MosJan

ITINERARY OF POPE'S VISIT TO ARMENIA YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS: The press office in the headquarters of the Armenian Church has said to Armenpress today that Pope John Paul II will arrive in Yerevan from Kazakhstan September 25 at 1.00.p.m. local time by a Kazakhstan Airlines plane. The Supreme Pontiff will be welcomed at Yerevan Zvartnots airport by the head of the Armenian Church His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II and president Robert Kocharian. The Pontiff's itinerary in Armenia includes a visit September 26 to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan dedicated to the victims of 1915 Armenian genocide, perpetrated by the government of Young Turks in the last years of the Ottoman Empire. He will be accompanied by Catholicos Karekin II and other dignitaries. Later in the day the Pope will visit a newly built magnificent Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator in central Yerevan to attend an ecumenical ceremony there. On September 27 the Pontiff, accompanied by Catholicos Karekin II will serve a liturgy in a newly built Open Sacristy in the Mother See of Echmiadzin, later in the day the Pope will travel to the north of the capital Yerevan to visit the Kanaker Center of Mhetarian Congregation. The same evening the Pope and Catholicos Karekin II will travel to Khor Virap, a place some 40 km off the capital where the founder of the Armenian Church Catholicos Gregory the Illuminator was kept prisoner before convincing the Armenian king of Trdat (Tiridat) to proclaim Christianity as the state religion. There the Pope will light a candle from the torch of Gregory to take it to Rome. Thirty-three high-ranking clergymen are in the Pontiff's escort, including 12 Cardinals and Bishops. Also some sixty reporters will arrive with the Pope to report about his visit. During his visit to Armenia the Pope will stay at the residence of the Catholicos Karekin II in Echmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Church, 20 km off the capital. There will be tight security for the Pope's visit to be ensured by Armenia's president's security service. http://www.armenpress.am/top_pict/papa1.jpg [ September 25, 2001: Message edited by: MosJan ]

DALAGATION MEMBERS OF Artsax HAS MET WITH AZERBAJANI MEDIA HEADS 07.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The day before, the founders of Baku press club met with the delegation members of nongovernmental organizations of Artsax, who left for Baku September4, for a purpose to start a dialog. At the meeting there was an exchange of opinions about the press role in the Artsax conflict settlement process. The participants also exchanged the opinions regarding the ways of overcoming the conflict situation and the ways of directing two peoples into cooperation course. As "Arminfo" informs the sides were solidary regarding the question that " Artsax region economic development is impossible without integration processes with Azerbaijan. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ROBERT KOTCHARYAN HAS HAD INTERNET-CONFERENCE 07.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenia's president Robert Kotcharyan had internet-conference on information analytic internet-portal "GazetaSNG".ru. While answering the question of PanARMENIAN.net regarding the role and importance of the Internet, he emphasized that "the world net has a serious place" in his work. He said that personally he did not use the Internet because of time shortage, but he is actively use the articles and information on internet-sites and the information that he received by E-mail. According to Kotcharyan, "authority and government bodies have to be controlled by the society and the Internet gives that opportunity". The President pointed out, that "regime should be transparent and predictable". Toward this end, all state bodies in Armenia have their sites where they have to have information that is of public importance. Besides, according to the President, important projects having informational, educational and social purpose are implemented in the Armenian sector of the Internet. The president stated about the intention of further development of this orientation and expressed his strong belief that " to have any public data in Armenia and about Armenia will be a matter of some minutes in the nearest future ". Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

"REPUBLIC" PARTY FIRST CONGRESS COMMENCED 07.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today first congress of "Republic" Party started commenced in Yerevan. As Chairman of the party Political Council, former Mayor of Yerevan Albert Bazeyan noted, "Republic" had a mission to continue the cause of Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian killed by assassins in October 1999. The other leader of the party, ex-Premier Aram Sargsian (brother of Vazgen Sargsian) stated in connection with the foreign policy held by the country's leadership that Armenia should exercise weighed policy, "short of complementary principle". He stressed it was necessary to strengthen Armenian-Russian strategic cooperation that would allow to guarantee Armenia's security in the region. Both politicians were for President Robert Kocharian's resignation. Leaders of People's Party Stepan Demirchian and "National Unity" Party Artashes Geghamian, who addressed the congress, also joined the claim of resignation of the head of the country.

THE PATRIARCH OF RUSSIA WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CELEBRETIONS REGARDING 1700 ANNIVERSARY OF CHRISTIANITY ADOPTION IN ARMENIA 07.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Patriarch Aleksey II will participate in the celebrations for 1700 anniversary of Christianity adoption in Armenia. As "Arka" informs, the head of Russian Orthodox Church will arrive in Armenia by the invitation of Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II. It is supposed that Aleksey II will be in Armenia September 21-23. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ROBERT KOCHARIAN: "MOST IMPORTANT AIM IS TO WIN PEACE" 07.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Armenia has repeatedly declared its devotion to the packet resolution of the conflict on Nagorno Artsax," – President of Armenia Robert Kocharian stated at Internet conference held by "GazetaSNG.ru" portal. He stressed that it were not territorial problems but the matter of the people's self-determination that underlay the Artsax conflict. Answering the question whether Armenia feared resumption of the war against Nagorno Artsax by Azerbaijan, the President noted both sides had established rather powerful defense systems during the past years. He said there was much certainty that both in military and political contexts as well as in the country's people's opinion, the one who unleashed a new war would lose. Evaluating the potential of the opposing parties, Kocharian pointed out that the Armenian economy development rates were no slower than the Azerbaijani's. "By the way, - he noted, - oil romanticism in politics disappointed many politicians". Concluding his speech he said the main point for Azerbaijan and Armenia and all countries of the Southern Caucasus was to recognize that the most important aim was to win peace. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

[ September 06, 2001: Message edited by: MosJan ]

STUDENTS PROTEST AGAINST INTRODUCTION OF PAYMENT BY MINUTE FOR TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION 06.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today in front of the Government building in Yerevan some student organizations held protest mass-meeting against introduction of payment by minute for internal telephone calls. In their opinion the payment may hinder contacts of students, who come to study in Yerevan form other towns. "Every student has a right to get in touch with his or her parents in the town or outside it," – the students shouted out. As reported by "Arka" agency, the holders of the meeting threatened to break the panes in the Government building if it did not settle the problem of payment by minute. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN GDP GROWTH RATES ARE THE FOURTH IN CIS 06.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Within the first six months of 2001 increase of Gross Domestic Product in Armenia made 6.6% compared to the same period last year. The indicator of Armenia is the fourth in CIS countries. Kazakhstan is leading in GDP growth rates (14%). Moldova is the last (2.6%). Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARNO BABAJANIAN’S ANNIVERSARY TO BE MARKED IN YEREVAN AND MOSCOW This year marks the 80-th anniversary of prominent Armenian composer and pianist Arno Babajanian. Several events celebrating this anniversary are to be held first in Yerevan September 6-9 and then in Moscow, on November 2-8. This was announced by the composer’s son Ara, who is also the chairman of the charitable Arno Babajanian Fund. The works of the composer will be performed in Yerevan and Moscow by famous musicians and singers. The grand opening of Babajanian’s Days will take place September 8 in Yerevan. Famous Russian singer Joseph Kobzon is expected to arrive in Yerevan that day, who, as said Ara Babajanian, though does not feel well but cannot help missing this event. The Yerevan city hall has decided to erect the composer’s monument in front of Yerevan Chamber Music House and a museum telling about his life and creative activity will open in Yerevan.

NEW KAWAI PIANO DECORATES ARAM KHACHATRIAN HALL The pianos’ collection of Armenia was enriched by a very valuable and beautiful piano recently- Japanese Kawai grand piano. It was located in the Aram Khachatrian concert hall of Yerevan’s opera and ballet theatre. The piano was purchased by financial means gathered during a charitable action held in the cottage of philanthropists Hrair and Anna Hovnanian, where Armenian president Robert Kocharian, parliament deputies, businessmen and different ambassadors were present. The money raised formed 20,000 USD. He hosts of the event, philanthropists Mr. and Mrs. Hovnanians donated the other 20,000 USD. Japanese Kawai company also made a very decent step – it sold the piano worth 90-120 thousand USD for only 40,000 to Armenia’s Philharmonic Orchestra. The initiator and organizer of the event was the ‘Union of Friends of Armenia’s Philharmonic Orchestra’.

17 TURKS TRY TO JUSTIFY THEMSELVES IN BERN COURT In one of the first instance courts of Bern, Switzerland, the first session of the trial where 17 Turks of Swiss-Turkish strong community are accused in anti-racist activity ended on September 4. As we know two members of Switzerland-Armenia Association presented an accusation against them for violating the Article #216 of Swiss Penal Code by rejecting the Armenian genocide. According to the Swiss Penal Code any crime can not be rejected, reasoned or reviewed- the criminal has to be punished by either imprisonment or penal. The 17 Turks tried to justify themselves saying that rejecting the genocide in 1997 they didn’t think that they are violating the Swiss Penal Code. One of the plaintiffs, Switzerland-Armenia Association board member Sargis Shahinian told to Radio Liberty on September 5 that the process of the trial is dubious, for the general prosecutor doesn’t try to accuse these 17 Turks. Mr. Shahinian said that if it continues like this the Turks will be acquitted. Mr. Shahinian also noted that in case they don’t succeed in this court the Armenia side will apply to higher instances, up to the general prosecutor’s office of Switzerland. Today, September 6, the jury is going to listen to the accusers – Sargis Shahinian and Aram Jambazian, who was born on the way of escape from Turkey to Europe during 1915 genocide.

TURKISH-ARMENIAN RECONCILIATION COMMISSION’S FAILURE INEVITABLE Referring to the activity of Turkish intellectual Taner Akcam AZG daily informed August 2 that he writes articles for Istanbul-based Armenian Agos weekly time from time. His articles mainly have to do with Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission and in them the expediency of the commission’s activity is put under doubt. This is an issue which causes disputes in Diaspora, and which expands the possibilities of Turkish-American political circles to shout about '‘Armenians’ splitting’. This gives grounds for supposing that when initiating the commission, US Department of State not only coordinated its initiative with Turkish foreign ministry and services which promote its activity, but also had a task to make Armenians to reconcile with the Turkish negationism of Armenian genocide and to promote the splitting of Diaspora Armenians. In August 24 article published in Agos Taner Akcam shows the pro-Turkish tendencies of the Reconciliation Commission. He probably wants to show that the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission is doomed to fail. In this respect Akcam’s article is very interesting. We give its translation below. By Hagop Chakrian In its August 16 issue California Courier newspaper referred to the words used by Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission member Sanberk. According to the response, Sanberk made the following alarming announcement: ‘The main goal of our commission is to hurdle Armenian Genocide recognition initiatives drawn forward every year in front of US Congress and European countries’ parliaments, which pursue a task to weaken Turkey’s positions. It is important for us that the issue is not discussed in the Congress any more. As long as we continue the dialogue, I am sure that the issue will not be included on the agenda of the US Congress and we, Turks, are going to benefit from it. Seeing that dialogue is taking place between Armenians and Turks the Congress will see no need to discuss the issue’. I didn’t check whether he really said such things or not. And I wish he did, for these words best describe the concerns of the Turkish side. Turkey entered the dialogue for, according to old saying, ‘not eating the grapes but beating the gardener’. As it was noted Turkey’s main goal of participating in the dialogue is to weaken the pressure coming from other countries concerning the genocide recognition. Although it may be considered a ‘lame cunning’, but we, Armenians, have several facts that can prove that the aim of the dialogue is not the solution of some current issues. Clearer speaking this is how I can formulate the logic that prevails among Turks in this respect: “Saying that there is no ‘Armenian issue’ and consequently there is no issue of discussion we managed to bypass the issue for 85 years. Now we say ‘lets talk’ and if not so long but several decades we’ll be able to bypass the issue in this new way’. One of the starting points of this logic is maybe the fact that the claims are presented by the second or third generations of genocide victims. After another couple of decades even younger generations will not be able to draw the claims forward with the same confidence. So Turks think that the more they delay the direct facing of the issue the better for them. Looking back at the policy Turkey conducted in this respect till now one can see that they always tried to put the issue on the level of psychological war between Turks and Armenians and tried to solve it by dialogue or reconciliation attempts- thus avoiding the main issue- recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The problem here is that there are people in both sides, who are more interested in keeping the problem going rather then really solving it. That’s why all kinds of announcements and talks sometimes have such contexts that draw people’s attention on other, non-relevant issues and make them think of the problem under a different shade then it really is. If we really want to solve the issue we must solve it first in our mind. It is obvious that those who approach the issue from the angle of historical enmity and consider each other enemies, can’t solve any issue continuing the ‘war’. Moreover, such attitudes can give rise to new problems.

BAKU INSULTED BY KARABAGHIS VISIT The news conference of lawyers of those Azeris who complained against Karabagh delegation’s Baku visit and their speeches was held in Baku’s Resurs-center on September 5. As MPA news agency informs Karabaghi delegation comprised of 11 representatives of Nagorno-Karabagh’s non-governmental organizations and reporters arrived in Baku a day earlier (September 4). The aim of the visit of Karabaghi delegation is to establish direct pro-peace relations. The delegation is going to meet with Azeri non-governmental organizations’ representatives, as well as leaders of some political parties. It will also meet with the staff of Baku’s Open Society Institute (Soros Fund), which, by the way, sponsored the visit. Azeri lawyers gathered at the news conference announced that the visit Soros Fund organized doesn’t correspond to the interests of Azerbaijan and insults the national feelings of Azeri nation. According to Resurs-center’s director Mehti Mehtiyev, the visit ‘aims to inspire Azerbaijani people with defeatist mood’.

ARMENIAN CHAPEL OPENS IN UKRAINE'S CAPITAL KIEV, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian chapel was inaugurated in Ukraine's capital Kiev August 31. The chapel was built on money raised by Inter-Regional Academy of Staff Management in Kiev in commemoration of 17 centuries of Armenia's conversion into Christianity, Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress. Armenia's ambassador to Ukraine, local executive and religious leaders were present at the ceremony. The chapel's consecration was conducted by the head of the Armenian Church Diocese in Ukraine Bishop Grigoris Buniatian.

UKRAINIAN-ARMENIAN TRADE GROWS YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS: In the first half of the year Ukraine reported a 10.5 percent GDP growth, the highest growth rate not only among the CIS countries, but also in Europe. A press release, issued by Ukraine's embassy in Yerevan, says that the significant achievements of the Ukraine economy help increase the volumes of trade with its important trade partners, Armenia among them. The indices of the first half of the year say that the upward tendency in the Armenian-Ukraine trade turnover remains stable. According to Ukraine's state customs service, the commodity turnover volumes between Armenia and Ukraine in the first six months of the year made $14.6 million, a twofold increase against the same period of time last year. The volumes of Ukrainian exports to Armenia made $9.1 million, a twofold increase and Armenian exports to Ukraine made $5.5 million, three times bigger against the same period last year. Ukrainian exports to Armenia consist mainly of agricultural products, such as grain, cereals, tobacco, confectionery, as well as chemicals, pipes and others. Armenia exports to Ukraine brandy, tomato past, synthetic rubber and tools.

ELECTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT BODIES HELD IN Artsax 05.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today elections of local government bodies are being held in the Nagorno Artsax Republic. According to the information provided by NKR Central Election Commission, elections will be held in 230 communities of the country. 360 community leader candidates and 1550 member of council of deans candidates are registered. In some communities elections of community leaders and council of deans will not be held, as their terms of office have not expired. 6 persons seek Stepanakert mayor's office. There of them have held this office before. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

NKR DELEGATION ARRIVED IN BAKU 05.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ A group of representatives of Nagorno Artsax non-governmental organizations arrived in Baku yesterday. The delegation headed by coordinator of "Helsinki initiative-92" Nagorno Artsax committee Karen Ohanjanian will stay in the Azerbaijani capital till September 11. The aim of the visit is establishing communication between NGOs of Nagorno Artsax and Azerbaijan. The members of the Artsax delegation will meet with representatives of Azerbaijani authorities and leaders of political parties. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

KARABAGH MARKED TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE An extensive range of celebrations ended on Sunday in Nagorno Karabagh, organized to mark the tenth anniversary of Karabagh independence from Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabagh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) declared its independence form Azerbaijan republic on September 2, 1991 following the latter's secession from the Soviet Union. The military actions between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabagh ended in May 1994 after the sides to the conflict agreed on truce. This year celebrations were attended by Catholicos Karekin II, Armenian president Robert Kocharian and other dignitaries from Armenia and abroad. Speaking at the grand meeting held at the National Assembly building Karabagh September 1 president Arkady Ghukasian spoke about the hardships Karabagh faced in the first years of independence and about the achievements of the republic in the recent years. "Nagorno Karabagh armed forces are capable of ensuring the population's security and will solve any most complicated problem that may threaten it," Nagorno Karabagh leader Arkady Ghukasian said expressing meantime hope that peace and stability would be established in near future which would be instrumental in the regional integration and raising the people's prosperity. Ghukasian reiterated Karabagh's willingness to solve the decade-long conflict through a peaceful way announcing that there were favorable historical conditions to resolve the conflict on a mutually acceptable formula. "This will require courage and manifestation of political will from the conflicting sides," Ghukasian said. "If the official Baku resumes hostilities to resolve the conflict it will get a deserved counterblow from us," he said. Speaking about the economic achievements in Nagorno Karabagh Ghukasian said that due to structural and economic reforms, particularly, in the tax and investment areas, a 10 percent economic growth of the GDP was reported in the recent several years. According to Ghukasian, a total of 30 billion Drams from various sources have been invested in Karabagh economy in the recent four years. Ghukasian also said that some 3,800 private houses and 190 blocks of flats have been restored in Karabagh which allowed to provide 4,500 families with houses and apartments. September 2 festivities began with a military parade in Stepanakert’s central streets. Later that day Armenian president Robert Kocharian, Catholicos Karekin II, Armenian parliament speaker Armen Khachatrian and other senior officials from Armenia joined the government column that was heading to Stepanakert Memorial to pay homage to the killed fighters for Karabagh liberation. Then the delegation of top officials headed to the town of Shoushi where also celebrations were held. Ten years ago when Karabagh declared its independence Shoushi was in the hands of Azeris from where Azeri canons fired at Stepanakert. Ten years later Armenian Kochari dance was performed here. The festivities ended late in the evening by a firework in the capital Stepanakert. author : AZG Daily #157

SWISS-ARMENIANS DEMAND GENOCIDE RECOGNITION Swiss-Armenian engineer, senior lecturer of Zurich’s engineering University Sargis Shahinian applied to Swiss court with a complaint against 8 Turkish Associations functioning in that country. Starting January 1, 1995 an anti-racist article #216 was included in the Swiss Penal Code, according to which any racial discrimination in Switzerland is punished by imprisonment or fine. The law is in effect up till now, and the Swiss authorities have been discussing the issue of recognizing Armenian genocide since 1995 based on this law. The Swiss-Armenians, encouraged by the adoption of this law organized a collection of signatures on April 24, 1995, - aiming to apply to Swiss parliament and appeal the formulation ‘tragic events’ adopted by the latter. The 5000 signatures presented to the parliament rose a wave of new discussions among Swiss authority circles. Because of pro-Armenian attitudes that the discussions had the local Turkish organizations started worrying about the issue – coming up with speeches publicly, denying the fact of Armenian Genocide. As an answer to this Armenian organizations of Switzerland publicly announced about their rights and violation of national dignity. Several Swiss organizations supported Armenians. Because of the tension created between Armenians and Turks of Switzerland the case was brought to court, but the demand of the Armenian side was not met. The first appeal presented to Bern’s court by Switzerland-Armenia Association was just the beginning: its denial made two Swiss-Armenian citizens- Sargis Shahinian and Aram Jambazian to apply to Swiss court by their individual initiative. The demand was the same- to recognize the Armenian Genocide based on anti-racism Article 216. The plaintiffs demanded from Turkish associations not to distort the historical facts, not to disorient the public opinion in Switzerland, and not oppose the adoption of the genocide by the country’s authorities as ‘the greatest crime committed against humanity’. This is the short pre-history of the lawsuit going on in Switzerland. Which stage is it in now? The lawsuit on denial of Armenian Genocide again starts on September 4 at 2 PM, where Sargis Shahinain and Aram Jambazian will face 17 representatives of Coordinating Body of Turkish Associations in Switzerland. The Turks are accused of racial discrimination and is an attempt by the two Armenians and Armenia-Switzerland Association to get Switzerland to accept the deaths of nearly 1,5 million Armenians in 1915 and consider it genocide. Shahinian knows that it is going to be difficult trial, for the number of Turks Switzerland is 40-50 thousand against couple of thousand Armenian community. The Turkish side can use political and economic levers in order to protect its rights. Swiss-Turkish close diplomatic ties also play important role here, which one can’t say about diplomatic relations between Armenia and Switzerland. The evident proof of Turkish strong counteraction and influence on Swiss officials was the failure of Armenian Genocide recognizing resolution in Swiss parliament. Sargis Shahianian (who was in Yerevan couple of days ago) doesn’t believe that the court also is going to be very objective- he said ‘there are no neutral sides in this case and the judge is already nonplused. Answering to Azg daily’s question ‘what are the possibilities of winning the case’ Swiss-Armenian engineer answered: ‘Our chances are 50 against 50’. He also informed that one of Bern’s notable lawyers- Doctor Franchesco Betroso is going to represent the interests of the Armenian side at the trial. The verdict is expected on September 14, and Mr. Shahinian promised to let us know about the details of the trial. By Anush Babayan

ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN TURKEY FACES NO PROBLEMS TO DEVELOP SPORTS YEREVAN, AUGUST 29, ARMENPRESS According to an Istanbul-based Armenian reporter Nazar Hancher, at present the Armenian community of Istanbul makes every effort to develop relations with Armenia, as well as plays an important role in the Turkish sport. In his words, the community of about 80,000 people is much developed from the point of view of sport, while some Armenian clubs, namely 'Shishly' are very popular in Turkey. Some Armenian sportsmen are included in Istanbul's football, volley-ball and other professional teams. The Armenian community of Istanbul always participates in the competitions organized in Armenia, as well as receives Armenian sportsmen in Turkey.

ARMENIAN WEIGHTLIFTER SETS NEW RECORD AT GOOD WILL GAMES YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: Weightlifter Sergo Chakhoyan set a world record in the men's 85-kilogram snatch when he lifted 181.5 kilograms with his second lift Friday at the Goodwill Games. Chakhoyan, who was born in Armenia and became an Australian citizen two years ago, collected a bonus U.S. dlrs 25,000 (47,000 Australian dollars) for breaking the world record and U.S. dlrs 2,000 for winning the snatch discipline. He returned to lift 210 kgs in the clean-and-jerk to win that discipline and take the overall gold medal as well. He collected U.S. dlrs 2,000 for each gold and, with the bonus, earned a total of U.S. dlrs 31,000 for the evening. It was the first world record of the Goodwill Games, where athletes compete for prize money in a finals-only format in 14 sports and get bonuses for producing world records and personal bests. Chakhoyan, 32, improved the old mark of 181 kgs in the snatch, set by George Asanidze of Georgia at the European Championships last year. Chakhoyan, a jewelry craftsman, held the world record in 1994 when he lifted 175.5 kgs for snatch. After placing sixth at the Sydney Olympics, he took time out and then returned to his native Armenia, where he lived with his mother and brother and trained full time to prepare for the Goodwill Games and the world championships.

ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN EXHIBITION OPENS IN BUENOS AIRES YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: Armenian and Russian embassies n Argentina in concert with the Armenian Church Diocese in Buenos Aires and Russian Orthodox Church opened a joint exhibition of spiritual art in ArgentinA's capital. The exhibition is devoted to 2,000 anniversary of Christ's birth and 17 centuries of Armenia's conversion to Christianity. Ambassadors of Russia, Armenia and of other foreign countries, accredited in Buenos Aires, attended the opening ceremony.

VANIK SANTRIAN'S EXHIBITION OPENS IN YEREVAN YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS An Armenian reporter Vanik Santrian is to open an exhibition of his paintings September 5 at the UN Armenia office which he devotes to the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity. About 40 works to be on display were created in the last two years and depict scenes in Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, as well as still life paintings and portraits. It should be mentioned that Vanik Santrian marks another anniversary as well: ten years ago he opened his first exhibition at the Journalist's House. His works were displayed in foreign countries (US, Russia). They are also kept in the private collections of more than 20 countries of the world. "I would like to establish a gallery of Armenian painters' works in Karmir Shuka village of Nagorno Karabagh and paint the whole Karabagh", said Mr. Santrian.

THE PRESIDENTS OF RUSSIA, ROMANIA, GEORGIA AND POLAND WILL VISIT ARMENIA DURING THE FALL 04.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The visits of the presidents of Russia, Georgia, Romania and Poland are expected September-November. As "Arka" agency informs, Vladimir Putin, Russia's president will pay an official visit to Armenia September 14-16, president of Romania I. Iliesku will arrive October 9-10, and president of Poland A. Kwashnevski will arrive November 14-16. The visit plans of Georgia's president are not defined yet. According to the graphics of visit of foreign delegations spread by Armenia's MFA, secretary general of European Council Lord Russell will visit Armenia September 9-12. At the same time the member of the direction council of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development will be in Yerevan. September 25-27 Pope Iohann Paul II will arrive in Armenia due to the 1700 anniversary of Christianity adoption in Armenia. Deputy minister of foreign affairs of Argentina will arrive in Armenia September 16-23 and the group of French senators "Armenia-France" will arrive September 20-24. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"