Law “On
Mass Communication” as well as the Model Procedure for Accrediting
Journalists at the State Administration Bodies approved by the Government on
March 4 (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, March 19-25, 2004). However, some of the
provisions of the Procedure cause concern that they may become an obstacle
for the activities of journalists. Thus, for example, while according to the
Procedure, the CEC accreditation is sufficient for a journalist to enter any
election commission, Item 8 stipulates restrictions on this: not more than
two journalists and two photographers/2cameramen from each medium. It should
be noted here that the number of district and divisional precincts during
elections in Armenia is usually about a thousand. Besides, Item 17 calls for
coordinating each visit to CEC by an accredited journalist with its
Chairman – unless for CEC events, while the permission of a press-secretary
would have sufficed.

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST DEMANDS TO INSTITUTE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST
CORRESPONDENT OF “HAYOTS ASHKHAR”

On April 28 the Chairman of Helsinki Association of Armenia Mikael Danielian
addressed a letter to the RA General Prosecutor Aghvan Hovsepian demanding
to institute criminal proceedings against the correspondent of “Hayots
Ashkhar” daily Kima Eghiazarian on clauses 2 and 3 of Article 135 of the RA
Criminal Code (“Libel”). The reason for the appeal was the article by Kima
Eghiazarian titled “Mika’s Hullabaloo for the Council of Europe”
(“Hayots Ashkhar”, April 24, 2004) where, in the opinion of the human
rights activist, an “ungrounded conclusion” is made that Mikael Danielian is
“the spy of the Council of Europe in Armenia”.

DIVERSITY IN LIFE AND IN MEDIA

The London-based Media Diversity Institute (MDI) held two more seminars on
the subject of “Covering Diversity: Making the Difference” under the South
Caucasus project of MDI “Minority Empowerment and Media Development” with
the support of European Commission. The first of the seminars was held on
April 27-29 in Stepanakert for Karabagh journalists with the assistance of
Stepanakert Press Club. The event was interactive and was moderated by
Milica Pesic (MDI Director), Adam James (free-lance journalist, specialized
on the problems of people with mental disorders) and Elina Poghosbekian
(Editor of YPC Weekly Newsletter).

The second seminar was held on May 1-2 in Yerevan with the assistance of
Yerevan Press Club, the MDI Armenian partner. This time the event was
moderated, besides Milica Pesic, by Alistair Crington (media consultant,
Deputy Editor of “Cyprus Mail” newspaper) and Tatul Hakobian (observer of
“Azg” daily).

During the two seminars the principles of diverse coverage of various social
groups were discussed, as well as the editorial approach to pieces on this
issue, the degree of media attention to the minorities, the need for the
media to avoid the formation of negative stereotypes in the society.

ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION OF JOURNALISTS

On April 28-29 in Tsaghkadzor a seminar “Key Environmental Issues and Their
Coverage by the Media” was held by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Public
(Aarhus) Environmental Information Center. A lecture course of the leading
scientists of the country on the basics of ecology and environmental issues,
environmental legislation and seismology was presented to the seminar
participants – the representatives of local and national media of Armenia.

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

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Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
375007, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 1) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 1) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

ArmenPress
May 5 2004

RENEGADE ARMENIANS COMPLAIN OF UNHCR NEGLIGENCE

BAKU, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS: Two former ethnic-Armenian residents of
Baku, Arthur Apresian, 48 and Roman Teryan, 38, who had fled
Azerbaijan’s capital in late 1980-s amid massive anti-Armenian
pogroms, and who first appeared in mid-April of this year in the
office of Azerbaijan’s ANS TV company to say they fled Armenia to
protect their honors are still kept at Azerbaijan’s national security
premises. A Baku-based daily 525 Gazet writes that there are no other
place to ensure their safety, while international organizations do
not respond to their pleas to send them to a third country.
According to the daily, representatives of these organizations
have had several meetings with “refugees,” but did not offer
transportation to a third country. The Armenians were said to express
their dissatisfaction with UNHCR representative in Baku threatening
to start a hunger strike.
The daily says the two Armenians intend to present “the truth
about Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh conflict” to the international
community.
According to Azeri sources, the two Armenians had earlier
attempted to leave Armenia for a European country through Turkey and
Georgia, But their attempts failed. While in Turkey in 2002, the two
Armenians asked the French embassy in Ankara for asylum, but were
rejected. They also unsuccessfully attempted to cross the
Turkish-Greece border.

ArmenPress
May 5 2004

ARMENIA MAY CEASE RECEIVING PRIVILEGED LOANS FROM WORLD BANK IN 4
YEARS

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS: Armenia has received so far some $788
million in loans from World Bank for implementation of 33 projects.
World Bank Armenia Resident Representative, Roger Robinson, told a
news conference today that cooperation between the Bank and Armenian
government encompasses education, health, road-building, agriculture
development and other sectors.
He said loans are allocated to Armenia with a 35 year maturity
period, 10 year grace period and 0.5 percent annual interest rates.
Robinson said if the current economy growth rate continues into next
four years, the country will no longer be eligible to privileged
loans from World Bank, which are given to poor countries. Robinson
said Armenia has enough resources to utilize World Bank loans
effectively. He also said Armenia will not feel the lack of
development funds in upcoming years and that the main problem will be
to efficiently use them.
He said on June 10 World Bank Board of Directors will discuss a
set of credit projects for continuing health and other reforms. Some
$20 million are expected to come for implementation of a long-term
health project.
Another loan in the amount of $5 million may be released to
Armenian employment and social issues ministry to improve employment
services. This will be followed by another loan for improving the
security of water reservoirs. Overall, the anticipated amount of new
loans may amount to $30 million.
In conclusion Robinson said that despite a substantial progress in
improvement of business environment Armenian authorities still have a
lot to do to bring it in compliance with international standards.

PR Newswire (press release)
May 5 2004

Wealth and Poverty Continue to Coexist in Europe – Diouf

WASHINGTON, MONTPELIER, Vt. and ROME, May 5 /PRNewswire/ — Europe
includes some of the most advanced countries in the world as well as
others that have high levels of poverty, FAO Director-General
Dr. Jacques Diouf said today in his address to the FAO Regional
Conference for Europe.

“The level of poverty in the region, based on a poverty line of
less than $2 per day, stands at 21 percent and 5 percent of the
population are affected by food insecurity. Such levels are lower
than in most other parts of the world, but significant differences
exist among the countries,” Dr. Diouf said.

“Special attention needs to be paid to the poorest countries of
the region, especially those of southeast Europe and the Commonwealth
of Independent States, to help resolve their problems of food
insecurity and rural poverty,” Dr. Diouf said.

Factors fuelling poverty in the past 15 years include the
difficulties associated with moving from a centrally planned economy
to a market economy, declining production in agriculture and the
agrifood sector and resulting unemployment. In the Balkans, the
situation has been further exacerbated by conflict, he added.

The number of undernourished people in the countries in transition
grew from 25 to 34 million between 1993-1995 and 1999-2001, according
to FAO’s State of Food Insecurity in the World 2003. Nearly all of
the increases in undernourishment took place in the Commonwealth of
Independent States, where the number of hungry people rose from 20.6
to 28.8 million.

Agricultural production Agricultural production in the region as a
whole fell by about 0.5 percent per year between 1998 and 2003.
Agriculture accounted for 12 percent of the region’s gross domestic
product in 2001.

Agricultural exports represented 7.4 percent of total exports in
2002, for a value of $211 billion, against agricultural imports of
$222 billion. The 25 countries of the European Union account for more
than 90 percent of these figures.

The year 2003 was unfortunately not a good year for agriculture in
most countries in the region, Dr. Diouf said. Drought, frost,
flooding and other problems, such as locust and rodent infestation,
led to a sharp decline in agricultural production, especially in
Armenia, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.

“During the last biennium, six countries of the Balkans and
Commonwealth of Independent States received emergency assistance from
FAO to deal with crises in their agricultural sectors, for a total of
some US$15 million,” he added.

Despite these problems, Dr. Diouf said that he was confident that
a determined Europe can meet the challenges of poverty and food
insecurity.

Noting that external aid to agricultural development fell from $27
billion to as low as $10 billion during the 1990s, Dr. Diouf called on
countries to double external aid to agriculture. He said investment
in agriculture should also be increased in order to achieve progress
in reducing undernourishment.

He underlined that a fair trading policy is essential for rural
development and food security.

Agricultural technology The transfer and adoption of appropriate
technology is essential for the sustainable intensification of
agricultural systems, Dr. Diouf added.

Very important are the promotion of exchanges, the existence of
regional and global partnerships and the strengthening of linkages
between public and private research, extension, education and
communication institutions.

The Regional Conference for Europe will also discuss the
improvement of food safety.

“Improving the safety and quality of food products remains a key
objective of governments, private sector and civil society
organizations of all the countries of the region. Such improvement
will help safeguard public health, meet consumer expectations and
encourage local and international trade,” Dr Diouf said.

ArmenPress
May 5 2004

PAN-ARMENIAN PROGRAMMING CONTEST ANNOUNCED

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS: Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF)
and the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) have
announced the First Pan Armenian Open Programming Contest that will
be conducted on June 1-18, 2004.
The goal of the Contest is to identify the best programming talent
and strengthen the linkages between IT professionals in Armenia and
Diaspora. Young people less than 30 years old from Armenia or
Diaspora who consider their skills competitive in one programming
languages (C++, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Java or Pascal) are
eligible to apply for the contest. The Contest will be conducted in
two main stages:
Individual competition: June 1 – 7, 2004. Individual competition,
which may involve a screening procedure, will be simultaneously held
in Armenia and Diaspora community centers. Participants will be given
3 hours to solve 5 problems. The winners will be awarded with
certificates and prizes: computer, printer, digital camera, etc.
Group competition: June 18, 2004. The best 30 participants of the
Individual competition, who will also have a working knowledge of
English will participate in the Summer School to be held on June
14-18 in Tsaghkadsor. Trainings will be provided by leading
specialists of Lycos, Intel and Xerox.
Participants of the training program will be involved in Group
competition. Mixed groups of three (3) will be organized and they
will be given 3 hours to solve 3 problems. The best group will be
awarded with a certificate and prize.
Pan Armenian Open Programming Contest will be monitored by leading
Armenian and Diaspora specialists. Applications for Contest
participation can be obtained on May 5 onward from UITE, Yerevan, 1/3
P. Byuzand, 4th floor or from administration of Universities.
Applications can also be filled in online on Deadline
for application is May 25, 2004.

ArmenPress
May 5 2004

AVET TERTERIAN FESTIVAL SLATED FOR AUTUMN

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS: The Union of Armenian Composers will
hold a festival in autumn dedicated to the 75-anniversary of great
composer Avet Terterian. The chairman of the Union, Robert
Amirkhanian, told Armenpress the festival will bring to Yerevan
prominent performers, critics and composers from many countries.
Considered by many as one of the most progressive and original
composers of the end of the 20th century who introduced new and
revolutionary ways in the development of modern symphony. Terterian
is the author of eight symphonies (the ninth was left incomplete),
two operas “Ring of Fire” and “The Earthquake”, ballet “Richard the
3rd”, vocal-symphonic cycle, and many chamber works. His symphonic
works are often performed in the European musical centers and his
opera “The Earthquake” received its world premiere in Munich in 2003
with an unprecedented public reception and wide ranging critical
acclaim.
Avet Terterian was awarded by German Az-Abendzeitung newspaper the
title of Star of the Year for his opera “The Earthquake.”
Terterian’s creativity is rooted in the ancient traditions of
Armenian music. Melodic flourishes are present, but are used as sound
gestures contrasting with passages rich in tone color. The point of
departure of Terterian’s style is often a single tone held out over
long stretches of time.
Terterian was born in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1929 and died in 1994 in
Yekaterinburg, Russia.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] Website;

NEWS FROM CANADIAN ARMENIAN DIOCESE

A) His Eminence Archbishop Bargev Martirossian visits Armenian Church
Canadian Diocese

Upon the invitation of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate
of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese, the Primate of the Diocese of
Artsakh His Eminence Archbishop Bargev Martirossian will be visiting
Canada from the 22nd to 29th April 2004.

On Friday night, 23rd April 2004 Abp. Martirossian participated in the
Martyrs’ Prayer and Ecumenical service to be held at St Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Cathedral commemorating the 89th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide. Present were the Montreal Church leaders and
eminent politicians.

On April 24, Abp Martirossian celebrated the Holy Divine Liturgy at
Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto, where regional Church Leaders
and ecumenical representatives attended the special requiem service
dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

On Monday April 26, both Serpazans accompanied by Rev. Fr. Zareh
Zargarian, Pastor of the church and his assistant Deacon Vrej
Berberian visited the Armenian schools in Toronto, starting with the
new and old buildings of Kololian School, then to Holy Asdvadzadzin
Church school, followed by Holy Cross School and the AGBU Zaroukian
School. His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Martirossian and Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian returned to Montreal the same afternoon.

In the evening, AGBU Montreal chapter hosted a reception in honor of
His Eminence Archbishop Bargev Martirossian, giving an opportunity to
Armenian Community members to meet with His Eminence Archbishop
Martirossian.

On the 27th of April, 2004 a meeting with the Youth of Greater
Montreal Area was organized. His Eminence Abp. Martirossian is the
spiritual leader of Artsakh. His Eminence was one of the first
Armenians to enter Shoushi, the strategic stronghold that was held by
the Azerbaijani forces. Shoushi’s conquest became the turning point of
liberation of Artsakh. Abp. Martirossian immediately cleaned up the
All Saints (Amenapergitch) Armenian Church of the city and celebrated
the Divine Liturgy, giving thanks to the Lord for the liberation of
the once vibrant Armenian city of Shoushi.

B) Divine Liturgy Celebration in Toronto’s Holy Trinity Church in
Commemoration of Victims of the Armenian Genocide

On Saturday 24 April at 7:30 pm Abp. Barkev Martirossian, Primate of
the Diocese of Artsakh, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in commemoration
of the victims of the Armenian genocide. Abp. Martirossian had been
invited by the Primate of the Canadian Diocese Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian.

Along with a capacity crowd present to honor the memory of the
Armenian victims, were heads and representatives of sister churches,
including the Catholic Church Cardinal of Toronto Aloysius Ambrozic,
Bishop of Toronto Terrence Finley, Fr. Peter Avgeropoulos
(representing the Greek Metropolitan Abp. Satirios), Fr. Ammonius
Guirguis from the Coptic Orthodox Church, Fr. Stephanos Issan of the
Assyrian Church, Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches
Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, Fr. William Osbern of the Memorial Church,
Fr. Damian McPherson from the Catholic Church Diocese of Toronto, and
Fr. Canon Harold Nahabedian of St. Mary of Magdalene Church. In
attendance were also political personalities who were present both to
honor the memory of the victims and to congratulate the Armenian
community on the occasion of the Canadian Parliament’s recognition on
April 21 of the Armenian Genocide. Among the politicians present were
Ara Papian, Ambassador of Armenia, Members of Parliament Sarkis
Assadourian, John Cannis, Gary Phillips and Jim Karigiannis.

In his sermon the Primate of Artsakh told the faithful not to bear any
hatred toward the perpetrator, for they will face God’s judgment.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a commemoration program was organized in
the church’s “Magaros Artinian” Hall by the World Alliance. The
premiere of BBC’s documentary on the Armenian Genocide was screened
and addresses were delivered by the politicians who once again
denounced the act of genocide as a solution to social issues. At the
end of his speech, MP Karigiannis invited the Primate of the Canadian
Diocese and the Ambassador of Armenia to receive a copy of the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and wished that one day it
will be translated into Armenian, alongside other languages. The
commemoration ended by a midnight ceremony and laying of flowers in
front of the memorial in the church courtyard.

On Sunday April 25, following the Divine Liturgy, opening ceremony was
conducted of the newly established Family Help Unit of the Holy
Trinity Church. Both Serpazans blessed the members of the new
Committee before the Altar, then proceeded by a procession to the
premises of the unit where they cut the ribbon, formally inaugurating
the new office. A reception was then held in the Magaros Artinian Hall
in honor of Abp. Barkev Martirossian, who related to the faithful the
current situation in Nagorno Karabakh and the progress achieved since
its liberation.

C) Sun Youth and Children’s Hospital

On Thursday, 22 April 2004, Rev Father Hayrig Hovhannissian
accompanied with the members of Diocesan Youth Council visited
children at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. During the whole month
of April the Diocesan Youth Council organized selfless acts in order
to give back to the Montreal Community in memory of 1.5 million
victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, honoring the slogan “BEYOND
OUR LOSS WE HELP”.

Children’s Hospital Administration Staff welcomed the Diocesan Youth
Council at the main entrance of the hospital. During their visit at
the Montreal Children’s Hospital Rev. Father Hayrig Hovhannissian
along with members from the Diocesan Youth Council visited children in
the wards and handed them toys. They were accompanied by the Hospital
mascot Caramel who added a greater atmosphere of joy to the sick
kids. This event was covered by CTV news on the spot and shown on the
same evening in the news.

Prior to this event, on Monday April 12th 2004, Primate of the
Armenian Diocese of Canada His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian and
members of the Diocesan Youth Council distributed food to needy
families at the Montreal Sun Youth Community Center. His Eminence
along with some members of the Diocesan Youth Council helped local Sun
Youth workers and volunteers prepare the provisions and food bags, and
distributed them to the families at the center. Local Sun Youth
workers were very thankful to see such an unselfish act from our youth
commemorating the 1.5 million victims of the Genocide.

Overall the Diocesan Youth Council under the auspices of His Grace
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian organized three main events throughout the
month of April. The first was a blood drive for HEMA Quebec, the
second a food drive for the Sun Youth and the third a toy collection
and distribution for Montreal Children’s Hospital. These were new
concepts for the Armenian community in Canada and they were marked
with great success. Through their grievance, the Armenians gave back
to the community.

D) Junior Choir & Nazeli Dance Group

On Saturday April 17th 2004, under the auspices of His Eminence Bishop
Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada, the Junior Choir
and Nazeli Dance Group of St Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church of
Providence performed at AGBU Armen Quebec Alex Manoogian School. The
Junior Choir, organized by Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, performed
hymns and music of the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Church and songs
by Armenian and American composers. The Cultural Committee’s Arts
Education program had organized the Nazeli Dance group in October
2000. Girls between 8-16 years old, dressed in beautiful Armenian
costumes, danced many Armenian folk dances, and were highly
appreciated by the audience.

Very Reverend Father Vazgen Boyajyan welcomed the audience and thanked
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian for sponsoring this event. In
his closing words, Bishop Bagrat Galstanian congratulated and highly
appreciated the Junior Choir and Nazeli Dance Group of Saint Sahag and
St Mesrob Armenian Church of Providence. His Eminence said “you have
proved once more that this nation shall never die”. He then wished
the members of the Choir continued success in their future endeavors.

E) Meeting with Anahit Bayandour

On Wednesday April 14, Montreal Armenian community representatives and
intellectuals met with Ms. Anahid Bayandour, one of Armenia’s leading
political, intellectual and literary figures. She was invited by
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Canadian
Diocese. Rev. Fr. Vazken Boyadjian introduced the guest as the author
of many books. Ms. Bayandour has translated many literary pieces from
Armenian to Russian and vice-versa. As a member of independent
Armenia’s Parliament she has extended her services in the political
and social life of Armenia. Currently she has been conducting some
studies in the US upon the invitation by the National Endowment Fund
in Washington.

Ms. Bayandour discussed in detail and analyzed the sociopolitical
conditions in Armenia in particular and in the Caucasus in general
since the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the newly independent
nations faced a vacuum and struggled to institute the democratic
system in their countries. Following her presentation, a long question
and answer period was held during which Bishop Galstanian also
expressed his views as a witness of those turbulent years.

Ms. Bayandour thanked the Primate for the invitation and for
organizing this meeting, as well as appreciated the Primate’s serious
and objective assessment of the situation in Armenia.

F) New Sunday, Blessing Day of Armenian Schools

On Sunday April 18, 2004 St Gregory the Illuminator Armenian cathedral
was filled up with hundreds of student of AGBU Armen-Quebec Alex
Manougian Armenian Day school of Montreal.

As New Sunday was declared “Day of Armenian School” by the Primate,
His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, a unique ceremony was designed to
celebrate the feast and bless the students of Armenian Day School.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Pastor of St Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Cathedral Rev. Fr Vazgen Boyadjian. The Choir of
St Sahag and St Mesrob Armenian Church of Providence conducted by
Maestro Konstantin Petrossian participated in the ceremonies and was
highly appreciated by the faithful.

During the celebration of Holy Liturgy students from AGBU Armen-Quebec
Alex Manougian school approached the altar as a sign of devotion to
their mother church.

His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian highlighted the mission of the
Armenian School and praised its more than three decades of providing a
high standard of education our new generations. Bishop Galstanian also
appreciated the current administration and the principal of the school
Mr. Robert Kechayan. He then blessed the students of Armenian Day
School and wished them success in their endeavors.

DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE

ArmenPress
May 5 2004

CHURCH WARNS OF SECTS PROSELYTIZERS

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian Church said today it has
arranged with the management of two Yerevan cinema houses, Moskva and
Nairi, which show Mel Gibson’s The Passions of the Christ that an
announcement will be made prior to each show to warn that young men
and women approaching the viewers after the end of the show and
offering brochures on religious topics have no relations with the
Armenian Apostolic Church and are members of different sects, who are
reported to be proselytizing near these cinema houses.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
May 4, 2004 Tuesday

Armenian opposition say to refrain from protests until May 14

By Tigran Liloyan

YEREVAN

Armenian opposition will refrain from meetings, marches or other mass
actions and is ready to organize discussions with the government and
political parties on the ways of ending the current crisis, Albert
Bazeyan, one of the leaders of the oppositionist Republic Party, told
a meeting in Yerevan.

Opposition forces took that decision as a sign of respect for the
resolution on the situation in Armenia that the Council of Europe had
issued April 28, he said.

The document contained, among other things, a call for dialogue
between the government and the opposition.

Bazeyan recalled that President Robert Kocharian’s resignation
remained the oppositionists’ chief demand.

He reiterated the claims that Kocharian was an illegitimate leader
since he had come to power due to “amassed electoral violations”.

The authorities say, in the meantime, that the oppositionists are
displaying political extremism and insist that dialogue be held in
the walls of the national parliament.

Despite rainy weather, the meeting gathered about 8,000 participants,
who thronged through the central streets towards the building of the
Prosecutor General’s Office, where they demanded to release from
detention some of the opposition activists.

Police reinforcements were drawn to the Presidential Palace.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
May 4, 2004 Tuesday

Russia is guarantor of stability – Adzharian leader

MOSCOW

Adzharian leader Aslan Abashidze has turned down the ultimatum of
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, who wants Adzharia to start
disarming illegal units within ten days.

“The ultimatum cannot solve our problems, because realities do not
coincide with wishes of the center,” Abashidze told Itar-Tass by
telephone. “I do not need the ultimatum. I know what to do in the
autonomous republic.”

“Batumi still wants dialog despite ongoing provocations of Tbilisi.
There are only a few matters unacceptable for us, and we are ready to
resolve the rest of problems,” Abashidze said.

The state of emergency in Adzharia “will be cancelled as soon as the
mutual understanding is reached,” Abashidze said. “Like it or not,
Russia will be a guarantor of stability by the Moscow and Kars
treaties in case of destabilization, and Tbilisi must be aware of
that.”

An open-ended Kars treaty on friendship between Turkey, on one side,
and Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, on the other side, was signed
with the participation of Russia in 1921. The treaty says that Turkey
drops its claims to Adzharia, which shall return to Georgia as an
autonomous region on two conditions. The first condition is that
Georgia shall provide for full cultural, religious and national
autonomy of Adzharia, up to the Adzharian right to adopt laws. The
second condition is that Georgia shall provide for free transit via
the Batumi port.

As for the Tuesday episode in Batumi, Abashidze said, the student
protest “was planned in Tbilisi, and the young people were
aggressive.” “Problems were inevitable against the background of the
state of emergency and the curfew. We would not have allowed any
incidents if we could. The only thing we want is peace,” Abashidze
said.

Students had a rally in Batumi on Tuesday to demand resignation of
the Adzharian authorities. The police used water guns and clubs
against the students, who failed to meet the state of emergency
requirements. There is information nine to 13 people were hurt.

Abashidze said earlier on Tuesday that he would not seek political
asylum abroad. “I am not the kind of a man who runs away,” Abashidze
said on the Ekho Moskvy Radio.