Author: Kharatian Ani

Czech News Agency (CTK)
September 7, 2005

Czech Republic 4 Armenia 1 in soccer world cup qualifier

This is the result of a soccer world championship qualifier played
today:

Czech Republic 4 Armenia 1 (0-0)

Scorers: 52. and 76. Polak, 48. Heinz, 58. Baros – 85. A. Hakobyan.
Yellow cards: Hovsepyan, Tadevosyan. Referees: Hansson – Petersson,
Ekstrom (Sweden). Attendance: 12,015.

Line-ups:

Czech Republic: Blazek – Grygera, Rozehnal (70. Sivok), Ujfalusi –
Galasek – Poborsky, Heinz, Polak, Skacel (46. Smicer) – Koller, Baros
(80. Jun). Coach: Bruckner.

Armenia: Berezovsky – Hovsepyan, Arzumanyan, Dochoyan, Tadevosyan
(63. Melikyan) – V. Aleksanyan, Khachatryan (71. Tigranyan),
Lazarian, K. Aleksanyan – A. Hakobyan, K. Hakobyan (58. G.
Petrosyan). Coach: Wisman.

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network
(CENN)

Weekly Digest

Septembet 8, 2005

News from Georgia

Illegally Cut Forest Was Found At Woodworking Workshop in Adigeni Region

Source: Primenewsoline.com, August 27, 2005

Employees of Akhaltsikhe tax inspection have found 3 thousands of
illegally
cut forest on 85 thousands GEL at woodworking workshop in Adigeni
region.
The chief of tax inspection of Akhaltsikhe region Gela Londaridze :
<; more

This Summer Majority of Tourists Came from Armenia

Source: Business News, August 29, 2005

According to the Armenian-Georgian Association of Business Cooperation,
at
least 10,000 Armenian tourists have traveled to Georgia’s Black Sea
region
of Ajara this year and yet more are likely to do so next year. They were
attracted by not only the relatively low cost of the Ajarian seaside
resorts
but also by the virtual eradication of police corruption on Georgia’s
roads.

Georgian President Michael Saakashvili welcomes Armenian tourists and
breaking the border obstacles. Spending a `day off’ in Batumi on August
15
Saakashvili met Armenian journalists. The president stated that next
year
<; more

Structural Reforms to be Carried out in the Ministry of Agriculture and
Foodstuffs of Georgia

Source: Business News, August 29, 2005

The ministry of Agriculture and Foodstuffs will undergo structural
reforms.
Mikheil Svinomishvili, Minister for Agriculture and Foodstuffs of
Georgia
told the media.

According to him, at present a great number of economic functions are
placed
on the ministry, whereas the ministry is to define the policy of the
branch
alone.

Svimonishvili said the full structural reform of the Ministry would be
carried out in two stages
<; more

EU Grants EUR 20 Million to Georgia

Source: Civil ge, August 30, 2005

The European Commission has allotted a grant of EURO 20 million to
Georgia,
within the Food Security Programme, the Georgian Finance Ministry
reported.
On August 30, 2005 Georgian Finance Minister Lekso Aleksishvili and the
Head
of the European Commission :
<; more

Missing Factor in Agriculture Equation: Farmable Land Plots

Source: The Messenger, August 31, 2005

In the early 1990s when urban industries practically ground to a halt,
leaving the population in conditions of dire poverty, many rushed to
leave
the country, though others headed to the villages to pursue agriculture.
To
this day most Georgians labeled “self-employed” are engaged in
cultivating
the land. But in recent years, the opposite trend :
<; more

Tourist Boom for Ajara

Source: The Messenger, September 2, 2005

0ne of the Saakashvili administration’s key economic priorities is the
development of tourism in Ajara. The summer season is of special
importance
for this coastal region, as it provides much of the population with the
income they need to subsist on for the entire year.

Many believe that Ajarans were so quick to oppose their local despotic
leader Asian Abashidze in May of last year because they feared that the
conflict between the latter and the central government might have, along
with other negative consequences, ruined the 2004 tourist season.
<; more

A Bleak Future for Georgia’s Village Forests – Forest Destruction and
Environmental Degradation Around Georgia’s Rural Communities

Source: Mike Garforth, September 5, 2005

Anyone who spends most of their time in Tbilisi is accustomed to the
stark,
treeless landscapes around the city, so much so that they may think that
such an environment is normal, even healthy. You have to travel some
distance from the city before forest becomes a significant feature. Take
the
road main road north out of the city towards Kazbegi and only when you
get
beyond the monastery of Dzhvari do you begin to see forest stretching
out in
the distance on either side of the valley of the Aragvi River. Look up
to
Dzhvari and to the hills to the side and behind it and you will see a
once
forested landscape that has been destroyed by unsustainable logging
<; more

News from Azerbaijan

Purification Project Under Realization

Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag,
August 25, 2005

Ministry of Ecology & Natural Resources implements a project related to
purification of environment from persistent organic pollutants / POPs/.
Activities of implementation of 358 thousand dollars project :
<; more

Supsa Pipeline Utilized to Fill Ceyhan Reservoirs

Source: The Messenger. August 25, 2005

After several years and billions of dollars, construction on the “the
project of the century” – the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline – has
entered
its home stretch. In early August the 443-kilometerAzerbaijan section of
the
pipeline was filled and the stream of petroleum :
<; more

Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources Keeps on Implementing Pilot
Project on Bioplants

Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag,
August 29, 2005

Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources continues implementing pilot
project on introducing bioplants in some rural regions of Azerbaijan in
order to produce methane through fermentation :
<; more

Another Contract to be Discussed in Milli Majis

Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azertag,
August 29, 2005

Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic (Azerbaijan Parliament) is
recently
to discuss the contract on restoration, development and PSA of Surakhani
oil
deposit signed between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic
(SOCAR)
and Rafi Oil Company :
<; more

News from Armenia

Armenia RMENIAN PRESIDENT VISITS TSAKHKADZOR TOURIST CENTER TO GET FIRST
HAND VIEW OF CONSTRUCTIONS WORKS

Source: ARMINFO, August 25, 2005

Armenian President Robert Kocharyan visited Tsakhkadzor tourist center
yesterday to get first hand information on the construction works.

In particular, the president visited the third section of the ropeway in
Tsakhkadzor tourist center, which is some 3,000 meters height over the
sea
level. The construction meets the latest European standards :
<; more

NORWAY TO INVEST $10 MILLION IN SOUTH CAUCASUS

Source: ARMENPRESS, August 30, 2005

Foreign minister Vartan Oskanian received today Norway’s State Secretary
Kim
Trovick and discussed with him Armenian-Norwegian relations,
highlighting
his government’s readiness :
<; more

OSCE OFFICE PRESENTS PUBLICATION ON ARMENIAN ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

Source: ARMENPRESS, August 31, 2005

The OSCE Office in Yerevan and the NGO Environmental Public Advocacy
Center
(EPAC) presented a publication on the existing Armenian environmental
legislation.

“This publication will contribute to a greater awareness of legislation
amongst the population, which is key for its effective :
<; more

International News

International Civil Council to be founded to discuss radioactive waste
dump
at Ignalina nuclear power station

Source: éá Regnum, August 27, 2005

International forum “Lithuania – European Union: nuclear security
problem”
adopted a resolution Monday that calls leaders of the Baltic countries
and
European Union member-countries to consider alternative decisions of
Ignalina nuclear plant withdrawal. As a Regnum correspondent reports
from
the scene, the forum adopted a decision :
<; more

DEVELOPMENT: Are Water Wars a Fantasy, or a Future Reality?

Source: Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS), August 29, 2005

The Middle East, one of the world’s perennial war zones, has
traditionally
been blessed with a surfeit of oil and cursed by a scarcity of water.
The
irony, says one Arab diplomat half-jokingly, is that whenever
energy-rich:
<; more

Coastal territory of Lake Baikal to be inspected

Source: éá Regnum, August 30, 2005

Officials from the Russian Natural Resources Ministry and Federal
Service
for Supervision of Natural Resource Usage (FSSNRU) arrived in Irkutsk
Monday
to carry a complex examination of environmental law observance on the
territory inscribed on the World Heritage List. As Regnum was told :
<; more

SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO: Work on National Sustainable Development Strategy
Started

Source: SEEUROPE.NEt, August 30. 2005

The most NGO invited its partners, colleagues and the general public to
take
active participation in the preparation of the National Sustainable
Development Strategy of Montenegro (NSDS) and to contribute with their
ideas, visions, suggestions and criticism, to the improved :
<; more

Ozone Layer has Stopped Shrinking, US Study Finds

Source: Planet Ark, August 31, 2005

WASHINGTON – The ozone layer has stopped shrinking but it will take
decades
to start recovering, US scientists reported on Tuesday. They said an
international agreement to limit production of ozone-depleting chemicals
has
apparently worked, but the damage to ozone :
<; more

US States Fight EPA on Greenhouse Gases

Source: Planet Ark, August 31, 2005

Boston – A group of US states Tuesday challenged a July court ruling
upholding the Environmental Protection Agency’s refusal to regulate
greenhouse gas emission, a factor in global warming. Led by
Massachusetts
Attorney General Tom Reilly, the five states and the District of
Columbia
filed a petition asking the full US Court :
<; more

Tough regulations for new landfill site

Source: Environmental Agency, August 31, 2005

Strict conditions designed to protect the environment will be imposed
when a
new landfill site gets up and running near Gates head.

A permit to allow waste disposal at Path Head Quarry, at Ryton, was
today
(Wednesday) issued by the Environment Agency. But the permit comes with
a
series of stringent :
<; more

25 tones of fish confiscated from Maritime poachers

Source: Itar-Tass News Agency, September 1, 2005

Russia’s Maritime authorities confiscated more than 25 tonnes of seafood
from poachers, police said Thursday in a summary of the results of the
Putina-2005 operation against :
<; more

US Eases Air Pollution Rule to Boost Fuel Supply

Source: Planet ark, September 1, 2005

Washington – To make more fuel available in the wake of Hurricane
Katrina,
the Bush administration said on Wednesday it will waive certain air
pollution regulations for gasoline and diesel in all 50 states.

The temporary easing of regulations will end on Sept. 15, said Stephen
Johnson :
<;
more

EU Authorises GMO Rapeseed by Legal Rubberstamp

Source: Planet ark, September 1, 2005

Brussels – The European Union has approved a genetically modified (GMO)
rapeseed made by US biotech giant Monsanto, the fourth new authorization
after the EU’s biotech ban ended last year, the EU executive said on
Wednesday.

The rapeseed, known as GT73, is designed to resist the herbicide
glyphosate
and allow farmers to manage weeds better. It will be used :
<; more

NGO News

Meeting between the Journalist of Weekly Newspaper “Kviris Palitra”and
Local
Population of Bolnisi

On August 29, 2005 in Public Informational Center of Bolnisi the meeting
was
held between the journalist of the weekly newspaper “Kviris Palitra”,
Zviad
Chakvetadze and citizens of Bolnisi. The meeting also attended
representatives of local NGOs, of various services, departments and
correspondent of the newspaper “Akhali Verisa” (“New Version”).

In the republican and local newspapers articles, also in the TV programs
–
on “Rustavi -2” and “Imedi” (“Hope”) was mentioned that Madneuli
pollutes
the river Mashavera and results are already detrimental. There is no
life in
the river.

Basing on the investigation that Mr. Z. Chakvetadeze had conducted and
on
the results of the laboratory survey of river Mashavera done by
hydrochemical laboratory of Hydrometeorological Department, Mr. Z.
Chakvetadeze confirms that water in the river is not polluted:
<; more

Launched 9th August 2005 at IUFRO World Forestry Congress in Brisbane

Source: WWF, August 9, 2005

The importance of restoration continues to grow, and this book
integrates
the restoration of forest functions into landscape conservation plans.

WWF has made forest landscape restoration a key topic and priority for
its
environmental work, given its dual aims of conserving biodiversity :
<; more

Georgian NGOs to Sue Canargo?

Source: The Georgian Times, August 29, 2005

As Gary Bukhnikashvili,Gamgebeli (administrative head) of the Sagarejo
region, told MediaNews at the time, `As for deteriorating health
conditions
among Tskarostavi and Ninotsminda residents, the only thing l can say is
that those with Aldagi [health insurance] policies can undergo a free
medical examination in the Sagarejo regional polyclinics; however, I am
certain :
<;
more

Jobs, internships and Study Opportunities

Job Announcement

Source: The Messenger, August 31g, 2005

For the purposes of BP pipeline projects, and under the BP management
supervision, IRA Ltd is seeking to recruit a suitable qualified
individual
for the position of Field Safety Officer and Cost Accountant …
<; more

Seminars, conference and meetings

Georgia To Host International Veterinary Conference for the First Time

Source: Sarke Informational Agency, August 29, 2005

The international veterinary conference will be held in Georgia for the
first time :
<; more

Pentagon to Hold Caspian Sea Energy Security Conference in Germany

Source: SEEUROPE.NEt, August 30. 2005

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to hold an international conference
on
Energy Security in the Caspian Basin from September 26-28 in the south
German city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the German-based George C.
Marshall
European Center for Security Studies announced in a press release.
<; more

Conference – Promoting a Sustainable Energy Culture in Europe

Energy Services Ltd in conjunction with Cork City Council are organising
the
Energy Conference on 22-23 September in Cork, Ireland. To bring people
together to discuss the energy issues facing Europe both now and in the
future. The conference, titled ‘Promoting a Sustainable Energy Culture
in
Europe’ will provide a forum to discuss the issues, identify solutions
and
meet providers.
<; more

Announcements

Tender Announcement

Source: The Georgian Times, august 29, 2005

The Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of
Georgia
invites all interested persons to participate in the open tender for
purchasing hotel services for the participants of the international
conference :
<; more

Explore Georgia with Caucasus Travel-Borjomi-kharagauli national park

Source: The Messenger, August 19, 2004

The Borjomi-Kharagauli Protected Areas are situated in the central part
of
the Caucasus. This is a region where the humid climate of the Kolkheti
Plain
meets the dry mountain climate of Anatolia-North Iran. The soil is
mainly
composed :
<;
more

Explore Georgia with Caucasus Travel-highlands

Source: The Messenger, August 26, 2004

We will experience the Mtiuleti and Khevi Provinces, situated on the
slopes
of the Caucasus mountain range:
<; more

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KARABAKH SETTLEMENT NEAR?

A1+

| 17:01:28 | 06-09-2005 | Official |

Today Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan received the
delegation headed by OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign
Minister Dimitrij Rupel.

The head of the Armenian government highly appreciated the attention
paid by the OSCE leadership to the Karabakh conflict settlement
process. Andranik Margaryan confirmed Armenia’s official position,
according to which the OSCE Minsk Group possesses the potential
needed for the conflict settlement. In the Premier’s words, the
meeting held at the presidential level are efficient and should
continue without ruling out NKR’s participation in the negotiation
process. Andranik Margaryan supported Mr. Rupel’s opinion, who stated
of inadmissibility of opposing the principles of territorial integrity
and nation’s self-determination taking into account the peculiarities
of the conflicts.

According to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office the meetings and discussions
held within the visit framework have hastened the settlement process
despite the fact that are some difficulties connected with the
parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan.

Mr. Rupel also noted that he is informed of the reforms carried out
in Armenia and gave a high estimate to the process of adoption of
the constitutional amendments, which proves that Armenia is trying
to bring its legislative structures to the European standards.

OSCE CHAIRMAN NOTES CONVERGENCE OF OPINIONS ON KARABAKH DISPUTE

STA news agency, Ljubljana
6 Sep 05

Yerevan, 6 September: Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, the OSCE
chairman, was optimistic about Nagornyy Karabakh after talks with his
Armenian counterpart Vardan Oskanyan. There are signs of convergence
of views on the resolution of the conflict, but “the devil is in the
details,” he told the press in Yerevan on Tuesday [6 September].

The Armenian foreign minister also stressed after talks with Rupel
that the two sides have come to a common denominator, but the details,
which he refused to discuss, remain open.

The Nagornyy Karabakh issue will not be resolved if the right of
nations to self-determination is not respected, Oskanyan said. Rupel
added that this principle as well as the principle of territorial
integrity have to be taken into account if a solution is to be reached.

Oskanyan moreover underlined that there is no military solution;
if there was one, it would have been found already, for Armenia won
the war for Nagornyy Karabakh twice. “It is better to focus on peace
negotiations… [ellipsis as received] than rely on the military
option.”

According to him, the fact that an oil pipeline will be built from
Azerbaijan’s Baku through Georgia and on to Turkey speaks in favour
of peace. If Azerbaijan were to opt for war, it would be in its own
interest only, he stressed.

[Passage omitted on background]

Asked about the possibility that the negotiations might stall due
to the November general election in Azerbaijan, Rupel noted that in
politics important decisions are not taken in the run-up to elections.

Meanwhile, he does not think that the planned Armenian referendum
on constitutional reform might affect the talks. “Preparatory work
can continue, but decisions will have to wait.” [Passage omitted –
already covered]

Today, Azerbaijan
Sept 6 2005

PREPARATIONS FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN SHOULD BE DONE MORE PROFESSIONALLY THAN PREVIOUS YEARS, CE SEC-GEN URGES

“The preparations for the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan
should be implemented in more professional way than the previous years
and discuss the issue with Azerbaijani leadership, Terry Davis, the
Council of Europe Secretary General, said in Heydar Aliyev airport
on 4 September.

Davis noted that his current visit to Baku was dedicated to appraisal
of the pre-elections situation in Azerbaijan and Karabakh conflict
would be left untouched.

“Now the organization of fair and democratic elections in Azerbaijan
is on focus. It is of paramount importance for the future of
Azerbaijan,” the CE Secretary General underlined. Besides, the
democratic elections could have positive impact on the process of
resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, he added. Till
recent period I had been closely involved in the settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of
the CE and today I attentively observe over the negotiation process,
said Davis, underlining the role of the OSCE Minsk Group.

In reply to question on possible reconsideration of a mandate of
the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation at the PACE in case the
elections fell short of democratic standards Davis voice his hope
that the preparations for the parliamentary elections would be more
professional as compared to previous ones and upon the announcement of
the results of elections the PACE will state its position on the issue.

Commenting on the CE position on the Armenian President tour of he
occupied Azerbaijani lands Davis said, “I arrived in Azerbaijan,
but not Armenia and I am not going to discuss the actions by Armenian
President Robert Kocharian.

Asked on possibility of a revolution in Azerbaijan Davis noted that
he did not came to Baku to support any political party, but assist
in the organization of fair and democratic elections. “Azerbaijan is
a democratic state and only the people of Azerbaijan have a right to
elect their government and the way of progress. I am sure that the
support will strengthen the interests in opening open elections,”
he underlined.

In the end Davis said that the forthcoming October session of
the PACE will not discuss the issue linked with the situation in
Azerbaijan. “As far as I know issues linked with the results of
the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan will be considered at a
Januarys session of the PACE, which is to mull reports by the OSCE
and different international organizations on the elections process
and results of voting,” CE Secretary General said.

URL:

ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN MILITARY EXERCISES START IN ARMENIA SEPTEMBER 13

Pan Armenian News
05.09.2005 03:41

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Servicemen of the Group of Russian Troops in
Transcaucasia (GRTT) and the Armed Forces of Armenia will take part
in planned joint exercises. Starting September 13 and continuing for
6 days these will be held in the territory of Armenia. “They will
be rather large-scale exercises and these are held in compliance
with the plan the two countries have agreed over.” GRTT Commander,
major general Andrey Popov will arrive in Armenia on the occasion of
the exercises, reported Interfax.

Armenia Fund Inc.
111 North Jackson St. Ste. 205
Glendale, CA 91206
ph: 818-243-6222
fx: 818-243-7222
[email protected]

For Immediate Release ~ September 1, 2005
Contact: Sarkis Kotanjian

Flora Family Foundation Donates $15,000 to AFI
Funds to benefit the Armenian Archeological Institute

Glendale, CA – Armenia Fund Western US Region is proud to announce
the donation of $15,000 by the Flora Family Foundation to benefit
the Armenian Archeological Institution’s publications program in the
Republic of Armenia.

Upon the recommendation of Dr. Herant Katchadourian of Palo Alto,
California the Flora Family Foundation entrusted AFI with the
implementation of its project in Armenia.

“We are grateful to the Flora Family Foundation for its commitment
to preserve the work of the Armenian Archeological Institute through
the development of an efficient publications program, which will
educate our public for many years to come,” said Maria Mehranian,
chairperson of Armenia Fund Inc. in Western US Region.

The Armenian Archeological Institute is dedicated to creating public
understanding about Armenia’s rich culture past while supporting
research and study. The publications program will allow the Institute
the opportunity to publish significant finds, inform the world of
Armenia’s vast traditions and legacies as well as promote archeological
interest in the region.

Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Flora Lamson Hewlett
(1914-1977) received her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the
University of California in 1935 and married William R. Hewlett,
founder of Hewlett-Packard in 1939, with whom she had five children
and twelve grandchildren.

Ms. Hewlett devoted much of her time and energies to public
service. Her main philanthropic activities centered on the William
and Flora Hewlett Foundation. She was also a member of the Board
of Trustees of Stanford University; a Trustee of the San Francisco
Theological Seminary; the founder of the Flora Lamson Hewlett
Library at the Graduate Theological Union; and, an elder of the
First Presbyterian Church in Palo Alto. Ms. Hewlett served on
the Executive Committee of the World Affairs Council of Northern
California and as a director of California Tomorrow, a statewide
environmental organization.

The family of William and Flora Lamson Hewlett, for whom the
Foundation is named, established the Flora Family Foundation,
which is incorporated as a private foundation in 1998 in the State
of California. All of the Foundation’s grant making is done on a
strictly invitational basis.

For more information on the Flora Family Foundation, visit
For more information on Armenia Fund – US Western
Region, visit or call 818.243.6222.

Armenia Fund – US Western Region is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
corporation and an affiliate of the “Hayastan” All-Armenia Fund
(HAAF). Established in 1994 to facilitate humanitarian assistance
to Armenia and Karabakh, HAAF has administered over $120 million in
humanitarian, rehabilitation and construction aid in the Republic of
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh through the united efforts of Armenian
communities internationally.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]:

PRESS RELEASE

30-08-2005

Minister Vartan Oskanian receives Rafael Bielsa, Minister of Foreign
Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina

August 30, 2005

On August 30, Minister Vartan Oskanian received Rafael Antonio
Bielsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship
of Argentina.

Greeting the distinguished guest and highly evaluating the level of
Armenian-Argentinean relations, Minister Oskanian emphasized the role
of the current visit, for enhancing bilateral ties. Sides touched upon
Armenian-Argentinean current relations and the perspectives of future
developments. Both ministers underlined the necessity for political
dialogue on the issues of bilateral interests and for holding regular
high-level visits.

Emphasis was put on the essential role of the Armenian community of
Argentina, in the strengthening of existing friendly relations between
the two nations. In this context, Minister Oskanian appreciated
the increase of Argentinean investment in the economy of Armenia
especially in regards to the renovation of Zvartnots International
Airport by E.Ernekian, the director of “Corporacion America”.

Several international issues were also discussed, particularly the
position of the two countries regarding UN reforms. Minister Oskanian
briefed his counter-part on the recent developments of the Nagorno
Karabakh peace process.

Sides noted the necessity of opening an Argentinean embassy in Armenia
and the potential benefits to Armenian-Argentinean political, economic
and commercial relations.

The meeting ended with the signing of an Agreement between the
Governments of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Argentina
on Cooperation in the field of plant protection and phytosanitary
quarantine.

CICEK UNMOVED ON ARMENIAN CONFERENCE – PART II
Kemal Balcý
The New Anatolian / Ankara

New Anatolian, Turkey
Aug 30 2005

Cicek: My opinion hasn’t changed about the Armenian conference.

Justice Ministry’s Cicek calls on nationalists to protest against
the conference.

Claiming that irresponsible broadcasts and reports by the media have
provoked social tension based on ethnic discrimination, Cicek said
that the govt has remained silent to prevent such incidents and to
keep them out of the public eye

Justice Minister Cemil Cicek said that he hasn’t changed his mind
about the Armenian Conference, postponed in April and now scheduled
for next month bringing the issue to for once more. Cicek remarked
that such a tendentious and a narrow-scoped conference couldn’t be of
a scientific approach. The minister is imploring those who deny the
“genocide” to protest against the conference, as well as political
parties and associations with “nationalism” in their names. He also
wants scientists and intellectuals to follow suit. Defending the idea
that irresponsible broadcasts and reports by the media have provoked
social tension over Turkish-Kurdish discrimination, Cicek clarified
why the government has remained silent on these events saying that it’s
an attempt to prevent such incidents and to keep them off the agenda.

The justice minister spoke to TNA:

TNA: You protested against the Armenian conference by saying that
it’s tendentious and succeeded in postponing it. However now the
conference will be held at the personal request of the premier. What
do you think about what’s happened?

CICEK: No, no. I don’t ever get involved in disputes with the prime
minister. I’m a man of my word. That conference wasn’t aiming
to search for the truth. Now we’ll have another opportunity to
see whether it’s tendentious or whether it encompasses different
opinions. When the conference was again brought to public attention,
I phoned many people. For instance, I called Yusuf Halacoglu (head of
the Turkish Historical Society, TTK) and he said that he hadn’t been
invited. What’s this conference supposed to be then? Is a gathering
of those who share the same idea or a search for truth? This is what
I think.

TNA: The government seems to be indulging in a bit of opportunism.
It’s trying to use the conference as a platform that could reshape
Turkey’s image before Oct. 3.

CICEK: No, no. I’m just giving my opinion and I’ll go on talking. The
“genocide” claims will be irresponsibly imposed on this country and
in return no one will have a say. I wonder for how long the public
will go on like this without saying anything. If there are people
who are offended by the so-called Armenian genocide, then they should
say so. I don’t think that people have voiced their opinions enough.

TNA: You’re calling on the public to protest against the conference.
However, isn’t there a chance that you’ll provoke them?

CICEK: All of my statements are made within the legal framework.
Everyone should get up and say out loud what they think in a civilized
manner. It’s not enough for just one person to voice an opinion on
everyone’s behalf. People should voice their opinions within legal
boundaries. I mean, the public shouldn’t wait for the justice minister
to lash out.

TNA: Have you ever discussed this issue with Foreign Minister and
Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul?

CICEK: No, he issued his own statement. He said that he would attend
the conference if its participation were widened. What he means by
‘widened participation’ doesn’t concern the number of those there but
rather the variety of participants’ opinions. Let’s see whether or
not different opinions will be represented at the conference. Until
now though there’s been no indication of this. Why would this be Cemil
Cicek’s issue? There are hundreds of historians and academics in this
country. Everyone should voice their opinions, without affronting
others or proposing illegal activities, to show their sensitivity to
the issue. There are parties and associations which have “nationalist”
phrases in their names and people who have adopted nationalistic
views. They shouldn’t take this lying down.

TNA: What do you expect from Oct. 3?

CICEK: We’re waiting for the talks to be set out. It’s expected to be
a very tough period. If those against Turkey’s full European Union
membership come to power then things will be harder than before.
However we’ve been given a promise by the EU. They go back on their
word. We believe that the accession talks will start.

TNA: If the negotiations don’t start, does Turkey have any other
options than the EU?

CICEK: We haven’t come to that point yet so it’s inappropriate to
comment on it. Otherwise we would be opening the way for those who
are anti-Turkey. We’ve kept our promises. If they don’t keep theirs
then how can they talk about modern values?

TNA: As discussed at the last National Security Council (MGK) meeting,
are you worried about potential threats to our neighbors Iran and
Iraq in the short term?

CICEK: Every development in Iraq already concerns Turkey. Developments
in Iran not only concern Turkey but the whole world, such as the use
of atomic energy. Our desire is to establish peace through meetings
without causing tension. I think this is what globalization means. Even
when you don’t have any effect on or have contribution to make to
an issue, the consequences could also affect you. For instance, if
you’ve predicted that a barrel of petrol will cost a maximum of $40
while drawing up the budget, but it shoots up to $70 a barrel, you
could be negatively affected by the increase in price, especially as
Turkey is a petrol importer. They’re our neighbors and developments,
whether good or bad, affect us too. We always hope for the best.

TNA: There’s been serious public tension recently. Does it concern you?

CICEK: Even if there is a problem, if you exaggerate it, the problem
will become grow out of proportion. The media has real responsibility
on this issue. If you repeat reports of an event 50 times, exaggerating
them, then people may be provoked. I’m not accusing the media but
they have a big role in raising or lowering tension. If events are
reported on without being exaggerated, then they’ll remain local and
the problem can be solved by the security forces. The same scenes of
incidents are broadcast at least 50 times a day on TV programs. There
are some programs that behave irresponsibly. Of course, we [political
figures] have also made some irresponsible statements.

TNA: Don’t you think that the government is partly responsible for
some of this? The government gives the impression that it’s out of
touch with the public and appears to underestimate incidents based
on ethnic discrimination which are spreading regionally.

CICEK: No, this isn’t true. How can you conclude that we haven’t
noticed? Asking questions is easy but the answers aren’t always
that easy. You can’t drive me into a corner with your questions! A
statement such as that, claiming we didn’t take heed of incidents,
is all wrong. If you place too much focus on an issue, then you’re
leaving the door wide open for an issue to be overexposed. Medical
experts once warned me, while I was preparing an anti-drug campaign,
that if the publicity was overdone then it could backfire and have a
reverse effect. If we discuss this issue too much then we could well
increase the number of such incidents.

–Boundary_(ID_30CYIPqygssSFVJoPCxAew)–

UNDERGROUND SHOP ON PRODUCTION OF ARARAT BRANDY IN MOSCOW LIQUIDATED

MOSCOW, AUGUST 24. ARMINFO. An underground shop engaged in production
of Ararat brandy in Moscow has been liquidated.

According to the Department for Information and Public Relations of
Moscow Department for the Interior, operative and investigation
operations exposed the shop in Balashikh in the territory of the
parking and construction cooperative “Parkovaya-2,” RBC
reports. Certain 22 and 16 year-old residents of Balashikh were
engaged in the production and bottling of the false brandy under
trademark Ararat. 452 bottles were confiscated for 350,000 RUR. A
criminal cases was initiated on the given fact on Article 180 of the
Criminal Code of RF (il legal use of trademark).