Author: Badalian Vardan

VARDAN OSKANYAN: ISSUE ON NAKHIJEVAN MIGHT PREVENT KARABAKH PROCESS

YEREVAN, MARCH 29. ARMINFO. An issue of Nakhijevan occupied by
Azerbaijan from Armenia early 20th century is the separate task to be
discussed, stated Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan at today’s
parliamentary hearings.

In his words, there are various opinions concerning this issue, but it
is not on the agenda of the Armenian side. “It is a matter for the
separate and serious discussion and is no purpose to mix it together
with the Karabakh issue. It might prevent positive solution of the
Karabakh process”, Oskanyan noted. -r-

Which Country Is Up Next for a Revolution?
By Henry Meyer
The Associated Press, March 28, 2005

Who’s next? That’s the question strongmen in former Soviet lands are
asking themselves nervously after Kyrgyzstan became the third country
in the region to be swept by revolution.

In neighboring countries in Central Asia, opposition politicians sense
it’s their turn to re-enact the drama of 1989, when democracy swept
much of Eastern Europe as the Soviet empire started to crumble.

Kazakhstan, a vast, energy-rich nation where Western oil firms have
invested billions of dollars, is seen by many analysts as the next
target for a popular uprising. Possible ramifications abound: In
addition to oil — also a factor in Azerbaijan — the region has
Islamic fundamentalist movements suspected of links to terrorism, an
active drug trade, U.S. and Russian military bases, strategic
positioning on China’s doorstep, and no firm guarantees that any new
leaders would be more democratic than the current crop.

Russia has looked on with anxiety at the upheaval in its former Soviet
backyard, as allies in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan have been
toppled in succession and without regard to its wishes. It sees the
trend as a deep strategic threat to its role as the dominant regional
power.

A momentous process is unfolding in Central Asia and the Caucasus,
said Yevgeny Volk, Moscow director of the conservative
Washington-based Heritage Foundation think tank.

“These countries are facing a radical change of power, which did not
happen in the early 1990s,” he said.

“Unlike the Baltic states, which quickly adopted a market economy,
democratic society and rule of law, and Russia to a much lesser
extent, in Central Asia and the Caucasus, the communist-era leaders
stayed in power, which bred corruption and authoritarianism. … But
now the time is ripe for revolutions.”

The United States encouraged the Georgian and Ukrainian pro-Western
reformers now in charge. In Central Asia, seen as a vital source of
energy and a bulwark against Islamic radicalism, it favors stability
but is tentatively distancing itself from corrupt regimes that are
fanning religious extremism.

In Kazakhstan, President Nursultan Nazarbayev, a former Communist boss
who has been in power since 1989, will be seeking another seven-year
term next year. He contemptuously blamed Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev
on Friday for his “weakness” in allowing “rioters and thugs” to oust him.

But despite a crackdown on independent media and the opposition, the
64-year-old Nazarbayev is in trouble because of alleged nepotism amid
widespread poverty and his opponents’ growing popularity.

Last week, the long-fractured opposition chose as its single candidate
for the 2006 presidential vote Zharmakhan Tuyakbai — a former top
Nazarbayev ally who resigned last year as parliament speaker and head
of the presidential party.

“In Kazakhstan, if the government tries to falsify the election
results, the same scenario as in Kyrgyzstan cannot be ruled out,” said
Andrei Piontkovsky, an independent analyst.

In Uzbekistan, where thousands of political prisoners languish in
jails, hardline President Islam Karimov’s repressive rule with an
omnipresent secret police is seen as sufficient — for now — to keep
the lid on any unrest. But observers worry that after Kyrgyzstan,
Islamic radicals could launch an attempt to unseat Karimov.

Outside Central Asia, the likeliest candidate for revolution is seen
as Armenia, a key Russian ally on Russia’s southern flank in the
unstable Caucasus region. President Robert Kocharyan, whose contested
re-election to a second term in 2003 sparked opposition protests,
faces fresh elections for parliament and the presidency in 2007.

Critics say he has violently cracked down on dissent, allowed
corruption to flourish and done little to improve the lot of the people.

In Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev in 2003 succeeded his late father, Heidar
Aliyev, the longtime ruler in the Caspian state, marking the first
political dynasty in a former Soviet republic. The country will hold
parliamentary elections in November this year, which the opposition
sees as its best opportunity for change.

In Belarus, opposition activists staged a rally Friday in the capital
that was violently broken up by police. The opposition said it was
trying to start an uprising similar to Kyrgyzstan’s.

“Who’s next?” Noviye Izvestia asked on its front page Friday. “The
Kyrgyz precedent cannot fail to worry the leaders of other countries,
especially those countries where in the near future parliamentary and
presidential elections will be held.”

Radiation holds key to Inca riddle
By Mary Ann Albright, Corvallis Gazette-Times

Corvallis Gazette Times, OR
March 27 2005

An Oregon State University researcher is using modern technology to
unravel the mysteries of an ancient South American culture.

The Inca empire marked momentous state occasions with a ritual called
capacocha. These ceremonies linked the capital of Cuzco to remote
Inca provinces through the sacrifice of children and the burial of
precious objects.

OSU researcher Leah Minc used neutron activation analysis to identify
the compositional elements of 15th century pottery found in several
sacred burial sites. Establishing the artifacts’ makeup allowed her
to pinpoint their origins, and ultimately to better understand the
capacocha.

The findings were published in the March issue of the Journal of
Anthropological Archaeology and illustrate the possibilities of
archaeometry, a field that applies scientific analysis to
archaeology.

“This study gives us a whole different perspective on ancient
societies,” Minc said. “It was exciting to be able to shed light on
an ancient ritual in a way that no other technology would allow.”

Minc came to OSU last summer from the University of Michigan, where
she conducted these analyses. When the University of Michigan closed
its radiation center, Minc looked for a new institution with the
capabilities her research required.

The OSU Radiation Center “has a lovely reactor,” Minc noted. “All of
this requires the artifacts be placed in the neutron flux of a
nuclear reactor.”

Steve Reese, acting director of OSU’s Radiation Center, explained as
simply as he could how neutron radiation analysis works:

“You insert the sample into the reactor and bombard it with neutrons
that activate the sample. The elements in the sample absorb the
neutrons and become radioactive. You look at the radiation they emit,
and that tells what atoms are present.”

Minc looks at the types and quantities of trace elements in a sample
to determine its geographic origin based on its chemical
“fingerprint” or “signature.”

By applying this procedure to the Inca pottery, Minc determined that
both imperial and provincial people contributed to the burial gifts.
She compared samples from five sites, mostly in Peru and Argentina.

Contrasting the raw materials used to make the different ceramic
vessels allowed Minc to demonstrate that all of these sacrificial
burials were part of the capacocha ritual. The geographical scope of
the ceremony supports archaeologists’ belief that imperial Inca
leaders used the ritual to link the political heartland of Cuzco to
outlying provinces.

Minc spent several years on this project, but OSU’s resident
archaeometrist has plenty of other cultures she wants to study. One
current venture uses analysis of late Bronze Age Armenian pottery to
examine that society’s market system and trade routes.

Reese says Minc’s work will add to the radiation center’s prestige,
attracting more research grants and funding.

Prior to Minc arriving and beginning an archaeometry program, OSU
primarily used neutron activation analysis for geochemical analysis,
Reese explained. He believes Minc’s work opens up new possibilities
for the university’s radiation technology.

ARKA News Agency
March 24 2005

Armenian Ambassador to Iran Karen Nazaryan hands copies of his
credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister

RA President Robert Kocharyan holds a meeting with Heads of
Law-enforcement bodies in regard with the explosion in the morning in
front of the building of RA State Customs Committee

RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan condemns the explosion in front
of the building of the RA Customs Committee

Armenian Youth holds a campaign against Phillip Kirkorov~Rs arriving
in Armenia

RA NA Speaker discusses issue of demographic reforms with the
Ambassadors of states-members of the EU

Russia is willing to promote Karabakh problem solution

It is very important to secure integration processes in economic
cooperation between Russia and Armenia

Year of russia in Armenia is large-scale events aimed at
strengthening base of friendly relations between two countries

The relations between Armenia and Russia are characterized as ally
and partner relations

Presentation of site of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic~Rs
Government held in Stepanakert

The hockey team from Armenia proves to be the worst team of the world

DW-WORLD: Armenia chosen no colors for ~Svelvet revolution~T yet but
already made some alteration to its foreign policy

Catholicos of All Armenians meets with Sverdlovsk Governor

Vladimir Putin leaves for Yerevan today to take part in opening of
year of Russia in Armenia

Blast near RA Customs Committee

RF President Vladimir Putin arrives in Armenia this evening for a
working visit

*********************************************************************

ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR TO IRAN KAREN NAZARYAN HANDS COPIES OF HIS
CREDENTIALS TO IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenian Ambassador to Iran Karen Nazaryan
handed copies of his credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed
Kamal Kharrazi. According to Armenian Foreign Ministry, the sides
noted that Iranian-Armenian political relations reached advanced
level.
Nazaryan assured the Iranian Foreign Minister that he would make all
possible efforts to make ties between the two countries closer. M.V.
-0–

*********************************************************************

RA PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN HOLDS A MEETING WITH HEADS OF
LAW-ENFORCEMENT BODIES IN REGARD WITH THE EXPLOSION IN THE MORNING IN
FRONT OF THE BUILDING OF RA STATE CUSTOMS COMMITTEE

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan held a
meeting with Heads of Law-enforcement bodies in regard with the
explosion in the morning in front of the building of RA State Customs
Committee. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service, in the course
of the meeting the President was submitted report on the details of
the incident and measures taken. RA Attorney~Rs Office instituted
legal proceedings under Article 305 of RA Criminal Code. Kocharyan
told to take measures to reveal the crime and keep him informed about
the investigation process.
Around 10 a.m. near the RA Customs Committee a blast occurred when
the company of Chief of the Committee Armen Avetisyan drove up to the
entrance. The car was damaged, but Avetisyan was not injured. The
Committee top officials account for the incident by active struggle
against shadow economy, which has been waged since the beginning of
2005 as well as for toughening customs administration. A.H. ~V0–

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RA PRIME MINISTER ANDRANIK MARGARYAN CONDEMNS THE EXPLOSION IN FRONT
OF THE BUILDING OF THE RA CUSTOMS COMMITTEE

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan
condemned the explosion in front of the building of the RA Customs
Committee. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service Department,
Margaryan emphasized that ~Sif the attempt to frighten was related to
the current activity of the Committee and Tax Service that activated
their work on combating shady economy, then the initiators of it
should be aware that the structures will continue carrying out the
work consistently, ordered to them by the RA President and Prime
Minister and aimed at ensuring timely completion of the planned
tasks~T. ~SNobody should hope that by such attempts they may somehow
hinder the work of the above mentioned structures ~T, he said.
To remind, today, there was an explosion around 10 a.m. near the
building of State Customs Committee adjunct to RA Government. The
explosion took place at the moment when the office car of the
Chairman of Customs Committee Armen Avetisyan approached the
building. Avetisyan wasn~Rt injured, though the car was damaged.
A.H.~V0~W

*********************************************************************

ARMENIAN YOUTH HOLDS A CAMPAIGN AGAINST PHILLIP KIRKOROV~RS ARRIVING
IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenian Youth holds a campaign against
Phillip Kirkorov~Rs arriving in Armenia. According to ~SNikol
Aghbalyan~T the students~R union of ARF Dashnaktsutyun, about 30 youth
and student organizations sent a letter to organizers of the
performance of the singer with the demand to cancel the concerts. ~S
Phillip Kirkorov has anti-Armenian, moreover, Turkish position. Also,
he offended an Armenian reporter~T, according to the statement. A.H.
~V0–

*********************************************************************

RA NA SPEAKER DISCUSSES ISSUE OF DEMOGRAPHIC REFORMS WITH THE
AMBASSADORS OF STATES-MEMBERS OF THE EU

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan
discussed issues of demographic reforms with the Ambassadors of
states-members of the EU. According to RA NA Press Service
Department, constitutional reforms, amendments to the Election Code
and to the law on Meetings, Assemblies Marches and Demonstrations
attracted their special attention. Other issues related to mutual
interests of Armenia and states-members of the EU were considered as
well.
Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France, FRG, GB,
Poland and Greece to Armenia Anri Cuni, Haike Peitsch, Thorda
Abbot-Watt, Thomash Knotkhe and Antonios Vlavianos, as well as
representative of EU in RA Torben Holts and coordinator of Yerevan
Office of European Union Alexis Loeber were present at the meeting.
A.H. –0–

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RUSSIA IS WILLING TO PROMOTE KARABAKH PROBLEM SOLUTION

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Russia is willing to promote Karabakh
problem solution either considering bilateral aspect or as OSCE Minsk
Group~Rs Co-Chair, Russian Foreign Ministry Official Representative
Alexander Yakovenko said in his interview with RIA Novosti. In his
words, Russia welcomes resumption of Armenian-Azeri dialogue at
various levels, first of all, between the two countries, thinking
that it should bring the sides stances on the conflict settlement key
aspects closer and should eventually lead to elaboration of formula
of a problem solution acceptable to both sides. M. V. –0–

*********************************************************************

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SECURE INTEGRATION PROCESSES IN ECONOMIC
COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND ARMENIA

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. It is very important to secure current
integration processes in economic cooperation between Russia and
Armenia, Russian Federation Foreign Ministry~Rs Official
Representative Alexander Yakovenko said in his interview to RIA
Novosti. In his words, in their political dialogue, both sides also
attach great importance to coordination of efforts focused on
enhancement of the political interaction based on struggle against
terrorism. Yakovenko pointed out major role of Collective Security
Treaty Organization. According to him, CIS-related problems are also
in the focus of the two sides as well as the situation in Caucasus
and current conflicts settlement by using political means. M.V. –0–

*********************************************************************

YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA IS LARGE-SCALE EVENTS AIMED AT
STRENGTHENING BASE OF FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Year of Russia in Armenia (2005) and Year
of Armenia in Russia (2006) are large-scale events aimed at
strengthening base of friendly relations between the two countries,
Russian Foreign Ministry~Rs Official Representative Alexander
Yakovenko said in his interview with RIA Novosti. In his words, they
widen borders of cooperation in trade, economic, scientific,
technical and cultural areas and make people contacts more available.
He says the two nations ~Sare united by the centuries-old friendship
that has grown stronger at historic battlefields~T. Yakovenko finds it
symbolic that the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia in Armenia
is to be held on the threshold of 60th anniversary of Great Victory
over Nazi. M.V. -0–

*********************************************************************

THE RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND RUSSIA ARE CHARACTERIZED AS ALLY
AND PARTNER RELATIONS

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. The relations between Armenia and Russia
are characterized as ally and partner relations, as stated the
official representative of RF MFA Alexander Yakovenko to RIA Novosti.
He noted that regular contacts between the representatives of both
sides are frequent. Yakovenko stated that the relations between
Russia and Armenia are based on fruitful multi-vector interaction and
have firm legal basis, namely Agreement on friendship, partnership
and mutual assistance, Declaration on ally relations between RF and
RA, oriented in the 21st century, and almost 160 intergovernmental
agreements. A.H. –0–

*********************************************************************

PRESENTATION OF SITE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH REPUBLIC~RS
GOVERNMENT HELD IN STEPANAKERT

STEPANAKERT, March 24. /ARKA/. Presentation of site
of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic~Rs Government was held Thursday in
Stepanakert. Nagorno-Karabakh Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Danelyan,
speaking at the presentation ceremony, said the site would make it
possible Karabakh to appear before the world as an independent state
and would give media outlets and the republic citizens an opportunity
of closer contacts with the Government. ~SWe are trying to make the
Government activity transparent for journalists~T, Danelyan said.
In his words, there is only Armenian version in the site so far, but
Russian and English versions are expected to be launched in the
nearest future. Provider of the site is Karabakh-Telecom CJSC. The
site~Rs design and elaboration have been carried out by NKR Press
Service. M.V. -0–

*********************************************************************

THE HOCKEY TEAM FROM ARMENIA PROVES TO BE THE WORST TEAM OF THE WORLD

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Contest of hockey in Mexico City defined
the only team that would enter the second league of hockey (there are
four leagues, participants of the most power division will play for
golden medal of world Championship). Mexico, SAR, Luxemburg, Ireland
and Armenian participated in it. Having won in all four matches with
the score 60:3, the Mexicans entered the second league. The worst was
the team from Armenia, which, according to International Hockey
Federation (IIHF), became the worst team of the world in 2004,
ranking the 45th (Canadians rank the firsd and Russians-the seventh).
Armenia lost in all matches, losing 142 pucks, and driving in 5
pucks. According to RIA News, the team~Rs worst game was with the
Mexicans, 0:48. A.H.~W0–

*********************************************************************

DW-WORLD: ARMENIA CHOSEN NO COLORS FOR ~SVELVET REVOLUTION~T YET BUT
ALREADY MADE SOME ALTERATION TO ITS FOREIGN POLICY

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenia hasn~Rt chosen colors for its
~Svelvet revolution~T yet but has already made some alteration to its
foreign policy, Uwe Halbach, an expert on Caucasus of SWP German
Science und Politics Fund, said on the eve of Russian President
Vladimir Putin to Armenia in his interview with DW-WORLD. The expert
reminded that Armenia is one of the Russia~Rs most loyal partners in
post-soviet space. In his opinion, Moscow is interested in developing
bilateral military and economic relations with Armenia. According to
Halbach, close ties between Russia and Armenia have brought energy
and other strategically important areas of Armenia~Rs economy under
Russia~Rs control. This fact is often considered in Armenia as a
threat to the country~Rs economic stability, the Geramn expert said.
In his words, either Armenian President Robert Kocharyan or the
opposition in Armenia speaks not only about development of strategic
partnership with Russia, but also about European integration now.
Observers view this as shift in Armenian foreign policy direction.
Uwe Halbach also says doctrine of ~Scomplementary foreign policy~T
announced by Armenia long ago was put into practice only now. In his
words, Armenia is now shifting its Russia-leaning foreign policy
toward the West and trying to diversify it. It doesn~Rt mean Armenian
foreign policy will become pro-western and completely turn its back
to Russia. It will become just complementary, the expert says.
Halbach thinks that, considering geopolitical aspect, Armenia is
hardly to find new allies among European countries. Nobody will make
alliance with Armenia against any ~Sthird country~T, for example
Azerbaijan. He stresses that Europe offers equal partnership to all
three South Causacus countries and rejects any type of geopolitical
intrigues in such a critical region as Caucasus.
Speaking on internal political situation in Armenia, the German
expert said that after Ukraine opposition~Rs victory in elections a
question rose where in the space between Minsk and Bishkek will be
the next ~Scolored revolution~T. Halbach noted that the 2003
parliamentary elections in Armenia are considered rigged. He reminded
that Constitutional Court~Rs recommendation to conduct referendum on
confidence in the President and the government triggered political
unrest However, political forces correlation differs from that
created in Georgia before power transition of power, the expert says.
But, he noted, that in November 2003 Ukraine weren~Rt reckoned among
likely candidates to follow ~STbilisi scenario~T. The only problem for
Armenia is that it has no own Saakashvili yet able to raise the
country for peaceful power transition, Uwe Halbach said in his
interview. M.V. -0–

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CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS MEETS WITH SVERDLOVS GOVERNOR

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II has
met with Governor of the Sverdovsk region Eduard Rossel. The press
office of the Mother See of Echmiadzin reports that during the
meeting the Head of the Armenian Church expressed his satisfaction
with the strengthening of warm relations and practical cooperation
between Armenia and the Sverdlovsk region of Russia, which
consolidate the centuries-old friendship between the Russian and
Armenian peoples. Garegin II thanked Governor Rossel for a
considerable attitude to the Armenians residing in the Svedlovsk
region, as well as for his aid to Armenia after the 1998 earthquake.
In his turn, Governor Rossel called his visit to Armenia effective.
He presented to Garegin II the potential spheres of the region~Rs
cooperation with Armenia, as well as the religious situation in the
region.
Rossel invited Garegin II to visit the Sverdlovsk region late in 2006
for sanctifying and opening the first Armenian church in the Urals.
Attending the meeting were also RF Ambassador to Armenia Anatoly
Dryukov, RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Coordination
of Infrastructures Hovik Abramyan, and RA Deputy Foreign Minister
Gegham Gharibjanyan. P.T. ~V0–

*********************************************************************

VLADIMIR PUTIN LEAVES FOR YEREVAN TODAY TO TAKE PART IN OPENING OF
YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA

MOSCOW, March 24. /ARKA/. The President of Russian Federation
Vladimir Putin leaves for Yerevan today, ITAR-TASS reports. The main
objective of his visit is the participation in the opening ceremony
of Year of Russia in Armenia together with Armenian President Robert
Kocharian, according to ITAR-TASS.
As they note in Kremlin, “this large-scale event corresponds to
traditions of friendship, spiritual and cultural close relations of
the two peoples”. The program supposes about 120 joint events in
political, economic, humanitarian, scientific-technical and
interregional areas. It takes special significance in connection with
celebration of 60th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War.
The Year of Armenia in Russia is planned for 2006.
Armenian and Russian Presidents will discuss the full complex of
bilateral relations today, including agreements within “property
against debt” model and military-technical cooperation. The leaders
will also”synchronize watches” on pressing regional problems, in
particular, security in Caucasus.
“The priorities discussed will include current state and perspectives
of trade-economic cooperation development, projects in energy, color
metallurgy, banking field, construction and transport, implementation
of “property against debt” agreement, expansion of military-technical
cooperation”, stated Kremlin representative.
“A significant place in the agenda will occupy issues of humanitarian
cooperation, intensification of contacts between the citizens of the
two countries, cooperation of NGOs, strengthening of the position and
importance of the Russian language in Armenia and Armenian language
in Russia”, he said.
The Presidents of the two countries will exchange views on a number
of vital world problems and coordination of efforts in such important
directions as neutralization of international terrorism and extremism
threat, ensuring security and stability in the Caucasus, solutions of
regional problems “, said Kremlin expert. In addition, special
attention will be paid to issues of Armenian and Russian cooperation
in reforms of CIS, mutually beneficial participation of Russia and
Armenia in European Asian Economic Cooperation and Collective
Security Treaty Organization”, he said. L.V. ~V0–

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BLAST NEAR RA CUSTOMS COMMITTEE

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Today, at about 10:00 a.m., a blast
occurred near the RA Customs Committee. The press service of the RA
Customs Committee reports that the blast occurred when the company of
Chief of the Committee Armen Avetisyan drove up to the entrance. The
car was damaged, but Avetisyan was not injured. The Committee top
officials account for the incident by active struggle against shadow
economy, which has been waged since the beginning of 2005. ~SWe
consider it necessary to inform all those hoping to weaken the
Committee~Rs determination to struggle against shadow economy by means
of such terrorist steps that the Committee will be consistent in
exposing customs violations by toughening customs administration. The
morning incident is another proof that measures to improve customs
administration are effective,~T says a press release. P.T. ~V0-

*********************************************************************

RF PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN ARRIVES IN ARMENIA THIS EVENING FOR A
WORKING VISIT

YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RF President Vladimir Putin has arrived in
Armenia this evening for a working visit. Contacts at higher level
between the President of the two countries are quite active. The
first official visit of RA President Robert Kocharyan to Russia took
place on Sep 24-28, 2000, in the course of which Russian ~VArmenia
Declaration on ally cooperation, oriented for the ÕÕI century was
signed, and on Sep 14-15, 2001 the first official visit of RF
President Vladimir Putin to Armenia took place. The last meetings of
the Presidents were held on May 13, July 3 in Moscow, August 20 in
Sochi and Sep 16, 2004 in Astana.
Legislators of Russia and Armenia cooperate in bilateral format and
in frames of Interparliamentary assembly of the CIS. Also there are
regular meetings between the MFAs of the countries. Relations of
law-enforcement bodies strengthen. There are active contacts between
the Ministries of Defence and subjects of RF and regions of Armenia.
The positions of the countries about the key-issues coincide. Armenia
supports Russia in strengthening the CIS. The cooperation of Armenia
in frames of Organization for Collective Security Treaty is very
important in stability of the region.
The main goal of the military cooperation between RA and RF is to
ensure security, collective security in the CIS and support of
stability in the region. The military cooperation has a
legal-cooperative basis, the key elements of which are agreement on
friendship, cooperation and mutual support dating to August 29, 1997,
as well as the agreement on legal status of RF Armed Forces in
Armenia dating to August 21, 1992 and agreement on Russian Military
Base in Armenia dating to March 16, 1995.
Cooperation in the humanitarian area of Armenia develops dynamically.
Since 1999, Russian-Armenia University has been operating in Armenia,
where about 2000 students study in its 6 departments. In 2003-2004
about 998 Armenians studies in Russian Universities. In 2004, 130
citizens of Armenia went to Russia for these purposes. In 2001 the
Centre for Armenian language and culture was opened on the base of
Moscow State linguistic University.
Diplomatic relations between RF and RA were established on April 3,
1992. Over 160 intergovernmental agreements were signed between the
countries, including the one dating to August 29, 1997, as well as
some documents stipulation Russian military presence in Armenia. A.H.
–0–

*********************************************************************

–Boundary_(ID_54XCa/0wPhT4xfgxh7+HxQ)–

PanArmenian News
March 24 2005

OSKANIAN: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE INTERNATIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND
ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS LIE IN TWO DIFFERENT PLANES

24.03.2005 05:07

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ «Turkey is trying to take preventive measure to
prevent measures devoted to the 90-th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide in Turkey. However, we will work in the normal regime and we
plan to hold many measures,» Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanian stated, the Yerkir newspaper reported. In his words, the
issue has exceeded the limits of merely Armenian circles and having
felt it Turkey opens a wide counteraction front. «However, this front
is not directed against Armenia, but against the international
community, against the humanity,» the Armenian Minister accentuated,
adding that such policy will be futile, as there is one reality and
Turkey has to put up with it. «In any case the issue of the
international acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide and the
Armenian-Turkish relations lie in two different planes and do not
intersect. For us the issue of the Genocide is not a precondition for
normalization of relations with Turkey. We are always ready to
dialogue with the Turkish party, however we will be consistent in the
Genocide issue,» the Armenian Foreign Minister said.

–Boundary_(ID_Z7T7PuhpAbQ35CUqwDMjLA)–

Local heroes honored for bravery
By Marshall Allen , Staff Writer

Pasadena Star-News, CA
March 24 2005

PASADENA — After a man went on a rampage and assaulted residents and
police officers, some witnesses declined to testify at his trial.
But not Eric Walker. The 30- year-old Monrovia man took the stand
three times once during a preliminary hearing and twice during the
trial under intense cross examination. His testimony led to the
conviction of Lewis Divens, 40, of Palmdale.

His testimony also resulted in a Courageous Citizens Award, presented
Wednesday by the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office.

“I didn’t do it because of an award, but for moral responsibility,’
Walker said of his testimony.

District Attorney Steve Cooley was present for the ceremony recognizing
six people whose heroic actions saved others from harm and led to
convictions of criminals. The event took place during the meeting of
the Rotary Club of Pasadena at the Hilton Hotel.

“Their courage and willingness to stand up for what’s right is an
example for us all,’ Cooley said.

Walker witnessed Divens’ rampage and almost became a victim on March
12, 2004. Deputy District Attorney Tal Kahana presented Walker with
his award and told the story of his bravery.

Walker, who has physical and developmental disabilities, was walking
to the video store when he saw a black pickup truck waiting at a stop
sign. For no apparent reason, a man later identified as Divens ran
to the truck and began punching its driver through an open window,
Kahana said.

Then Divens picked up a bicycle from the bed of the truck and threw
it through the back window, she said.

The pickup sped away and Walker, terrified, ran to the store, Kahana
said. Later, he left the store, unaware that the violent rampage was
continuing, she said.

As Walker passed a tire store he saw Divens assaulting an employee.
This time, Divens saw Walker and pursued him to his home, where Walker
called the police. Divens was eventually subdued after assaulting
officers, Kahana said.

At the trial, many witnesses refused to testify against the assailant,
Kahana said. But Walker testified at the preliminary hearing, and
twice at the trial. One time he was subjected to cross examination
by the suspect, who was representing himself, and another time by an
aggressive defense attorney, Kahana said.

“Others were intimidated and refused to come forward, but Eric,
you came forward,’ Kahana said.

After the awards presentation, Walker said he was not afraid to
testify against Divens, who was sentenced to six years in prison.

Other award recipients included Gilbert Bonus, 27, and Matthew Lennig,
20, both of Temple City; Domingo Najera, 21, of Pasadena and Jason
Tran, 19, of Monrovia. The four were employees of a Pasadena Best
Buy store who thwarted a would-be carjacker on May 11.

The suspect in the case, Larry Joe Bailey, 31, of Moreno Valley, tried
to carjack a vehicle as Tran was loading it with a TV, said Deputy
District Attorney Kathleen Gentry. The car belonged to three women,
including one elderly woman who was in the front passenger seat when
Bailey climbed into the driver’s seat, Gentry said.

The Best Buy employees pulled Bailey from the car and subdued him,
even as he struggled violently to escape, Gentry said. “You not only
saved and protected your customers, but you put yourself in harm’s
way,’ Gentry said to the men.

The final award was given posthumously to Raul Aguirre Jr., a
17-year-old senior at Hoover High School in Glendale, who was killed
by gang members on May 5, 2000. Aguirre, who was not a gang member,
intervened when Armenian gang members attacked a Latino gang member.
Because of Aguirre, the gang member survived the attack. The assailants
were convicted for the crime, prosecutors said.

MOBILISATION ON ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

European Report
March 22, 2005

The EU must cease encouraging privatisation of water services in
developing countries and campaign instead for the integration of
water in the context of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This was
the message sent by 65 non-governmental organisations to Development
Commissioner Louis Michel on the occasion of World Water Day on March
22. They recall comments by Mr Michel to the European Parliament
in autumn 2004 that all resources need not necessarily be saleable,
and that public services are essential in responding to basic needs
in developing countries, with some so-called “essential services”
needing to be exempt from market pressures. The organisations
emphasise that translating these principles into reality and their
application in the water sector will represent a real test for the
enlarged EU’s development policy, in line with the Millennium Goals.
The EU is urged to alter its approach and provide substantial aid to
projects aiming to develop effective and viable public services in
these countries, rather than imposing privatisation.

A call, targeted more specifically on European countries, has been
launched by the World Health Organisation. The WHO reports that of the
roughly 877 million people in the European region, almost 140 million
(16%) do not have a household connection to a drinking-water supply,
85 million (10%) do not have improved sanitation and over 41 million
(5%) do not have access to a safe drinking-water supply. The WHO
Regional Office for Europe has therefore launched the “International
Decade for Action 2005-2015 Water for Life” initiative which aims to
cut deaths due to water-related diseases. In the European Region,
13 500 deaths a year of children under 14 years of age are due to
poor water conditions.

The largest contribution to this burden, with over 11 000 deaths, comes
from a group of countries in the EUR-B sub-region (Albania, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan,
Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Tajikistan, the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and
Uzbekistan), where the water supply and sanitation coverage is the
most problematic. The WHO points out that it has supported European
countries through the Protocol on Water and Health, signed in 1999
by 36 countries in the region and ratified by 15. The Protocol aims
to protect human health and well-being by improving water management
and preventing, controlling and reducing water-related diseases.

POWER IS DEARER THAN KARABAKH FOR SOME FORCES IN ARMENIA, ARDARUTIUN REPRESENTATIVE ASSURES

YEREVAN MARCH 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian President and Foreign
Minister should participate in the parliamentary hearings on Nagorno
Karabakh scheduled for late March and comment on the policy carried on
in this issue. Stepan Zakarian, a member of RA NA Ardarutiun (Justice)
faction, made such a statement on March 22 in NA. Mentioning that the
members of Ardarutiun faction are among the initiators of the hearings
the MP declared that they don’t share Robert Kocharian’s and Vardan
Oskanian’s optimism and don’t agree that Armenia carries on a right
policy in this issue. Zakarian assured that Armenia is inferior to
Azerbaijan in the sphere of propaganda around Karabakh issue. Learning
about the hearings some political figures and forces declared that
this is the order of the authorities, the MP mentioned. “Will it
be bad if the authorities take right steps in Karabakh issue with
our assistance?” he emphasized and concluded that “there are some
political forces and figures both within the power of Armenia an out
of it for whom the power is dearer than Karabakh.”

ARGENTINEAN SENATE CHAIR TO VISIT ARMENIA APRIL 21-22

PanArmenian News
March 22 2005

22.03.2005 04:30

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Argentinean Vice-President, Senate Chairman Daniel
Scioli will arrive in Armenia April 21-22, Scioli stated in
conversation with Armenian Ambassador to Argentina Ara Ayvazian, the
Press Service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported. In the
course of the meeting the interlocutors discussed prospects of
development of the Armenian-Argentinean relations.

Bahrain calls for global IT links
By SOMAN BABY

Gulf Daily News
Vol XXVIII NO. 2 Tuesday 22 March 2005

MANAMA

BAHRAIN yesterday urged policy-makers thoughout Asia to forge closer
links with the global information technology industry. The call
came from Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa,
at the opening of the third Asia IT Ministers’ Summit.

Delegations from more than 35 countries, including 20 ministers, are
attending the two-day event at the Bahrain International Exhibition
Centre. The landmark summit is a continuation of the dialogue between
Asian ministers on how to develop the IT infrastructure in their
respective countries and how to benefit from the latest developments
of the global information and communication technology.

The dialogue started at the first summit, which was held in 2003 in
Seoul, Korea and continued in January, 2004 in Hyderabad, India.

“At the last summit in Hyderabad, Bahrain was awarded the privilege
to hold the third summit and this is an excellent opportunity for
the Arab world to align their own IT development strategies with
the fast-growing Asian economies, which share many similarities in
economic development and infrastructure,” said Shaikh Ali.

The Bahrain summit will review the progress made since Hyderabad and
evaluate new IT solutions and technologies.

“The summit is of strategic importance not only for the participating
countries but also for the continued prosperity of humankind,” said
Shaikh Ali.

“Therefore, the global IT industry has also been invited to take
a serious look at this event, because the interaction between
the policy-makers from Asia and the top leaders from the global IT
industry will provide first-hand information on future market trends
and industry requirements.”

Issues under discussion include the language barrier, the Internet
culture shock, security and privacy protection in Asia and the Middle
East, the Asian and Middle East dilemma and future telecommunication
infrastructure.

“Bahrain is the ideal platform for this event in the Middle East
because of its advanced business infrastructure, the high level
of IT penetration in business, academia and personal use and
because of Bahrain’s pioneering efforts in the liberalisation of
the telecommunications markets, the advances in e-government and
its leading role as a banking and financial centre in the region,”
said Shaikh Ali.

“The summit will also provide a unique opportunity for the IT and
telecommunication industry leaders to meet policymakers from the
world’s largest and fastest growing markets.”

Kuwait’s Transportation, Planning and Adminstrational Development
Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Ahmed Al Sabah gave the keynote
address.

International Telecommuni-cations Union (ITU) regional representative
to the Arab states Ebrahim Al Haddad, Egypt’s Telecommunications and
IT Minister Dr Tareq Kamal, Tunisian Telecom-munication Technology
Minister Dr Mumtasser Ouaili and Pakistani Minister for IT and
Telecommunication, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari also spoke at the opening
session.

Countries represented at the summit are: Afghanistan, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran,
South Korea, Kuwait, People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia,
Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey,
UAE, Vietnam and Yemen.

An industry forum will be held today, in which leaders from the
industry will provide an insight into the trends and advances in the
information age.

The summit will conclude this evening with a Bahrain Declaration.