Author: Dabaghian Diana

SWISS JUSTICE MINISTER SELF-CRITICIZES ARMENIAN BILL

Zaman, Turkey
Oct 5 2006

Swiss draft bill, which would penalize those who deny the existence
of the alleged "Armenian genocide" poses a predicament to freedom of
speech, said Swiss Justice Minister Christoph Blocher to his Turkish
counterpart Cicek in the Turkish capital Ankara.

Blocher visited Turkish Justice Minister Cemil Cicek on Wednesday
in Ankara.

"There is a dilemma between this law and freedom of speech. This law
is giving us headache too," said Blocher to Mr. Cicek regarding the
so-called Armenian genocide bill in his country.

Blocher also told Cicek that they can not recognize the outlawed
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as a "terrorist organization", since
Switzerland has not recognized any organization as "terrorist" since
War World II, with the exception of the Nazi party and al-Qaeda.

Following the meeting of two counterparts, the visiting minister
delivered a speech at a conference held at Ankara University to mark
the 80th anniversary of Turkey’s adoption of Switzerland’s civil code.

AZERIS ARE DESTROYING ARMENIAN FORESTS

A1+
[02:36 pm] 05 October, 2006

On October 5, OSCE monitoring group, started the environmental
assessment of the territories adjacent to the Azerbaijan-Karabakh
borderline.

"We regret that the OSCE did not create the necessary conditions
for the inclusion of the NKR representatives in the group of the
OSCE Mission on the assessment of the ecological situation on the
territories suffered from the fires. However, it does not exclude
the possibility of the participation of Karabakh experts in the
realization of the monitoring, especially when in connection with
the necessity of joining of NKR representatives to the Mission its
conducting is postponed for a day". NKR Minister of Foreign Affairs
Georgy Petrossian stated answering the question of journalists on the
actions of the official Stepanakert in connection with the departure
of the OSCE expert group from Baku to the fire zone.

Georgy Petrossian also informed that the NKR MFA had sent a note to
the OSCE in which the position of the republic’s leadership on the
issue of the participation of experts from the NKR in the monitoring
was expressed. "One part of the territories on which the assessment
is to be conducted, is under the jurisdiction of the NKR and it is
a serious argument for our participation in the monitoring realized
by the Mission on the opposite side", the Minister stressed.

According to the information of the NKR authorities, an alarming
ecological situation is formed on the territories occupied by
Azerbaijan: a mass cutting down of wood in the Shahoumian region
is carried out, the ecological balance is seriously affected in the
eastern part of the Martouni region where the structure of soil and
micro flora are injured.

CHIRAC’S GENOCIDE REMARKS INTIMIDATE FRENCH FIRMS

Zaman, Turkey
Oct 4 2006

Reactions to French President Jacques Chirac, who implied during
his Yerevan visit that Turkey should recognize the alleged Armenian
genocide to become an EU member, are growing.

French firms are now concerned that their investments in Turkey
would be negatively affected by the remarks. The draft law that would
penalize those who deny the alleged genocide has also deepened such
concerns. French paper Le Monde, drawing attention to the financial
difficulties of the French companies interested in Turkish bids,
stressed that the remarks could cause a substantial loss totaling
billions of dollars. A political advisor of Chirac stated that it
has become apparent the president needs to clarify his remarks.

Speaking to Le Monde, Chirac’s advisor noted that there was no
change in the president’s supportive position regarding Turkey’s
EU membership. The advisor, who stressed that Chirac’s remarks were
political, not legal, noted that it is now imperative for Chirac to
make an explanation to Turkey concerning his statements in Yerevan.

The draft bill that stipulates the punishment of those who deny
the alleged genocide will be discussed in the plenary of the French
parliament on Oct. 12. French firms are highly concerned that the
draft will be adopted because of the upcoming elections. Before
the parliamentary discussions held to review the draft bill in May,
the foreign trade ministry had sent a note to the deputies referring
to the economic risks for France in case of its adoption. The note
published by Le Monde stressed that the firms interested in Turkish
bids would have to face billions of dollars loss if the bill were
adopted. The French firms interested in Turkish bids include large
firms such as AREVA, Eurocopter, Alstom and Credit Agricole.

In a statement he made to Le Monde, French politician of Armenian
origin, Patrick Devedjian, recalling that Chirac has made a clear
point for the first time, cited his remarks as an historical turning
point. Devedjian noted that Chirac, by making the remarks, transformed
the 2001 genocide law, which is of legal character, into a political
action. Drawing attention to the analogy Chirac made between the
Holocaust and the alleged genocide, he further noted that Chirac is
the first leader who made a connection between the Jewish genocide
and the alleged Armenian genocide.

OSCE MG U.S. CO-CHAIR CALLS FOR AZERBAIJAN TO BE PATIENT

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 3 2006

Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, General Colonel Safar Abiyev received
U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza yesterday, the
Ministry told the APA.

Minister Abiyev said the OSCE Minsk Group’s activity on the settlement
of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Garabagh conflict has not yet given
efficient results. The Minister called the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
a main obstacle to the development of relations between Azerbaijan
and U.S. He reminded that Armenia has occupied Azerbaijani lands.

"Official Yerevan should realize that this policy leads Armenia to
the abyss. Armenia stays aside from all economical projects in the
region while Azerbaijan develops its economy and strengthens the
military power. The Nagorno Garabagh conflict should be solved in
the frames of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and international
law norms. If negotiations give no result, Azerbaijan will liberate
its territories by other means," Abiyev said.

Mentioning Azerbaijan’s predominance over Armenia in all spheres
Matthew Bryza called for Azerbaijan to be patient. He said his mission
as OSCE Minsk Group co-chair covers the settlement of other problems
in the region and promotion of relations between Azerbaijan and US.

The co-chair highly appreciated Azerbaijan’s support to the US in
the fight against terrorism and said international community supports
peaceful solutions of the conflict.

ANNUAL RISE OF PRICES FOR PRIVATE HOUSES IN ARMENIA’S REGIONS MAKES UP ALMOST 24%

ARMINFO News Agency
October 3, 2006 Tuesday

The annual rise of prices for one sq/m of private houses in Armenia’s
regions made up almost 24%, and 1.7% for July 2006. The maximal annual
rise of prices was in Aragatsotn region – 28.7% and for 1.5% for July.

The State Realty Register Committee told ArmInfo that Tavush region
ranks the second as to the rise of prices per sq/m – 28.3% (3.5% for
July), then goes Vayots Dzor region – 28.3% (2.8% for July), Ararat
region – 28.2% (1.7% for July), Kotayk region – 27.4% (2.1% for July),
Armavir region – 20.4% (1% for July), Lori region – 18.4% (1.3% for
July), Shirak region – 17.7% (2.3% for July) and Syunik region – 13.3%
(the indicator for July was left unchanged). The average price per 1
sq/m in the town of Ashtarak made up 65.2 thousand AMD, in Artashat
– 49.3 thousand AMD, in Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin) – 80.3 thousand
AMD. in Gavar – 26.1 thousand AMD, in Vanadzor – 49.5 thousand AMD,
in Abovyan – 93.8 thousand AMD, (in Hrazdan – 36.9 thousand AMD,
in Tsakhkadzor – 74.9 thousand AMD, in Yeghvard – 57.3 thousand
AMD, Nor Hachn – 62.3 thousand AMD), in Gyumri – 49.9 thousand AMD,
in Goris – 53.8 thousand AMD, Vayk – 36 thousand AMD. (in Jermuk –
36.7 thousand AMD) and in Ijevan – 51.4 thousand AMD (in Dilijan –
43.6 thousand AMD).

FRANCE WANTS TO HELP ARMENIA BUILD LAW-GOVERNED STATE – PRESIDENT

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan,
29 Sep 06

In an interview with Ayastani Anrapetutyun newspaper prior to his
visit to Yerevan, French President Jacques Chirac said that France’s
friendship with Armenia is binding. France wishes to accompany Armenia
in the process of political modernization and to support its will to
build a law-governed state.

France wants to help Armenia develop its economy in order for Armenia
to be able to shape a bright future for the next generations. Chirac
said that young Armenians should be proud of having been born in
such an ancient country and are capable of building the country in
a new style.

ARMENIA IN THE LIST OF 20 BEST COUNTRIES

A1+
[08:13 pm] 03 October, 2006

World Bank and International Financial Cooperation made a report
on the Armenian business sphere. Today the report "Business – 2007"
was presented to the RA Prime Minister.

Simon Diankov, head of the working group, noted that on the whole
there are favorable conditions for the Armenian business enlargement
due to the results of the recent reforms realized in different spheres
of the country. In his words, the fact that Armenia occupies the 34th
place in the list of 175 countries by its index already testifies to
his predictions.

Armenia is also included in the list of 15 countries which successfully
implemented all the reforms within the past two years. According to
the report, property registration, contract signing and leasing have
become easier. There is also great progress in license granting.

The report didn’t neglect the spheres where, despite the realized
reforms, there is still much work to be done. The authors of the
report claim that their report is aimed at enhancing business sphere,
rising public level, as well as at opening new working places. They
underline that at present Armenia is likely to appear in the list of
20 best countries of the world by the index of the reforms. They also
added that the World Bank and the International Financial Cooperation
are ready to render assistance to Armenia in this respect.

Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan focused on the issue of presenting
the reforms anticipated in different spheres next year to businessmen
and public more comprehensibly as it will give a chance to have a
complete picture of reforms.

FRANCE DAYS IN ARMENIA BEGAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
02.10.2006 15:07 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ France’s Days in Armenia started in Yerevan October
2. According to Armenian Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Hasmik
Poghosyan, these will expand the format of the Armenian-French cultural
ties. As H. Poghosyan underscored, exhibitions at the National Picture
Gallery of Armenia marked the opening of the Days.

French Ambassador to Armenia Henry Cuny noted the Days of France
in Armenia immediately after the visit of President Chirac are
symbolic. "Before departure for the fatherland French President Chirac
was highly content with his stay in Armenia," the Ambassador said. The
diplomat added that the Square of France, opened in Yerevan lately,
is surrounded by concert halls, museums and musical establishments
again confirms the Armenian-French cultural and art cooperation.

In Cuny’s words, within half a month works of French classical and
avant-guarde artists and photographers will be exhibited in the
Armenian capital. Days of France in Armenia will last till end of
November 2006.

Some ten art and photo exhibitions, several theater performances,
a festival of French films, classical music concert, as well as
fashion show are planned, reports Novosti-Armenia.

DON’T CHANGE RULES MIDSTREAM FOR TURKEY’S EU ENTRY: COUNCIL OF EUROPE

Agence France Presse — English
October 2, 2006 Monday

The Council of Europe’s parliamentary leader criticized Monday
suggestions by French President Jacques Chirac that Ankara should
recognize World War I era massacres of Armenians as genocide if it
wanted to join the European Union.

"One can’t change the rules in the middle of the game," Dutch
parliament President Rene van der Linden told reporters, referring
to EU membership conditions for Turkey.

Referring to the French President, who said Saturday that Turkey
needed to come to terms with its Ottoman past, van der Linden said:
"This is not the first time he has changed his mind."

The EU has not made recognizing the 1915-1917 massacres as genocide
a condition for entry into the block, and up until Saturday France
had refused to make a direct link between the two.

But when asked in Yerevan whether the two should be linked, Chirac said
"Honestly, I think so."

"If there are serious questions, we will tackle them but we don’t
add to (existing) conditions," van der Linden said in describing the
procedure for entry into the EU.

"If there is a loss of confidence, we create mistrust then the entire
negotiation will suffer," then lawmaker added.

Founded 60 years ago, the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe is not
part of the European Union.

FRENCH PARLIAMENT TO DEBATE "GENOCIDE" MOTION

Turkish Press
Sept 30 2006

French opposition Socialist Party is again bringing a motion to
criminalize rejection of the so-called Armenian genocide to the
agenda of Parliament. In line with the Socialist Party’s proposal,
the motion will go to a vote on Oct. 12 in the full Parliament after
debate. A motion prepared by the Socialists about this issue was also
debated this May, but then was pushed back to the fall session.

MEPS: "HISTORICAL INCIDENTS HAVE NO PLACE IN REPORTS ON TURKEY"

Members of the European Parliament yesterday reacted to a just-passed
report on Turkey raising new issues. Turkey-European Union Joint
Parliamentary Commission Co-Chairman Joost Lagendijk stated that
he was uncomfortable with statements about the Greek Pontians and
Assyrians in the report. Lagendijk said that making these historical
events into a political issue by putting them into EP reports wouldn’t
benefit anyone and that he regretted the Greens’ proposal to remove
these was rejected. EP Liberal Party leader Graham Watson also said
that the report was far from balancing praise and criticism and that
the European Union should approach Turkey with understanding.