MosJan

CANADIANS SEARCH FOR OIL IN GEORGIA 02.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Canadian Oil Company "Indusmin energy" has proceeded to research work conducting in two geologic blocks in Imeretia. The seismic researches conducted by this company has given encouraging information about oil reserve. According to CNA information, "Indusmin Energy" has already invested more than $35 million in oil field development in Imeretia. An oil well was drilled, from which 160-170 tons of oil have been mined daily since 1995.

THE MUSEUM OF ARNO BABAJANIAN WILL OPEN IN YEREVAN 02.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Ara Babajanian, the son of the outstanding composer Arno Babajanian, who heads the fund named after his father, was in Yerevan lately, where he had a number of meetings dedicated to preparations to the celebration of the 80-th anniversary of the maestro. During his talks with Minister of Culture Roland Sharoyan, who is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission on celebrating the composer's anniversary, the question of establishing Arno Babajanian's museum in Yerevan was also discussed. The museum will open in the house in Mashtots Avenue, where the people's dearly loved musician lived.

THE THIRD ATTEMPT TO SELL THE DEPARTMENT STORE ''CHILDREN'S WORLD'' WILL BE MADE ON 13, JULY 02.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The starting price of the ''Children's world'' department store building, put up for auction, which is one of the biggest trade houses has been decreased from $1.5 million to $1 million. According to ''Arka'' agency, the open auction will be held with the classic scheme and will be on 13, June, in the hall of the ministry of state property. The applications for participating in the auction are admitted till 13, June. It should be said it is the third auction of the building selling. The first aiction, which should have been held on 27, April, failed because of the application lack, after that the starting price of the building was reduced from $2 millions to 1.5million. But the second auction was not also held because of the application lack.

THE MAYOR OF MONTREAL WILL ARRIVE IN YEREVAN THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW 02.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The mayor of Monteal will arrive in Yerevan with five-day visit on June, 4. The delegation that he heads includes vice-mayor of that large city and the representatives of the business world. The meetings with the country leaders, Yerevan mayor, and the businessmen of the capital city are planned. A group of Canadian businessmen have already arrived in Yerevan today and immediately has started the negotiations with the municipal structure representatives on the questions of cooperation in the field of water-supply and garbage reprocessing.

THE QUESTION OF THE MODE OF PRIVATIZATION OF "ARARATCEMENT" COMPANY WILL BE SOLVED AFTER JULY 7 02.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The commission on privatization of the strategic enterprises of Armenia will draw a general conclusion on the suggestions of privatization of 100% of stocks of "Araratcement" State Closed Stock Company before June 7, 2001. After that the commission will make a decision on the mode of privatization of the enterprise. According to the information given by "Arka" agency, the commission was expected to sum it up today, but "Seamet" company of Lebanon and the staff of the enterprise have submitted new applications, and it took some time for the commission members to consider them. Let us note that "Holsim" company of Switzerland, "Titan Cement" of Greece, also seek to acquire the stocks of "Araratcement".

VLADIMIR PUTIN AND JAQUES CHIRAC HAVE DISCUSSED THE Artsax PROBLEM 02.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Yesterday during the unofficial talk in Saint-Petersburg and official meeting in Moscow today the Presidents of Russia and France have discussed the prospects of the Artsax problem settlement. President of France Jaques Chirak, who is in Russia with a state visit at present, has informed about this during a press conference today. As it is known, Russia and France are Co-Chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group, which is engaged in settling the Armenian-Azerbaijanian conflict.

THE HEADS OF THE FOREIGN MINISTRIES OF THE UNRECOGNIZED COUNTRIES HAVE MET IN STEPANAKERT TODAY 02.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Today the conference of the ministers of foreign affairs of Nagorni Artsax, Abkhazia, South Osetia and Prednistrovie has started its work. At the conference that will last two days it is planned to discuss the negotiation process of conflict settlements, in which four unrecognized countries are engaged. At the completion of the work of the Stepanakert meeting a summarizing official report will be signed.

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Letter from State Board Commends Viken Hovsepian State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Delaine Eastin and State Board of Education President Reed Hastings, recently wrote a letter to the Glendale Unified School district Superintendent Jim Brown commending Viken Hovsepian, an award-winning instructional leader, for his valued participation in a statewide leadership effort that has broad ramifications for public education. The letter stated that with the professional advise of Hovsepian, the accomplishment of many important tasks that face the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission (Curriculum Commission) in the development of standards-based curriculum, instruction, and accountability systems for California public schools, will be possible. Commissioner Hovsepian serves as the Chair of the Mathematics Subject Matter Committee, and is Vice-Chair of the Electronic Learning Resources Committee. He has been awarded the prestigious Jaime Escalante Mathematics Teaching Award, the Presidential Award in Mathematics & Science Teaching, and has been selected to the All USA 1st Team in Teaching Mathematics. The Curricular Commission advises the State Board of Education (SBE) in a variety of curricular areas, including the SBE's responsibility to adopt instructional materials for kindergarten through grade eight, prepare and adopt curriculum frameworks for kindergarten through grade twelve in eight subject areas, and develop important curriculum policies for the California public schools. At the same time, Commissioners are provided the opportunity to enhance their professional endeavors. The letter also noted some of the key aspects of Commissioner Hovsepian's tremendous work. Hovsepian is currently participating in the 2002 Reading/Language Arts/English Language Development Adoption that includes basic instructional materials programs and three types of stand alone programs to meet the needs of struggling readers and English learners. He is also near the completion of the final draft of the Science Framework to be presented to the SBE in September 2001, and the draft Health Framework Addendum also to be presented in September 2001. He also began the first phase of the submission of instructional materials for three follow-up adoptions in Science, History-Social Science, and Visual and Performing Arts, that to be completed summer 2002. Hovsepian has been an active member of the Los Angeles Armenian community for a number of years. He has served as the principal of Mesrobian Armenian School in Pico Rivera, California. He was Chair of the Board of Regents of the Western Prelacy Schools for two years, and a longtime member of various Armenian organizations. His most recent contribution to the community has been the inclusion of the Armenian Genocide in the curriculum framework for teaching Social Science/History throughout the State of California from Kindergarten through grade 12. Hovsepian worked with Professor Richard Hovannisian of UCLA in formulating an overview of the Genocide, to be taught by history and social studies teachers in every school district throughout the state. The curriculum framework sets the standards that must be adhered to by California public school teachers, and is mandated by the state.

) Vartanian Places Fourth In Ironman Triathlon, Qualifies For World Championships SAN DIEGO--Armen Vartanian, a 21 year old honor student at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, represented the Republic of Armenia in the Ironman Triathlon competition on May 19, 2001. This was Vartanian's first time participating in the Ironman Triathlon. He finished fourth place in this physically demanding race which involves a 2.4 mile ocean water swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon, in 10:05:58. Embossed on Vartanian's uniform was the red, blue and orange tri-colored flag. And as he crossed the finish line, he gripped the Armenian flag high above his head, for the 2,000 plus spectators to see. The Ironman Triathlon at Camp Pendelton had 1,800 international competitors and was one of the 21 international qualifying races leading to the World Championships this October in Hawaii. Vartanian, finishing fourth in his age group, qualified to participate in the World Championships in Hawaii. His goal is to come in the top 5 in his age group during the October race and thereafter, become a professional athlete. In the meantime, in preparation for the World Championship triathlon, he is training 30 hours a week and actively looking for race sponsors, while working at maintaining his honor-roll standing. For more information or to sponsor Armen Vartanian, call 650-270-6077 or e-mail at avartani@ucsd.edu.

Artee Society of Hamazkayin Presents Armen Chakmakian in Concert HOLLYWOOD--Renowned musician and ex-keyboardist of the jazz fusion act Shadowfax, Armen Chakmakian, will perform with his ensemble in a live concert at Hollywood's Catalina Bar & Grill next month. Chakmakian's first album with Shadowfax received a Grammy nomination for best new age album in 1992. He also has performance and production credits on various other releases with different artists. His solo 1998 release titled "Ceremonies," debuted at number one on world and new age radio charts. In "Ceremonies," Chakmakian uniquely blends Armenian folk melodies with world and new age flavors producing an exotic sound that's rich in ethnic rhythms and percussion. "I produced this album to give the listener an experience that would tap into the primordial chord resonating within each of us. No matter where you are on the spiral of life, one of these tunes will speak to you," Chakmakian promises. A prodigy with a gift for playing by ear, Chakmakian's musical education was formidable. "For as long as I can remember there was always music in our house while I was growing up," he states. A native of Glendale, California, he attended Berklee College of Music, UCLA and USC where he studied the "History of Armenian Music." He also studied jazz with John Novello, a world acclaimed music educator, and learned improvisation from keyboardist Chuck Wild. Soon, he found himself embarking on a successful career in Hollywood, performing, composing and arranging for singer/songwriters with former Rick James' Stone City Band members, Richard and Lorenzo Shaw. His recent southern rock tune "Long Way Down," can be heard in the Oscar nominated film "Tumbleweeds" and appears on the soundtrack. Chakmakian's July 12 concert at the renowned Catalina Bar & Grill (1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood) is being organized by the Artee Society of Hamazkayin, which aims to present and promote young Armenian artists in a warm and social setting. Tickets are $15 plus a two-item purchase (drink, dessert, food, coffee, etc.) is required by the restaurant. Seating is limited. For further information or to order tickets please call 818-243-0366. For more information about Armen Chakmakian visit www.TruArtRecords.com

) Maestro Dourian Files Suit Against Government YEREVAN (combined sources)--Ohan Dourian, former conductor of the Yerevan Opera, has brought suit against the Armenian government and the Armenian culture ministry, protesting his sacking earlier this year. Dourian, who happens to be a French citizen, is demanding $250,000 in compensation. Ohan Dourian had been appointed the Opera Theater's conductor for life by former prime minister Vazgen Sarkisian (assassinated in the 1999 parliament shootings). The conductor's lawyer Tigran Janoyan said on Friday that the mentioned sum accounts only for the damages suffered by Dourian's wife, and that the actual amount of damages was much higher. Janoyan said Dourian had been invited by the Armenian authorities to work in Armenia, however working and living conditions had not been created for him , forcing the conductor to "finally leave Armenia." It was announced that Ohan Dourian will not accept any offers and will not forgive the authorities for insulting him. The lawyer cited the legal and moral argumentation of the lawsuit. The culture ministry's dismissal of Dourian, citing his alleged poor state of physical and mental health, does not correspond to the fact that Dourian conducted successful concerts recently in Lebanon and the United States. Janoyan said the arguments have damaged Dourian's worldwide reputation as a renowned conductor. Dourian's wife Alice, who was also present at the press conference, said her husband had been persecuted during the Soviet era and was now being persecuted in the independent Republic of Armenia. It was announced that Dourian will give a farewell concert in Armenia before his departure.

Armenia Fund, Inc. Hosts Reception Honoring Guests from Armenia GLENDALE--A reception in honor of Gagik Haroutunian, President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia and Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the "Hayastan" All Armenian Fund, and Vahan Ter Ghevondian, Executive Director of "Hayastan" All Armenian was held on Tuesday, June 7 at the Brandview Collection in Glendale, Californa. Haroutunian and Ter Ghevondian are on an official visit to Southern California to promote Armenia Fund projects and present progress reports on the North-South "Backbone" Highway in Nagorno Artsax, as well as projects in Armenia's earthquake zone. Present at the reception were Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Primate Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and several community members and leaders. Opening remarks were made by former Armenia Fund president Zaven Khanjian. Master of Ceremonies was Judge Armand Arabian, who was presented by Judge Dickran Tevrizian. Speaking at the reception were Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian and Armenia Consul General to Los Angeles Valery Mkrtoumian. In his remarks, Gagik Haroutunian mentioned the improvements that are being made in the Armenian Constitution. “All our state structures will be founded on the principles of love, justice, freedom and democracy, and the people will educated along these guidelines, so that a strong republic can be achieved,” said Haroutunian. In his concluding remarks, the president of the Armenian Constitutional Court congratulated the newly appointed Executive Board of Armenia Fund, Inc. Vahan Ter Ghevondian, Executive Director of "Hayastan" All Armenian, presented guests with the fund’s activities in Artsakh. Ter Ghevondian said that 30 kilometers of the North-South “Backbone” Highway are currently being used, while 169 kilometers are under construction. Toward the end of the evening, a video presentation was shown of the fund’s activities, specifically scenes from the construction of the North-South “Backbone” Highway. Speaking on behalf of Armenia Fund were former and current Presidents Raffi Ourfalian and Tomig Alexanian, who invited all Armenians to actively participate in the work carried out by Armenia Fund, Inc. A highlight of the evening was the honoring of two sisters, Annik Sahagian and Sonia Kyutukian, for their exemplary service to Armenia Fund. It should be noted that HAAF has administered over US $72 million for humanitarian, rehabilitation and construction funds since 1992 including the completion of the Goris-Stepanakert "Lifeline" Highway, the initial phases of the North-South "Backbone" Highway, as well as numerous projects such as water distribution, schools, hospitals/health care, electricity and residential.

ANCA-WR Joins With Senator Jack Scott To Discuss Armenia-California MOU TRADE MEETING ATTRACTS TOP STATE OFFICIALS, FEATURES ANCA-WR BOARD MEMBER AS PANELIST GLENDALE--The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region took part in a luncheon meeting sponsored and hosted by State Senator Jack Scott (D-21) on Friday, June 22, 2001 at Glendale's St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church to discuss the possibility of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and other trade issues between Armenia and California. Sen. Scott, who has been a staunch advocate of strengthening Armenia-California trade ties, was joined at the luncheon by his predecessor in the State Senate and current Congressman Adam B. Schiff (CA-27), California Trade and Commerce Secretary Lon Hatamiya, State Assemblywoman Carol Liu (D-44), State Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-43), Glendale City Councilmembers Rafi Manoukian and Frank Quintero. In addition to the elected officials, panelists for the two-hour event included Vahram Nercissiantz, Chief Economic Advisor to the President of Armenia, Valery Mkrtoumian, Consul General of Armenia to Los Angeles, Berdj Karapetian, Board Member of the ANCA-WR, and Steve Robinson, President of Seaborne International. Leading the discussion at the conclusion of the official program was Trade and Commerce Deputy Secretary, International Trade and Investment Chris Campana. Also present at the event were California Trade and Commerce Deputy Secretary of Economic Development Bruce R. Grogan, Under Secretary of Economic Development Alfonso Solozar, and Helene Dervishian, EDD Liaison at the Los Angeles Regional Office of the Trade and Commerce Agency. The program began with opening remarks by Senator Scott, who thanked the public officials, as well as the attendees for their encouragement of the MOU project. Opening statements were also offered by the elected officials, who agreed that the strengthening of commercial and trade ties between Armenia and California would be beneficial to both sides. An overview of current economic conditions and systems was given by Vahram Nercissiantz, while Consul General Valery Mkrtoumian touched on current trade opportunities, as well as related logistical issues. ANCA-WR Board member and former Executive Director of the ANCA national headquarters in Washington, DC, Berdj Karapetian, discussed the national significance of a California MOU. Karapetian emphasized the important role of an MOU in opening up the Caucusus to the United States, as well as opening up opportunities in California to Armenian business ventures. Karapetian pointed out that small to medium size ventures would be the clear winners in a trade-friendly and commercially strong environment. An MOU between Armenia and California, according to Karapetian, would not only strengthen the two sides' economic ties, but it would offer a formalized relationship that would inevitably lead to the creation of a trade office. "When the ANCA-WR initiated this process with then Senator Schiff, we recognized that the national implications of California's action are multi-fold. We could be leading the way of access into markets in the Caucusus, as well as into Central Asia, and at the same time Armenia could serve as a crossroads in this process," said Karapetian. "Senator Scott and his staff are to be commended for taking the lead on this project and for bringing together community members and State officials to discuss this issue of great importance," explained Alex Sardar, ANCA-WR Executive Director. "We are very encouraged to see Senator Scott spearheading this effort, as a means of arriving to the establishment of a California trade office in Yerevan.

OHAN DURIAN CONDUCTOR HAS DECIDED TO LEAVE ARMENIA 29.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Former chief conductor of the National opera and ballet theatre of Armenia Ohan Durian has made a final decision to leave homeland in autumn. He will give a farewell concert before departure. But before it he intends to get to the law with a claim to compensate the harm and protect his business reputation. The maestro protests against the illegal on his opinion decision on his removal from the post of the conductor of the opera house. The Government and the Ministry of Culture will be respondents.

"ALMAST"JOIN-STOCK COMPANY WILL NOT BE SOLD TO IRANIANS 29.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. According to the "Noyan Tapan" information, the government intends to announce that the earlier made decision to sell state share (63%) of "Almast" joint-stock company to Iranian firm "Kokhinur" has lost it validity. The reason is that the company representatives did not come to Yerevan for agreement signing, and they also did not transfer, as it had been stipulated, the advance part of the payment that equals to $200 thousand. The bargain should have been concluded some months ago, but the Iranian side had postponed the agreement signing terms. A Russian-Armenian company, the name of which has not been announced yet, has become interested in the enterprise producing the equipment for military-industrial complex in Soviet times.

THE ARMENIA CORRUPTIBILITY LEVEL DEGREE IS GREATLY INFERIOR TO AZERBAIJAN 29.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The most corrupt country among the CIS countries is Azerbaijan. The organization "Transparency International" published its annual report of the list of the more corrupt countries in the world has come to this conclusion. Ukraine is not inferior to Azerbaijan corruptibility. Armenia figures are not so oppressive. The most not corrupt countries in the world are Finland, Denmark and New Zealand. The most honest country in the ex-Soviet territory is Estonia.

HIGH-RANKING OFFICIALS WILL HAVE TO DECLARE THEIR INCOMES 30.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The National Assembly of Armenia has passed the law ''About the declaring of the estate and incomes of the high-ranking officials''. According to Andranik Manukyan, the minister of state revenues, introducing the draft bill in the Parliament, the passing of that law will help to deal with corruption. The law will be valid for 4 thousand officials holding high posts. The President of the country, the govrnment members, parliament deputies, the Constitutional court members, general attorney and the state department heads. The officials will have to declare all their incoms, estate, securities and transport means owned them or their close relatives. The law also stipulates the fines for untimely or false information statement. The officals will have to state the sum and the income sources for three years after their post retirement.

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE COUNTRIES – MEMBERS OF «ISLAMIC CONFERENCE» HAVE PASSED TWO ANTI-ARMENIAN RESOLUTIONS 29.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The conference of the Foreign Ministers of countries, which are members of the «Islamic Conference», is finished in Mali. Azerbaijan has submitted two anti-Armenian resolutions for consideration by the participants of the conference. They are «On aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Azerbaijanian Republic» and «On continuing destruction of Islamic monuments on the occupied Azerbaijani territory resulting from Armenian aggression». Both resolutions were passed without changes.

"GAZPROM" WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE 30.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The "Gazprom" direction has refused its intention to participate in consortium on building the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. "Mediamax" agency informs that President of the concern Rem Vyakhirev made this statement during a press conference in Moscow. According to his words, the Black Sea and East European directions are more important for "Gazprom" at present. He also noted that currently "Gazprom" is actively developing partnership with Turkey, together with which it performs works to realize "The Blue Stream" project. A few days earlier Iranian radio informed that "Gazprom" would probably participate in the construction of the Iran-Armenia pipeline. In the beginning of the week the representatives of "Gazprom" participated in the conference of the members of the consortium engaged in preparing the project of laying the gas pipeline.

"THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT WILL LET US PREVENT THE BRAIN DRAIN", THINKS THE PRESS SECRETARY OF THE USA EMBASSY 30.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. "We aim to promote the Armenian economics development with the implementing new information technologies", stated the press secretary of the USA Embassy in Armenia, John Balyan at the "Freedom of Speech" program of the channel "Prometey". "As the international experience pointed, the information technology development requires minimal expenses. Beside the economic aspect of apparent profitability of these programs, their implementing will prevent "brain drain" and make qualified specialists live and work in their own country. Armenia has enough intellectual potential and has to use it", commented John Balyan.

THE HEADS OF THE FOREIGN MINISTRIES OF THE NOT ADMITTED COUNTRIES WILL MEET IN STEPANAKERT 30.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The conference of the ministers of foreign affairs of Nagorni Artsax, Abkhazia, South Osetia and Prednistrovie will start its work on July 2. According to "Mediamax" the decision to have this meeting was made at last conference of the foreign affairs heads of the not admitted countries taken place last year, November in Tiraspole. At the conference that will last two days it is planned to discuss the negotiation process of conflict settlements, in which four not admitted countries are engaged. At the completion of the work of the Stepanakert meeting it will be signed summarized official report.

THE GOVERNMENT OF RUSSIA HAS PROVIDED HUMANITARIAN AID TO AZERBAIJAN 30.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The Government of the Russian Federation made a decision to provide Azerbaijan with means for rendering humanitarian aid to the residents of the regions of the Republic, who had suffered the earthquake of October 25, 2000. "Snark" agency informs that 9 million one hundred thousand rubles (approximately 300 thousand dollars) were allotted for these purposes from the Government's reserve fund.

THE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRMEN WILL ARRIVE IN STEPANAKERT ON JULY 10 30.06.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. On July 10 the Co-Chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group will arrive in Stepanakert. Their meetings with President of NKR Arkady Ghukasian, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanian, Foreign Minister Naira Melkumian are envisaged. According to the information given by "Mediamax" agency, on July 11 the Co-Chairmen will take part in monitoring the contiguity line between the armed forces of the parties. The office of the personal representative of the acting OSCE President will conduct the monitoring. After its completion, the Co-Chairmen will cross the contiguity line in a zone arranged in advance and will set out for Baku.