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U.S. PRESIDENT SENT CONGRATULATION FOR DAY OF ARMENIA'S INDEPENDENCE

SEPTEMBER 20. Connected with the celebration of the Day of Armenia's independence the U.S. President George Bush sent a congratulating message, which the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Michael Lemmon today gave to Armenia's President Robert Kocharyan. As the presidential press office informed ARMINFO, it is mentioned in the message that the celebration of the Day of independence in Armenia this year coincided with the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in Armenia. "Our countries will continue the joint activity for achievement of peace, stability and Armenia's prosperity. The peace in the South Caucasian region will give colossal opportunity for ensuring economic prosperity and security of future generations of Armenian people. America, thanks to over a million American Armenians, has a special relation with Armenia. I'm sure that next year the friendship and mutual cooperation between America and Armenia will be strengthened more", American President said in his message.

CHARLES AZNAVOUR TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA TONIGHT

SEPTEMBER 20. The world famous singer of Armenian origin, the great philanthropist tonight arrives in Armenia. As ARMINFO was informed in the press office of Armenia's President, on the Day of Armenia's Independence, on Sept 21, he will take part in the ceremony of naming one of the central squares of Yerevan after him.

ARMENIA'S GOVERNMENT ALLOCATED 3 MLN DRAMS FOR FAMILIES OF THOSE KILLED IN AUG 9 ROAD ACCIDENT

SEPTEMBER 20. Armenia's government has allocated 3 mln drams for the families of those killed in the Aug 9 crash of a bus going from Yerevan to Stepanavan. As ARMINFO has learned from the governmental press-office, each family will receive 300,000 drams (nearly $540). It should be noted that 10 people died in this accident, including one child. A special group was created the day after the tragedy to probe into the causes of the accident and to eliminate its consequences. According to preliminary data, the accident took place because the driver switched off the engine to save fuel.

BROTHER OF RINGLEADER OF TERRORISTS WHO KILLED SEVERAL ARMENIAN STATESMEN IN PARLIAMENT AGAIN SAYS HE IS BEING TORTURED

SEPTEMBER 20. Brother of the ringleader of the terrorists who killed several Armenian statesmen in the country's parliament Oct 27 1999 Karen Unanyan said again during a court hearing today that he is being tortured by the head and agents of the solitary confinement facility of Armenia's national security ministry. His brother Nairi and some of his relatives are also there. He claims that there are being tortured as well. Unanyan says his father, mother and second brother also receive threats from time to time. They are sometimes brought to the cells next to his and are beaten there. Unanyan said he can hear their cries. He claims that the other defendants are also being tortured. Particularly, he mentioned Eduart Grikoryan. He also said that Nairi Unanyan was also beaten after his statements. He petitioned to bring a legal action against those who beat him and to transfer him to another facility. At the same time Nairi Unanyan denies his being pressured by the above facility agents. The court decided not to consider Unanyan's petition and to sent the court protocols containing his statements to the prosecutor general's office for a check-up.

UNPRECEDENTED SECURITY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN DURING FORTHCOMING VISIT OF HEAD OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, POPE JOHN PAUL II

SEPTEMBER 20. Unprecedented security measures are to be taken in the course of the visit of Head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II to Armenia to be held on September 25-27. A half an hour before the beginning of the arrangements servicemen of the Armenian law-enforcement bodies are to block the Yerevan streets close to the places, where John Paul II will hold meetings, Press-Secretary of the Armenian Foreign Ministry told journalists today. All the mass media representatives as well as 5-7 thousands of believers and guests to take part in the open sermon of John Paul II to be held on September 27 at the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin. The Pope's visit to Armenia is expected to be commented upon by 400 journalists, 58 of which will arrive from Vatican. In the course of his visit John Paul II will meet Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, visit the Memorial of Genocide of Armenians in 1915 in the Ottoman Turkey, as well as will make a visit to the new Cathedral of Saint Grigor the Illuminator in Yerevan. On September 27 John Paul II will also visit the "Khor Virap" (Deep Ravine) Cloister, the history of which is closely connected with the adoption of Christianity in Armenia. The Pope John Paul II will leave Armenia on September 27 in the evening.