MosJan

The Art of Living: Gyumri families turn museums into sanctuaries http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/museum_1.jpg By Nara Markossian ArmeniaWeek reporter "Shiraz didn't go mad while he was claiming Ararat mountain, however he would go mad if he saw his native Gumri in such a miserable condition," says Gyumri resident Varsenik Pipoian. Indeed, these days there are well-founded reasons to go mad in Gyumri. But residents like Pipoian have grown tired of knocking themselves against walls, crying and mourning. They have, instead, adapted themselves to the existing conditions, even confronting 13 years of problems with wry humor. Which is how the Ananikian family begins explaining its life in an adopted dwelling - the Aslamazian Museum and Gallery. "We have become the involuntary watchmen of this museum," Alexander Ananikian says. "Everyday we keep the museum under observation to prevent robbery. I don't know why, but the Government doesn't pay us a salary for the work we do." The 28-year old family man is only half-joking. For 13 years he has lived in the semi-dilapidated museum, where he and his wife are now raising a two-year-old son. The outer walls of the museum, where the work of the Aslamazian sisters, one a painter and the other a weaver, once were on display, are still standing. But half of the two-storied building is completely wrecked and the other sides appear ready to collapse. The creak of the old wooden balcony sounds like a sad eastern song that can be stopped at any minute. These days, three families live in the Aslamazian Museum. They are sure that their presence is advantageous for the directors of the museum, as the building itself is valuable for its history and architecture and should be guarded. For instance a 4.5-meter chandelier - very old and expensive - somehow survived the quake and still hangs precariously from the first floor ceiling. The price of the chandelier falling is greatest for these squatters who would lose their second-floor home if it did. So, families such as the Ananikians have good reason to make some repairs. Ananikian lives with his family on the second floor. Residents of the building - nine in all - divided the wide galleries of the museum into kitchens, sitting rooms and bedrooms. They didn't manage to create every communal convenience and living conditions are far from the standard they enjoyed before the earthquake. Ananikian, for example, was one of four living in a five-room apartment in the center of Gyumri. His grandfather was one of the richest people in the city, but their former home was completely wrecked. The Grigorian family also lives on the second floor. Perchuhi Grigorian says: "We appealed to municipal and regional authorities for help numerous times but without any results. So we had to live here but we didn't think we would become such regular visitors of the museum." Residents reach the second floor by a precarious wooden stairway, which threatens injury with every step. Downstairs, the first floor inhabitants endure the constant echoing of footsteps on the wooden floors above. "Our home wasn't wrecked during the earthquake, it was a very firm building, but we were told that it was unsafe and then it was wrecked by workers. And now we have turned into exhibits of this museum in this semi-dilapidated building," said 56-year-old Gayane Khachatrian, a first-floor resident. There are also four-legged residents. Stray dogs have found a home in the museum and disturb the already troubled sleep of its residents with their night time "conversations". The once-rich Aslamazian Museum was a popular attraction in Gyumri. So was the Merkurov Museum, another art-house turned flop-house. Three families at the Merkorov are live-in guards in an unspoken agreement with the museum's directors. Throughout the year the museum families are promised apartments. But the promises are even less secure than the creaking floors and unsteady walls of their de facto homes. The promises are made more freely in December when the recurrent anniversary of the earthquake is commemorated. Broken buildings and broken promises are a way of life for the museum families. "There's no need for additional memorials in Gyumri," says Khachatrian. "Gyumri itself is already a memorial. The fact that people are still living in terrible conditions is a shame on those who haven't been able to provide citizens with everyday needs for 13 years. "I don't understand what are we marking every year. I think we are commemorating the day of our shame." Photos by Mkhitar Khachatrian ©Copyright ArmeniaWeek Dec. 14, 2001. all rights reserved. WWW.ARMENIAWEEK.COM is published by the FOURTH MILLENNIUM SOCIETY, publishers of ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE. Articles may not be published without prior consent. http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/museum_2.jpg

Filling the Space: First Lenin, then Christ, but who's next? http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/cross_2.jpg http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/cross_1.jpg By Suren Deherian ArmeniaWeek reporter For a year, Yerevantsis had a target of debate in the center of Republic Square. The 77-foot cross that stood between Hotel Armenia and the Post Office was a lightning rod of controversy. For some, it was too Christian. For others it was too ugly. For many, it was just right. Now it's gone - taken down earlier this month at the end of celebrations marking the 1700th Anniversary of Christianity as the State religion - and the city faces a new quandary: What goes in its place? For 60 years one of the Soviet Union's finest statues of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin stood in the square that was named for him until the name changed after independence. But the old boy now lays headless in the National Gallery courtyard. As for the most recent resident of the square, the cross is now stored in a room at the Hrazdan Sports Stadium. Its owner, Ashot Aghababian (who spent $24,000 to install the cross and $4,000 to take it down) says he'll look for an appropriate place to reconstruct the cross. If not, its metal rods will be used as part of reconstruction at the stadium. For eight years, only temporary displays were placed where Lenin had stood. Then a year of the big and brightly-lit cross. Now? The head of Yerevan municipality's architect service, Movses Hovsepian, says that these days the municipality has more urgent construction plans and they will move on to that particular spot of land next year. "At the end of January an appropriate commission will be set up, which will announce a competition for the best offer concerning that part of the city," Hovsepian says. He says the matter will be concluded by the end of next year. Meanwhile, in the area now vacated, opinions abound over what should go where Lenin and then the cross stood. Some say the spot should be occupied by Mesrop Mashtots (creator of the Armenian alphabet) or St. Grigor Narekatsi or Nahabet Kuchak (writer) or Argishti (the founder of Erebuni - later Yerevan). But 67-year-old Varduhi Hairapetian looked at the empty lot and had ideas of another hero. She wants to see a statue honoring the ciga fish, which lives in abundance in Lake Sevan. http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/cross_3.jpg "That fish saved the Armenian nation during 10 years," the pensioner says. "We should thank it by placing its monument there." Photos by Armenpress, Mkhitar Khachatrian & Vahram Mkhitarian ©Copyright ArmeniaWeek Dec. 14, 2001. all rights reserved. WWW.ARMENIAWEEK.COM is published by the FOURTH MILLENNIUM SOCIETY, publishers of ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE. Articles may not be published without prior consent.

Making Armenia Attractive: Investors want information and certainty before committing cash By Zara Chatinian ArmeniaWeek reporter The use of the Internet to spread information more widely in Armenia will help to create a more favorable business climate, a conference was told this week. The firm establishment of the rule of law and a reliable courts system are also essential to the promotion of economic growth in the republic. Business leaders, representatives of international organizations, embassy staff, and officials from government, parliament, and the judiciary attended the conference on December 12, which was organized in Yerevan by the American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia. Thomas Samuelian (pictured), President of the Chamber underlined the importance of the rule of law to economic development. Investors wanted predictability, consistency and equal treatment. "The legal and administrative framework has proved to be one of the most intractable impediments to economic development in emerging markets like Armenia," Samuelian said. "Countries with an established rule of law are attracting more foreign direct investments. "It's like walking in a dark room when you don't know what to expect and how to behave next. It is much easier and more comfortable to work in a predictable environment. That is what investors appreciate." Both the business community and the public at large need to know about planned changes in laws and regulations, Samuelian said. The Internet is the easiest and cheapest way to disseminate information. It also provides those outside the country with a quick and reliable method of researching the latest legal and economic developments in Armenia. "Information will be accessible everywhere, whereas printed materials are costly to prepare and disseminate." Comprehensive details of the structure of government ministries, their jurisdictions, and contact information should be available. Amendments to laws and regulations should be publicized immediately on the net, as should all decisions of the courts. Also, detailed explanations of the operation of Value Added Tax in Armenia - particularly useful in countries without VAT, such as the United States - would be helpful to investors. Judge Anatoli Matevosian spoke about the creation of the new Economic Court, set up six weeks ago specially to resolve business and investment disputes. Alvina Gyulumian, a representative from the Constitutional Court, underlined the importance of protecting property rights, investments, and assets, saying this was fundamental to encouraging foreign direct investment in Armenia. Gyulumian pointed out that some recent intergovernmental agreements contradict Armenia's National Constitution. Agreements on capital investments with Germany and Egypt provided for nationalization of the property and assets of investors in Armenia "if this becomes a matter of national importance". However, Gyulumian said the Constitution provided full protection of investors' rights and property. A 1999 World Bank study concluded that Armenian firms considered an unstable legal environment to be a major constraint in shifting towards a favorable business environment in the republic. Problems occurred with government at ministerial, agency and municipal levels. Surveys and reports by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development showed the greatest difficulties were experienced with Customs and the Tax Inspectorate - businesses frequently have to pay bribes to get things done. "Delays and constant changes in the Armenian Customs law have not provided stable and clear-cut regulations for our activities," says Ashot Balayan, director of the Sis 89 shoe factory. The World Bank reports that foreign direct investment in Armenia peaked in 1998 at $200 million. However, this was due to one-time sales of large assets by the Armenian government, including the Armenian telephone system, the Hotel Armenia, and the Armenian Cognac factory. Photos by Mkhitar Khachatrian ©Copyright ArmeniaWeek Dec. 14, 2001. all rights reserved. WWW.ARMENIAWEEK.COM is published by the FOURTH MILLENNIUM SOCIETY, publishers of ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE. Articles may not be published without prior consent

Feted Film: "Symphony of Silence" hopes to make noise at Oscars http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/film_1.jpg By Gayane Abrahamian ArmeniaWeek reporter Very few movies have been shot in Armenia in the past several years due to difficult socio-economic conditions. Some Armenian filmmakers, however, have continued their art in spite of obstacles. And one, Vigen Chaldranian, is in with a chance to win filmmaking's highest prize, an Oscar, for his persistence. "Symphony of Silence," a feature film, directed by Chaldranian and shot in Armenia has been selected as a nominee for competition in the 74th American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences "Academy Awards". It is the first time an Armenian-made movie has been accepted by the prestigious board. Winners will be announced during ceremonies next spring in Los Angeles. Chaldranian's movie premiered in Hollywood's Samuel Goldwyn Theater on October 12, after which it was included in next year's list of nominees in the category of Best Foreign Language Film. (Seventy-eight films are selected for the category.) Chaldranian is the writer/director of several movies, including "April", "Dzain Barbaroi", and "Ter Voghormea", which was awarded a gold medal at the Houston International Film Festival in 1994. The script for "Symphony of Silence" started as an idea in 1998 and took about seven months to write. Filming took about a year, ending in late 2000. "It is not surprising that the movie got its final shape at the end of the century," Chaldranian says, "because the main idea of the movie is the one we are entering the 21st century with." "Symphony of Silence" is the story of a 47-year-old man whose life decelerates and takes a dramatic and unexpected twist toward a tragic end. He has an incurable illness and, realizing that death is unavoidable, he turns to the Biblical Ten Commandments. Finding himself in Yerevan with little time and a big bank account, he becomes sole owner of a hospital for the insane. Devoting himself entirely to this strange, new vocation, he sets out to redeem his sins by spreading light around himself and into the troubled souls of the patients. "This movie is a catharsis, meaning that it causes psychological self-cleaning," says Tsolak Hakobian," a psychotherapist and consultant for the movie. "Violent emotions start in the souls of people after they watch the movie. People start to realize their own sins." "Symphony of Silence" is an expression of human virtue, humanity and love, pursuing the universal questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? Where do we go? "This movie is about humanity and kindness," says lead actor Karen Janibekian. "Kindness and light are the pledge of success for this movie." The main cast is from Armenia but Chaldranian was also able to persuade Polish actress Barbara Brilska to take a part. "Symphony of Silence" cost $500,000 to make and was produced by Chaldranian, Armenfilm Studios, Boomerang Productions (France), and Ardshinbank. "The value of the movie won't be lost whether we win or lose (an Academy Award)," Chaldranian says. "Life is an argument of tastes."

"Real Soul": Egoyan finds sound of "Ararat" near the source http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/egoyan_1.jpg By Lusine Zeytunian ArmeniaWeek reporter Armenian-Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan calls his latest work "a movie within a movie". And underneath the movie in a movie is a final element, music. It was the search for that element that brought Egoyan to Armenia December 3 to 9 to complete "Ararat," a film that closely links the 41-year-old Toronto director to his Armenian roots. "The movie I am making speaks about the Armenian nation. And music plays a great role in it," Egoyan says. "It's a story of Diasporan character but the music had to be from Armenia. I wanted to be as inclusive as possible, so I attached the spirit of Hayastan to it through music." The $15.5 million movie was shot in Toronto where a setting of Van in 1915 was created. "To give it a real Armenian soul we had to do some part of it on the Armenian soil," Egoyan said. Music turned out to be that part. During interviews in Yerevan, Egoyan (who in 1998 was nominated for two Academy Awards for "The Sweet Hereafter") said he had searched extensively in Canada for musicians who could create the sound he sought. Finally, he decided to bring his search to Armenia, where he found vocalists and instrumentalists whose work amply satisfied both Egoyan and composer Mychael Danna. Working in a poorly heated, dimly-lit studio, Danna says he was amazed at the high level of the Armenian musicians. "Being in Armenia and doing the recording for 'Ararat' was pretty magical," Danna says. "I not only did productive work, but also was watching how enthusiastic Atom is about all this. "I have been working with him for 15 years and it's kind of interesting to see him in this environment." In "Ararat", French-Armenian actor and singer Charles Aznavour, plays a present-day Toronto director filming a movie in Turkey about the Armenian Genocide. Tying the past with the present is a film set driver, Raffi (David Alpay), who is returning to Toronto with the cans of film the director has used. But he is stopped at the airport by a Canadian Customs inspector (Christopher Plummer) who doubts the driver has what he says on film. The driver tells him the story of the movie and the Genocide, with parts of that movie enacted for real and some in the driver's imagination. According to Egoyan, the cornerstone of his movie's success could be his unique perspective. He is Armenian and at the same time an outsider. Having been raised in a non-Armenian community, Egoyan (who was born in Egypt) understands how to make the film interesting for both Armenians and non-Armenians. Although three of Egoyan's previous films ("Calendar", "Next of Kin" and "Family Viewing") have Armenian themes, none has sparked Armenian interest as much as "Ararat". The movie (planned to debut next spring at the Cannes Film Festival) has also gained attention from Turkey, which announced plans during Egoyan's visit to Yerevan to sue him for the film's portrayal of the Genocide. Egoyan said he does not take such threats seriously. In his movie the director stresses denial of the Genocide rather than the event itself. After its premier Egoyan hopes to take "Ararat" (produced by his long-time collaborator Robert Lantos) to the Toronto International Film Festival, and then to bring the film to Armenia. http://www.armeniaweek.com/dec142001/photos/egoyan_2.jpg

http://www.azg.am/IMAGE/200123003.jpg A graduate of Cyprus College, 23-year old Sarine V. Mahdesian from the local Armenian community, has won the annual title of Miss Cyprus Tourism and will be representing that country in an international contest in Kuala Lumpur. “I am very happy and cannot find words to express my joy, I am the first Armenian on this small island to have won such a high title,” she announced. She plans to continue her education in the USA. Her grandfather was a notable member of Ramkavar Azatakan party and was once teaching at Melkonian Armenian School in Cyprus. Sarine first took part in beauty contests four years ago, but did not succeed. © Copyright AZG

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY NEEDS CHEAP GAS Armenian trade and industry minister Karen Chshmaritian gave some information about the industry, particularly the chemistry sector at yesterday’s, December 13, government session. Talking about the agreement with Ukrainian ‘Intercontact’ company on purchasing the shares of Armenian ‘Nairit-1’ chemical plant, he noted that it was not concluded during the recent visit of the Ukrainian company’s authorities to Armenia, because the Ukrainians still have to present a business program, and the Armenian government must approve it. The Ukrainian partners find that cheap natural gas should be imported to Armenia for making the work of ‘Nairit’ efficient. For the same reason- because of high prices of natural gas, Vanadzor’s ‘Prometheus-Chimprom’ plant doesn’t function. Its authorities, though, negotiate with the Russian side for getting cheap gas for the chemical complex. Mr. Chshmaritian also informs that there will be news about the fate of Armenian ‘Doghagorts’ tire factory soon. The trade and industry minister also referred to the annual indices of the country’s external trade. According to him the growth in export will reach 12%, whereas very little growth will be registered in the import, thanks to which the negative balance of the trade will decrease. By Ara Martirosian © Copyright AZG

108-TH PARTY BORN IN ARMENIA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Our party is the direct successor to the Communist party of Soviet Armenia, “ Yuri Manookian, Hrant Voskanian and some other followers of the Marxism-Leninism, expelled earlier this year from the Communist party of Armenia, announced on Thursday. The new party, the 108-th in small Armenia that can hardly boast of having 2.5 million population against 3.5 million in 1988, is called the Renovated Communist Party of Armenia (RCPA). In response to his rhetorical question why they founded a new party instead of restructuring the existing Communist party, Yuri Manookian said they could not agree with the policy of a party that has deviated from its ideology and principles. Manookian claimed that the Communists had taken the right way of reforms under the leadership of the late first secretary Sergey Badalian, but the recent two years were marred with inter-party squabbles and intrigues. Manookian went on to claim that the leadership of the Communist party has refused to take healthy and sound viewpoints on specifying relations with the authorities, adapting to the ongoing market reforms and new economic conditions. He also accused his former comrades of being unable to put up with alternative ideas within the party. “No one is allowed to express opinions which differ from those of the political bureau of the party,” Manookian said. He event went on as far as to compare the current situation within the party with the repression of 1930s under Joseph Stalin. Manookian recalled that besides himself, all other Communist members who did not share the viewpoints of the bureau had also been expelled. “Hundreds of expelled Communists were demanding that I set up a new Communist force and we can now boast of having 3,000 members,” Manookian said. He also said that they have made essential changes into their party program after having examined party programs of Chinese and Moldavian Communists. At the end Manookian said they hoped that the word “renovated” would disappear from the party’s name, as all true Communists would gather around his party. He also added that they are for Armenia’s joining to Russia-Belarus Union and ” in general we see the future of Armenia in close union with Russia.” By Lilit Grigorian © Copyright AZG

NATO COURTS ARMENIA An article by the director of the Armenian Mediamax news agency Ara Tadevosian, posted on IWPR on-line page, says that arrival of US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld in Armenia December 15 later this week will seal a new initiative designed to increase military cooperation between the two countries. The newly appointed US ambassador to Armenia, John Ordway, had earlier caused a stir in Yerevan when he called for closer military ties. Ordway was paving the way for the latest move in Armenia's new" complementary policy" - a means of accommodating both Russia and the US. Yerevan believes that this is necessary for enhanced stability in the region. Armenian foreign minister, Vardan Oskanian, said he believed that bringing the US and Russia closer together would help ease tensions in the south Caucasus by allowing the two sides to act as partners rather than rivals. It seems likely that the process of building stronger military ties with the US - already suggested by President Robert Kocharian back in March – was accelerated by the events of September 11 and the consequent US-led "war on terrorism". Since Russian and US relations improved as a result, Yerevan saw no contradiction in cosying up to Washington. US military attaché Lieutenant-Colonel Eric von Tersch said on December 4 that Washington was poised to extend the country's cooperation within NATO's Partnership for Peace Program. This will include having Armenia host the alliance's regional military exercises in 2003. Teaming up with the US will bring Armenia more in line with Georgia and Azerbaijan who are already pushing for greater integration into Western military structures. Being in the same military club could possibly provide the incentive to settle ongoing regional disputes between them. Washington has doubtless chosen this moment to boost its influence in the south Caucasus as a result of its improving relations with Russia. At the same time, the US has been careful to reassure Russia that its presence in the region will not compromise its old cold war enemy. © Copyright AZG

"REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS" RIGHT PROTECTING ORGANIZATION DEMANDED "STOPPING AGGRESSION AGAINST THE PRESS" OF ALIYEV 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Reporters Without Limits" international right protecting organization has come out with a statement, in which it censured the yesterday's police attack on the picket, made by Azeri journalists in protest against oppression of the press. The statement is addressed to country President Heydar Aliyev personally. "In spite of your assurance that you are the guarantor of existence and activity of free mass media, Azerbaijan authorities continue threatening and persecuting the press, which contradicts to the international obligations. We demand the aggression against the press be stopped immediately," – the document says. Meanwhile the mass hunger strike of journalists under "Stop pressure on the free press" slogan continues. Correspondent of "525-th Newspaper" Elbai Hasanli has already been on hunger strike seven days. Correspondent of "Eni Musavat" Mahir Mamedov has stopped his hunger strike due to worsening of health. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION OF VOROTAN TUNNEL TO SUPPLY WATER TO LAKE SEVAN PLANNED NEXT YEAR 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian Parliament passed the program of recovery, reproduction and rational use of lake Sevan ecosystem. Completion of construction of the tunnel that will assist replenishment of the lake at the expense of Vorotan river water makes an important part of the series of measures within the project. Let us remind the level of water in Sevan has lowered 22 meters since beginning of the thirties. The budget of Armenia will direct 2.6 million dollars to finish the construction of Vorotan tunnel already begun early in 80-s. The program project also provides for financing the works to expand fish resources. Some species of Sevan fauna are under the threat of complete extinction. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO SIGN A NUMBER OF INTERSTATE AGREEMENTS IN TEHERAN 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian delegation headed by President Robert Kocharian will visit Iran on a state visit December 25. Robert Kocharian will hold meetings with Iranian President Mohammad Hattami, Foreign Minister Kamal Harazi, Secretary of National Security Council Hasan Rogani and the leadership of the Armenian community. The item of the prospects of construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline is among the questions to be discussed in Teheran. As it is known, the construction works are already planned to start next year. Robert Kocharian will visit the mausoleum of ayatolli Homeyni, the residence of the head of the Iranian diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. A joint communiqué will be passed on the visit results. Signing of a number of documents is also planned. Agreement on cooperation in the spheres of cultural exchange, cultural and historical monument protection, nature conservancy, standardization and metrology, as well as seismic protection are reached. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

OFFICIAL YEREVAN WAS READY TO ARMENIAN-TURKISH COMMISSION SPLIT 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Press Secretary Vahe Gabriyelian stated the split of Armenian-Turkish Reconciliation Commission was predictable. He stressed in official Yerevan opinion, the dialogue between Armenia and Turkey should take place at the state level. At the same time Gabriyelian noted Armenian authorities never hampered contacts between Armenian and Turkish public structures, on the contrary – welcomed such intercourse. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

AZERBAIJAN CITIZENS MAY CELEBRATE NEW YEAR IN CANDLELIGHT 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to the reports in Baku newspapers, the Azerbaijani capital will suffer from electricity fan cut-off this winter, too. In this regard some mass media predict a situation, in which the country citizens will have to celebrate New Year in candlelight. Having created the myth about inexhaustible reserves of hydrocarbon raw in the country bowels, Azerbaijan actually can not fulfill its own needs for energy resources. In spite of the continuing supplies of electric energy from Iran and the recently signed contract with RAO "EES" Russian company to import three billion kW/h electric energy specialists recognize that they will not be able to manage to implement the passed last year decree of the President "On the measures on improving provision of population and economy with energy resources." At present the actual power capacity of the energy system of Azerbaijan makes about three thousand megawatt, while the real need for electric energy is nearly four thousand. Based on this "Azerenerzhi" enterprise has developed a schedule of limited electric energy supply to all consumers of the Republic. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

PRESIDENT KEPT HIS WORD TO CREATE FORTY THOUSAND WORKPLACES 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The amount of new workplaces created in Armenia in the course of the year totaled 44048. As reported by "Arka" agency, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Armenia Karen Chshmaritian stated it at a press conference today. In his words, the deviations may make 5%, which is considered to be normal in the international practice. As the Minister noted, the number of workplaces in the newly created economic organizations in the course of the nine months of the current year makes 10005 and the number of the additionally opened in the already operating enterprises is 27648. At the same time according to Chshmaritian's estimates, in November-December 2000 at least 2000 workplaces were created solely at large enterprises like "Masis-Tobacco", "Luys", "Gloriya". In Chshmaritian's words, people engaged in social security programs and seasonal workers employed in international programs (5250) were not taken into account. Neither some 15 thousand persons, who were involved in population census in Armenia, were taken into consideration. As Armenian President Robert Kocharian stated at a press conference today, an administrative monitoring of the created workplaces was hold in the country for the first time. The President emphasized the importance and the large scale of the work, noting, "we will hold it annually now." Let us remind that creation of forty thousand workplaces in 2001 was one of President Robert Kocharian's promises. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN TO VISIT RUSSIA, JAPAN AND IRAN BEFORE THE YEAR END 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The President of Armenia will leave for Moscow on an official visit Monday. Robert Kocharian will hold negotiations with President Vladimir Putin, in particular the presidents will discuss the question of passing part of shares of Armenian industrial enterprises to Russia to pay back the state debt. The presidents will also concern the Artsax conflict settlement process in their discussion. Robert Kocharian will leave the Russian capital for Tokyo, where he will meet with Emperor Akikhito and will hold negotiations with Japanese Prime Minister Dzyunitiro Koidzumi. The Armenian President will leave Japan for Iran December 25. Robert Kocharian will return to the homeland three days before the New Year begins. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

UNRECOGNIZED STATES AUTHORITIES REPRESENTATIVES MET IN MOSCOW 14.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ A conference organized by Russian Institute for CIS countries entitled "Conflict zones in the Post-Soviet territory and unrecognized states" was held in Moscow. Representatives of Nagorno Artsax Republic, Abkhazia and Pridnestrovye authorities took part in the conference. The official Stepanakert was represented at the forum by Georgy Petrosian, Advisor of the country President. Appearing at the conference director of the Institute for CIS countries Konstantin Zatulin stated "the officials of Moldova, Georgia and Azerbaijan should refrain from assaulting intonation addressed to Nagorno Artsax, Abkhazia and Pridnestrovye." In his words, "Baku, Tbilisi and Kishinev should stop speaking the language of force to that republics." Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

Boghos do you need a master who play's duduk or do you need a master who makes duduk ? i do not know any one in Brazil, but i will keep it in mind, just in case i get some info I'll let you know. you have some of the best wood that can be used for duduk in brazil, Brazilian rosewood, i have one that has been made for Vache Hovsepyan in 1972, the sound is totally different, it has something different, like it adds totally different dimension to our traditional Armenian duduk. Boghos Saro Danyelyan is next to you, in Argentina. he is one of the best Duduk players. MOvses

Harout jan tor lini sakayn, jiti batsatrutyun@ gitenq sakayn Jut'i batsatrutyun@ chgitenq vat@ da e

hetaqrqir mi ban hishetsy, -= Vayola de Amor =- -= Jut Siro =- vstah chem et inchpes e grvum latinerenov. hayerenov grvats er Jut u=urreni-urrer-urruyn. sa mi sinfonya er vori notaneri girq@ uneyi jamanakin, grvats 12 jutakneri yev 5 vayolaneri hamar, @endhanur 24 tarber jutaki @entaniqin patkanor gortsiqneri hamar er. VAyollan da Jutaki mets tesakn e vorn sksum e 18" matnasharits minch 24" pastoren mer kompozitor@ vor@ targmanel er yev artagrel iys notaner@ targmanel er Jut Siro, yete iyspes nayes uremn amen inch popoxvum e, naxkinum asats im varkatits, JutAk pastorin Jut-Ak inchpe s HAyerenum mi sharq anuner yev anvanumner baren AK avelatsel e verchum - SenyAk - PAyusyak - NAvAk, norits yekenq #1 qaylin te Jut inch e n@shanakum, HArout jan kneres Jit che Jut e da hastat qani vro im unetsats hin HAykakan iys notaneri grqum JutAk e grvats yev iys tetr@ mot 120 tarva er.

HArout jan mi hat portsy ports@ portsanq chi ap heto menq kasenq te sluxov e te voch

US EMBASSY THANKS SHUSHI FUND Two months ago the ruling board of ‘Shushi’ Fund sent an open letter to US embassy of Armenia, where it was said that all the Armenians of the world accepted the September 11 tragic events with deep sorrow, and that the Armenian nation remembers the support of American nation, government, and mass media rendered to Armenia and Karabagh during the Karabagh war years, as well as the fund raisings held in USA for helping the economy of Armenia and Karabagh. In the letter the ‘Shushi’ Fund expressed readiness to call all the Armenians of the world to raise money and donate the collected sum to the victims of September 11 terrorist attacks. Yesterday the ruling board of ‘Shushi’ Fund received a letter from the US deputy ambassador to Armenia Patricia Moller- addressed to the executive director of the fund Bakur Karapetian, where the American nation and government express gratitude for the fund’s careful message. Mrs. Moller also writes that ‘in this difficult of American people time it is pleasant to know that we are not alone. We must exterminate this evil threatening the whole mankind by joint efforts’. By A. Bulghadarian © Copyright AZG

OUTGOING FRENCH AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH DEFENSE MINISTER The outgoing French ambassador to Yerevan Michel Legras met today with Armenian defense minister Serzh Sarkisian. The defense ministry said that Serzh Sarkisian thanked France's ambassador for his efficient cooperation, stressing his contribution to the development of multilateral relations between the two countries. © Copyright AZG

US DEFENSE SECRETARY VISIT IMPORTANT Armenian foreign affairs minister Vartan Oskanian said on Tuesday that the arrival of US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld to Yerevan later this week will seal a new initiative designed to increase military cooperation between the two countries. "The visit is very important and we believe that a wide range of issues will be discussed," he said, but refused to elaborate. Earlier Armenian foreign minister said he believed that bringing the US and Russia closer together would help ease tensions in the south Caucasus by allowing the two sides to act as partners rather than rivals. US defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld will arrive in Armenia December 15 as part of a regional tour. Rumsfeld is scheduled to meet with president Robert Kocharian and other top officials. Armenia, like its immediate neighbors Georgia and Azerbaijan has granted the US military use of their air space for the Afghanistan campaign, providing American warplanes based in Europe and Eastern Turkey with a corridor to Central Asia. © Copyright AZG

GEORGIAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER VISITS ARMENIA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The visit of the newly elected chairwoman of Georgia Nino Burjanadze to Armenia is interesting in itself, if we recall that Georgia’s president Shevardnadze was in Armenia last month to have discussed with Armenian leadership the issues of common interest. But looking closer into the speech Mrs. Burjanadze delivered to Armenian lawmakers on Wednesday, it becomes clear that Georgia is trying to exaggerate the role of Russia’s interest towards its inner-developments by using Russia’s strategic cooperation with Armenia. Mrs. Burjanadze made it clear that the reopening of the railway across breakaway Abkhazia, crucial for Armenian goods shipment to Russia and Europe, may become possible provided that Armenia took the role of mediator between Georgia and its breakaway region. In return Burjanadze pledged to increase its efforts to try to reconcile Armenia with Azerbaijan and Turkey. Later, speaking at a news conference, she admitted that Georgia was hoping that Armenia could talk Russia into helping quick and peaceful settlement of the conflict. She reiterated Georgia’s anti-Russian position, saying that her country did not want to have any foreign military bases deployed in its territory. “Georgia appreciates highly that Armenia supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and we realize that many of you are well aware about the problems Armenians in Georgia are facing,” she said, adding that her government was not creating artificial problems in southern regions, predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians. She also pledged that after withdrawal of Russian base in Akhlakalaki, which gives jobs to hundreds of local Armenians, the government will create normal conditions for them. But some members of the Armenian parliament doubt Georgia’s capacities to meet these commitments and create jobs for local Armenians after pulling out the Russian base. Vahan Hovanisian from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation says that Georgia is hastening to have the Russian base withdrawn, as it is not capable of guaranteeing new jobs and security for the local residents. “We have to try to convince Georgia not to hurry in this issue as it may lead to the destabilization of the situation,” he says. Interestingly, the chairman of the Armenian parliament Armen Khachatrian assumed a very passive role and did not voice Armenia’s positions around these issues, which allowed the Georgia speaker to freely express Georgia’s positions. Here is what happens when diplomacy is empowered in Armen Khachatrian. By Gor Abrahamian © Copyright AZG