Author: Karakhanian Suren

Poland to withdraw its troops from more of Iraq: Defence Minister

Agence France Presse
Sept 3 2004

WARSAW (AFP) Sep 03, 2004 — Poland will hand over another part of the
zone it administers in Iraq under a planned reduction of its forces
next year, Defence Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said in an interview
published Friday. The key US ally, which heads a multinational force
of 6,500 administering a swathe of south central Iraq to which it
sent more than 2,500 of its own troops, will hand over control of
the province of Karbala, he said.

“We will leave the province of Karbala. The contingent will remain
deployed in the provinces of Babil, Wasit and Al-Qadisiyah,” the
defence minister said in an interview with the daily Trybuna.

He did not specify which forces would assume responsibility in
Poland’s place.

Last month, Polish troops in Iraq already handed over some of the
zone they control to US forces, including the province of Najaf,
the scene of fierce fighting with Shiite militiamen.

Szmajdzinski confirmed that Poland was expecting to reduce troop levels
in Iraq after the Iraqi elections in January and also announced that it
will hand over its troops’ headquarters in the Iraqi city of Babylon
to the Iraqis.

“We have decided to hand over Babylon to the Iraqis. The headquarters
will probably move to the province of Al-Qadisiyah (south of Baghdad),”
he said.

His comments came as Warsaw hosted a two-day conference of military
experts from the 11 nations in the Polish-led sector and the United
States to thrash out plans to cut back the Polish military presence
in Iraq.

“We are not in a position today to determine the size of the next
contingent (which will take over in January). This will depend on
the situation in Iraq, on the political process and the progress in
forming an Iraq army, which is due to replace us,” Szmajdzinski said.

“I remain moderately optimistic about the months ahead. We should
have the chance to reduce the contingent,” he added.

Amid strong popular opposition to the Polish troop deployment and
continued unrest in the embattled country, the government in Warsaw is
under domestic pressure to significantly scale back Poland’s military
involvement in Iraq.

Despite the Polish reduction, one more country will contribute a small
number of troops to the multinational force, the Polish deputy chief
of staff, General Mieczyslaw Cieniuch, said.

The former Soviet republic of Armenia will send at the end of November
or early December a contingent of “several dozen military personnel,
specialists in logistics, bomb disposal experts and doctors,” he told
a press conference.

FIVE ARMENIANS AMONG HOSTAGES IN SCHOOL IN NORTHERN OSETIA

02.09.2004 19:26

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to the latest data, there are five
Armenians among the hostages in one of the schools in Northern
Osetia. One of the Armenian schoolchildren is in the first form. It
is also known hat the last name of one of the schoolchildren is
Kalashian. In the words Ararat Gomtsian, the Armenian Consul in the
Southern Federal District of Russia, the Armenian consulate general
in Russia along with the representatives of the Armenian Embassy and
tthe Russian authorities is taking measures to clarify the conditions
of the hostages. According to the data received, the health state of
the hostages is satisfactory. To note, Ararat Gomtsian offered his
help to negotiate with the terrorists.

Current Digest of the Post-Soviet Press
September 1, 2004

Tbilisi Poised for New Conflicts With Rebel Regions

CONFLICT WITH ABKHAZIA IS CREATING STRAINS IN GEORGIA’S ALLIANCE WITH
TURKEY, WHICH HAS INFLUENTIAL ABKHAZ EMIGRE COMMUNITY, MANY MEMBERS
OF WHICH HAVE RETURNED TO ABKHAZIA

SOURCE: GEORGIANS STRIKE AT TURKS. — Tbilisi Is Irritated by
Assistance That Ankara Is Giving to Abkhazia. By Oleg Kasimov. Noviye
Izvestia, Aug. 4, 2004, p. 4. Condensed text:

. . . A certain amount of tension arose last Saturday [July 31] in
relations between Georgia and Turkey. The reason was an incident in
the coastal waters of Abkhazia. A Georgian coast guard cutter fired
on a Turkish freighter that had crossed into Georgian territorial
waters and was headed for Sukhumi. The vessel was damaged, but the
Georgians did not succeed in detaining it. Abkhazia’s minister of
security, Mikhail Tarba, declared yesterday that Abkhazia would
henceforth sink all Georgian ships entering the region’s waters. The
minister said that, if necessary, aircraft would be used.

Somewhat earlier, the Abkhaz leadership also announced a halt to
the negotiating process with Tbilisi. The announcement was made the
day after the self-proclaimed republic’s armed forces completed
training exercises that involved 15,000 people, including reservists.
The maneuvers were regarded in Tbilisi as preparations for a
large-scale war with Georgia. Under these circumstances, Turkey chose
to respond with silence to the incident involving its ship. There are
reasons for that: Turkey and Georgia, together with Azerbaijan,
currently form a politico-military axis that serves as a
counterbalance to another geopolitical structure in the region — the
triangle formed by Russia, Armenia and Iran. With support from
Washington, Ankara is pushing for rapid completion of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, which will carry Caspian oil to
world markets by way of Georgia and Turkey. In addition, Ankara is
helping Georgia to develop its military. It is no mere coincidence
that a platoon of Georgian peacekeepers has been serving in Kosovo
since 1999 as part of a Turkish battalion.

However, the unresolved Abkhaz problem is creating nervousness in
the two countries’ relations. Turkey recognizes Georgia’s territorial
integrity and rejects Sukhumi’s attempts to secede from that
Transcaucasian republic. But at the same time, it closes its eyes to
the fact that its cargo ships regularly violate Georgia’s maritime
border and deliver food and manufactured goods — which the Georgians
regard as contraband — to Abkhazia. Georgia’s security services have
even given Ankara a list of Turkish vessels (19 altogether) that
regularly travel between Abkhazia and Turkey, but they have received
no response. Many experts are of the opinion that Ankara’s stance on
the Abkhaz problem is heavily influenced by the Abkhaz community
living in Turkey. It consists of roughly 400,000 descendants of
muhajirs — the name that was given in the Ottoman Empire to persons
of Abkhaz descent who fled to the empire during the Caucasus War in
the 19th century. Most of them adopted Islam in Turkey.

In the early 1990s, the Abkhaz authorities appealed to these people
to return to their historical homeland, promising them housing and
free education. At the same time, it was decided to build two
mosques, one in Sukhumi and the other in Gudauta. At first the
repatriation process progressed rapidly: Hundreds of muhajir families
returned to Abkhazia from Turkey. The number of citizens in the
autonomous republic who professed Islam rose sharply; according to
recent surveys, 49.3% of residents consider themselves Christians,
while 28.7% call themselves Muslims. Ankara is now closely following
the situation in Abkhazia, emphasizing its concern for the muhajir
families who have moved to the autonomous republic. With Ankara’s
tacit consent, Turkish ships regularly deliver fuel and food to the
region. Ankara is financing the establishment of schools there that
use Turkish as the language of instruction. In June, the Turkish
ambassador to Georgia visited the region and said that Ankara is “not
indifferent to the processes unfolding in Abkhazia.”

It goes without saying that, in its confrontation with the Georgian
authorities, Sukhumi is banking on the Abkhaz lobby in Turkey, which
is attempting to influence the policies of official Ankara. Last
October, Sukhumi received a visit from former Turkish Finance
Minister Zekiriat Emizel, who is of Abkhaz descent. He assured the
unrecognized republic’s leaders that he was using his political
influence to try to turn Turkish public opinion and the attention of
the Turkish government toward Abkhazia’s problems.

JOHN KERRY: “AS A PRESIDENT I WILL FIGHT AGAINST DENIAL OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE”

ArmenPress
Sept 1 2004

WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS: One of the candidates of US
presidency, Democrat John Kerry, has been the supporter of Armenian
issues in the Senate. He has variously supported Armenian resolutions
and has pledged to recognize Armenian Genocide upon being elected.

Last week John Kerry has even more clarified his disposition
unveiling the most expressive statement on Genocide. “John Kerry
Edwards administration will launch a fight against denial of Armenian
Genocide,” the statement says.

The Democrat candidate, who the recent polls say, has almost equal
rating as George Bush does, has even excelled in a number of important
issues. In his statement he said that it has been a great honor for
him to work with Armenian community during the recent two decade of
years around such important issues as Armenia Genocide or improvement
in Armenian-American relations.

John Kerry urged the Armenians to go to their constituencies on
November 2 and vote for him and John Edwards.

The Democrat candidate clearly formulates how his administration is
going to recognize Armenian genocide, if elected.

“As a president, I will fight against denial of Armenian genocide.
My administration will recognize April 24, 2005 as the 90th anniversary
of the atrocities and I will do everything that the lessons learned
from the crime against humanity be used in prevention of other
genocides. There can not be any compromise in the moral issue of
putting an end to massacres,” John Kerry’s statement says.

Armenian defence minister establishes new military decoration

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
31 Aug 04

For the purpose of commemorating the memory of the prominent statesman
and military figure, Admiral Ovannes Isakov, the Armenian defence
minister has issued an instruction on establishing an Admiral Isakov
Medal for the Armenian armed forces. [Passage omitted.]

The medial will be awarded on orders of the Armenian Defence Ministry.

ARKA News Agency
Aug 23 2004

The Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin the Second goes to Kharkov

RA Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margaryan congratulates
citizens of Armenia on the 14th anniversary of the adoption of the
Declaration on Independence

Edward Aghabekyan is elected to be the new Mayor of Stepanakert

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Armenia presented his credentials to
Armenian Foreign Minister

Armenian President leaves for Athens

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

THE CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS GAREGIN THE SECOND GOES TO KHARKOV

YEREVAN, August 23. /ARKA/. The Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin
the Second went to Kharkov. Accordidng to the Press-Chancellery of
the Mother See of St. Etchmiadzin, tomorrow Garegin the Second will
consecrate the Church of Surb Harutyun (Saint Resurrection). The
consecration of the Armenian Church is in the agenda of the festive
on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the foundation of
Kharkov. According to the press release, in the train Garegin the
Second will be accompanied by the Head of the chancellery of the
Mother See St. Etchmiadzin, archbishop Nerses Pozapalyan and the
wand-bearer and celibate priest Tiran Petrosyan.
The construction of Surb Harutyun first Armenian Church in the East
Ukraine began on July 1, 2000. In future it’s planned that Sunday
School and other constructions will be built adgunct to the Church
and serve to the organization of moral and cultural life of the
Armenian community. A.H. – 0 –

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

RA PRIME MINISTER OF ARMENIA ANDRANIK MARGARYAN CONGRATULATES
CITIZENS OF ARMENIA ON THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADOPTION OF THE
DECLARATION ON INDEPENDENCE

YEREVAN, August 23. /ARKA/. RA Prime -Minister of Armenia Andranik
Margaryan congratulated citizens of the country on the 14th
anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on Independence.
According to RA Government’s Press Service and Public Relations
Department, the message states that by the Declaration on
Independence adopted the same day 14 years ago by the Supreme Council
of the Armenian SSR the Armenian nation confirmed its will and
determination to restore the independent statehood and to lead free
and worthy life. According to Margaryan, on August 23, 1990 the
process of the formation of an independent state based on the
national goals and fundamental principles stipulated in the
Declaration and giving the opportunities for the integration into a
civilized world, formation of equal relations with all peoples and
countries, development of democracy, cicil society and sovereign,
legal, and social state by maintaining loyalty to human values began.
`For the last years, notwithstanding all difficulties, our nation
remained loyal to the principles stipulated in the Declaration,
forming and year by year improving and strengthening the fundament of
our statehood’, as stated in the message. According to Margaryan, the
approval of the freedom-loving spirit of the Armenian nation became
the liberating war in Artsakh. He added that it’s the time to
preserve and develop the achievements of the national goals. `We have
the historic opportunity to transit to our descendants free,
independent and powerful Armenia, which is the only and most safe
pledge of fulfilling the expectations of all Armenians’, as
emphasized in the message. A.H. – 0 –

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EDWARD AGHABEKYAN IS ELECTED TO BE THE NEW MAYOR OF STEPANAKERT

STEPANAKERT, August 23. /ARKA/. According to preliminary data, the
new Mayor of Stepanakert is elected to be the NKR NA Chairman of
Standing Committee on Social Affairs, the Leader of Political
Organization `Movement-88′ Edward Aghabekyan. According to NKR
Central Elective Committee, referring to preliminary data, Aghabekyan
received 55,3 % of votes. His rival, the ex Vice- Mayor of
Stepanakert Pavel Najarian received 38,8% of votes. As NKR Central
Elective Committee informed, as compared to the first tour, the
activity of capital electors increased by 10% and made almost 51%.
A.H.-0–

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

NEWLY APPOINTED US AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA PRESENTED HIS CREDENTIALS TO
ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

YEREVAN, August 23. /ARKA/. Newly appointed US Ambassador to Armenia
John Evans presented the copies of his credentials to the Armenian
Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian. As Armenian Foreign Ministry
Information and Press Department told ARKA, during the conversation,
Oskanian expressed confidence that the newly appointed US Ambassador
to move further the established relations between the US and Armenia
that are important both for Armenia as well as the whole region. In
his turn, John Evans assured the Armenian Minister that the US will
promote regional stability and security, economic prosperity and
strengthening the democracy in Armenia.
As it is mentioned in the press-release, during the meeting the
parties exchanged their views around the current process of the
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenian-Turkish
relations as well as a number of international issues. T.M. -0–

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

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR ATHENS

YEREVAN, August 23. /ARKA/. The Armenian President Robert Kocharian
left today for Athens. As the Armenian President Press Service told
ARKA, Kocharian to visit the follow the performance of the Armenian
sportsmen on the 28th Olympic Games in Athens. T.M. -0–

ITAR-TASS, Russia
Aug 20 2004

Levitin to co-chair Russian-Armenian intergovernmental commission

SOCHI, August 20 (Itar-Tass) — Russian investments in the Armenal
Armenian Company will total $36 million within 12-14 months,
President Vladimir Putin said after Friday negotiations with his
Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharyan.

`I have spoken to some of the Russian participants in the project. It
is the matter of not so much financing as technical decisions. The
work has been on for four months, and it will be done on time,’ Putin
said.

The president also said he expected bilateral trade and economic
cooperation to intensify with the help of the Russian-Armenian
intergovernmental commission. He said he had appointed Transport
Minister Igor Levitin as the Russian cochairman of the commission.

Athens 2004 Official website
Aug 18 2004

Men’s Light Fly (48kg) : Bouts 110 to 115

ATHENS, 18 August – Iraqi Light Flyweight (48kg) boxer Najah ALI, who
is competing in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games by special invitation,
was the first contestant in the ring for the evening session of
competition at the Peristeri Boxing Hall.

Trained in New York by Maurice `Termite’ Watkins, ALI came via the
USA from war torn Baghdad to take part in the Olympic Games, and was
given a warm welcome by spectators at the venue.

Equal shortest boxer in the tournament at just 1.5m, ALI’s opponent
KWAK Hyok Ju (PRK) had a distinct reach advantage, but from the
opening bell the young Iraqi put together some blistering
combinations to the head and body and made a dream Olympic debut,
winning the bout 21-7.

Redouane ASLOUM (FRA) took two standing eight counts in round two of
his clash with Aleksan NALBANDYAN (ARM), but fought back bravely, the
two trading punches toe to toe for most of the four rounds before the
Armenian was declared the winner, 27-20.

HONG Moo Won (KOR) was too experienced for Lalaina RABENARIVO (MAD)
in the next bout, the referee stopping the contest in round three
under the 20 point rule.

Sherali DOSTIEV (TJK) lost a tight contest, 17-12, to Harry TANAMOR
(PHI), twice a World Championship bronze medallist.

The quick hands of former World Champion, Yan BHARTELEMY VARELA (CUB)
made short work of Miguel Angel MIRANDA GUERRA (VEN), the referee
stopping the contest in the third round with the Cuban ahead 24-4.

In the final Light Flyweight bout of the evening session, Suban
PANNON (THA) looked untidy at times, but did enough to make it
through to the round of 16 over Salim SALIMOV (BUL), the judges
scoring the contest 26-14.

Baku Today, Azerbaijan
Aug 14 2004

About 20,000 Armenians live in Azerbaijan

The State Statistics Committee (SSC) will hold the next census in
2009, the committee chairman Arif Valiyev told a news conference on
Friday.

Valiyev said that as of July 1, 2004, the population in Azerbaijan
made up 8.300 million people. Noting that 657 officially registered
Armenians live in Azerbaijan according to the census of 1999, the SSC
chairman said that the figure is about 20,000.

Valiyev underlined that Armenians were not requested to produce
documents indicating their nationalities during the 1999 census in
accordance with the UN recommendations.

“WE LOSE THE NATIONAL SCHOOL BOTH IN THE DIASPORA AND H OMELAND,”
PH.D. DANIELIAN SAYS

YEREVAN, August 13 (Noyan Tapan). Though the Armenian schools of the
Diaspora are in crisis now, nevertheless teachers, being soldiers of
Mashtots, keep the Armenian spirit in children’s hearts and
souls. Levon Ananian, the Chairman of the Armenian Writers’ Union,
said about it during the August 12 meeting with 50 teachers of the
Armenian Diaspora, participating in the training on the raising of the
level of skill in Yerevan. Mentioning that the carrying out of such a
mission in the foreign country is really difficult,Levon Ananian,
turning to them, said: “We appreciate your work, your devotion, as
without you the Armenian language and literature can’t exist in the
Diaspora.” Ph. D. Suren Danielian, Director of the “Spyurk”
(“Diaspora”) Scientific-Educational Center, emphasized that the
Diasporan Communities are worried about the continuing reduction of
the number of the Armenian schools and students. Armenian writers also
share this anxiety, and this problem was arisen once more during the
II Pan-Armenian Conference of Writers held in June. According to Suren
Danielian, “we lose the national school both in the Homeland and
Diaspora”. At the same time, he expressed hope that the conference to
be held in Tsakhkadzor in late August will elaborate concrete programs
in this direction. S. Danielian also reported that for the first time
seven teachers from Iraq also participate in the training on the
raising of the level of skill. After surmounting numerous obstacles,
they were able to come to Armenia with faith that the Armenian schools
will be opened in Iraq in September again and they will continue their
cause.