Author: Mamian George

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:

PRESS RELEASE

January 27, 2005

Hamlet Gasparian, Foreign Ministry Spokesman, answers question by Armenpress
News Agency

Question: Yesterday the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
heard the “Atkinson Report” on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and passed a
resolution. What is your assessment?

Answer: At the outset, it must be said that we value highly the Council of
Europe’s efforts aimed at the South Caucasus, and in particular, at
establishing stability and long-term peace in the region. At the same time,
notwithstanding its positive points, the Atkinson Report was, in our view,
generally faulty, since it focused on the consequences of the conflict,
without delving into its causes. Further, we believe that the process of
amending the report was not an objective one. One of our amendments, which
even had the support of the Rapporteur himself, did not pass because of the
Turkish chairman of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Political Affairs Committee.

Nevertheless, we welcome the various principles which are reaffirmed in the
document by PACE. Specifically, that Resolution reaffirms that independence
and secession of a regional territory “may only be achieved through a lawful
and peaceful process based on democratic support by the inhabitants of such
territory” as well as that “the problem cannot be resolved by use of
military force, that the status and future of a population must be
determined by that population.”

We also consider important the amendment which had (which was our proposal):
the PACE reminder of the obligation which Armenia assumed upon Council of
Europe membership – to use its influence with the Armenians of Nagorno
Karabakh in order to achieve a resolution to the conflict. This effectively
reinforces the understanding that the conflict is between Azerbaijan and
Nagorno Karabakh.

Still, this document is not a binding document. It is of an advisory and
declarative nature. The negotiations will continue within the Minsk Group
framework, and we believe that the positive and negative aspects of the
Resolution cannot have a specific affect on the actual negotiations.

PanArmenian News
January 24, 2005

“ARE THERE GUARANTEES THAT RESULTING FROM NEW WAR AZERBAIJAN WILL NOT
SPEAK OF 40% OF ITS TERRITORY?” DASHNAKTSUTYUN PARTY REPRESENTATIVE
ASKS

25.01.2005 16:19

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “For some reason it always seems to Azerbaijan (and
it was so initially), that it can win the war. This mistake is being
more and more hard introduced to the consciousness of the Azeri
society via various propaganda means. If today Azerbaijan speaks of
20% of its territory, are there any guarantees that resulting from
the new war it will not speak of 40%? Who can provide these
guarantees to the people of Azerbaijan? Let those Azeris, who by
their aggressive statements exacerbate the hostility between the
peoples, think about it.” Dashnaktsutyun Party Supreme Body
representative, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Permanent
Commission of the National Assembly of Armenia Armen Rustamian stated
it when answering a question by a reader of Yerkir newspaper on what
will happen if a war begins today. Besides he noted that the package
Azerbaijan has constantly come against was formed just through the
fault of Baku. As stated by the Dashnaktsutyun representative, the
issues of refugees and territories also arose due to Azerbaijan’s
aggression. “Today Azerbaijan tries to put the whole blame for the
mentioned consequences on the Armenian party and suggests deciding
these issues first and then the question of the status. As the
problem seems to be this way and in addition in a form of an
ultimatum, which means: “either a scenario favorable to me, or a
war,” we always find ourselves at the verge of resumption of the
war,” A. Rustamian said.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Jan 25 2005

PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV RECEIVED FOREIGN MINISTER OF
IRAN KAMAL KHARRAZI
[January 24, 2005, 12:05:30]

On January 24, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received
in his residence in Teheran the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran
Kamal Kharrazi.

Mr. Kamal Harrazi, warmly having welcomed the President of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev and having noted, that is glad to each meeting with him,
has emphasized, that the first official visit of the head o
Azerbaijan state to Iran would promote all-round development of
relations between two countries and create fundamental change in
mutual relations. Having reminded about constant development of the
Azerbaijani-Iranian links, he has told: `There are new opportunities
for the further expansion of cooperation of our countries in all
spheres, in particular, in the field of power, communications,
transport. The Minister has noted that realization of significant
projects, including the important projects connected with automobile
and railways, will represent essential value for Azerbaijan and Iran,
and also other countries of region.

President Ilham Aliyev, with satisfaction having touched on the first
official visit to Iran, having emphasized, that considers very useful
the negotiations in Tehran, also underlining that began a new stage,
ample opportunities for cooperation between two countries in all
areas. Having touched ancient historical, national-moral, religious,
cultural affinity of the two peoples, the head of Azerbaijan state
has emphasized perceptivity of mutually advantageous relations in all
areas, has noted importance of realization of practical steps for the
further expansion of relations.

At the meeting, also were exchanged views on the questions connected
to the North-South transport corridor, on economic projects, as a
whole, position in region, definition of the status of the Caspian,
peace settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh
conflict, and also on a number of the important questions
representing interest for both countries.

ATPtennis.com
Jan 24, 2005

Hewitt Survives Nadal Test
Local favorite Lleyton Hewitt outlasted Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal in a
thrilling five-set encounter on Monday in Melbourne. The Australian edged
through 7-5, 3-6, 1-6, 7-6(3), 6-2 and will next meet David Nalbandian for a
spot in the last four. In a match that finished just after 2am local time,
Nalbandian ousted compatriot Guillermo Coria in four sets. Andy Roddick
advanced to the quarterfinals for the eighth time in his past 10 Grand Slam
tournaments after defeating German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-6(6), 6-1.
Roddick will next face Nikolay Davydenko, who looked impressive in his 6-3,
6-4, 6-3 defeat of Argentine Guillermo Cañas. On Sunday, Andre Agassi
withstood a world-record 51 aces from Joachim Johansson Sunday to set up an
enticing quarterfinal showdown with Roger Federer.

SCIENTISTS OF RA NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES CONDEMN ELIZABETH JONES’
STATEMENT

YEREVAN, January 20f (Noyan Tapan). The January 13 statement of
Elizabeth Jones, Assistant US Secretary of State for Europe and
Euroasia, concerning Nagorno Karabakh isn’t accidental and may have
grave consequences for the solution of this conflict. This is the
general opinion of the scientists of National Academy of Sciences of
Armenia reflected in the January 20 statement. The leading scientists
of the country and representatives of mass media participated in the
discussion and adoption of the draft statement. Nikolay Hovhannisian,
Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of RA National Academy
of Sciences, Academician Konstantin Gharagyozian, Director of the
Institute of Molecular Biology of RA National Academy of Sciences,
Academician Lenser Aghalovian, Director of the Institute of Mechanics
of RA National Academy of Sciences, Ashot Melkonian, Director of the
Institute of History of RA National Academy of Sciences, Academician
Vladimir Khojabekian, Director of the Institute of Economy, and others
were deeply convinced that speaking about the Karabakh conflict Mrs
Jones pursued certain political goals aimed at protection of
Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s interests. It was emphasized that the
position of the official Washington differs from the above-mentioned
statement. As Nikolay Hovhannisian reminded, we should take into
consideration the fact that the statement was made by a person
relieved of the post occupied by her. The scientists expressed deep
anxiety about Russia, which, in their affirmation, should speak not
only in protection of the interests of its ally but also its own
interests. “The interests of Russian Federation are touched upon here,
Russia is directly accused of the fact that it doesn’t hamper
spreading of narcobusiness and terrorism in the post-Soviet area. I am
surprised that Russia keeps silence ,” Ashot Melkonian said in his
speach. The statement also said that Elizabeth Jones’ statement
doesn’t stand any scientific criticism being slanderous in its
essence. The scientists demand more responsible, well-considered
approaches concerning estimations of conflicts from the diplomatic
circles of US.

GOMIDAS INSTITUTE RELEASES NEW BOOK ON GERMAN INVOLVEMENT IN ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE

LONDON, January 19 (Noyan Tapan). The “Gomidas” Institute of London
released a anew book on the German involvement in the 1915 Armenian
Genocide in the “Garod House” publishing house. The author of the book
entitled “Eberhard Count Wolffskeel Von Reichenberg, Zeitoun, Mousa
Dagh, Ourfa: Letters on the Armenian Genocide” is Dr. Hilmar Kaiser, a
German historian specializing in late Ottoman social and economic
history and the Armenian Genocide of 1915. His publications include
Imperialism, Racism and Development Theories: The Construction of a
Dominant Paradigms on Ottoman Armenians (Gomidas Institute, 1997); At
the Crossroads of Der Zor: Death, Survival, and Humanitarian
Resistance in Aleppo, 1915-1917 [2nd Edition] (Gomidas Institute,
2002); Harry Sturmer, Two War Years in Constantinople Sketches of
German and Young Turkish Ethics and Politics [Revised and Complete
Edition (Hilmar Kaiser ed. and intro.) (Sterndale Classics, 2004);
Abram I. Elkus, the Memoirs of Abram Elkus: Lawyer, Ambassador,
Statesman (Gomidas Institute, 2004). Eberdard Von Wolffskeel was the
only German officer who served in Ottoman uniform known to have been
directly involved in the killing of Armenians. He personally led the
attack on the Armenian quarter of Ourfa, and showed exceptional zeal
when doing so. He was a callous man, and a racist, and took great
pride in his military prowess and his lack of compassion for Armenian
victims. His involvement in crushing the Armenian resistance in Ourfa
– when this community’s turn came to be deported and destroyed – makes
particularly disturbing reading. His letters to his wife provide us
with invaluable insights into the Armenian Genocide and German policy
in 1915.

KLAS TV, Nevada
Jan 22 2005

NV Lawmakers Have Power to Stop Girls’ Deportation

(Jan. 21) — Eyewitness News first broke the story of two Las Vegas
teens that could be sent back to Armenia on Tuesday. Since then, we
have been closely reporting the developments. Late Friday afternoon a
federal judged made an important ruling in the case.

These two girls essentially grew up in Las Vegas. Their parents
immigrated here 14 years ago. The father has a green card, but the
girls and their mother do not. Now, the government wants to send the
girls back to Armenia. But they know nothing about the country
because they are fully Americanized.

Immigration officials detained 18-year-old Emma Sarkisian and her
17-year-old sister Mariam as they sought to gain residency at a Las
Vegas immigration office last Friday. They are now in Southern
California waiting to be deported.

The government is keeping their location quiet. But a source close to
the case confirms with Eyewitness News the girls are being detained
at a Best Western hotel. Security guards watch over their every move
— 24 hours a day.

Family attorney Troy Baker said, “They have very little information
coming to them. They don’t know what’s going to happen in any given
minute. They’re being whisked back and forth from hotels to detention
cells without any knowledge of what’s going on.”

Troy Baker wants Emma and Mariam released on bail until a judge
decides whether they should be deported. It would allow the girls to
resume their lives and allow Mariam go back to school at Palo Verde
High School.

Late Friday afternoon, on the third floor of the Las Vegas federal
courthouse, six attorneys, three on each side, argued the girls’
futures. The judge ruled in the government’s favor, keeping the girls
in custody.

“And so we have to pull out all the stops on this case. We have to
appeal to the public sentiment. We have to appeal to the powers that
be,” Baker stated. And Baker says his team has to appeal to
politicians as well.

There is one big wildcard in all of this and it falls squarely on the
shoulders of Nevada lawmakers. They do have the ability to stop the
deportation and allow the girls to live here permanently — all with
the stroke of a pen. It’s called a private bill. Any congressperson
or senator can make one. It overrides immigration laws and would give
the girls special federal protection.

Attorney Baker says, “Essentially it gives them the right to stay
here indefinitely and stops all the proceedings and they cannot be
harassed any further on this issue.”

Private bills are rare. There were only five last year. It is
basically a private federal law granting citizenship to a specific
person. It has to pass in both Houses of Congress and be signed by
President Bush.

But the Sarkisian’s lawyers believe it is possible since Senator
Harry Reid is now the minority leader. They hope to meet with the
senator next week.

I SING NATIONAL SONGS

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
22 Jan 05

Lusine Gasparian, 22 years old. Third year student at the music
college after Sayat-Nova in Stepanakert, the class of vocal. Finished
the lyceum after Aram Manougian in Shoushi and the course of the
musical instrument kanon (Armenian folk instrument) of the music
school. Works at the folk ensemble `Menk enk, mer sarer’ and the folk
pop quartet `Vernatun’. In 2004 she was awarded the prize `Best Singer
of the Year’ by the NKR Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. We
present the interview with the young singer. – Who is Lusine and how
did she find her way? – I was born in Vayk. In 1992 my mother and
Imoved to liberated Shoushi. At school I sang and recited at school
performances. Oneday Sona Hovhannissian who was the director of the
dramatic theatre of Shoushi invited me to play the part of the Snow
White. I was in the ninth form whenI started working at the dramatic
theatre of Shoushi. Then I was given the part of Nastia in the
performance `Trouble from Caring Heart’, which was a good
role. Theatre gave me much in terms of perceiving and understanding
the stage. It lasted for a year. Then I entered the university, the
department of dentistry. – Why? – I did not want to oppose to the
wish of my mother because she is a doctor and wanted me to become
doctor. Frankly speaking I dreamed of becoming a singer but I liked
the profession of doctor too. My mother was able to persuade me. The
financial problem was the reason why I left the universityin the
second year and devoted myself to my dream. Besides, during the years
of study I worked at the dramatic theatre of Shoushi and the folk
ensemble `Menk enk, mer sarer’. – Was it the ensemble to find you or
you to find the ensemble? – I was singing in the ensemble of folk
instruments with Julia Arstamian. There were musicians in the ensemble
working at `Menk enk, mer sarer’ which needed young people. They
introduced me to the ensemble. The advice of singer Elmira
Harutiunian, my mother’s friend, helped me a lot. – That isto say, you
found your song and song found you. And your mother? Did she admit the
idea that you would become a singer? – With difficulty but she
admitted. – What genres do you like? – I like national music, be it
classical or folk. I do not like pop. It passes quickly, and the
national remains. – And what if it is national pop? I will sing it if
the melody and lyrics appeal to me. The quartet `Vernatun’ has a
modern approach to national music, both classical and folk. But the
basis, that is folklore, is preserved. Which of the two ensembles
where youwork is closer to you? – In the ensemble `Menk enk, mer
sarer’ the presence, the sounding of folk instruments attracts me. In
`Vernatun’ there are only two instrument, the kanon and the guitar. We
the singers complete them and create harmony. The thing to be done by
the instrument is done by the singer. Thatis to say, the singer is
given additional opportunities for self-expression. The two ensembles
are similar at the basis but they have different directions. And I
cannot give preference to any of them. – What kind of audience doyou
like? – I like audience of any age, any number, even few, but they
must understand me. – Do you feel the audience when singing? – I feel
it byan inner sense, a seventh sense. Their applause encourages
me. They make me work on myself, improve myself. – What other dream do
you have besides becoming a singer? – I think about continuing my
education, and achieving perfection. I do not burden my head with
dreams. I prefer to move and work in one direction than disperse
myself. – What are you like in life? – I neither want to praise
myself, nor to point out my disadvantages. My friends, relatives,
colleagues, my teacher Tigran Mkrtichian do that, and I believe
them. – Lusine does your mother come to your concerts? – Of course,
and she is proud of me. Once she said:`If God endowed you with voice,
then you chose the right way.’ `Nature was generous with Lusine,’ says
the art director of `Vernatun’ TigranMkrtichian. `The most important
is the tone of the voice which is a gift from above. This cannot be
worked out. Maestro only directs, cultivates taste. A singer is a live
instrument that has intelligence, heart and soul and must be educated
as a singer. She is devoted to her work. She is determined, which is
very important and produces good results. Lusine is a chamber
singer. Chamber art requires being highly cultured. You are alone on
the stage and you need taste and intelligence to perform a song. I
foresee a bright future for the singer. Lusine will become a singer
not only for herself but also for all of us, for the nation.’

NVARD SOGHOMONIAN.
22-01-2005

NEWS Press
20 janvier 2005

ONU : 148 Etats Membres pour la commémoration du 60e anniversaire de
la libération des camps nazis

ONU Organisation des Nations Unies

Pour la première fois dans l’histoire de l’ONU, l’Assemblée générale
a décidé de tenir, le lundi 24 janvier 2005, une session
commémorative extraordinaire. Il s’agit de la commémoration du 60e
anniversaire de la libération des camps de concentration nazis. Cette
décision a été approuvée par 148 des 191 Etats Membres. Elle marque
peut-être le début de la commémoration, à l’Assemblée, d’autres
événements.

En présence des représentants des pays qui ont pris l’initiative de
cette session extraordinaire – Australie, Canada, Etats-Unis,
Fédération de Russie, Israël, Nouvelle-Zélande et Union européenne -,
le Secrétaire général a souligné aujourd’hui, lors d’une rencontre
avec la presse, « l’importance qu’il attache à la commémoration du
60e anniversaire de la libération des camps de concentration nazis
dans une session extraordinaire de l’Assemblée générale ».

Cette commémoration aura, selon lui, « une signification profonde »
pour plusieurs raisons. « Premièrement, parce que la fondation de
l’Organisation des Nations Unies est une réponse directe à
l’Holocauste. Notre Charte a été écrite alors que le monde découvrait
l’horreur des camps », a-t-il rappelé.

« Deuxièmement, il est essentiel, pour chacun de nous, de nous
souvenir, de réfléchir et de tirer les leçons de ce qui s’est passé
il y a 60 ans. Le mal qui a mené à l’extermination de six millions de
Juifs dans ces camps menace encore aujourd’hui chacun d’entre nous.
Ce n’est pas quelque chose que nous pouvons reléguer à un passé
lointain et oublier. Chaque génération doit se tenir sur ses gardes
pour s’assurer qu’une telle chose ne se reproduise jamais plus »,
a-t-il expliqué.

« Troisièmement, cette session devra aussi être vue comme
l’expression de nos engagements à édifier une Organisation des
Nations Unies qui puisse réagir rapidement et efficacement à un
génocide et à d’autres violations graves des droits de l’homme. Bien
entendu, cette tche est loin d’être accomplie », a-t-il reconnu.

De son côté, Jean Ping, Président de l’Assemblée générale, a fait
remarquer que « c’était la première fois qu’une session commémorative
extraordinaire était organisée à l’Assemblée générale ». « C’est dire
l’importance de cette commémoration », a-t-il ajouté.

Le Président de l’Assemblée a par ailleurs expliqué qu’il fallait
l’accord d’une majorité des Etats Membres pour décider de la tenue
d’une telle session. Mercredi dernier, 148 Etats Membres sur 191 s’y
sont déclarés favorables.

Dans un message transmis le 11 janvier dernier par son porte-parole,
le Secrétaire général s’était déclaré « satisfait » d’annoncer qu’une
majorité d’Etats Membres avait donné son accord à la convocation de
cette session extraordinaire.

S’adressant à la presse, au Siège de l’ONU à New York, Tom Lantos,
réprésentant démocrate et membre de la Commission des relations
internationales au Congrès américain, avait rendu hommage « à la
détermination exprimée par le Secrétaire général de tout faire pour
réaliser la convocation de cette session » et s’était déclaré «
consterné par l’opposition de certains pays arabes à cette session »,
reflétant, selon lui, un manque de conscience et de perspective
historique « difficiles à comprendre dans la communauté
internationale ».

Répondant à la question d’un journaliste qui demandait aujourd’hui si
cette commémoration marquerait le début d’autres commémorations comme
celle par exemple du génocide arménien, le Secrétaire général a
avancé « qu’il serait possible qu’à l’avenir, les Etats Membres
commémorent d’autres événements ».

Parallèlement à la session extraordinaire de l’Assemblée générale,
deux expositions sont organisées au Siège de l’ONU à new York. «
Auschwitz, the depth of the Abyss » est une collection de
photographies et de peintures des camps d’Auschwitz et Majdanek. «
Afterwards, it’s just a part of you », inaugurée hier, montre des
photos prises par des groupes de jeunes qui ont visité les camps.

Azerbaijanis mark anniversary of riots with Soviet troops that killed
134

.c The Associated Press

BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) – Thousands of Azerbaijanis laid flowers and
wreaths along a memorial in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, Thursday to
mark the 15th anniversary of clashes with Soviet Army troops that
resulted in the deaths of more than 100 people.

The Jan. 19-20, 1990, clashes were some of the most violent to occur
in the months surrounding the breakup of the Soviet Union.

President Ilham Aliyev was joined by other government ministers and
lawmakers in visiting Martyrs’ Alley, a memorial to those killed in
the fighting, which also left nearly 800 people injured.

The riots came amid ethnic clashes between Azerbaijanis and Armenians
and followed a vote in neighboring Armenia to effectively take control
of the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. Amid spiraling violence, the
Soviet government imposed a state of emergency in Baku and deployed
some 11,000 troops to crack down on the protests.

Gudrat Gasanguliyev, a parliamentary lawmaker, said it was still
necessary to hold accountable those who ordered Soviet troops to
violently quell the unrest in 1990. Some Azerbaijanis have called for
former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to stand trial for the
deaths.

“Azerbaijan should find the courage to announce the guilt of Russia
in the events of January 20 and its participation in the occupation of
the territory of Azerbaijan,” Gasanguliyev said.

01/20/05 11:05 EST