Author: Felekian Ara

Karabakh Conflict Still Too Far from Solution

PanARMENIAN.Net
24.06.2006 15:53 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is sill too far from
its solution and those, who say it can be solved in 2-3 years make
too optimistic statements, Senior Research Fellow of the Institute
of World Economy and International Relations Victor Nadein-Rayevsky
stated in an interview with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter in Yerevan. In
his words, the desire to solve the conflict depends on all parties,
however Azerbaijan is not yet able to provide security guarantees to
the NKR people.

"Lately Azeri position changes and that is good, Baku adds some
realism. However, it should not be forgotten that the years of NKR
independence had their role. The people are not only a subject,
but also an object of the international law and they should decide
their future themselves. There is no difference whether a state is
recognized by the international community or not. The NKR is a party to
the conflict and its presence at the talks is compulsory. They speak
of some autonomy models, but they do not ask the NKR population. I
am sure this is not correct," Victor Nadein-Rayevsky underscored.

NKR PRESIDENT OFFERED TO HOLD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES IN KARABAKH EVERY YEAR

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
June 23 2006

June 22 the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) President Arkady Ghoukasyan
met with the participants of an international scientific conference
titled "NKR: Past, Present, Future" held in Stepanakert.

According to the information DE FACTO got at the NKR President Press
Service, having welcomed the guests representing scientific circles
of about 10 countries, Arkady Ghoukasyan remarked the organization
of an authoritative scientific conference on the Artsakh land
was one more step towards the NKR’s international recognition and
worthy representation on the international arena. Nagorno Karabakh
President said the Karabakh conflict would hardly be settled in
the near future, while the adversaries of the issue’s solution had
brought the conflict to the political, economic and even scientific
field, avoiding a dialogue. "We have to accept a challenge, and your
scientific potential and rich experience should become our strong
mainstay in the struggle", noted the President.

In the course of the meeting the interlocutors exchanged opinions
on the issues referring to the development of the sphere of science
and education in the NKR. Arkady Ghoukasyan expressed readiness to
examine all the ideas and projects relevant to the subject. While
answering the guests’ questions, the NKR President suggested that
such scientific conferences should be held in Karabakh every year.

NKR government Chair Anoushavan Danielyan, NKR government Deputy
Chair Ararat Danielyan and NKR Minister of Education, Culture and
Sport Kamo Atayan were also present at the meeting.

OIC COUNTRIES CONDEMN OCCUPATION OF AZERI TERRITORY BY ARMENIA – MISSION HEAD OF WORLD LEAGUE OF MUSLIMS
Author: R.Abdullayev

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 21 2006

Members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) support
Azerbaijan’s position in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, Trend reports citing Abdurrahman ibn Abdullah Al Zeyd,
the head of the delegation of the League of Muslims, as stating to
a private television channel ATV.

"All Muslim countries support Azerbaijan’s position in the resolution
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The conflict should be settled
through observation of the rights of the Azerbaijani people. All
Muslim countries condemn the Armenian occupation and we believe that
the conflict will be resolve on the base of territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan," he underlined.

Al-Zeyd noted that the Azerbaijani office of organization carries
out active investigation into the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and if
needed the League is ready to render assistance in the resolution of
this problem.

HOUSE MEMBERS CALL ON EU TO ENCOURAGE TURKEY REFORM AND RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 20 2006

WASHINGTON, JUNE 20, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Armenian
Assembly of America commended longtime Armenian issues supporter,
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), for urging the European Union
(EU) to press Turkey to meet its accession criteria, properly recognize
the Armenian Genocide and end its ongoing blockade against Armenia.

The congressional correspondence, addressed to European Commission
President Jose Manuel Barroso and signed by nearly two dozen lawmakers,
states that Turkey’s progress towards establishing guarantees for
democracy, rule of law, human rights and respect and protection of
minorities remains wholly inadequate.

The bipartisan letter states in part: "Of particular concern is
Turkey’s lack of interest in considering improvements in areas that are
of paramount importance for the integrity and credibilty of Turkey’s
bid for membership.

Principal among such areas is the question of Turkey’s diplomatic
recognition of Armenia, and the removal of its blockade, as a
major impediment to regional security and development in the South
Caucasus. Equally critical is Turkey’s abilty to end its official
policy of denial of the Armenian Genocide, and come to terms with
its genocidal legacy."

"It’s time for Turkey to get serious about meeting its European Union
accession criteria," Maloney said. "I hope that the EU will make very
clear to Turkey during these talks that it must remove its blockade
against Armenia and end its official policy of denial of the Armenian
Genocide."

The United States has called upon Turkey to restore economic, political
and social ties with Armenia, while the European Parliament has
adopted a resolution urging Ankara to open its border with Armenia,
and recognize the genocide, as a precondition to membership to the EU.

The Armenian government, in principle, has never opposed any negotiated
outcome to Turkey’s accession talks with the EU.

Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian has been quoted as saying,
"Armenia has never been against Turkey’s accession to the European
Union. We only said that the process of accession and the demands
put forward by the European Union must be the same for all candidate
countries."

Kocharian has added that EU-candidates "should establish good relations
with all their neighbors and recognize the pages of their history no
matter how difficult they are."

"[Membership] will have a positive nature for us, since we will
have a more predictable neighbor and the border between Armenia and
Turkey will become our border with the European Union," according
to Kocharian.

"The Assembly thanks Congresswoman Maloney for spearheading this
initiative and looks forward to President Barroso’s response," said
Assembly Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian. "As the accession
process moves forward, it is imperative that Turkey take the necessary
steps to strengthen civil society and democratic institutions, rather
than criminalizing free speech as seen with Orhan Pamuk."

Hovnanian added that it is past time for Turkey to significantly
improve its abysmal human and minority rights record and deal firmly
and squarely with its genocidal past.

The congressional letter was signed by Representatives Tammy Baldwin
(D-WI), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa
(D-CA), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Charles A. Gonzalez (D-TX), Raul Grijalva
(D-AZ), Sue W. Kelly (R-NY), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Carolyn B. Maloney
(D-NY), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-MI), James
P. McGovern (D-MA), Michael R. McNulty (D-NY), Grace F. Napolitano
(D-CA), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), Steven
R. Rothman (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), John E.
Sweeney (R-NY), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and Diane Watson (D-CA).

RA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND OSCE YEREVAN OFFICE ASSIST WITH WOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Noyan Tapan
Jun 19 2006

YEREVAN, JUNE 19, NOYAN TAPAN. Although Armenia is ahead of many
countries by the share of production made by small and medium
enterprises (SME) in Armenia’s GDP, there is still much to be done
in the country in terms of SME development, especially involvement
of women in this sphere. Head of the OSCE Office, Ambasador Vladimir
Pryakhin expressed this opinion during the seminar "SME Development
for Sustainable Development" and the opening ceremony of an exhibition
to display production of small and medium enterprises run by women.

The events were held on June 17-18 by the Businesswomen Assistance
Center Foundation, the RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI)
and the OSCE Yerevan Office. According to V. Pryakhin, the subjects
discussed at the seminar were chosen in anticipation that they will
promote exchange of experience and knowledge necessary for women’s
business.

The RA CCI Chairman Martin Sargsian and the Businesswomen Assistance
Center Foundation Director Lilia Gevorgian attached special importance
to the seminar as the first step in the cooperation between these
bodies, expressing a hope that it will be continuous.

Nani Oskanian, Chairwoman of the Association of Diplomat Spouses
(the wife of the Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian), noted
that the asistance provided by state, business assistance bodies and
international organizations is especially nevessary for Armenian
businesswomen so that they can conduct their business efficiently
and enter foreign markets.

FLIGHT DATA AND COMMUNICATION RECORDERS FAILED TO REVEAL SECRET OF A 320 CRASH NEAR SOCHI

Regnum, Russia
June 19 2006

Decoding transcripts of flight data recorder of A 320 plane that
crashed near the Black Sea coast on May 3, has not revealed the
tragedy’s causes. As REGNUM was informed at the Russian Transport
Ministry’s press office, as a result of last flight decoding it was
ascertained that the plane was not destroyed in the air. The plane’s
collision with water became fatal for it.

At present, complex analysis of all available recordings is
continuing. Flight stimulator is planned to be used to reveal the
cause of the crash.

It is worth reminding that the Armenian A 320 was flying from Yerevan
to Sochi on May 3. It fell into the Black Sea at a distance of only
6 km from the landing ground. 113 passengers were aboard; all of them
were killed.

ROBERT KOCHARIAN: RF LAW-ENFORCERS SHOULD RESPOND STRICTLY TO MURDERS ON ETHNIC GROUND BY ACTING QUICKLY, CLEARLY AND EXACTLY

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 16 2006

YEREVAN, JUNE 16, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 16, RA
President Robert Kocharian received the delegation of RF South Federal
Okrug led by Dmitri Kozak, RF President’s Plenipotentiary in the Okrug.

Attaching importance to deepening contacts at the level of separate
regions of the two countries, the President said that it creates a
good basis for strengthening interstate relations.

The sides touched upon the whole complex of Armenian-Russian
relations. Robert Kocharian said that Russian business takes a larger
place in economy thanks to activization of business contacts.

Establishment of efficient transport communication was considered as
important for further extension of trade and economic partnership of
the two countries.

Dmitri Kozak said that the largest Armenian community lives in the
south of Russia and its representatives are maximally involved in
almost all spheres of the region’s life.

The interlocutors condemned the murders on ethnic ground committed
in the recent months in Russia and mentioned that it is not in the
interests of Russia and the Russian people. According to Robert
Kocharian, the Russian law-enforcers should respond strictly to this
by acting quickly, clearly and exactly.

As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA President’s Press Office, during
his visit the RF President’s Plenipotentiary has also visited the
Russian military base in Gyumri. He expressed gratitude to the Armenian
authorities for the favorable conditions provided for the servicemen
at the base.

US INVESTOR CONDEMNS ILLEGAL TAPPING OF AZERI GOLD

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Posted June 19 2006

Baku, June 16, AssA-Irada
A foreign company has carried out exploration work on gold fields in
Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia, says president of US RV
Investment Group in charge of operating the deposits.

Rza Vaziri said the fact was ascertained through satellite footage
and work is underway to curtail the illegal activities.

He said that tapping the fields in the occupied land is against
international law and his company would take the matter to
international court.

"The documents, prepared based on the materials, have been forwarded to
lawyers, who will submit them through international court to Armenia’s
Foreign Ministry, its embassies in the USA, Canada and Great Britain
as well as the foreign company carrying out the exploration. The
documents will also be passed to relevant international institutions,"
the company official told journalists on Thursday.

Vaziri said the documents have also been submitted to the Azerbaijani
government and it is expected to issue its official response on the
matter in the coming days.

The company president said the territories rich in gold reserves
are Azerbaijan’s land and RV Investment Group reserves the right to
operate them, under the agreement it signed with the state. He said
the companies illegally working in these territories must suspend
their operation there. After the occupied areas are liberated, the
company will tackle work in these territories, Vaziri said.

He said the first gold will be produced from the Gadabay field late
in 2006-early 2007. The deposit located 350 km west of Baku possesses
an estimated 800,000 ounces of gold.

The Azerbaijani government signed a contract with RV Investment Group
on tapping gold deposits. The 25-year agreement, concluded earlier
by Azergyzyl state company, abolished in 1997, and RV Investment
Group (with Azerbaijan holding 51% stake and the US company 49%),
envisions developing 9 fields containing 400 tons of gold, 2,500
tons of silver and 1.5 million tons of copper. The fields are mainly
located in the Kalbajar, Zangilan, Gadabay, Dashkasan and Ordubad
western and southwestern regions. Three of the deposits are located
in Azerbaijani territories occupied by the Armenian armed forces.

$28m has been spent on exploration operations since April 2005.

Another $23m will be spent in the future, says Gerald Philips, general
director on operations at the Azerbaijan International Mining Operating
Company set up by RV Investment to operate the gold fields.

A1+

MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION PEOPLE WILL BE VACCINATED
AGAINST MEASLES
[03:40 pm] 16 June, 2006

Within the framework of the program "Vaccination of Armenian children
of the millennium" about 200 thousand Armenian children have been
vaccinated against nine main diseases since 2002.

In 2007 a mass action will start in Eurasia, and by 2010 the pathogenic
organism causing the measles is supposed to be eliminated from
Armenia. About 1.5 million people are to be vaccinated during a month.

According to Sirak Suqiasyan, the head of the RA Health Ministry
national immune-preventive program, the program will cost about
1.5 million USD. Not only the children but also the adults will
be vaccinated.

The program is realized by the Health Ministry national
immune-preventive program, the UN Children’s Fund and the Fund "Ani
& Narot" as well as with the support of a number of international
organizations. By the way, the program will be realized in Armenia
only.

As for Nagorno Karabakh, Shelton Yet, the head of the UN Children’s
Fund Yerevan office, mentioned that there will be no money allotments
there are their mandate acts in Armenia only.

According to Sirak Suqiasyan, "No vaccinated child has ever caught the
disease. All the vaccines correspond to the international standards
established by the World Health Organization".

PEACEKEEPERS – IMPORTANT INSTRUMENT FOR MAINTAINING PEACE IN CONFLICT REGIONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
15.06.2006 15:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ After the end of the cold war peacekeeping forces
became a very serious and important instrument for maintaining peace in
conflict regions, RA Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakossian stated
in Yerevan. In his words, the U.N. member states came to a conclusion
that it’s extremely hard to counteract conflict without this mechanism.

"Presently the U.N. peacekeeping operations are conducted in 15
hot spots on the globe. Some 90 thousand people are engaged in
them. Peacekeeping operations are one of the priorities of the Armenian
foreign policy. Peacekeepers serve for peace, stability and security,"
Kirakossian underscored.