MosJan

THE US FORBIDS AZERIS THE COUNTRY 14.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Judging from all the facts azerbaijani sportsmen will not be allowed to participate in the world competition on free-style and Greko-Roman wrestling, that will start September 25 in New York. The US embassy in Azerbaijna has stopped granting Azerbaijan's citizens entry visas because of the recent terrorist acts. American immigration sevices has also forbid two well-known athlets, with Muslim origin Adam Saytiev (85 kg) and David Musulbes (130 kg), the country. The concular department of US embassy has promised to grant Armenian sportsmen visas not later than Tuesday. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

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http://www.boston.com/news/daily/13/gallery_vigil/2.jpg Suspected hijackers behind Tuesday's disaster Compiled by Boston.com Staff and Associated Press, 09/14/01 A list of all 19 suspected airline hijackers who comandeered four planes that caused Tuesday's disasters. The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday released the names: AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 11 (Hit the north tower of the World Trade Center) Waleed Alshehri, 25 Graduated from EmbryRiddle Aeronautics University in Daytona Beach, Fla in 1997. Held US commercial pilot's license. Wail Alshehri, 28 Lived in Boynton Beach, Fla. Mohammad Atta, 33 Rented a car at Logan Airport Alamo and drove to Maine. Then flew down from Portland, Maine, early Tuesday before connecting on Flight 11. From United Arab Emirates. Abdulrahman S. Alomari, 38 Rented a car at Logan Airport Alamo and drove to Maine. Then flew down from Portland, Maine, early Tuesday before connecting on Flight 11. Lived for months recently in the Vero Beach, Fla. neighborhood with two other men. One man, Amer M. Kamfar, was wanted for questioning, but is missing and may be armed with an AK47. Satam Al Suqami - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 175 (Hit the south tower of the World Trade Center) Marwan Alshehri, 23 (cousin of Atta) From United Arab Emirates. Rented room with Atta in Florida while they attended Huffman Aviation School in Venice, near Sarasota, on Florida's west coast, where they trained on small Cessna and Piper aircrafts. Fayez Ahmed Mohaid Alshehri Hamza Alghamdi Ahmed Alghamdi - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 77 (Hit the Pentagon) Khalid AlMidhar Majed Moqed Nawaq Alhamzi Salem Alhamzi Hani Hanjour - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT 93 (Crashed in rural Pennsylvania) Ahmed Alhaznawi Ahmed Alnami Ziad Jarrahi Saeed Alghamdi [ September 14, 2001: Message edited by: MosJan ]

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Armenia Voices Condolences, Support To Terror-Stricken US YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Armenian leaders and dozens of ordinary people on Wednesday paid their respects to the numerous victims of the worst terrorist attacks in US history and expressed their support for the grieving Americans. Government officials extended their condolences to the families of the victims while Yerevan residents laid flowers outside the US embassy in the Armenian capital. President Robert Kocharian said he was “shocked” by the catastrophic attacks in New York and Washington which he condemned as an “inhuman and tragic violence.” “Terrorism has shown its ugly face and must be stopped with a joint resolve,” he said in a message to US President George Bush. Prime Minister Andranik Markarian described the shock wave of terror as a “crime against humanity” in his letter to US Vice President Dick Cheney. He called for the creation of a “united front against international terrorism.” “We regard this as an onslaught not only on the United States but also peace-loving and democratic people’s of the world,” Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said for his part. “Nothing can justify such a brutal attitude to human lives,” Oskanian told reporters. “We are confident that New York, a city which provided shelter those who had escaped violence at the beginning of the [20th] century, will itself become free of fear soon,” he added. New York was the first destination of many survivors of the 1915 Armenian genocide who took refuge in America. A similar message was sent to Washington by Catholicos Karekin II. The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church will serve a liturgy in memory of the dead at the main Armenian cathedral in Etchmiadzin on Sunday. Words of sorrow and condemnation also poured in from leaders of major Armenian parties. “Terrorism must be weeded out and the terrorists must be destroyed,” People’s Party leader Stepan Demirchian told RFE/RL. “I am confident that the US authorities will respond properly to the terrorist attacks.” The Armenian parliament interrupted its session late on Tuesday as a token of solidarity with the American government and people. Dozens of Armenians and representatives of local non-governmental organizations laid flowers and wreaths outside the US embassy in Yerevan. Some of them lit candles and left written messages of solidarity. “I came here because they are a worthy people living in a great country,” said one middle-aged men. The embassy was closed on Wednesday amid tightened security around it. “We are dead scared by what happened,” said a woman in downtown Yerevan as she described her and her family’s impressions about the horrific pictures broadcast by television channels. But according to Oskanian, the Armenian authorities are not worried about the possibility of a serious destabilization of the situation in the international stage and have taken no emergency measures to that effect. “We have no security concerns, both in the political and economic sense,” he said. Meanwhile, the Armenian embassy in Washington said it is trying to establish whether Armenian citizens were on board any of the four US passenger jets hijacked and used by the terrorists. The four airliners had 266 people aboard and there were no known survivors. Two of them were carrying out regular flights from Boston to Los Angeles, cities that with large Armenian communities. The embassy said the two airlines that operated the flights still have no complete information about the nationality of the victims. The foreign ministry in Yerevan requested citizens to provide names of their relatives who were traveling to the four US destinations on Tuesday.

Western Prelacy Condemns Attack On behalf of the Religious and Executive Councils of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and the Armenian Community, we express our deepest sorrow for the loss of lives of those innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of this morning, September 11, 2001, in New York and Washington, D.C. We strongly condemn these cowardly criminal acts committed against humanity that caused the loss of the lives of thousands of innocent people. The latest act of terrorism committed in New York and Washington D.C. is the most heinous crime committed against the people and the government of the United States of America for the last several decades. We express our deepest sympathy to the people and the government of the United States and especially to the families of the victims. We pray to the Almighty for the peace of their souls. May the good Lord bless their memory. It is our conviction that the governmental authorities of the United States shall determine the perpetrators of this heinous crime caused by this terrorist act. On Sunday, September 16, 2001, special memorial services will be held at all the churches of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. Prayerfully Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian Prelate, Western United States

1700-th anniversary ARMENIAN MASS HELD IN COLOGNE An Armenian holy mass dedicated to 1700-th anniversary of Christianity adoption in Armenia took place in Cologne, Germany. It was an important event, one of those unique ones during which German-Armenians feel pride. And of course many German-Armenians came to be present at the mass from all over the Germany. About 2000 Armenians were present at the mass, not counting tourists and Germans. The mass was served by the Primate of German Diocese of Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Garegin Bekjian. The primate of Great Britain Diocese of Armenian Church Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian and Cologne’s Catholic Church’s Cardinal, archbishop Yoakhim Meisner also participated in the event. The mass was served in Armenian, and the only German speech was delivered by Cardinal Meisner. Congratulating the Armenian nation and church on the holy anniversary, Archbishop Meisner noted that soon the Pope of Rome, despite his poor health, will visit Armenia. The Cardinal also told that nobody in the world has such deep experience in Christianity like Armenians, adding that Armenians can be sure in the moral support of German believers. The Primate of German Diocese of Armenian Church Garegin Bekjian acquainted the present with the Armenian Conversion, then thanking the hosts for the opportunity to hold such an event. After the mass a solemn reception took place with professional musicians performing pleasant tunes.

TWO NEW ADL CLUBS OPEN IN ARARAT http://www.azg.am/IMAGE/200116403.jpg Two new clubs of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) opened in the towns of Ararat and Vedi on Wednesday, September 12. “On joining the ADL ranks I swear to serve my nation and my homeland and fulfil all the duties laid on me and keep the secrets deputed on me,” this oath pronounced by the new members of the party speaks for itself and binds nothing else. Nowadays when virtually 4-5 new parties are born each day, frequently they exist on paper only, when defectors from one party move to another one, the Armenians are beginning to trust the traditional parties. “The Armenian Democratic Liberal party (Ramkavar Azatakan) from the moment of its birth in 1885 without making clamorous announcements has always been in the center of the most important events in the Armenian life,” ADL head of administrative department Garnik Hovakimian said. The party played a key role in the defense operations in Van, Musa Dagh. «Building a strong state has always been the party’s priority in all times. “Supporting the idea of free entrepreneurship, existence of different forms of ownership, the party has never made an attempt to undertake shocking and revolutionary actions,” he said. Being a centrist party the ADL has never been pro-government in the recent ten years of its acting in Armenia. Ruling out opposition, the party members are trying to contribute to the building of the strong Armenian statehood. A new party member Yurik Hovakimian says the ADL provides with opportunities to work freely. “Look what is happening, houses and entire factories are being destroyed, but building a house is more important and this is why I have joined the ADL,” he said to the daily Azg. “I would very much like to see my compatriots dealing each with his or her own business. The musicians should play their instruments, the farmer should cultivate his land. I have a strong belief in this party,” Tamara Matevosian, a teacher said. Tatool Nazaretian, a sculptor, says though few people join the party in the province but they all are devoted bearers of the ADL ideology. Garnik Hovakimian and Karen Kakoyan, the leader of the ADL youth wing, welcomed the new party members wishing them productive activity. © Copyright AZG

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ARMENIAN DEMOCRATIC LIBERAL PARTY’S REPUBLICAN BOARD On September 11 the biggest terrorist act ever took place in USA, as a cause of which thousands of people died. The republican board of ADL of Armenia estimates the terrorist act as: - crime directed towards all humanity - heaviest crime, which took lives of thousands of innocent people - an attempt to destroy all the gains of world’s civilization ADL Republican board finds that: - the whole society of the world must expand organized struggle against the greatest evil of our times – terrorism - it is necessary to explore the phenomena giving birth to terrorism - all the radical manifestations of political struggle (nationalism, religious fanaticism, revanchism), which cause terrorist action, are condemnable ADL of Armenia deeply condolences all the relatives of the victims and expresses confidence that American people will overcome the terrible ordeal.

ARMENIAN EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON TRIES TO FIND OUT IF ARMENIAN NATIONALS SUFFERED IN TERRORIST ATTACK Armenian embassy in Washington is trying to find out if Armenian nationals have suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington September 11. So far the identity of the people who died in the targeted buildings and near them is not specified. The Armenian embassy got in touch with the American Airlines and United Airlines, the planes of which were hijacked by the terrorists. The United Airlines said that no Armenian nationals were on board of its planes. The American Airlines could not provide any information.

ARMENIAN INSTITUTIONS IN NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON, D.C UNHARMED AFTER ATTACK Sources in epicenters of Tuesday's attack reported that Armenian institutions in New York and Washington were unharmed and personnel and community members were safe, following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Asbarez daily reported. Armenia's Ambassador to the United Nations Movses Abelian reported that the Armenian mission at the UN was unharmed, but staffers were evacuated during the day, as events unfolded. The Prelacy and Diocese also reported that their headquarters were unaffected, and both Prelate Oshagan Choloyan and Primate Khajag Barsumian were unharmed. Similar encouraging news was reported from Washington, as Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America informed Asbarez that all staffers of the office were safe. Also unharmed was the Armenian Embassy complex in Washington, with Ambassador Armand Kirakossian reported to be safe. © Copyright AZG

HEAD OF ARMENIAN CHURCH SENDS CONDOLENCES TO US PRESIDENT On September 12, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has sent telegrams of condolences on behalf of the Catholicosate of All Armenians, the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and the entire faithful Armenian nation, addressed to His Excellency George Bush, the President of the USA, the Mayors of New York City and Washington DC, on the occasion of terrorist acts perpetrated on New York City, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, to express compassion to the American people and innocent victims' families and relatives, in particular. In the telegram of His Holiness addressed to the President Bush it is particularly said: "We are profoundly shocked by the terrorist acts realized in America with unprecedented impudence. Together with you and the faithful people of America we feel deep sorry for the thousands of victims of the tragedy. The way of violence is not the future of mankind, and we join the numerous honest souls throughout the world, who condemn such acts of violence, and pray for peace everywhere and goodwill in people." Upon the pontifical order of His Holiness, on the coming Sunday, September 16, following the Divine Liturgy, a Requiem Service will be held at the Cathedral of Holy Echmiadzin for the repose of the souls of the victims of terrorism. His Holiness is in constant telephone contact with the Primates of the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the USA. Armenian Prelacies' staffs continue to realize their work as usual. © Copyright AZG

CZECH AMBASSADOR PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA The extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Czech Republic to Armenia Irzhi Nekvasil (residence in Tbilisi, Georgia) presented his credentials to the president of Armenia Robert Kocharian September 12. Expressing readiness of the two sides to expand Armenian-Czech relations, Robert Kocharian and the newly appointed ambassador said that there are large possibilities for the development of multilateral activities. In this context the importance of forming a corresponding legal field was underlined. The counterparts also dwelt upon the political and economic situations in both countries. © Copyright AZG

RADIO OF JUSTICE BRINGS RIVALS TOGETHER Journalist and translator Mikael Hajian recalls that in 1997 when there were still Azerbaijani Prisoners of War in Nagorno Karabagh, the staffers of the Voice of Justice local radio station decided to conduct a kind of interview with the prisoners after getting the authorities’ permission. The Azeri soldiers were supposed to address their relatives on radio. ”We allowed them to speak about what they wanted . When given live air, they said they were in Karabagh and in capture, but said that the conditions were not bad. They also said that once a week they had a shower, had three meals a day, but felt oppressed and wanted to go home. They asked their mothers to free them if they could do it. Before allowing the prisoners to address their relatives we had been announcing about one week beforehand requesting their relatives be informed about the live air. That was a humanitarian action and I will never forget it,” he says. Later all the POW were released and returned to their families. The Voice of Justice radio station broadcasting from Nagorno Karabagh in Azerbaijani language has been acting since 1997. The chief of the station says that their main goal is to restore the bridges of trust between the two people through the so-called people diplomacy. “We can say that our radio station is the only channel in this region which has never dealt with tough propaganda. We are not accusing the Azerbaijani people; it might have been deceived and have gone astray. We are not intending to insult or harm, but are simply trying to convince that resumption of hostilities will bring a new tragedy to both Azeris and Armenians. Sometimes we are supporting the Azerbaijani authorities when their step promotes peace establishment. When the Azerbaijani authorities come out in favor of peace and the opposition is attempting to accuse them of betrayal and violation of national interests, in such cases we defend the authorities,” says Hajian. The Voice of Justice releases its programs four times a week which last 30 minutes with 6 staffers. They all are very proficient in Azerbaijani languages, as all they are refugees from Aghdam, Fizuli and other regions. An Azeri woman whose Armenian husband was killed in the hostilities also works with us. Mikael Hajian himself had worked long for a Baku based Armenian-language Communist newspaper under the Soviets. He also translated from many Azeri writers into Armenian. The Karabagh authorities have given us a special space and they do not interfere with our work, as they believe that our propaganda will not complicate the regulation process. The Voice of Justice is a private channel and some local businessmen help us financially. The goal is to speed up establishment of peace between Azeris and Karabagh Armenians, which, we believe will ease trade conduction between the two people. Karabagh businessmen got tired of concluding trade deals with Azeris in Georgia, Russia or Turkey, when there is the shortest Stepanakert-Baku route. The Voice of Justice can be reached in Azerbaijan, Turkey and Central Asia, even in New Zealand, Russia, Germany, and Finland. Hajian says he still has some unrealized dreams.” We need an international radio station to tell the world, and especially the Armenian Diaspora, what Karabagh actually is. Tatool Hakobian © Copyright AZG

TERRORIST ACTS WILL NOT BREAK AMERICANS, US AMBASSADOR SAYS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It is still premature to speak about the tragic events in the USA. As all others I am too closely following the CNN reports. We cannot yet say who were behind these horrific terrorist acts, but it will not work against the USA and its people. Now we must tell our prayers for the dead and their families,” US ambassador in Yerevan Michael Lemmon said on Wednesday during a public lecture at the American University of Armenia. Despite the terrorist acts that shook the world the ambassador agreed to answer Azg daily’s question. In response to a question why the US State Department described Armenia as an “aggressor’ in an official statement disseminated on the eve of Key West talks over Karabagh regulations the ambassadors said that he had looked thoroughly through the statement in question but failed to find out the word “aggressor.” “ Many political analysts, while speaking about the Karabagh conflict, use the words “aggressor”, ‘separatists” and others. But they are the words used by them,” Mr. Lemmon said. Speaking about USA-Russian relations the ambassador said he did not see why good Russian-Armenian relations should contradict Armenian-USA relations. “During my tenure in Armenia I used to reiterate that we have to find a constructive path for all the countries of the region that would be beneficial for all them and the approaches that one of the countries should come out as a winner and the others as losers should be left behind,” Mr. Lemmon said. In a reference to Iran, the ambassador said that his country had some concerns as Iran continues encouraging spread of weapon of mass annihilation.” Iran’s support to international terrorism and its opposition to Middle East conflict regulation also cause our concern,” the ambassador said, adding that the US Congress has prolonged for another five years sanctions against Iran. “In this respect there may appear some difficulties concerning construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline,” he said. Responding to a question what steps the USA might take to restraint Turkey from displaying hostility towards Armenia Lemmon said the USA is continuing encouraging normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations. “We are also encouraging the recently created Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission, as well as all contacts on the official level,” Lemmon said. In reference to economic cooperation between USA and Armenia Lemmon said that the volume of US investments in the Armenian economy was not big. Lemmon ascribed it to the fact that possibilities for business running in Armenia were restricted as opposed to other countries. Lemmon said that US is trying to increase the level of interest towards Armenia. As an example he cited the Armenia Investor Conference held last May in New York. Another event, an agricultural exhibition in Los Angeles is being planned. “Last week I was in Istanbul with a group of businessmen to participate in an IT conference, organized by the Trade Development Agency. I also participated in a similar conference in Brussels, which was attended by businessmen from the CIS, including Armenia and also Turkey. We are supporting a European program to host an international IT conference in Yerevan” Lemmon said. According to the US ambassador, Armenia must pay greater attention to struggling against corruption to make the country more attractive for potential foreign and domestic investors. He also singled out improvement of legislation, judiciary reforms, tax-related laws, rule of law. Lemmon also played down accusations that his country was not interested in the development of Armenian heavy industry and regards Armenia, at best, as a tourist country. He singled out IT and agriculture development as key factors for making Armenia a highly developed country. According to Lemmon, the US assistance to Armenia has shifted from humanitarian nature to development one to make Armenians feel its results. “Our goal is to help Armenia become a prospering, stable and safe country integrated with international structures, such the Council of Europe, World Trade Organization,” he said. “During the three years I have spent in Armenia I have never experienced a feeling of regret and I have always been faithful to my government’s decisions. I was trying to be a fair mediator and to present correctly the US policy in Armenia and Armenia’s policy in the USA,” Lemmon said. © Copyright AZG

ARMENIAN-IRANIAN JOINT ENTERPRISE ON LAMP PRODUCTION WILL BE OPENED IN TABRIZ 13.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian-Iranian joint enterprise on electric lamp production will be opened in the Iranian City of Tabriz. "Grand Sun" Company created on the basis of Yerevan electric lamp factory will be the partner from the Armenian side. The Iranian side is represented by "Araz Electric" firm. As IRI Minister of Industry Mohammad Shariatmadari reported at the press conference held in Yerevan, the development of the agreement on six-month cooperation was at the final stage and would be signed in the near future. "Grand Sun" Company earlier signed a contract on exporting one million electric lamps to Iran. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIA UNILATERALLY RELEASED TWO AZERBAIJANI PRISONERS OF WAR 13.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday two national Azerbaijani prisoners of war, one of whom is serviceman, were transferred to International Committee of the Red Cross and OSCE representatives by the Armenian authorities. As noted in the press release of ICRC Baku office, Azerbaijani citizen Arif Ilsov and Miza Jafarov were released at the border between the two countries near Kazakh. Both captives expressed firm intention to return to Azerbaijan. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

TERRORIST ACTS WILL NOT TELL ON THE TERM OF ARMENIA JOINING WTO 13.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Armenia Karen Chshmaritian stated that the series of terrorist acts in Washington and New York would not tell on the term of Armenia joining the World Trade Organization. (Let us remind that WTO headquarters were situated in the World Trade Center, which underwent terrorist attacks.) The Minister informed that the delegation, which is in Brussels at present, continues negotiations with the U.S. representatives concerning Armenia's entry into WTO. Let us remind that U.S. President stated nothing could impede the American Administration to realize the agreements achieved earlier. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN-CHINESE ENTERPRISE ASSEMBLING TELEVISION SETS ESTABLISHED IN ARMENIA 13.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian-Chinese joint enterprise based on "Electron" Vanadzor factory is engaged in television set assembling. As Governor of Lori region Henrik Kochinian reported, television spare parts (mainly "JVC" and "TOSHIBA" television tubes) are supplied from China. In Kochinian's words, 230 "Hay-Chin" television sets with 54cm diagonal screen were assembled at the factory in August. The production of "Hay-Chin" is 70-100 dollars cheaper than the television sets assembled abroad. The Governor also noted that in case the demand grew, the number of television sets being assembled in Armenia would be increased. The whole production is sold in Armenia. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

Prime Minister's Advisor Killed YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—Gagik Poghossian, an advisor to the Prime Minister and Chief of the Surveillance Service, was wounded as a granade exploded on Sept. 11, at 9:15 a.m., on the threshold of his apartment on 35 Tumanian street. He was rushed to hospital where he later died. Poghossian's son Khachik was also injured in the explosion. The investigation is being carried out by the Prosecutor General's Office. The press secretary of the prosecutor general Gurgen Abrahamian told reporters that a criminal case was instituted on point 6 of article 99 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (premeditated murder under aggravated circumstances committed with special brutality or by a method dangerous for the lives of many"). Gagik Poghossian was born in Yerevan, in 1952. In 1968-74 he studied at Yerevan light industry college, in 1991 he graduated from Belgrade (Yugoslavia) Economic Institute, in 1998 he graduated from Stavropol State University (Russia), while in 2000 graduated from the Yerevan University after Hrachya Acharian.. While studying he worked at the "Motor" plant of Yerevan, "Nairi" shoe-making factory, Integrated Plant of Brittle Fibre and the "Masis" Production Association. In 1981-1991, he was chairman of the zoning department of Yerevan. In 1991 he established the Armenian-Italian "Imak" company. In 1995-1999, he was deputy of the Armenian Parliament and member of the Financial and Economic Commission. In 1998, he was leader of the customs office of the Ararat region. Since 1998 to present he was Head of the Surveillance Service of the Government, later of the prime minister of Armenia. In May of 2000 he was appointed as Minister of State Revenues of Armenia. On November 6, 2000, he was relieved of the post of the Minister of State Revenues. He was the advisor of the prime minister and Head of his Surveillance Service. Since 1998 he was member of the Republican Party. He was married and had three children

Community Responds to Attack on US GLENDALE—The Armenian community of Southern California responded promptly to the attack on the United States Tuesday, by urging to community to follow law-enforcement directives in the event terrorism rears its head in California and on the West Coast. On Tuesday night, a Mass and requiem service were scheduled at St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, presided over by Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee expressed its condolences to the families of the victims of Tuesday's attack and resolutely condemned the act against the US government and the American people. The Armenian Relief Societyis assisting the American Red Cross in its efforts to collect blood from individuals who are interested in donating their blood to help New York City's efforts to provide medical assistance after the horrific occurance that took place Tuesday morning. The Armenian Relief Society and the American Red Cross will be at the following locations collecting donations of blood: Glendale Adventist Hospital Auditorium, 1509 Wilson Terrace; Glendale Red Cross, 1501 South Brand; Los Angeles Red Cross, 1130 South Vermont Ave.; Santa Monica Red Cross, 1450 11th Street; Valencia Red Cross, Kmart Shopping Center, 23152L/2 Valencia Blvd.; Pasadena Red Cross, 91 North Lake Avenue; Laguna Hills Red Cross, 247-31 Alicia Parkway; Santa Ana Red Cross, 600 Pancantor

Armenian Institutions Unharmed After Attack NEW YORK/WASHINGTON—Sources in epicenters of Tuesday's attack reported that Armenian institutions in New York and Washington were unharmed and personnel and community members were safe, following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Armenia's Ambassador to the United Nations Movses Abelian reported that the Armenian mission at the UN was unharmed, but staffers were evacuated during the day, as events unfolded. The Prelacy and Diocese also reported that their headquarters were unaffected, and both Prelate Oshagan Choloyan and Primate Khajag Barsumian were unharmed. Similar encouraging news was reported from Washington, as Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America informed Asbarez that all staffers of the officer were safe. Also unharmed was the Armenian Embassy complex in Washington, with Ambassador Armand Kirakossian reported to be safe.

WoW -> ARF DECLARATION Along with the whole world, we are shocked by the great tragedy resulting from the criminal attacks that took place on September 11, 2001 in the United States of America. This terrorist act, which took the lives of thousands of innocent victims, cannot have any justification. In condemning this terrible crime, which is counter to every civilized standard and basic principle of morality, we express our condolences to the families of the thousands of victims and to the American people, who have paid a very high price for the fact that we still live in a world in which force is used to influence the course of international affairs. ARF Bureau September 12, 2001 Yerevan

Age-old enmity in the Caucasus http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1270000/images/_1273883_view300.jpg Azeri gunners used to target Stepanakert from the mountains By Rob Parsons in the southern Caucasus Azerbaijan and Armenia have been holding talks on the disputed territory of the southern Caucasus. But the people living in the region are not optimistic about the outcome. Julia steps out of the government guest house and smiles at me. What does she see, I wonder - what does she think I make of the madness that has pummeled and moulded her life? The Armenians in Nagorno-Artsax cannot just forgive and forget http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1270000/images/_1273883_woman150.jpg For Julia is an Armenian living in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Artsax. During her lifetime, she has witnessed the age-old emnity between the Azeris and the Armenians spiral into a full-scale war in the early 1990s. It was a bitter conflict that left tens of thousands dead, and ended in the total disappearance of the Azeris from the region. Julia transfers her gaze from me and looks out across the valley that slopes away from the back of the house. It's early morning and the hills are wet and green. She points at a clutter of houses on the far side. "That's Meli Beylu,' she says. "It used to be an Azeri village but it's empty now." Deserted village She says this in a matter of fact sort of way. There's no malice or gloating. I think she expects me to understand. I follow the line of her finger and can just make out the village, barely visible in Artsax's April mists, and can think of nothing to say. Who can imagine the terror that caused an entire village to abandon everything it had ever lived for and flee? "During the war, the Azeris in Meli Beylu shelled this house every day," says Julia. "Every day when they had finished, I'd go out into the yard and gather together the shrapnel from the explosions. By the end the piles were mountains." I ask whether she knows about the talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the future of Artsax. She say she does. If we let them back, everything we fought for will have been in vain Julia, Armenian villager Can she imagine allowing her former neighbours to come back? "Never," she says, looking out over a hillside of blossoming peach trees. "If we let them back, everything we fought for will have been in vain." What is it that can turn this otherwise kind and gentle woman into something of stone? Embedded hatred Seven years have passed since the fighting stopped and a ceasefire confirmed the Armenians' crushing victory, but their hearts haven't softened towards a beaten and humiliated enemy. Memories in Nagorno-Artsax are too long. Seven years is but an instant. They still talk of the Turkish genocide of Armenians in 1915 as if it were yesterday. And Azeris to the Armenians are indistinguishable from Turks. The two peoples have shared the mountainous region of Artsax - the black garden of shared legend - for centuries. Now, for the first time in all those years there is not a single Azeri left - not one. All their villages are empty, their houses violated, their cemeteries and places of worship left to decay. Restored city http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1270000/images/_1273883_map150.jpg The capital of Nagorno-Artsax is Stepanakert (Khenkendi to the Azeris). To look at, it's nothing remarkable - not unless you had seen it at the end of the war. Seven years ago, there was scarcely a building in the city that had not been damaged by shellfire. You wouldn't know it now - Stepanakert is without doubt the tidiest, smartest town in the southern Caucasus. The transformation is remarkable - testament to a people's determination to rise from the ashes of war, and to justify the sacrifice made in blood. But the surface orderliness of brick and cement belies a psyche buckled and twisted by six years of savagery. Thirty five thousand people died, and whole families, sometimes villages, were cut down with merciless cruelty - victims of a Caucasian vendetta impervious to reason and the healing qualities of time. Stepanakert is now a thriving city http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1270000/images/_1273883_market150.jpg Seven years after the war ended, Nagorno- Artsax remains one of the most militarised patches of earth on the planet - its people frozen in a perpetual grimace of defiance. Iron wills On the parade ground of the Artsaxi army, the deputy commander cuts an alarming and unusual figure. She's known by her nickname - Khanum, the lady. The name is a deliberate irony that refers to her years as a fighter in the war. Khanum is middle-aged and what one would politely call stout, but I don't doubt for one moment that she struck terror in Azeri hearts. Her face does not appear to smile - bitterness seems etched in every crease and fold. Before my eyes she berates a soldier for sloppy dress. She punches him in the face - not once, not twice, but three times, while his comrades look on in horror. There is iron in the soul of the Armenians of Artsax, and not without reason. When the Azeris had the upper hand, they showed no mercy. In fact, at times they behaved with sickening cruelty. For years on end, the people of Stepanakert were sitting ducks for Azeri gunners in the strategic heights above. So perhaps there is little wonder that compromise is not part of the Armenian Artsaxi vocabulary. But it is as if no lessons have been learned. Less than 100 miles away, the refugees from those empty villages are thinking of nothing else but taking back what is their's - by force if necessary. The Armenians and Azeris of Artsax are still feeding their wrath, still blowing on the embers of ancient hatreds. BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1105000/images/_1108274_armenia_300.jpg A chronology of key events: http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1105000/images/_1108052_armenia_azerb4_300map.gif 1915 - An estimated 1.75 million Armenians are massacred or deported from their homeland in Anatolia to present-day Syria. The Ottoman government had suspected them of harbouring pro-Russian sympathies. http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1110000/images/_1112438_armenia_supuf.gif http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1105000/images/_1108274_arm-yerevan150.jpg The capital Yerevan, whose history stretches back more than 2,500 years 1916 - Armenia is conquered by tsarist Russia. Joins alliance with Georgia and Azerbaijan. 1918 - Armenia becomes an independent republic. 1920 - Armenia is invaded by Turkey and Bolshevik Russia. An agreement with the Bolsheviks leads to Armenia proclaiming itself a socialist republic. 1922 - Armenia is incorporated into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, USSR. 1930s - Armenians suffer under Stalin's purges, but the country also experiences industrial development. The modern period 1988 - Encouraged by the new policy of openness ("glasnost"), Armenians begin to campaign for Nagorno-Artsax, a region with a predominantly Armenian population in the neighbouring Soviet republic of Azerbaijan, to be united with Armenia. The 1988 earthquake brought massive destruction and misery http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1105000/images/_1108274_arm-earthquake150.jpg 1988 December - Earthquake in northern Armenia kills 25,000 and leaves hundreds of thousands homeless. The relief effort is slow and chaotic. 1989 - Conflict over Nagorno-Artsax begins. It lasts intermittently for five years. Many Azeri citizens are forced to flee their homes. 1990 - Armenian nationalists win parliamentary elections. Independence is declared, but ignored by Moscow. 1991 September - A referendum sees 94% vote for secession from the Soviet Union. 1991 October - Levon Ter-Petrossian re-elected president. 1991 December - Armenia joins the Commonwealth of Independent States, the successor to the Soviet Union. Armenia recognised as independent by the US. Internal unrest 1992 - Armenia joins the United Nations. A trade and energy embargo is imposed by Azerbaijan. The conflict over Nagorno-Artsax continues. 1994 - Demonstrations in Yerevan over shortages of food and energy. A Russian-brokered ceasefire ends the Nagorno-Artsax conflict. The region is left a self-proclaimed republic, with ethnic Armenian forces in control of Azerbaijani territory surrounding Artsax. 1995 - The government launches privatisation and price liberalisation programme. Parliamentary elections return the ruling party. The powers of the president are widened. 1996 - Ter-Petrossian is re-elected president. Tanks are deployed on the streets of Yerevan to quell protests over alleged electoral fraud. 1998 - Ter-Petrossian resigns over opposition to his efforts to find a compromise with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Artsax. Robert Kocharian, a hardline nationalist, is elected president. The 1999 parliament killings plunged Armenia into turmoil http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1105000/images/_1108274_arm-parlt150.jpg 1999 - Gunmen, led by a local journalist Nairi Hunanyan, open fire in the Armenian parliament. The prime minister, parliamentary speaker and six other officials are killed. The gunmen accuse the government of leading Armenia into political and economic ruin. They say the desperate plight of the Armenian people is the reason for the killings. 2000 - A rally in Yerevan calls for the president to resign over his economic policies. Prime Minister Andranik Markarian admits that - 12 years on - those affected by the 1988 earthquake are still living in a disaster zone. 2001 - Armenia celebrates the 1,700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity.