Krikor Satamian at the AGBU
December 3, 2008 · Filed Under Past Events
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE AFTER ALL
On November 9, 2008, the Armenian community in Toronto rushed to the Babayan Ballroom of the AGBU Alex Manoogian Cultural Center to laugh up a storm. Krikor Satamian, the LA-based actor and comedian, was in town to perform his two-hour “One Man Show” for an audience of over 450. The show, titled “Shad mi sirer, adel gah, shad mi ader, sirel gah” (”Don’t Love too much, there is hate, don’t hate too much, there is love”) covered conventional household arguments with his characteristic Armenian humor.
Indeed Satamian, whose theatrical talent is known all over the world, arrived to Toronto as a breath of fresh air making us all forget our daily worries and problems for a delightful few hours.
AGBU Camp Nubar Completes Season
December 3, 2008 · Filed Under Press Releases
AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: press@agbu.org
Website: www.agbu.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
AGBU Camp Nubar Reflects on a Successful Year, Looks Toward 45th
Anniversary & Prepares for Holiday Reunion
On August 16, 2008, after six weeks of fun, friendships old and new, and
a slew of original activities, AGBU Camp Nubar wrapped up its 44th
season in Andes, New York.
In the scenic Hudson Valley, first-time director, Garin Kaligian was
joined by a highly qualified staff who not only kept camp traditions
alive, but created several new and exciting cultural, athletic and
social activities for summer 2008.
“I never saw our entire staff get together as they did this summer.
Their high level of enthusiasm, camaraderie, motivation and love for
their campers was unprecedented,” said Camp Nubar committee Chairman
Mardi Merjian. “The result — the happiest bunch of campers with more
smiling faces than I have ever seen up there.”
- Camp Nubar often creates lifelong bonds that start as friendships within a camper’s cabin.
During a one-week counselor-only “pre-camp,” staff members were trained
in extensive Red Cross, First Aid, CPR and life-saving tactics. After
camp was set up, the first-session campers finally arrived on July 5.
Over 25 of these campers came from Montreal and Toronto. The second
session featured a mid-summer Open House visitor event, while the camp
had over 130 campers during the third session.
Summer highlights included talent shows, camp fires, Halloween, a buddy
day with the younger and older campers, lip syncs, scavenger hunts,
counselor hide and seek, capture the flag, ultimate Frisbee, and red,
orange and blue Olympics. Weekly dances included a luau on scenic Lake
Arax, Mardi Gras and Hollywood themes. This year, campers were also
treated to professional square dancing instruction.
It has become a tradition that another local group, Camp Lake Delaware,
comes to the Nubar grounds each summer for a basketball game. This year,
Camp Nubar came out on top. Another mainstay throughout the summer are
visits by various priests, including Fathers Stepanos Doudoukjian,
Taniel Karadjian, Karekin Kasparian, and the Archbishop himself, His
Eminence Khajag Barsamian.
Two new evening activities included a camp spin on the popular TV show,
“Extreme Makeover: Counselor Addition,” and an Animal Kingdom-themed
Fashion Show. Bringing back camp outs led by the Camp Craft team for the
older campers was also a huge success. A new morning reveille show
hosted by counselor Peter Endrigian with weather reports, updates on pop
culture, traffic, and news woke up the camp every morning. Canteen also
saw new improvements with healthier snack selections like Vitamin Water,
100-calorie packs and granola bars, plus fresh fashionable Camp Nubar
gear.
In addition to the regular schedule throughout the day, campers also had
a free “elective” period to participate in original activities this
year, like Taebo, Zumba, Armenian dancing, a tennis tournament, an
ongoing basketball league as well as archery and sailing instruction by
certified staff members.
Color War during the last two weeks of camp is a highly anticipated
event throughout the summer, if not the entire calendar year. After a
surprise start, the entire camp is split in half for three days of
cultural, athletic, intellectual, and spirit competitions. This year,
the Gold Minotaurs, led by generals Aram Bowen and Jackie DiStasi and
captains Armen Shamamian and Tamar Merjian, defeated the Blue Magic led
by generals Christina Lalama and Alex Distasi and captains Arno Isnar
and Linda Ravul.
- Lake Arax not only adds to the beauty of the Camp Nubar landscape, but also provides daily entertainment with waterfront activities for campers and staff.
After Color War ended, camp wrapped up with a formal banquet with the
theme of the popular board game “Clue.” Counselors put on a skit and
campers were treated to a delicious dinner and dessert. The last night
of camp always ends with a bittersweet “candlelight” to reflect on the
summer and say goodbye to friends, both old and new.
“Summer 2008 was a huge success. It’s an indescribable feeling to
witness Armenian youth come together to make lifelong friendships, and
to watch counselors continue to grow into mature, responsible adults
from one year to the next,” said Assistant Director Dan Antreasyan.
Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to stay in touch with
these friends all year long. Each camper went home with a camp
newsletter, cabin photos, and a multi-media slideshow that is also
available on You Tube and the www.campnubar.org website.
“This summer, everyone at camp seemed more tightly bonded than in
previous years and will definitely stay in touch,” said camper Sarah
Halejian. “Whether old friendships were renewed or new ones were made,
they will all definitely last forever.”
Christmas Reunion
On Saturday, January 10, 2009, Camp Nubar will host a special Christmas
Reunion at St. Leon Armenian Church in New Jersey (12-61 Saddle River
Road, Fair Lawn, NJ). The annual event allows campers, counselors and
friends to socialize and reminisce about their summer experiences while
anticipating the upcoming season. To RSVP for the gathering, please
email campnubar@campnubar.org.
Founded in 1963, AGBU Camp Nubar is a first-rate modern facility that
has been highly ranked by the American Camp Association, American Red
Cross, and American Academy of Pediatrics. For more information about
AGBU Camp Nubar, please visit www.campnubar.org, email
campnubar@agbu.org, or call 212-319-6383.
For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit
www.agbu.org.
ARMENIA NEWS BULLETIN 2008.12.03
December 3, 2008 · Filed Under News From Armenia
ARMENIA NEWS BULLETIN
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
__________________________________________________________________
TRANSLATIONS FROM YEREVAN NEWSPAPERS AND OTHER NEWS AGENCIES
POLITICS
1. REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AGAIN LOST IN THE EUROPEAN COURT
Today, the European Court of Human Rights announced that three citizens of the Republic of Armenia have been subjected to inhuman and humiliating attitude, their right of having a just trial has been violated and the right of appeal made impossible.
Residents of Karakert Lavrenti Kirakossian and Arman Mkhitarian and Myasnik Tadevossian from Mrgashat were illegally subjected to a 10-day administrative arrest during the 2003 presidential election and the following events in April, 2004.
In March 2003, after the presidential election, the police visited the houses of Lavrenti Kirakossian and Arman Mkhitarian, and brought them to the police department charging them for participation in a march of protest. Myasnik Tadevossian was arrested in his house in May 2004 for quarreling with the police officer who had stopped his car.
The citizens complained from the conditions they were kept in the isolation cells, the unjust trial and being deprived from their right of appealing the court verdict.
Ara Ghazarian, members of the attorney group defending the rights of these three citizens in the European Court , told “A1+” that according to the Court decision the government of the Republic of Armenia should make a compensation of 7500 euros to each of them, 4500 euros of which is a moral compensation, and the rest for the judicial expenses.
Another member of that group Tigran Ter-Yesayan, reminded that there are still cases in the European Court connected with the 2003 and 2004 incidents. He thinks that this decision may become a precedent for the other cases.
2. ANC TO SUPPORT VARIANT OF CONFLICT SETTLEMENT ACCEPTABLE FOR KARABAKH [Haykakan Zhamanak, 12/01/08]
The Armenian National Congress is going to support any variant of conflict settlement that will be acceptable for the Artsakh people. Arman Musinian, the Spokesperson of first RA President Levon Ter-Petrosian, stated at the December 1 press conference. He said that according to opposition’s data, the authorities of Karabakh mislead the people to make it calm down and to avoid a revolt. According to A. Musinian, therefore the Karabakh people are not able to orient itself.
As to the policy in Nagorno Karabakh problem carried on by the RA authorities, according to A. Musinian’s observation, its greatest shortcoming is that they continue the negotiations without NKR’s participation. According to him, the ratification of the Moscow Declaration without NKR representative’s signature will give the Azeri President a possibility to speak from the positions of force. According to A. Musinian, today Armenia has reached a difficult point in the Nagorno Karabakh settlement negotiations, for which former President Robert Kocharian, former Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian, President Serzh Sargsyan, and Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian are responsible.
“Though a bandit regime holds the power in Armenia , which is able to fire at its own people, nevertheless we have stopped our rallies to give these authorities a possibility to find a favorable solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” A. Musinian said. However, as he added, the authorities do not use that pause efficiently: their policy is rather aimed at retaining and legitimizing their own posts than at protecting the national interests.
3. ACCORDING TO ARMAN MUSINIAN, THERE ARE NO PRECONDITIONS FOR RESUMING RALLIES [Aravot, 12/01/08]
Issues regarding radical opposition’s further strategy and national problems are on the agenda of a conference of the Armenian National Congress to be held on December 12. Arman Musinian, the Spokesperson of ANC leader Levon Ter-Petrosian, said at the December 1 press conference. He said that a number of organization issues regarding strengthening ANC’s territorial structures and creation of committees in various spheres were discussed at the November 30 consultation of ANC member parties’ heads.
Touching upon the issue of resuming the rallies, A. Musinian said that today there are no such weighty preconditions to make the ANC management reconsider the decision on stopping the rallies. In response to the question of whether the existence of political prisoners is not a sufficient precondition he stated that they will continue the struggle for their imprisoned friends through non-mass actions.
4. ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT PROPOSES MAKING AMENDMENTS AND ADDENDA TO STATE PROPERTY PRIVATIZATION 2006-2007 PROGRAM [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/01/08]
On December 1, the RA National Assembly in second reading discussed a bill authored by the government, which envisaged making amendments and addenda to the valid law On State Property Privatization 2006-2007 Program.
According to the main reporter Karine Kirakosian, the head of the State Property Management Department attached to the government, it is proposed that in addition, 5 companies and Armimpexbank CJSC’s state shares, 2.35 percents be included in the privatization list. 3 out of 5 companies to be included in the list in addition, Martuni Dental Polyclinic, Equestrian Sport Center , Stepanavan Airport had not been included in the first reading draft. As K. Kirakosian motivated it, Martuni Dental Polyclinic is the only one in the country not included in the privatization list. Stepanavan Airport has not been operating since 2001 and is proposed for privatization for not accumulating further debts and not becoming bankrupt. According to K. Kirakosian, when privatizing the airport the government will be guided by the agreement signed with Zvartnots International Airport’s concessioner not to hinder the latter’s work, as there are agreements with the concessioner that Zvartnots and Gyumri airports carry out passenger transportations. As to the Equestrian Sport Center , it is proposed for including in the privatization list to attract investments for its acting in line with the international standards.
5. BAKO SAHAKIAN MEETS WITH AMERICAN ARMENIAN BENEFACTOR JERRY TURPANJIAN [Hayastani Hanrapetutiun, 12/01/08]
NKR President Bako Sahakian met with American Armenian benefactor Jerry Turpanjian on November 28 in Los Angeles . According to the report of the General Information Department of NKR President’s Administration, issues regarding various programs implemented in NKR’s socio-economic sphere were discussed during the meeting.
B. Sahakian appreciated the Turpanjian Rural Communities Development Program implemented by the American University of Armenia in Artsakh meanwhile attaching importance to its significance in economic and educational respects. He emphasized the necessity to make the activity carried out in Artsakh more varied, which will have a positive impact on further strengthening of contacts between Artsakh and the Diaspora.
6. RA PRESIDENT AWARDS ORDER OF HONOR TO ALEXEI MILLER [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/01/08]
RA President Serzh Sargsyan and Chairman of Russian Gazprom company Board Sergei Miller, at the December 1 meeting, discussed a wide range of issues regarding cooperation in the energy sphere, touched upon the current programs. The sides expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between Armenia and Gazprom estimating it as efficient and having prospects. The interlocutors also discussed the implementation process of Hrazdan TPP 5th energy unit investment program and its operation.
According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan by the RA President’s Press Office, for A. Miller’s contribution to expansion of economic cooperation between Armenia and Russia and development and deepening of Armenian-Russian friendly contacts S. Sargsyan awarded an Order of Honor to Gazprom company Board Chairman A. Miller.
7. FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ARMENIA , RUSSIA , AZERBAIJAN , TURKEY AND GEORGIA TO DISCUSS NEW COOPERATION FORMAT IN HELSINKI [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
Armenian, Russian, Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian foreign ministers will discuss the new cooperation format within the frameworks of the annual session of OSCE Council of Ministers which will be held December 4-5 in Helsinki , capital of Finland , Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babajan told journalists.
An official from Turkish Foreign Ministry told “Novosti Azerbaijan ” that Babajan noted that the first five-sided meeting will be held in Helsinki during which the platform of Caucasian cooperation and stability initiated by Turkey will be discussed.
“With the initiative of Turkey a basis is created for establishment and ensuring peace as well as for regulation of conflicts in Caucasus” Babajan said and added that after the meeting a press conference will be held during which the establishment of a new cooperation format will be officially announced.
“At present the technical details for the establishment of the cooperation base are being discussed in the Foreign Ministries of these countries”, Babajan pointed out and noted that during the meeting each side will present its principles and intentions, which will be reflected in the Caucasian platform of cooperation and stability.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry noted that the trilateral meeting between Turkish, Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers will also be held within the frameworks of annual session of OSCE Council of Ministers: Ali Babajan will meet his counterparts after their bilateral meeting.
8. ALI BABAJAN SAYS THE CONFLICTS MUST NOT BE INHERITED TO THE NEXT GENERATIONS [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babajan stated today in Baku that Ankara is interested in continuation of diplomatic steps towards the regulation of all conflict situations.
“The issues of regulation of Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish relations are being complexly discussed by us”, he said during the joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov commenting on the opportunity of opening the borders between Turkey and Armenia.
According to Babajan, the official Baku and Ankara regularly exchange information on the conducted consultations.
“The issues of Genocide, territorial demands and Karabakh conflict will be solved in a general format. They are inseparable from each other”, the diplomat said.
Babajan noted that during his meeting with Mamedyarov the Russian-Georgian relations have also been discussed.
“We must in collaboration solve the conflict issues and support our neighbors. The conflicts should not be inherited to the next generations”, the Turkish Foreign Minister said.
9. TURKEY SUPPORTS THE MINSK GROUP FORMAT OF KARABAKH CONFLICT REGULATION [Azg, 12/02/08]
Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babajan told today journalists in Baku that Turkey supports the OSCE Minsk group format of Karabakh conflict regulation.
“The Karabakh conflict is a very complicated issue and it can be regulated only through negotiations”, the minister said.
According to him, “notable steps are necessary to be undertaken for the regulation of the issue and Turkey is ready to support Azerbaijan in it”.
10. NUMBER OF ISSUES DISCUSSED DURING MEETING OF ARMEN GEVORGIAN WITH COUNCIL OF EUROPE TOP OFFICIALS [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
Armenian vice prime minister, territorial governance minister Armen Gevorgian met December 1 in Council of Europe, Strasburg, with deputy secretary general of the Council of Europe Maud de Boer-Buquicchio and other high-ranked officials.
Public relations department of the ministry told Armenpress that during the meeting they discussed a number of issues connected with self-governmental bodies, pace of implementation of commitments by Armenia . The sides also discussed the judicial reforms carried out in Armenia .
During the meeting they also referred to the current developments connected with March 1 events in Yerevan .
Armen Gevorgian also met with the Ago group during which he presented the approaches adopted by Armenia in direction of forming inter-community units. The members of the group were also interested in the results of the elections of self-governmental bodies.
A wide discussion was held over Armenia ’s inner and foreign policy and March 1 events in Yerevan .
11. TERRY DAVIS SAYS IN KARABAKH ISSUE IT IS NECESSARY TO LISTEN TO THE TWO SIDES [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis stated today in Baku that in the Karabakh conflict regulation process it is necessary to listen to the both sides.
Davis arrived today in Azerbaijan to participate in the “Inter-Cultural Dialogue as a Basis for Peace and Stable Development” international conference.
“In this issue one must not hurry. It is necessary to listen to the two sides. Each of the parties has its opinion and it is necessary to respect the opinions of the two sides. It is very important to display unbiased approach towards the issue,” he said in Baku at a briefing.
12. ISSUE OF ARMENIA TO BE DISCUSSED AT AUTUMN SESSION OF CONGRESS OF COUNCIL OF EUROPE [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
The issue of local democracy in Armenia will be discussed at the autumn session of the Congress of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on December 1-3. According to the CE website, the members of the Congress will exchange opinions on local democracy in Armenia with the Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Armen Gevorgian. The PACE President Luis Maria de Puig will address the session. An agreement on cooperation of the Congress and the North-South Center of the Council of Europe will be signed during the session.
Such issues as the consequences of the Georgian-Russian war in regions, the non-appointment of three mayors in Belgium , and the problem of Latvia ‘s minorities that do not speak Lettish will also be discussed at the session.
13. ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO LEAVE FOR HELSINKI ON DECEMBER 3 [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will leave for Helsinki on a three-day visit on December 3 to take part in the sitting of OSCE member-countries’ Foreign Ministers’ Council. In Helsinki E. Nalbandian will meet with OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.
As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department, E. Nalbandian will also meet with Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadiarov and OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs Yuri Merzliakov ( Russia ), Bernard Fassier ( France ), Matthew Bryza (U.S.), and Personal Representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk.
During the visit the RA Foreign Minister will have meetings with Foreign Minister of Luxemburg Jean Asselborn, Foreign Minister of Ireland Michael Martin, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe.
As the Foreign Minister of a country presiding in CSTO E. Nalbandian will organize a meeting of organization member-countries’ Foreign Ministers in Helsinki .
He will also meet with Foreign Minister of Turkey Ali Babacan in Helsinki .
14. “CASE OF SEVEN” SENT TO COURT [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
The case against the three RA NA deputies, former RA Foreign Minister, and the others in connection with the March 1 events in Yerevan has been sent to Yerevan Criminal Court. Noyan Tapan correspondent was informed about it by Spokesperson for RA Prosecutor General Sona Truzian. It should be mentioned that RA NA deputies Sasun Mikayelian, Hakob Hakobian, Myasnik Malkhasian, former Foreign Minister Alexander Arzumanian, as well as Suren Surunian, Shant Haroutiunian, and Grigor Voskerchian are accused of organizing mass disorders accompanied by murders.
15. DATE AND HOUR OF STARTING TRIAL ON “CASE OF SEVEN” TO BECOME CLEAR IN NEARLY 25-DAY PERIOD [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
The criminal case filed against 7 people on the fact of the March 1 events in Yerevan has been already accepted for examination by Yerevan Criminal court judge Mnatsakan Martirosian. Noyan Tapan correspondent was informed about it by the RA Cassation Court ‘s Press Service.
According to the RA Code of Criminal Procedure, a decision on fixing a trial is made in a 15-day term after accepting the case for examination and on fixing the date and hour of the trial is made in another 10-day period.
It should be mentioned that the seven people accused of organizing mass disorders accompanied by murders are Sasun Mikayelian, Hakob Hakobian, Myasnik Malkhasian, former Foreign Minister Alexander Arzumanian, as well as Suren Sirunian, Shant Haroutiunian, and Grigor Voskerchian.
16. ILHAM ALIYEV CONSIDERS CONFLICTS TO BE CHIEF ISSUES OF THE REGION [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the chief issues of the region are the conflicts.
“The regulation of the existing conflicts is important. It will give a cooperation opportunity which is necessary for all the countries of the region”, the president said delivering speech during the conference on “The inter-cultural dialogue as a bases of peace and stable development of Europe and the neighboring regions”. The conference kicked off today in Baku in which Culture Ministers of Council of Europe member states take part.
Aliyev stated that numerous resolutions have been adopted on Karabakh conflict by now, but “ Armenia does not follow to them”.
The Azerbaijani president also noted that the Karabakh conflict “must be regulated in the nearest future and only within the frameworks of Azerbaijani territorial integrity”.
17. FURTHER STEPS OF ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES IN MORE ORGANIZATIONAL CONDUCTION OF ELECTIONS OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENTAL BODIES DISCUSSED [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
Armenian vice prime minister, Minister of Territorial Governance Armen Gevorgian yesterday evening in Strasburg met with the head of the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Yavuz Mildon and the Secretary General Ulrich Boner.
Public relations department of Armenian Territorial Governance Ministry told Armenpress that Armen Gevorgian discussed the 2008 elections of local self governmental bodies with the officials as well as the further steps of Armenian authorities to hold the elections in a more organized way and further consolidation of democratic principles.
Armen Gevorgian presented to the head of the CoE Congress of Local and Regional Authorities the document of “Formation of inter-community unities and conceptional approaches of expansion of communities” which was worked out by Armenian Territorial Governance Ministry and presented for wide discussions.
Other issues concerning the development of local self governmental bodies have also been discussed with Yavuz Mildon and Ulrich Boner.
The Armenian vice prime minister invited Y. Mildon and U. Boner to Armenia .
During their upcoming visit a plan of actions between CoE Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the Republican Association of Armenian Communities is intended to be worked out.
18. GOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION ESTABLISHED ON THE DEATH OF YEGHISHE ASTSATRIAN [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
With the decision of the Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian a governmental commission has been established on the death of well known state and public figure Yeghishe Astsatrian, which will be headed by the consultant to Armenian Prime Minister Razmik Markosian, public relations department of Armenian government told Armenpress.
19. NKR PRESIDENT DISCUSSES PACE AND PROSPECTS OF INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN ARTSAKH [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan paid a visit to Moscow December 1 where on December 2 he met with entrepreneur and philanthropist Vitali Grigoryants.
Central Information Department of the Office of Karabakh President told Armenpress that issues related to the realization of different investment projects in Artsakh were discussed at the meeting.
Special attention was paid to the issue of water supply. NKR finance minister Spartak Tevosyan also took part in the meeting.
BUSINESS
20. DIESEL FUEL PRICES INCREASE BY 11.4% IN ARMENIA IN NOVEMBER 2008 ON SAME MONTH OF 2007 [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/01/08]
Gasoline prices fell by 2.1%, while diesel fuel prices grew by 11.4% in Armenia in November 2008 on November 2007.
According to the RA National Statistical Services, gasoline prices fell by 11.9%, diesel fuel prices – by 11.7% in November on October 2008. Gasoline prices fell by 2.5%, diesel fuel prices grew by 6.2% in November 2008 on December 2007.
21. EXCHANGE RATE OF ARMENIAN DRAM AGAINST DOLLAR INCREASES BY 0.3% SINCE EARLY 2008 [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/01/08]
Consumer prices in Armenia and the settlement exchange rate of the Armenian dram against the U.S. dollar increased by 5.1% and 0.3% respectively in November 2008 on December 2007. 5.1% growth of consumer prices was accompanied by a 13.1% fall of the settlement exchange rate of the dram in the same period of last year.
According to the RA National Statsistical Service, a 0.1% inflation in the Armenian consumer market was accompanied by a 0.4% fall in the settlement exchange rate of the dram against the dollar (the dram appreciated) in November on October 2008. The average settlement exchange rate of the Armenian dram made 305.13 drams in November 2008, which was lower by 3.7% as compared with the respective index of 2007 (316.85 drams).
22. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION GROWS BY 4% IN ARMENIA AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY-OCTOBER 2007 [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/01/08]
Industrial production of 639 bln 445.2 mln drams or 2 bln 91 mln USD was made in Armenia in January-October 2008. Production of 633 bln 103.2 mln drams was sold, including sales of 65 bln 21.5 mln drams in CIS countries and sales of 140 bln 624.4 mln drams in other countries.
According to the RA National Statistical Service, the industrial production index made 104% as compared with January-October 2007, the same index without the production and distribution of electricity, gas and water made 102.5%.
23. TARIFFS OF SERVICES RISE BY 1.5% IN ARMENIA IN NOVEMBER 2008 [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
The tariffs of services rose by 1.5% in Armenia in November on October 2008. According to the RA National Statistical Service, tariffs of medical services grew by 4.9%, while tariffs of personal and public catering services – by 1.2% and 0.4% respectively. 0.5-2.4% fall in service tariffs was recorded in the spheres of transport and culture. Tariffs of housing, municipal, communication, educational, recreational, legal and banking services remained at the level of the previous month.
24. CONSTRUCTION OF LINEAR SECTION OF ARARAT-KAJARAN GAS-MAIN PIPELINE COMPLETED [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
A ceremony dedicated to the completion of the construction of the linear section of 186.3-km Kajaran-Ararat gas-main pipeline took place near the city of Ararat on December 1. The indicated section is the continuation of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. Its construction began in 2004 on the initiative of the Armenian government with the aim of extending the resource base of Armenia ‘s natural gas supply and creating a second entry line. Kajaran-Ararat gas pipeline was build in hard geological and weather conditions, at an altitude of 1,500-3,000 meters above sea level.
Thanks to the implementation of more than 130 million dollar investment program, Iranian gas will be transported to central regions of Armenia through Kajaran-Ararat gas pipeline, and payments for gas will be made by the principle of “gas against electricity”. Electricity generated by Yerevan Thermal Power Plant with the capacity of 230 megawatts and the 5th power unit of Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant with the capacity of 480 megawatts will ensure delivery of its amount envisaged by an agreement to Iran, while the sale of “profitable” electricity will ensure repayment of gas transportation and the program’s investments.
The ceremony was attended by the Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan, the chairman of Gazprom OJSC’s board Alexey Miller, the former Armenian president Robert Kocharian, other officials.
25. ONE OF REASONS FOR ECONOMIC CRISIS THREATENING ARMENIA IS THE POLICY CONDUCTED BY AUTHORITIES, ANDRANIK TEVANIAN SAYS [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
“The global economic crisis will affect Armenia’s economic system without fail,” the chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee of Economic Issues Vardan Aivazian said during the December 2 debate, noting that with the aim of preventing the consequences of this crisis, the Armenian government has prepared a series of measures, in particular, a new investment program, creation of an all-Armenian bank, construction of a new nuclear power plant. In the opinion of V. Aivazian, the government took a bolder step by deciding to participate in these programs.
The head of Political Economy research center, economist Andranik Tevanian in his turn said that the reasons for the crisis threatening the Armenian economy should be sought not only in the international financial fluctuations but also in the economic policy being conducted by the country’s authorities. “I’d like to know how the creation of an all-Armenian bank and other programs will help our economy,” the economist noted. He also asked his opponent what resources will be used for implementation of all these programs. V. Aivazian said these resources will be provided from the reserve fund of the Central Bank of Armenia .
According to A. Tevanian, today the state is engaged in “collecting money and distributing money”, which is done by increasing the tax burden, which in its turn directed mainly at small and medium business, whereas the big businessmen to have united with authorities do not pay taxes. In response, V. Aivazian reminded that 92% of the state budget is ensured by 300 big organizations of the country.
26. AS OF DECEMBER 1, 6,850 NET CASH REGISTERS PLACED IN TRADE PLACES OF ARMENIA [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
As of December 1, 6,850 cash registers have been placed in the trade areas of Armenia .
During the previous ten months only 400 cash registers have been placed in the trade areas functioning in Armenia .
Public relations department of the State Income Committee of Armenian government told Armenpress that the works of placing the cash registers in the republic are in process, but in the provinces the tempos of the process are slower than in the capital.
The specialists of State Income Committee continue supporting the coordinators of trade areas: if other entrepreneurs present the cash registers to the tax inspection to register and fiscalize, in trade areas the registration and fiscalization are done in the place.
Also training courses are organized how to work with the cash registers, in the State Income Committee meetings are regularly organized with coordinators of trade areas and organizations which import cash registers.
Specialists of the relevant departments of the State Income Committee conduct works in creating the program package of the cash register net.
27. ARMENIAN-INDIAN BUSINESS FORUM HELD IN NEW DELHI [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
Armenian-Indian business forum organized by the Armenian embassy in India took place December 1-2 in the hall of the Indian Trade-Industrial Chamber in New Delhi .
Armenian Foreign Ministry press service told Armenpress that during the plenary session December 1 deputy general director of FICCI Rajan Kohli, Armenian first agriculture minister Samvel Avetisian, Armenian ambassador to India Ashot Kocharian, deputy economy minister Mushegh Tumasian, Indian ambassador to Armenia Rina Pandey and others delivered speeches during the event.
In the speeches the importance of the conduction of the business forums have been underscored the dynamics of development and boosting of bilateral relations as well as agricultural, economic, information technology spheres and investment policy of the two countries have been presented.
Separate meetings of the Armenian and Indian businessmen also took place.
Within the frameworks of the business forum first agriculture minister Samvel Avetisian and deputy economy minister Mushegh Tumasian accompanied by Armenian ambassador Ashot Kocharian conducted meetings with the Indian Foreign State Secretary E. Ahamed and Secretary of Textile Minister A.K. Singh. The sides exchanged thoughts over opening Indian IT center in Armenia and Armenian apricot garden in India , referred to the agenda of the Armenian-Indian inter-governmental commission scheduled for the beginning of 2009 in Yerevan .
The Armenian delegation also had a number of other meetings and discussed prospects of boosting cooperation.
DIASPORA
28. MINISTER OF DIASPORA DISCUSSES IN U.S. WAYS OF DEEPENING ARMENIA-ARTSAKH-DIASPORA LINKS [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/01/08]
The RA Minister of Diaspora Hranish Hakobian on November 26 had meetings with representatives of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches and the Union of Iranian Armenians of Los Angeles in the U.S.
During a dinner given by the AGBU, at which the President of the NKR Bako Sahakian and the Head of Artsakh diocese Pargev Martirosian were present, discussions on deepening and developing Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora links took place. As NT was informed by the Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Diaspora, Hranush Hakobian presented the ministry’s major strategic tasks set by the Armenian president, underlining the necessity for implementing joint Armenia-Diaspora programs with the aim of performing these tasks. Issues related to development and implementation of youth programs, organization of higher educational practice of Diasporan students at various institutions in Armenia, extension and development of the activities of Saturday and Sunday schools, as well as giving a new quality and spirit to Diaspora-Armenia relations under “Ari Tun” (“Come Home”) project were discussed.
At the meeting with members of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches, the minister of diaspora spoke about the prospects of strengthening and developing Armenia-Diaspora links, at the same time expressing a high opinion about the educational and charity programs implemented by the Armenian Evangelical Church . In her speech Hranush Hakobian stated that any Armenian body of the Diaspora – any religious, cultural or party structure – is a direct partner of the ministry. She attached importance to the development and implementation of programs in cooperation with Diasporan structures in the spheres of education, culture, economy, information, etc.
The NKR president Bako Sahakian attended the meeting with representatives of the Union of Iranian Armenians, during which the minister pointed out the well-organized character, activity and vitality of Iran ‘s Armenian community, expressing confidence that the Iranian Armenians retain these good traditions in the U.S.
During all the meetings, interesting and comprehensive discussions on the strengthening and development of Homeland-Diaspora links were held, while the minister called on the meeting participants to take an active part in Telethon 2008, underlining the ideas of unity of this event.
29. ASHOT GRIGORIAN: FOR ALL ARMENIANS, OUR CHESS CHAMPIONS ARE A UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF HOW TO STRUGGLE AND WIN [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
The Chairman of the Forum of Armenian Unions of Europe and the Armenian community of Slovakia Ashot Grigorian on behalf of the Forum sent a message of congratulation to the President of the Chess Federation of Armenia, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and the Armenian champions of the Chess Olympiad in Dresden . The message in particular reads:
“Honourable champions of the Chess Olympiad. All Armenians of the Diaspora followed intently your games for more than 10 days, and we were fully rewarded for those touching moments. It was a splendid victory over the world’s superpowers (both in the literal and figurative sense of the word). Your last victory over China was worth a great deal, and it is difficult to overestimate it. For all Armenians in the Diaspora and Homeland, you are a unique example of how to struggle and win. This should become a beacon for Armenian sportsmen and political figures, and all children of the Armenian people.
I thank you for this great result, congratulate you and the Armenian people, and I wish you all the best and new victories”.
30. EVENTS OF THE WEEK OF ARMENIAN CULTURE IN SYRIA ENDED [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
Within the frameworks of days of Armenian culture in Syria the “Exactly that Huri” performance of Yerevan state puppet theatre after H. Tumanian and concluding concert of the honored collective of Armenian state dance ensemble took place December 1 in Aleppo Culture Center.
Press service of Armenian Foreign Ministry told Armenpress that at the end of the event the Armenian ambassador to Syria Arshak Poladian and the head of state culture directorate of Aleppo Kamel Kattan delivered concluding speeches.
The week of Armenian culture in Syria ended with the above mentioned events.
During the days of Armenian culture the Syrian society got acquainted with Armenian theatrical art, dance art, cinematography as well as the Armenian manuscript of Matenadaran and the samples of old Armenian and Arabian coins kept in Armenia .
The events were widely covered by Syrian press ant television.
ARTS
31. ROUNDTABLE ON “PROTECTION OF ARMENIAN HISTORICAL-CULTURAL HERITAGE IN ARMENIA AND ABROAD” TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN AND OSHAKAN [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
Roundtable on “Protection of Armenian historical-cultural heritage in Armenia and abroad” will be held December 3-5 in Yerevan and Oshakan.
The Armenian Culture Ministry informed that nearly 50 local and foreign specialists will take part in the three-day event.
During the discussions the participants will refer to the issues how to make the cultural heritage a means of cultural dialogues and harmonious life, how to combine the efforts of Armenian heritage protectors and the Armenian community so that the Armenian historical-cultural heritage be fairly highlighted and properly taken care of, and other issues.
The organizers of the event are the Armenian Culture Ministry, IKOMOS NGO and “One Nation, One Culture” fund.
32. CONCERTS OF VLADIMIR SPIVAKOV AND “MUSIC VIRTUES” ORCHESTRA TO TAKE PLACE IN YEREVAN AND GYUMRI [Aravot, 12/03/08]
Concert of Vladimir Spivakov and “Moscow Virtues” will take place in Yerevan December 3-6 and in Gyumri December 4.
Today “Moscow Virtues” will perform in Aram Khachatrian big music hall dedicating the concert to the 75th anniversary of honorable Armenian cultural figure, violinist Zareh Sahakian. The December 6 concert will be dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Spitak earthquake.
The concerts of Vladimir Spivakov and “Moscow Virtues” orchestra are organized by the Armenian Culture Ministry and Yerevan Komitas Chamber Music House.
33. COOPERATION AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN ARMENIAN CULTURE AND UKRAINIAN CULTURE AND TOURISM MINISTRIES [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
Within the frameworks of the opening ceremony of Armenian culture center in the town of Odessa , on November 30 the Armenian Culture Minister Hasmik Poghosian and Ukrainian Culture and Tourism Minister Vasili Vovkun signed an agreement “On 2008-2012 cooperation between Armenian Culture and Ukrainian Culture and Tourism Ministries”.
Press service of Armenian Foreign Ministry told Armenpress that the agreement ensures corresponding legal field for further multilateral cultural cooperation between the two countries.
SOCIAL
34. STUDENT COUNCILS HEADS OF FOUR ARMENIAN UNIVERSITIES CONCERNED WITH CORRUPTION IN UNIVERSITIES’ SYSTEM [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/01/08]
The student council heads of four Armenian Universities , Yerevan State University , Armenian State Economic University , Yerevan State Linguistic University , and Armenian State Agrarian University are concerned with the corruption phenomena striking deep roots in country’s university system and are convinced that it has a direct impact on the education quality in the country.
The heads of student councils are convinced that corruption phenomena first penetrate into the institutions during the entrance examinations, then continue in the study years: “ungifted entrants becoming students this or that way graduate from the university the same way.”
According to Tsolak Akopian, the student council chairman of Yerevan State University , according to the social survey conducted in YSU 19 faculties, the most corrupted is the Law Department, 24.63%, International Relations Department, 20.67%, Economy Department. 19.05, Foreign Languages 15.68. Meanwhile he said that no corruption phenomena are recorded especially in the natural science departments. According to the survey results, those phenomena are recorded when students move from one department to another. And as the main reason of corruption they mention lecturers’ low salary.
Robert Makarian, the head of the Agrarian University student council, affirmed that everybody is to blame for corruption phenomena, from education responsibles to students. He is convinced that only an open examination process can reduce these phenomena.
The student council heads have made a joint letter addressed to the Armenian authorities, RA President, NA Speaker, and RA Prime Minister expecting assistance in fighting corruption. They ask country’s leaders for guarantees that if names are publicized these people will be protected from persecutions.
35. “BEST VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR” REWARDING TO BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ARMENIA [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
“The Best Volunteer of the Year” rewarding will be held December 5 for the first time in Armenia dedicated to the international day of Volunteering.
Head of the programs of “Youth for the Sake of Peace and Development” NGO Anna Yeghoyan told Armenpress that nearly 50 individuals and organizations applied for taking part in the rewarding.
The chief aim of the event is to establish favorable basis for the creation of the network of volunteer work and to promote the further cooperation in the volunteering sphere combining different NGOs, youth centers, social centers and organizations which are based on volunteer work over the rewarding entitled “Best Volunteer of the Year”.
Awards will be given in the following nominations – best volunteer of the year, the best coordinator of volunteers of the year, the most experienced volunteer of the year and the best organization of the year dealing with volunteer works.
In each nomination the five-member commission will choose a winner who will get an award which assesses his volunteer contribution.
The rewarding is organized by the UN volunteer program in Armenia and “The Youth for the Sake of Peace and Development” NGO.
36. INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC SESSION OF ARCHEOLOGICAL INSTITUTES TO BE HELD IN ARMENIA [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
An international academic session of archeological institutes will be held in Armenia in autumn, 2009.
Head of the Archeological and Ethnological institute of Armenian National Academy of Science Pavel Avetisian told Armenpress that already certain works are carried over it, negotiations are held with different institutes of the world.
About 25-30 specialists from different countries of the world are expected to take part in the session. Scientists from California and Chicago Universities of USA have already been invited.
During the session prospects of development of archeology will be presented. During the latest years the institute has conducted extended works with European and American big archeological centers and the international cooperation gave serious results.
According to P. Avetisian, the session gives us an opportunity to present the archeological studies and results of works carried out in Armenia .
The 50th anniversary of establishment of Archeological and Ethnological institute will be celebrated in 2009 and the academic session will be held within the frameworks of the anniversary events the list of which is being clarified.
37. THE SECOND PROGRAM OF JUDICIARY- LEGAL REFORMS – IN PROCESS [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
The second program of judiciary-legal reforms in Armenia which costs nearly 40 million USD is in process. The program which is being implemented by Armenian, Japanese, Dutch governments and the World Bank kicked off from July, 2007 and will continue by 2013.
Head of the office of implementation of judiciary-legal reform program Arthur Tunian told Armenpress that within the frameworks of the program a number of works of 6-7 million dollars have been conducted in the spheres of judicial management and strengthening of administration, establishment of efficient judicial department, enhancement of judicial automation, working out of judicial database, reconstruction of court buildings and in other spheres.
During the first program of reforms which was implemented in 2001-2007, the buildings of courts have been modernized, works of technical and other works have been conducted.
With the second program the process of court reconstruction is mainly implemented in the provinces of the country. As a result of implementation of the program the building conditions of majority of courts of the country are intended to be improved. Yet there are no conversations on the implementation of the third program of judiciary-legal reforms.
The second round of judiciary-legal reforms in Armenia kicked off from 2005 with the Constitutional changes in Armenia .
This round of reforms is stressed as important because from January 1, 2008 a new judicial system started to function in Armenia – Court of first instance, specialized criminal and civil, administrative, Court of Appeal, Court of Cassation.
At present there are 16 courts of first instance in Armenia from which 7 function in Yerevan and 9 in the provinces.
38. TWO-DAY TRAININGS ON “CONDUCTION OF RESCUE WORKS DURING THE EARTHQUAKE” HELD IN GYUMRI [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
With the initiative of Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations a two-day training is being held in Gyumri (December 1-2) on “Conduction of rescue works during the earthquake” which is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Spitak earthquake.
Groups of Armenian Rescue Service, Engineer-technical of Shirak province, accident-reconstructive, seismic, medical and fire services as well as representatives Police and BSEC countries take part in the trainings.
Greeting the participants of the trainings the Armenian Emergency situations Minister Mher Shahgeldian noted that the training aims at enhancing skills and knowledge of working coordinately.
“Disasters know no limits and the issue of protection of people and territories from disasters is one of the most important goals of each country and the international community. Today a greater attention is paid to the sphere. During the trainings the level of our preparedness will be resumed and we will clearly see the directions and issues on which we should better work”- the Minister noted.
Assistant to the head of the department of Analyses and Predictions of Emergency Situations board of Georgian Home Ministry Arshil Nirjaladze told Armenpress that the Spitak earthquake urged all the countries to think how to conduct collaborative rescue works.
“Such trainings are efficient for each country irrespective of its size. Each country yet has a need of study and exchange experience, therefore such collaborative trainings must more often be organized during which the conduction of actions will be a lesson not only for Armenia but also for all those countries the representatives of which are here today”.
39. THE SEISMIC SERVICE DENIES NEWS ABOUT THE UPCOMING STRONG EARTHQUAKE [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
The information about the upcoming strong earthquake in Yerevan which is in circulation during the last times does not correspond to reality.
Head of the Armenian National Seismic Protection Service Alvaro Antonian told today journalists that the service has a national view network which follows for more than 40 parameters with the help of 150 stations.
Using the most updated methods of information transferring – satellite, radio, digital link, the information is transferred to the center, analyzed as a result of which the current seismic danger is assessed.
According to A. Antonian, such a panic is spread among the society after the speech of the specialist of Armenian National Academy of Science who noted that according to the information of their radon measuring station the content of radon gas in the Earth crust is above the norm which is regarded as a symptom of seismic events.
“Such news is spread each year during these days, it is natural because the day of Spitak earthquake comes up, people start to speak of it, remember and make comments. We have more than 20 radon measuring stations and according to its information there are no anomalies: we assess the situation according to that. No country in the world can definitely foresee the day, place and hour of the earthquake. We can only assess the current seismic danger at best”, A. Antonian added.
The seismic service has worked out a modern system of current seismic danger assessment, with which strong earthquakes which took place in Armenia and the region are analyzed, and the results show that the system is rather reliable, 13 of nearly 20 earthquakes coincided with assessment.
A. Antonian noted that the work of the system is regularly improved.
“The aroused panic shows that we are not enough ready to stand strong earthquakes. Strong earthquakes can periodically repeat in the same epicenter. Such earthquakes in Armenia can repeat with 35-60 years periodicity, earthquakes like Spitak can repeat once in several hundred years but it does not mean it must by all means take place”, A. Antonian said.
According to him, if the seismic background is normal no destructive earthquake can take place. The earthquake is connected with processes which take place in dozens and hundreds km depth and practically have no connection with atmospheric temperature.
SPORTS
40. PIER BALIAN TO REPRESENT ARMENIA IN INTERNATIONAL SKATING CONTESTS [ARMENPRESS, 12/02/08]
American-Armenian figure skater Pier Balian will possibly represent Armenia in international skating contests including the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in the town of Vancouver , Canada .
Head of Armenian Skating Federation Samvel Khachatrian told Armenpress that at present the issue of Armenian citizenship of Pier Balian is being solved.
Taking part in the World Cup and following it the Olympic rating tournament this skater will have good opportunities to gain Olympic permit.
The coach of Pier Balian who lives and trains in the USA is the Armenian well known coach Rafael Harutyunian.
41. LEVON ARONIAN TO TAKE PART IN 21-ST CLASS INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT IN CHINA [NOYAN TAPAN, 12/02/08]
An International Chess Tournament of the highest, 21-class with the participation of 6 grand masters will be held in the city of Nanjing , China on December 10-22. Vesselin Topalov (Bulgaria), Vasily Ivanchuk (the Ukraine), Pyotr Svidler (Russia), Bu Kianji (China), Sergei Movsisian (Slovakia), and Levon Aronian (Armenia) will take part in the competitions to be held in two rounds.
42. GEGHAM AND ANI VARDANIANS TO TAKE PART IN THE EUROPEAN FIGURE SKATING CUP [ARMENPRESS, 12/03/08]
Two Armenian figure skaters – Gegham and Ani Vardanians will take part in the individual contest of European Cup which will kick off January 17, 2009 in Helsinki , capital of Finland , head of Armenian Skating Federation Samvel Khachatrian told Armenpress.
__________________________________________________________________
Produced by AGBU Armenian Representation
Please be advised that the AGBU Armenia News Bulletin is for general reference only and should not be reprinted in any form without the explicit written permission of AGBU. All rights reserved.
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents.
Children’s Concert with Maggie
Armenian Heritage Conference
December 3, 2008 · Filed Under Press Releases
AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York , NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: press@agbu.org
Website: www.agbu.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
AGBU Europe Hosts Groundbreaking Conference on Armenian Heritage in Turkey Brussels , Belgium – On November 13, AGBU Europe organized a conference in the European Parliament, entitled “A Journey of Cultural Rediscovery: Armenian Heritage in Turkey .” The event highlighted the efforts of individuals in Turkey who are currently trying to reclaim the memories of the 1915 Armenian Genocide and rescue its cultural heritage today in their country.
Many attendees were either of Armenian or Turkish backgrounds, professional educators or journalists, as well as representatives of the European Commission and Parliament, all of whom predominantly expressed unreserved support for the objectives of the conference.
- A view of the conference attendees, which included professional educators, journalists, representatives of the European Commission and Parliament.
Speakers throughout the day discussed years of research, documentation and results surrounding the striking highlights of worthy Armenian contributions to Turkey , which mostly remain unknown to a majority of people in their country. For example, the Armenian architect Sinan created a beautiful 16th-century mosque in Edirne and an Armenian school in Erzerum hosted Ataturk’s Erzerum Congress.
Fethiye Cetin, a Turkish author, spoke about her own journey after discovering late in life that her grandmother was Armenian. She spoke about the moving and overwhelmingly sympathetic response to her book in Turkey , and stressed how personal emotions can lead the way to reconciliation and a fresh start for Armenian-Turkish relations.
Historian Ara Sarafian, returning from another prolonged stay in eastern Turkey , reported on two parallel yet competing currents and personal stands in the country: one seeks to continuously portray Armenians as alien and threatening, while the other is concerned with the rediscovery of positive Armenian-Turkish bonds.
Lastly, Professor Patrick Donabedian from France described in great detail some disheartening examples of Armenian architectural destruction, both intentional and through neglect, which is happening in present-day Turkey . On a more positive note, there are several initiatives in Turkey to protect the few remaining vestiges of Armenian heritage. Recently the minister of culture declared a museum would be built in honor of Armenian-American author William Saroyan in his parents’ hometown of Bitlis. Donabedian is hopeful that one day the Turkish government may even give back several buildings that have been confiscated from the Armenian Church.
The head representative in the European Commission’s Turkey team presented a three-million-euro cultural heritage project launched in the Balkans to serve as inspiration for similar work with Turkey , stressing the importance of such issues in European Union policy.
- Panelists discuss the Armenian heritage in Turkey.
A tone emphasizing the importance of preserving and rejuvenating the Armenian cultural heritage in Turkey was universal among the audience and presenters. There was also common consensus that with the help of European institutions, research, education, and shared personal experiences, steps can be taken to reach this goal and, with a revived Armenian culture in Turkey , important developments can then be made in Turkish society, positively affecting the Armenian diaspora.
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in 37 countries.
-
AGBU Toronto Images
