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  • Mixed Armenian News

    Mixed Armenian News
    BY ARA KHACHATOURIAN

    Armenia's Declaration of Independence

    Armenia's Decleration of Indepence housed in Armenia's History Museum


    On August 23, 1990 the Supreme Council of the Soviet Socialist
    Republic of Armenia adopted Armenia's Declaration of
    Independence, ending decades of Soviet rule and beginning a new
    chapter in our storied history.

    The following day the country became the Republic of Armenia and a
    year later, on Sept. 21, 1991 Armenia became an independent nation.

    During the past 22 years, Armenia has weathered storms and seen
    achievements, none of which would have been possible without the
    document, whose anniversary we mark today.

    The challenge for the future will be to adhere to the provisions of
    the Declaration of Independence.

    One of the important provisions of Armenia's Declaration of
    Independence states: "All citizens living on the territory of
    Armenia are granted citizenship of the Republic of Armenia. Armenians
    of the Diaspora have the right of citizenship of Armenia. The
    citizens of the Republic of Armenia are protected and aided by the
    Republic. The Republic of Armenia guarantees the free and equal
    development of its citizens regardless of national origin, race, or
    creed."

    22 years have passed since that historic day. We have had 22 years to
    experience growing pains, mature and advance. 22 years later, we must
    ask ourselves what can be done to accelerate the process of adhering
    to the principles put forth in the Declaration of Independence.

    Today, we will celebrate this historic day, and reflect on the
    events--good and bad--that have shaped our nation. But,
    tomorrow the real task of salvaging our nation should begin with the
    participation of each and every Armenian throughout the world.

    http://asbarez.com/104983/armenia%E2%80%99s-declaration-of-independence/

    ###

    Stepan Grigoryan: Armenia reacted adequately to the processes in
    Syria

    28.08.2012 16:55

    [Stepan%20Grigoryan%2025.jpg] Karen Ghazaryan
    "Radiolur"

    Any country has to withstand different challenges from time to time,
    and Armenia is not an exception, head of the Center for Globalization
    and Regional Cooperation, political scientist Stepan Grigoryan told
    reporters today.

    Speaking about the challenges facing Armenia, the political scientist
    pointed to the relations with Georgia, the issues connected with
    Syria, the presidential elections in the US.

    According to Stepan Grigoryan, problems periodically emerge in
    Armenian-Georgian relations, although Armenians and Georgians are
    friendly nations and the new Ambassador to Georgia is actively
    working. The political scientist added that Armenians of Russia
    should not interfere with Armenian-Georgian relations.

    According to the analyst, the positions of Armenians in Georgia and
    the respect of Georgians for Armenians further reinforced after
    Charles Aznavour's visit.

    Touching upon the processes taking place in the Arab world and the
    events in Syria, Stepan Grigoryan said: "Armenia reacted rather
    adequately and cautiously to the processes in Syria, our government
    demonstrated a very constructive position. According to him, it would
    be incorrect for Armenians to move from Syria, as they have a great
    heritage there.

    As for the US elections, the political scientist said the victory of
    the Republican Administration would be more favorable to us, since
    they address issues of the world, including Armenia.

    "From the point of view of security of state borders, the safety
    of Nagorno Karabakh it will be hard for Armenia if only one force
    rules in the region. Russia, the United States and the European Union
    should have equal power in the region," he said.

    As for the idea of creating a Eurasian Union, Stepan Grigoryan
    considers it is another challenge to Armenia, since even Russia does
    not understand well what the Eurasian Union is going to be like.

    http://www.armradio.am/eng/news/?part=pol&id=23579

    ###

    Syrian-Armenian family denied entry to Armenia at airport

    [118806.jpg] August 29, 2012 | 13:07

    YEREVAN. - Armenia's Police issued a clarification in
    connection with Tuesday's incident that occurred at capital city
    Yerevan's Zvartnots International Airport, where a
    Syrian-Armenian family of eight was denied entry to Armenia.

    "Pursuant to Armenia's Law on Foreigners, the Government
    specifies the list of countries whose citizens can apply solely to
    Armenia's diplomatic agencies abroad to be issued a visa, and
    solely based on an invitation envisioned by the given law. The given
    countries' list is specified by the Government's decision,
    and Syria likewise is included in this list.

    [Yet] Pursuant to Armenia's Law on Foreigners and by the
    Government's decision, the Armenian[-origin] citizens of these
    countries can be issued a visa at Armenia's border checkpoints
    without an invitation. The Government of Armenia specifies the list
    of documents that substantiate the fact of being Armenian.

    [And] The nine citizens of Syria, who arrived in Armenia, did not
    submit any document that substantiates their being [of] Armenian
    [origin]," the Police statement reads in particular.

    http://news.am/eng/news/118806.html

    ###

    Syrian Armenians boost housing demand in Armenia

    Article | August 28, 2012 - 3:04pm

    Amid growing tension in Syria, the real estate market in Armenia is
    witnessing some growth in recent months, Armenia Liberty.org learnt
    from Armenian service.

    Local realtors claimed that a number of ethnic Armenians are arriving
    from Syria and some intend to stay on a permanent basis in Armenia
    while others seem undecided and choose to rent homes for now. This is
    the reason there are 10 times as many rents as home-buying deals in
    the market, said Garik Danielian, who runs a private real estate
    agency in Yerevan.

    Danielian said, "Many came and rented apartments for a month, and
    they now extend their rents for another month after hearing news of
    the worsening situation in Syria. People are scared." He stressed
    that the slump in the prices of housing market which was seen in
    2008, has now come to a halt.

    Danielian said, "There are people who buy homes, there is some
    movement in the market, even a slight increase in prices for newly
    built homes." Other realtors stated that ethnic Armenians from
    Syria often prefer renting or buying housing in or close to downtown
    Yerevan and in newly constructed residential buildings.

    According to Artin Arakelian, director of a real estate agency in
    Yerevan, those who have come to Armenia so far are mainly well-to-do
    Syrian Armenians. He noted such Armenians are exploring business
    opportunities in the country which entails increasing demand for
    office space.

    The Syrian Armenians are seeing their business in Armenia and
    planning to rent some commercial property to see if they are as
    successful here in Armenia doing the same business as they have done
    in Syria, added Arakelian. He however noted that Syrian Armenians are
    not hasty in their decision to become homeowners in Armenia as they
    are still unsure whether they would find a job in Armenia and are
    even clueless about the upcoming developments in Syria.

    Syrian Armenians are also facing problems in selling their property
    in Syria and bringing their capital to Armenia. Over 20-25
    Syrian-Armenian businessmen have turned to the Chamber of Commerce
    and Industry of Armenia for consultations, head of the Chamber Arayik
    Vardanyan said. Earlier the Chamber said Syrian-Armenians wishing to
    set up business in Armenia, will get free consultations.

    Vardanyan said that the chamber is having talks with entrepreneurs
    interested in running business in Armenia. The consultations cover
    legislation and business, including customs and tax, labor and civil
    codes, as well as information on markets.

    http://www.neurope.eu/article/syrian-armenians-boost-housing-demand-armenia

    ###

    TOWARD A MORE PROSPEROUS UNION

    [11638.png&w=300&h=220]

    By Vilen Khlgatyan

    President Serzh Sargsyan paid a visit to Moscow in early August to
    meet with his Russian counter-part, Vladimir Putin. While political,
    military, and economic matters were discussed, the visit was also a
    chance for Sargsyan and Putin to exchange their views on the proposed
    economic bloc, the Eurasian Union (EAU). It is no secret that the EAU
    is Putin's project, and one which he is likely to devote much of
    his time in order to bring to a successful launch by the targeted
    date of 2015. Already, steps are being taken to incorporate the
    Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia with the EAU. The
    incorporation of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)
    is another possibility, should Moscow decide to add a military
    component to the EAU. While Armenia does not share a common land
    border with any members of the Customs Union, Putin did say in the
    press conference after his meeting with Sargsyan, that international
    agreements signed by the members of the Customs Union could help
    overcome this. Likely, what this meant is the implementation of free
    trade agreements between the members and Armenia.

    It is noteworthy that President Putin brought up the geographic
    isolation of Armenia from Russia and the other members of the Customs
    Union because thus far that has been one of the main arguments within
    the Armenian government and civil society against Armenia joining the
    proposed EAU. However, under closer review, this excuse alone is not
    enough to outweigh the positive outcomes of Armenian membership in
    the EAU. True, a common border would be advantageous, and tense
    relations between Tbilisi and Moscow do not help matters. Yet, such a
    union would provide Armenia with a large economic market that is
    easily accessible as well as familiar with Armenian products. Simply
    put, the Armenian market is too small for Armenian businessmen to
    expand and reach their full potential, and this is one of the reasons
    certain sections of the economy have been monopolized or oligopolies
    have taken hold. Russian and other businessmen would be unlikely to
    allow Armenian businessmen into their domestic markets without
    getting the same opportunity in Armenia. The Armenian market is in
    need of foreign direct investment, as well as competition in various
    segments. Businessmen from the EAU would provide this, particularly
    with a free trade clause in place. Another factor is the large
    Armenian diaspora in Russia, which is not only the largest in the
    world, but larger than all the Armenian diasporas of the European
    Union (EU) combined. The stimulus the Armenians residing in the
    member states of the Customs Union and proposed EAU would provide to
    furthering Armenia's trade is immeasurable, assuming the Armenian
    government incorporated them in their plans.

    A second reason thrown around by those opposed to Armenian membership
    in the EAU is the supposed benefits Armenia has to gain from closer
    integration and possible membership within the EU. A number of recent
    developments alone show this line of argument to be weak. First, the
    EU is facing a serious identity problem, not least of which is caused
    by the solvency crisis facing a number of eurozone members. This has
    prompted the major credit rating agencies to downgrade the status of
    several EU members, including the major players, Germany and France.

    Furthermore, Armenia's trade turnover with the EU is barely more
    than its trade with Russia alone. This suggests, which indeed
    Presidents Sargsyan and Putin did, that there is still much room to
    improve trade between the two states. Therefore, more should be done
    in this direction to reach the desired levels, joining the proposed
    EAU is that step. Moreover, Armenia does not share a common border
    with the EU either, therefore if it is not feasible to join the EAU
    because Armenia lacks a common border with a member state, the same
    logic applies to the EU as well. Finally, there is no stipulation
    being presented by either the EU nor Russia that membership in one
    economic union precludes cooperation with another.

    Of course Armenia should work with all states, and should keep its
    options open, but there are times when critical decisions must be
    made to go in either one direction or another, remaining undecided
    will not do. Thus, a serious study must be launched by the Armenian
    government to assess the positives and negatives of Armenian
    membership in the EAU.

    Vilen Khlgatyan is the Vice-Chairman of Political Developments
    Research Center (PDRC)

    http://times.am/?l=en&p=11638

    ###

    Thursday, 23 August 2012 00:00

    Edward Nalbandian Meets Sydney Armenian Community Commits to
    Establishment of Armenian Embassy by 2015

    Hagop Tchamkertenian
    Chairperson of the ADLP Armenian Rights Council of Australia

    [edward_nalbandian_p.jpg] Despite the overcast conditions several
    hundred members of the Sydney Armenian community were on hand at
    Cox's Road Community Hall, North Ryde on 12th of August 2012 to
    hear a speech by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. Amongst
    the invited dignitaries were representatives of the Armenian Church;
    the three traditional Armenian political parties; Armenian benevolent
    and cultural organizations; and Armenian media.

    The official party welcoming the Armenian Foreign Minister comprised
    the Mayor of the City of Ryde, Mr Artin Etmekdjian, City of Ryde
    Councillor Mr Sarkis Yedelian and Community Relations Commission for
    a Multicultural NSW Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian.

    Mr Nalbandian is undertaking an official tour of the region with
    visits to Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia and the Philippines. For
    the Australian leg of his tour, he is the guest of Australian foreign
    Minister, Mr Bob Carr.

    This was the first visit by the current Armenian Foreign Minister
    after he was appointed to the office in April 2008. Given that visits
    from Armenian high officials to Australia have been rare events since
    Armenia's independence in 1991, there was a high degree of
    anticipation and excitement by those gathered in the hall as Minister
    Nalbandian took to the podium to deliver his key note community
    address.

    [edward_nalbandian_t.jpg]

    Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian

    In an address that lasted more than 45 minutes, Minister Nalbandian
    gave a comprehensive overview of Armenian's foreign policy
    stance. Not surprisingly, the first issue discussed was the
    Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Mr Nalbandian reiterated that the major
    powers mediating in the conflict comprising of Russia, United States
    of America and France are encouraging the conflicting sides to
    resolve the conflict by peaceful means without resorting to violence.

    While Baku makes constant threats to resolve the conflict by military
    means, and has embarked on a massive arms build-up, Mr Nalbandian
    commented that Armenia's strategic military alliance with Russia
    as well as Armenia's military preparedness counterbalances the
    Azeri military threat.

    Mr Nalbandian commented that while Armenia advocates a number of
    principles such as no use or threat of use of force, respect for the
    right of nations to self-determination and maintenance of the
    territorial integrity of countries, Azerbaijan only supports the
    notion of giving Nagorno-Karabakh a high level of autonomy within the
    Azerbaijani Republic's boundaries which is the principle of
    territorial integrity.

    Other important considerations promoted by the Armenian side include
    the maintenance of a land corridor linking Armenia and
    Nagorno-Karabakh; the eventual return of territories that do not
    endanger Nagorno-Karabakh's security; the deployment of
    international peacekeepers; and a referendum to decide the final
    status of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

    Significantly, Mr Nalbandian stressed that Armenia's position on
    the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is now aligned more closely to that of
    the international mediators than is Azerbaijan's. He also added
    that Armenia insists that any package that is drafted to resolve the
    conflict must ultimately receive the blessing of the people of
    Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Mr Nalbandian stressed that while the Azeri threat cannot be
    discounted, the Armenian side is prepared to counter any Azeri
    military threat. He said that the Armenian side will not initiate
    military offensives, but in the event of military aggression against
    Armenia or Nagorno-Karabagh by Azerbaijan, the Armenian response will
    be adequate.

    Turning to Armenia-Turkish relations, Mr Nalbandian gave background
    to the discussions that led to the signing of the Armenian-Turkish
    protocols describing the Protocols as the first time in the history
    of Armenian-Turkish relations that the Armenian side set down to
    negotiate on equal terms and on a framework that was consistent with
    its principles.

    In what subsequently became known as "football diplomacy", Mr
    Nalbandian said Armenia's pro-activeness to commence discussions
    aimed at establishing diplomatic relations with Turkey without any
    pre-conditions helped secure Armenia praise from the international
    community. He pointed out that even the Secretary of State of the
    United States, Hillary Clinton has said on several occasions that the
    ball in now in Turkey's court.

    Mr Nalbandian added that the failure of the Armenian-Turkish
    Protocols to be ratified despite their signing in October 2009 lies
    exclusively with the Turkish side. He also commented that reaching
    an agreement on the actual text of the protocols was an exhaustive
    process that featured lengthy deliberations with the Turkish side.

    Significantly Mr Nalbandian noted, the Armenian-Turkish Protocols
    were finalized and signed without any pre-conditions concerning the
    Armenian Genocide and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

    Reiterating the Armenian Government's stance on the Armenian
    Genocide issue in the context of its future relationship with Turkey,
    Mr Nalbandian said that the Armenian Government remains committed to
    the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He also added
    that during discussions with his Turkish counterpart, he has made it
    clear that Armenia will never relinquish its determination to secure
    the universal recognition for the Armenian Genocide.

    Expressing hope that diplomatic relations will one day be established
    with Turkey and the border will be opened to facilitate trade between
    the two neighbors, he said that things are slowly changing in Turkey
    as witnessed by protests that have been staged in Turkey on 24th of
    April, the day for the universal commemoration of the Armenian
    Genocide.

    Mr Nalbandian then briefly commented on Armenia's other relations
    including the strategic alliance with Russia. He noted that the
    Russian Republic now guarantees the territorial security of Armenia
    against foreign threats. He added that Armenia also has excellent
    relationships with the United States of America; and the relationship
    with the European Union is also developing and maturing. The
    relationship with Iran encompassed energy and transportation
    projects. Mr Nalbandian said other priorities for Armenia were
    relations with the Arab World and South America. The relationship
    with Georgia was described as a constructive one with regular
    meetings held at both presidential and foreign ministerial levels.

    While the insights that Mr Nalbandian provided on Armenian Foreign
    policy were exceptional, the Sydney Armenian community was overjoyed
    when the Foreign Minister said that by 2015 Australia is likely to
    have an Armenian embassy in Canberra. Prior to the opening of the
    Armenian embassy, a consulate is planned to be opened in Sydney to
    provide support to the Australian-Armenian community and strengthen
    the relations between the two nations.

    Mr Nalbandian noted that based on the information that he has
    received the Australian-Armenian community numbers up to 40,000,
    making it a strong and viable community to help nurture economic and
    political ties between the two nations.

    In his closing comments Mr Nalbandian urged every member of the local
    community to become ambassadors of Armenia.

    He recalled that when he was appointed ambassador to France, he told
    the French-Armenian community which numbered 500,000 that they had
    now 500,001 people to serve and promote the interests of Armenia and
    the French-Armenian community.

    For those actively involved with Armenian politics, the historic
    visit by Minister Nalbandian to Australia did not disclose any new
    information but helped to confirm Armenia's official position in
    relation to important pan-Armenian issues such as the
    Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; the Armenian Genocide and the
    establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey.

    There was a sense of anticipation before the Minister addressed the
    community that he might announce plans for the establishment of an
    Armenian consulate/embassy. In that respect Minister Nalbandian did
    not disappoint. The Australian-Armenian community will get an
    Armenian embassy by 2015.

    While Minister Nalbandian's speech was very professional and as
    through as diplomatically feasible, the time set aside for questions
    proved insufficient and many were disappointed that they missed on
    the opportunity to ask the Minister a question.

    Perhaps Minister Nalbandian will take up the opportunity to visit the
    Australian-Armenian community more regularly and allocate more time
    for community discussions now that the importance of the local
    community has been formally acknowledged by the Armenian Government.

    http://ramgavar.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=545%3 Ahagop
    -tchamkertenian-edward-nalbandian-meets-sydney-armenian-community-commits-to
    -establishment-of-armenian-embassy-by-2015&catid=56%3Aramgavar-mamoul&Itemid
    =27&lang=en

    ###

    [arrow4ltr.gif] NAM Summit Shows Armenia Strategic Importance

    Taking part in the NAM Summit Shows That Armenia Today Has More
    Strategic Importance than Before, Richard Kirakosyan

    NAM Summit Shows Armenia Strategic Importance

    (Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The director of Regional Studies
    center, Richard Kirakosyan commented on NAM summit in the interview
    with "1in.am News and Analysis" saying that the Non Aligned
    Movement started in Tehran, is an important path to make free,
    independent political decisions. He also mentioned that as the
    "cold war" between the USA and the Soviet Union is in the
    past, this movement is not so important today.

    To the question how he treats Serzh Sargsyan's possible
    participation in the summit he said: "As a small country, Armenia
    will be clever to taking part in that summit. This shows that
    nowadays Armenia has more strategic importance than before."

    The expert also commented on possible reactions from the USA, Europe
    and Russia saying that the influence will be small or won't be at
    all as Armenia has stable relations with all the parties. Richard
    Kirakosyan is sure that the participation will be favorable for
    Armenia.

    To the question what will the reaction be from the USA, Europe and
    international organizations on Armenia in case when Reuters wrote
    that Tehran tries to skirt international financial sanctions with
    Armenia's help, Kirakosyan answered: "In reality expectations
    and pressures will increase concerning Armenia and that will be done
    for the purpose of behaving so that the sanctions against Iran were
    completely realized. But Armenia understands this and will be more
    discreet in relations with Iran as we have nothing to do have good
    relations with Iran.

    /106

    http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=341244

    ###

    Armenia's opposition members to attend US Democratic Party
    congress - newspaper

    [118751.jpg] August 29, 2012 | 06:20

    YEREVAN. - A group of Armenia's opposition and pro-Western
    political figures will head to the US in early September, Zhoghovurd
    daily reports.

    "According to the rumors being circulated, they will attend the
    Democratic Party congress to be held in Chicago.

    According to our information, the congress will bring together
    [Armenia's] Republic Party Political Board Chairman Aram
    Sargsyan, Khachik Kokobelyan of the Free Democrats [Party], and Davit
    Shahnazaryan, who left [the opposition bloc Armenian National
    Congress] ANC and, by the way, is in the US these days.

    Republic's Political Board member Artak Zeynalyan confirmed this
    information in an interview with us.

    'Such visit to the US is expected, but it's not clear as to
    when,' he said, denying the information that they are heading to
    the US from Armenia to attend the congress of the Democrats,"
    Zhoghovurd writes.

    http://news.am/eng/news/118751.html

    ###

    British Airways finalizes decision on Armenia-bound flights' low
    profitability

    British Airways finalizes decision on Armenia-bound flights' low
    profitability August 28, 2012 - 17:16 AMT

    PanARMENIAN.Net - British Airways finalized decision on extremely low
    profitability of Armenia-bound flights.

    Instead, the airline will operate flights to Azerbaijan's and
    Georgia's capital cities Baku and Tbilisi respectively.

    The company terminates activity in several countries, including
    Armenia.

    As sources told PanARMENIAN.Net low-profitability was mentioned as
    the key reason behind the decision.

    British Airways operated no flights to Yerevan in the past few years,
    with BMI launching flights to Armenian capital instead.

    http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/120727/

    ###

    Turkish Officials Oppose Armenian Genocide Monument in Pasadena

    __________________________________________________ __________________________
    Posted GMT 8-29-2012 0:3:23

    __________________________________________________ __________________________

    PASADENA -- A Turkish deputy consul general visited Pasadena City
    Hall earlier this month to convey concern about a planned Armenian
    Genocide Memorial in a city park.

    The Pasadena Armenian American Coalition announced in April that the
    community is raising funds and working with an architect to erect a
    monument in Memorial Park in time for the 100th anniversary of the
    genocide in 2015.

    Some 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed from 1915
    through 1923 in what was then the Ottoman Empire. California is among
    43 states that formally recognizes the Armenian Genocide.

    A prepared statement by the Consulate General of Turkey in Los
    Angeles said the proposed monument "deeply offends" the Turkish
    people and the Turkish American community in Pasadena and the greater
    Los Angeles area.

    "Our Consulate General (in Los Angeles) got in contact with Pasadena
    City authorities to convey the message that the events of 1915 is a
    highly debated issue by academics, historians and Turkish and
    Armenian communities," the Consulate General of Turkey said in a
    prepared statement to the Star-News.

    "It is clear that adapting (sic) one side's approach and erecting a
    `genocide memorial' without paying attention to the other's will
    actually damage the ongoing efforts for a just solution to the issue
    and the hope for establishing the suitable conditions for current and
    future generations to live together friendly."

    While most historians assert that the mass killings of Armenians that
    started in 1915 was the 20th century's first genocide, Turkey - a
    strong U.S. ally - has long denied there was a systematic campaign to
    kill Armenians.

    Attorney and former Mayor William Paparian, speaking on behalf of the
    Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee, said he considered the
    recent visit of Deputy Turkish Consul General Arif Celik to City Hall
    "a diplomatic intrusion by the Turkish government."

    For more than 30 years, the City Council has issued an annual
    proclamation commemorating the Armenian Genocide on April 24, amended
    its Affirmative Action ordinance to make Armenian-Americans a
    protected class and even has a sister city in Armenia, he said.

    "The proposed Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial will have to
    fulfill the strict requirements of the City of Pasadena in order to
    win approval," Paparian said in a statement. "No foreign government
    should be allowed to intervene in that process."

    By Brenda Gazzar
    www.pasadenastarnews.com

    http://www.aina.org/news/20120828190323.htm

    ###

    Yerevan to host forum on Genocide 100th anniversary

    August 28, 2012 - 20:58 AMT

    PanARMENIAN.Net - On September 4-6, Armenian Ministry of Diaspora
    will hold the 6th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists on Armenian
    Genocide 100th anniversary.

    The event is open to the heads and representatives of Armenia and
    Diaspora-based media agencies.

    The forum will feature a meeting between participants and Armenian
    government officials, public figures, as well as visits to the
    country's historical and cultural sites.

    It will further include a ceremony awarding Diaspora-based media
    agency for "contribution to Armenian identity maintenance."

    http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/120766/

    ###

    Aram I announces new projects for Genocide 100th anniversary

    Aram I announces new projects for Genocide 100th anniversary August
    29, 2012 - 13:16 AMT

    PanARMENIAN.Net - Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia His
    Holiness Aram I announced the implementation of three projects as
    part of the preparation of the 100th Anniversary Commemorations of
    the Armenian Genocide.

    The architects of the Catholicosate are invited to complete the
    following tasks:

    1.Renovation of the Statue symbolizing the post-genocide revival of
    the Armenian people (Bikfaya, Lebanon). The bronze Statue was
    prepared to mark the 50th anniversary of the Genocide in 1965. The
    land surrounding the statue will be expanded, a huge map of the
    genocide will be carved on a new wall to be erected and a small
    chapel will be built next to the statue.

    2.Genocide Museum at the Birds Nest Orphanage in Byblos (Lebanon).

    The oldest building on the campus of the orphanage, which has been
    classified as a historical monument, will become the site of the new
    museum. The museum will display documents, pictures, artifacts and
    other personal objects of the survivors of the Genocide committed by
    Ottoman Turkey in 1915. The institution already has the personal
    belongings of the orphans, who were brought to Lebanon by Danish
    Missionaries soon after the Genocide.

    3.The Martyrs' Chapel in Antelias (Lebanon). The Chapel was build
    in 1936 and later renovated in 1993 and 2007. It will undergo a total
    renovation in preparation for commemorative prayers in 2015.

    http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/120859/

    ###

    41 Probes in Dink Case Settled Out of Court

    [0602dink.jpg]

    Hrant Dink's body after his assassination

    Dink attorneys to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights

    ISTANBUL (Hurriyet Daily News)--A recent response from
    Turkey's Interior Minister to a question raised in Parliament
    revealed that 41 investigations against police officers named in the
    case of assassinated journalist Hrant Dink were settled out of court

    The Dink family lawyers said they will take the case to the European
    Court of Human Rights after exhausting all domestic legal avenues one
    more time, while Dink's brother Orhan Dink said "this was the
    scenario's last scene."

    The Turkish Interior Ministry revealed that police officers
    investigated in relation to the Dink case did not receive any
    judicial punishment apart from the forfeiture of pay and a reprimand.

    Cem Halavut, one of the principal lawyers of the case said
    administrative punishments like forfeiture of pay and reprimanding an
    officer were not what they demanded as they had asked for the
    officers to be taken to court and tried.

    "Prosecutors say they could not reach the evidences,
    administrations of institutions say they did their share and that the
    ball is in the prosecutors' court. This shows that they pass the
    ball around well," Halavut told the Hurriyet Daily News Tuesday
    in a phone interview.

    Any new investigation kicked off at this point will find it nearly
    impossible to reach the evidence as six years have passed since the
    murder, Halavut said.

    He also said there were numerous documents and pieces of evidence
    revealing the responsibility of public personnel in the murder.

    The Interior Ministry announced the judicial and administrative
    proceedings for the law enforcement officers who were found
    responsible in the assassination of Armenian journalist Dink.

    According to the announcement, no judicial investigation authority
    was given to eight police officers, "no need for an additional
    prosecution" was decided for 31 officers, and two officers were
    acquitted.

    Orhan Dink, the brother of Hrant Dink, said his family was weary of
    the justice system.

    "There is nothing to be surprised about this. We had demanded an
    effective official investigation but it failed. The large part of the
    State Supervisory Council's (DDK) murder report argued that the
    judicial process was problematic and that police officers were not
    investigated since their chiefs' permission was not taken,"
    he told the Daily News.

    Dink said the authorities do not want to extend the case over a long
    period of time to ensure the public forgets what happened.

    Halavut also said they have been waiting for the Supreme Court of
    Appeals' verdict which will be the end of the domestic judicial
    process. If necessary they will take the case to the European Court
    of Human Rights (ECHR).

    After Hrant Dink, the chief editor of weekly Agos, was assassinated
    in Istanbul on Jan. 19, 2007, judicial and administrative
    investigations were launched against public personnel, including
    police and gendarmerie, whose negligence was detected to be effective
    in the murder. The results of the investigations were brought to the
    Turkish Parliament's agenda with the written parliamentary
    question issued by the Republican People's Party (CHP) Deputy
    Chair Sezgin Tanrıkulu. The Interior Minister İdris Naim
    Å~^ahin's response to the question reached the Parliament
    Speaker's Office.

    "Within the preliminary investigation about Hrant Dink's
    murder, all the necessary works were conducted in accordance with the
    orders of Istanbul Chief Prosecutor's Office, and all the
    information obtained for the identification of offenders was sent to
    the chief prosecutor's office and added to the investigation file
    at the earliest possible opportunity," Å~^ahin said in a written
    response to the parliamentary question.

    Å~^ahin also announced the results of the judicial and administrative
    procedures launched for police and gendarme officers detected in
    Trabzon and Istanbul. Å~^ahin made 41 decisions about the officers
    and each of them included impunity. "The authorized court decided
    to give no judicial investigation authority to eight police officers,
    and decided that there was no need for an additional prosecution for
    31 officers. Two officers were acquitted and the prosecutor's
    investigation about one officer is still ongoing," Å~^ahin said.

    "Four gendarme officers were charged with four-month prison
    sentences, one was charged with a six-month prison sentence and two
    officers were acquitted," Å~^ahin said about the gendarme
    officers.

    "One officer got long-term suspension, five received forfeitures
    of pay, three received reprimand and one received warning on the
    grounds that their negligence affected the incident," Å~^ahin
    said about the administrative punishments given to the officers.

    http://asbarez.com/104940/41-probes-in-dink-case-settled-out-of-court/

    ###

    Finger inking could be applied in Armenia to rule out multiple voting
    - newspaper

    [118764.jpg] August 29, 2012 | 09:02

    YEREVAN. - Armenia's Central Electoral Commission has
    submitted to the National Assembly (NA) a memorandum which proposes
    the lifting of the legislative requirement to stamp the voters'
    identification documents during elections. As is known, this
    requirement was carried out in the May 6 parliamentary elections and
    it caused great discontent, Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun (CI) daily
    reports.

    "To note, even though these stamps were to evaporate in twelve
    hours, they had faded away in minutes. And, in this connection, the
    opposition had announced on numerous occasions that this was done to
    carry out election fraud.

    According to CI's information, the [opposition bloc] Armenian
    National Congress [NA] Faction is now preparing a legislative
    document, whereby it proposes to use the finger inking mechanism to
    rule out multiple voting during elections," Chorrord
    Inknishkhanutyun writes.

    http://news.am/eng/news/118764.html

    ###

    Fired university rector leaves Armenia

    [118793.jpg] August 29, 2012 | 12:16

    YEREVAN.- Fired university rector Suren Zolyan said the education
    minister did his utmost for him not to start a new academic year as a
    rector of Yerevan State Linguistic University.

    Suren Zolyan, was dismissed from his post under the order of
    Armenia's Education Minister Armen Ashotyan. Zolyan filed a
    complaint considering the dismissal illegal but has not achieved any
    results.

    Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Zolyan said he had not received
    any job offer from the Armenian universities "probably not to
    offend the minister."

    Suren Zolyan said he would leave for Tallinn for three months to do
    research. Later he plans to return to Armenia and work here, he
    added.

    "They make me leave the country," Zolyan emphasized.

    Photo by Sona Barseghyan

    http://news.am/eng/news/118793.html

    ###

    PROSECUTOR OF SYUNIQ REGION DISMISSED FROM POST

    [17916.jpg] 12:49, August 29, 2012

    According to the order of August 28 of General Prosecutor of the
    Republic of Armenia the prosecutor of the region Syuniq Araik
    Tarverdyan was dismissed from the post.

    According to the Point 6 of the Article 36 of the Law of the Republic
    of Armenia about Prosecution the prosecutor of the region is
    appointed by the General Prosecutor from the persons who are included
    in the list of promotion of prosecutors, if the qualification
    committee gives a positive conclusion to appoint that person to the
    appropriate office. In case of being appointed, the person is
    ommitted from the list of promotion of prosecutors by the General
    Prosecutor.

    Prosecutor General's Office of RoA

    http://hetq.am/eng/news/17916/prosecutor-of-syuniq-region-dismissed-from-pos
    t.html

    ###

    LOCAL GROUP CONCERNED THAT FOREIGN COMPANIES ARE ASSISTING CANDIDATES
    IN KAPAN ELECTION

    [17907.jpg] 11:13, August 29, 2012

    To Dundee Precious Metals Company
    To Deno Gold Mining Company

    Two candidates are running in the September 9 election for mayor of
    Kapan: Artur Atayan from the ARF and Ashot Hayrapetyan, a member of
    the Republican Party of Armenia.

    We are deeply concerned that foreign companies are playing a role in
    local Kapan politics.

    On September 2, during the campaign of ARF member Artur Atayan and
    Kapan's Deno Gold Mining Co., a subsidiary of Canada's 'Dundee
    Precious Metals, are organizing a concert with the participation of
    Tata Simonyan.

    We are not worried that Artur Atayan is organizing a concert with the
    participation of Tata Simonyan (this is the accepted trick of the
    campaign), but we think it is unacceptable in this stage that a
    foreign company or foreigner is financially assisting a local
    candidate.

    The "Kapan Residents Determine Their Own Future" initiative strongly
    urges the administration of the Kapan Deno Gold Mining Company to
    refrain from any form of financial or other support to any candidate.

    Otherwise, we will view it as a state, national security problem.

    Kapan Residents Determine Their Own Future"

    August 29, 2012

    http://hetq.am/eng/news/17907/local-group-concerned-that-foreign-companies-a
    re-assisting-candidates-in-kapan-election.html

    ###

    Azerbaijan Takes Aim at Googoosh

    August 28, 2012 - 1:02pm, by Giorgi Lomsadze
    * Tamada Tales
    * Azerbaijan-Iran Relations

    Cantankerous neighbors Iran and Azerbaijan are at a stage when
    nitpicking is a gratifying exercise and even a song blasting in one
    neighbor's house can get the other nettled. Particularly when
    sung in the language of an enemy.

    And so, an online video featuring Middle East pop icon Googoosh
    performing an Azeri song in Armenian did not escape the watchful eyes
    of Azerbaijan's state copyright agency.

    The agency could not locate the domicile of Googoosh (not to be
    confused with GooGoosha, Uzbek President Islam Karimov's daughter
    and Central Asia's Madonna), who left Iran after a ban on female
    singers. So, instead, the agency alerted YouTube and other
    video-sharing websites about what it charged was an egregious breach
    of copyright, Azerbaijani news agency APA reported.

    "[I]f you sing a song in another language, you should credit the
    nation and the author, to which the song belongs," explained
    Azerbaijani copyright officials.

    Critic of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad though Googoosh may
    be, an Azeri song sung in Armenian is never music to Azerbaijani
    ears; especially if performed by an Iranian with Azeri roots.

    The Azerbaijanis have long been vexed by Iran's friendship with
    their enemy, Armenia, and Azerbaijani and Iranian state-controlled
    media both have an eye peeled for any misstep that can be associated
    with the other side -- however remotely. Now, looks like Googoosh's
    song has provided an unintentional musical score for the spat.

    http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65834

    ###

    Armenia: Vacationing Anyplace but at Home

    August 28, 2012 - 2:57pm, by Marianna Grigoryan
    * Armenia
    * EurasiaNet's Weekly Digest
    * Armenian Economy
    High prices and relatively poor service are keeping Armenians away
    from traditional vacation spots like Lake Sevan. (Photo: Anahit
    Hayrapetyan.)
    At around $1,350 for a two-week stay at a mid-level hotel, Armenia's
    Lake Sevan, above, and other domestic vacation spots are losing out
    to Georgia and European resorts this August. Prices there may be the
    same or slightly higher, but beaches abroad offer better service and
    entertainment, Armenians say. (Photo: Anahit Hayrapetyan)

    Complaining about high prices and limited choices at home, Armenians
    this summer are opting to holiday abroad. The Armenian government,
    boasting that tourism is one of the economy's fastest developing
    sectors, apparently sees little reason to encourage them to
    reconsider.

    By law, Armenians who work five days a week are entitled to 20 days
    of paid vacation per year, a block of time that, as elsewhere in the
    Caucasus, is taken primarily in August. Disposable income for these
    holidays, however, is relatively modest. Armenia posted a per capita
    income of just $5,500 in 2011, the lowest rate in the region,
    according to the US Central Intelligence Agency.

    But the prices for a vacation within Armenia do not reflect that
    limited income. At an August 8 press conference, Union of Domestic
    Tour Operators of Armenia Director Armine Adamian put the cost for a
    seven-day tour of Armenia at 1,500 euros, about $1,885. Other
    countries can be visited for half that sum, she argued.

    "You see, if people can spend the same sum or even less for a
    vacation in European countries -- Spain, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria --
    or, for instance, Sri Lanka or Turkey, let alone the cheap offers in
    Georgia, why should they want to stay in Armenia?" elaborated
    Marine Ayvazian, a tour manager for one Yerevan travel agency.

    With such consumers in mind, TV and radio stations and billboards in
    Yerevan advertise mostly seaside vacations abroad. Northeastern
    Armenia's vast Lake Sevan may be somewhat of an alternative
    option, but faces stiff competition.

    A fortnight stay in a single room (with breakfast) at a mid-level
    Sevan hotel runs between $1,260 and $1,400. By comparison, a
    similar-length stay at a mid-level beachside hotel in Italy or Spain
    can be arranged for approximately $1,500 - $2,000, and with a richer
    range of dining and entertainment options, Yerevan travel agencies
    claim.

    The Armenian government professes little or no official concern that
    many Armenians are opting for such vacations abroad, although it has
    tried to encourage state employees to holiday at home by covering
    part of the costs for stays at Armenian resorts.

    Hotels at Sevan or other holiday destinations are "fully
    booked," officials maintain, and claim that the economy's
    tourism sector is expanding by a phenomenal 25 percent per year.

    "Except for a couple of hotels," prices for a vacation in
    Armenia are "moderate," asserted Deputy Economy Minister Ara
    Petrosian.

    But those "moderate" prices seem overpriced to some.

    "I lack the financial resources to have my vacation in Armenia. I
    don't even think about it," commented 50-year-old pharmacist
    Anahit Alexanian, who instead holidays in Georgia, Armenia's
    northern neighbor.

    Thousands of other Armenians appear to be doing the same. The
    Georgian government claims that the number of Armenian tourists
    increased by 22 percent this year (to over 408,000) compared with
    2011, Newsgeorgia.ru reported.

    Most make a beeline for Georgia's Black Sea region of Achara.

    While prices in the central city of Batumi climb far higher, small
    seaside towns in Achara feature modest hotels with three meals a day
    and a four-person room for $50. Renting a room in a private house
    comes still cheaper.

    With such prices, "very few [Armenians] will prefer expensive
    Sevan with its cold water and burning sun," commented 35-year-old
    IT specialist Narine Babujian.

    Yerevan travel agencies name both Georgia and Turkey as the most
    popular destinations for vacationing Armenians.

    In an apparent attempt to deflect such travel decisions as summer
    approaches, more sensational print media often run stories about
    unknown skin diseases and infections allegedly plaguing Georgia's
    Black Sea coast or about the rape of tourists in Turkey.

    Rather than resorting to such tactics, Armenians would be better
    advised to make their own tourism sector more competitive, critics
    charge.

    "We have almost no services here, and guests are
    discontented," claimed the Union of Domestic Tour Operators of
    Armenia's Adamian. A 2011 report from the World Economic Forum
    ranked Armenia as 90th among 139 countries - between Cape Verde
    and Botswana -- for the competitiveness of its tourism sector.

    Mekhak Apresian, head of the Ministry of Economy's tourism
    department, concedes that Armenia has some infrastructure
    shortcomings, but asserts that the country still could become a hot
    spot for foreign tourists. "We have all the prerequisites for it,
    and the dynamics of our development demonstrate it," Apresian
    said.

    Not exactly, according to the United Nations' World Tourism
    Organization. Armenia supposedly trailed Georgia, the Caucasus'
    top travel destination, by nearly 2 million visitors in 2011 -
    758,000 compared with an alleged 2.8 million for Georgia. Azerbaijan
    fell into second place with 1.5 million tourists.

    Those tourists who do visit Armenia tend to be mostly Diaspora
    Armenians, who come for visiting family or rediscovering their roots,
    travel agency representatives say. Iranians, eager for a vacation
    free of the social restraints that exist in the Islamic Republic,
    appear to be the one group of foreign tourists visiting Armenia in
    increasing numbers.

    Deputy Economy Minister Petrosian, though, prefers to emphasize the
    increase. The number of tourists in 2011 represented a 10.3-percent
    increase since 2010, he claimed.

    Nonetheless, the questions about why Armenians are not following
    foreign tourists' supposed example remain. "The Armenian
    government must seriously consider all this," said IT specialist
    Babujian.

    Editor's note:
    Marianna Grigoryan is a freelance reporter in Yerevan and the editor
    of MediaLab.am.

    http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65834

    ###

    Armenia's food prices expected to drastically rise in
    mid-September - newspaper

    [118761.jpg] August 29, 2012 | 08:42

    YEREVAN. - The prices of food products in Armenia will start to
    increase considerably as of mid-September, Hayatsk daily reports.

    "The country's government did everything, until the [May 6]
    parliamentary elections, to prevent the price hike, but 'the
    artificial intervention' will no longer be possible come
    mid-September.

    Except for vegetables, all remaining food [prices] will rise
    drastically. This is also why the Agriculture Ministry is opening up
    markets in the capital city to show that the vegetable [prices] will
    not rise.

    [But] In reality, this tends to divert the people's attention.

    Who will be enthused by the cheap prices of vegetables when the price
    hikes begin?" Hayatsk writes.

    http://news.am/eng/news/118761.html

    ###

    How much assets do Armenian companies have abroad?

    [118744.jpg] August 29, 2012 | 05:18

    YEREVAN. - As of the end of 2011, Armenian companies have
    possessions worth $4.8 billion abroad, the National Statistical
    Service informs.

    These assets have increased by $500 million as compared with 2010.

    Armenia's foreign resources were worth $3.1 billion in pre-crisis
    2008.

    >From these belongings, $163 million are investments and $250 million
    are credits. The greatest portion of these assets, however, are funds
    totaling $2.3 billion. At the same time, Armenia's funds being
    kept abroad increase by an annual average of $400 million. This
    indicator also shows the amount of capital outflow.

    news.am/eng/news/118744.html

    ###

    DigiTec Expo 2012 to be held in Yerevan October 5-7

    29.08.2012 12:57

    [Digitech%202012.JPG] DigiTec Expo 2012 will take place in Yerevan
    October 5-7. About 130 local and foreign companies will present the
    newest innovative equipments and systems, the engineering and high
    technological solution, mobile solutions, software, etc.

    Sixty companies have applied for participation so far. The 8th
    international IT forum aims to create a favorable atmosphere for
    communication between IT companies, consumers and the society.

    DigiTec Expo is organized every autumn under the auspices of RA Prime
    Minister.

    http://www.armradio.am/eng/news/?part=eco&id=23586

    ###

    13:47 29/08/2012 Â" Economy

    DIGITEC EXPO 2012 AT YEREVAN EXHIBITION CENTER ON OCTOBER 5-7

    Yerevan Exhibition Center will host the 8th annual DigiTec Expo on
    October 5-7.

    DigiTec Information and Telecommunication Technologies Expo is an
    international event, which takes place every year since 2005.

    The Expo is organized every October in Yerevan by the Union of
    Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) of Armenia, under the high
    patronage of the Armenian Prime Minister.

    According to UITE, so far around 60 companies have submitted bids for
    participation in the expo.

    A partial list of participating companies includes: National
    Instruments, Synopsys, Unicomp, Microsoft, Orange Armenia, Softline,
    Instigate, Redinet, Altacode, ArtinVaruzhan, Liga-Tech, Comptecarm,
    Be Interactive, Spyur and some others.

    The objectives of the expo are to (i) create a favorable business
    environment for companies as well as state, business and individual
    users of information & communication technologies (ICT) and
    high-tech, (ii) present the latest products of Armenian and foreign
    ICT/high-tech companies, and (iii) promote development of business
    linkages between Armenian and international businesses.

    http://www.panorama.am/en/economy/2012/08/29/digitec/

    ###

    Yerevan to host Freemasonry conference in fall - newspaper

    [118766.jpg] August 29, 2012 | 09:11

    YEREVAN. - Zhamanak daily clarified from Grand Master Armen
    Karapetyan of the Grand Lodge of Armenia that the freemasons'
    annual conference in Armenia will be convened in fall, but the date
    and place are not yet determined.

    "To note, the Armenian freemasons' conference was held in
    [the capital city] Yerevan in July 2011, and Grand Orient De France
    lodge's Grand Master Guy Arsize, who arrived in Armenia along the
    lines of the conference, conditioned his visit on having very good
    Armenian friends in the diaspora. According to him, Armenia is an
    important spiritual land in a complicated geopolitical state, and it
    needs assistance.

    Last year's conference topics were human and women's rights,
    [and] human dignity. They want to bring to Armenia the fundamental
    values of their ideology on democracy, human rights, [and] equality.

    Arsize had also informed that the [French] lodge had 10-20 Armenian
    members.

    'I'm here to eradicate those mystic notions in you, to show
    that I'm not a devil,' Guy Arsize had said," Zhamanak
    writes.

    news.am/eng/news/118766.html

    ###

    ARMENIAN AND CZECH CULTURAL RELATIONS HAVE PERSPECTIVES TO DEVELOP

    On August 28 Armenian Ambassador to Czech Republic Tigran Seyranyan
    had a meeting with the Minister of Culture of the country Alena
    Hanakova. Press and information department of the office of Armenian
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs about it.

    During the meeting the sides discussed a large frame of the issues on
    Armenian-Czech relations, especially about the cultural days,
    exhibitions and festivals. Armenian Ambassador underlined that
    Armenian-Czech relations have rich traditions of cooperation and
    added that the bilateral diplomatic relations in both capitals gave
    good opportunity to develop the cultural ties.

    Czech Minister rated the perspectives on the cinematography and the
    cooperation with the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute.

    The sides underlined the importance of agreement which was signed
    between Armenian and Czech Governments on December 10, 2010 and which
    was about cultural, scientific, youth affairs and sport cooperation.

    http://times.am/?l=0&p=11629

    ###

    Society honors those who preserve the past

    Community

    Armenian Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian and Glendale Historical
    Society President Greg Grammer. (Photo by Victoria Lasken / The
    Glendale Historical Society / August 28, 2012)

    * Topics
    * Hospitals and Clinics
    * Armenia
    * U.S. Embassy
    By Joyce Rudolph

    August 28, 2012 | 5:58 p.m.

    The Glendale Historical Society recognized those who have made
    strides in preserving the treasured past of the city during a summer
    meeting Aug. 18 at the Alex Theatre. President Greg Grammer presented
    the awards.

    The Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles, Seeley's Building and four
    historic districts received preservation awards while Society
    Immediate Past President John LoCascio received an award for his
    accomplishments made during his three-year term. LoCascio played a
    major role in Glendale's adoption of its Historic District Overlay
    Zone Ordinance, which established the process for the creation of
    historic districts.

    The award to the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in Los
    Angeles recognized outstanding achievement in historic preservation
    for architecturally sensitive additions and good stewardship of its
    1934 Spanish Colonial Revival building at 346 N. Central Ave., in
    Glendale. Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian accepted the award.

    George Seeley Jr. received an award for the outstanding
    rehabilitation work at the historic Seeley's Furniture Building.

    Awards were also given to each of the four Historic District Overlay
    Zones established in Glendale in the past several years: Royal
    Boulevard Historic District, Cottage Grove Historic District, Ard
    Eevin Highlands Historic District and Rossmoyne Historic District.

    Medical center names development VP

    Peter Baker has been named vice president of business development at
    Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

    Baker formerly was with Loma Linda University Medical Center in
    Murrieta where he served as associate vice president for business
    development, contracting, outpatient and ancillary services.

    While at Loma Linda University Medical Center, he was part of the
    executive team that built and opened that hospital a year ago. He
    oversaw the development and implementation of the hospital's
    strategic services as well as the recruitment of physicians to the
    hospital's medical office building, which was 95% leased at its
    opening.

    "Peter Baker is an enthusiastic and engaging professional who
    brings a wealth of experience to Glendale Adventist Medical
    Center," said Kevin A. Roberts, president and CEO. "His
    skills in business development, contracting and operations will
    greatly benefit our hospital."

    Glendale Beautiful to host fundraiser

    Glendale Beautiful, in its 62nd year, is planning a fundraising
    dinner to support its projects -- the Casa Adobe San Rafael and
    the city's Arbor Day activities.

    A Western-themed event is planned for Sept. 7 at Casa Adobe San
    Rafael, 1330 Dorothy Drive, Glendale. Catering will be by Damon's
    Steak House. Social time with appetizers begins at 5:30 p.m. followed
    by dinner at 6 p.m. and then desserts. Western clothing is
    encouraged.

    J.R. Wright "The Keyboard Kowboy", will entertain, playing
    hot country hits and rockin' oldies. There will be a drawing for
    prizes. Admission is $25 and reservations can be made by calling
    (818) 242-3689 or mailing a check to Glendale Beautiful, P.O. Box
    1307, Glendale CA 91209. Deadline to receive checks is before Sept.

    1.

    Choir raising funds to perform in London

    Jannette Carothers, choir director at Glendale Presbyterian Church,
    says the Adult Choir is having an online fundraiser to help pay for a
    trip to perform abroad and the deadline is Sept. 1.

    The choir has been invited to sing at St. Paul's Cathedral in London
    for the Thanksgiving Day service in November. The service is put on
    jointly by the U.S. Embassy, St. Paul's and the American Church in
    London.

    The current pastor of the American Church in London, the Rev. John
    D'Elia, is a Burbank native.

    "The Thanksgiving Day service at St. Paul's is attended by
    thousands of Americans living in London," Carothers said.

    "There is an intergenerational group of about 30 singers going on
    the trip."

    The fundraising site is on Razoo.com/Gpcchoir and has a video that
    tells the choir's story.

    JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at [email protected].

    http://www.glendalenewspress.com/community/tn-gnp-0829-society-honors-those-
    who-preserve-the-past,0,4752220.story

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