CENN – September 29, 2004 Daily Digest

CENN – SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. EBRD Issues New Strategy for Georgia (27 September 2004)
2. NGOs Sign Ethics Code
3. Gazprom’s Involvement in Iran-Armenia Pipeline to be Discussed
4. Armenia to Consume 20% of Electricity Generated from Iranian Gas
5. RA Ambassador to US and Rector of University of Connecticut Discuss
Perspectives of Cooperation in the Sphere of Education
6. Complex Exercises Launched at NPP in Beloyarsk
7. Russian Gazprom to Participate in Iran-Armenia Gas Pipeline Project
8. Hunting and Fishing Tourism Planned to Develop
9. Ecologist Ferdinand Grigoryan to Take Home Know-How for Vanadzor
Nursery
10. Ecology and Economy in Harmony
11. Vacancy Announcement — Environmental Education Coordinator
12. Vacancy Announcement — Housing and Administration Assistant
13. Vacancy Announcement — Operations Technician
14. Vacancy Announcement — Fire & Safety Technician

1. EBRD ISSUES NEW STRATEGY FOR GEORGIA (27 SEPTEMBER 2004)

Georgia, among the poorest countries of the EBRD’s 27 countries of
operations, has achieved notable progress since the elections of a new
president and government earlier this year, the Bank says in its new
strategy for the country.

The new authorities have addressed key problem areas, namely those
affecting Georgia’s investment climate, such as organized crime and
corruption, governance and structural issues in vital sectors such as
energy and the weak external position with high foreign debt. The
government’s commitment, willingness and ability to reform are crucial
to meet the significant challenges the country faces.

Georgia forms part of the EBRD’s “Early Transition Countries” (ETC)
initiative launched this year to stimulate market activity in the Bank’s
poorest countries of operations. The initiative aims to stimulate market
activity by using a streamlined approach to financing more and smaller
projects, mobilizing more investment, and encouraging economic reform.
The initiative is part of an international effort to address poverty in
these members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (the former
Soviet Union). The Bank will accept higher risk in the projects it
finances in the ETCs, while still respecting the principles of sound
banking.

The EBRD has defined the following priorities in its new strategy for
Georgia:

In infrastructure the focus will be on power and energy, regional
transport, water utilities and telecommunications. New investments would
be considered mainly on a non-sovereign basis – meaning without a
guarantee from the national government – and only if accompanied by
appropriate regulatory and institutional reforms.

The Bank will expand funding of local enterprises, including micro,
small and medium-sized enterprises and larger private enterprises,
directly and through local banks.

In the financial sector, the EBRD will support existing and new partner
banks using the full range of debt instruments and will seek suitable
equity investments.

The Bank will intensify its policy dialogue with the authorities in an
effort to improve the investment climate for local and foreign
investors.

As of mid-2004, the EBRD has signed 35 investment projects in Georgia in
the energy, transport, agribusiness, general industry and banking
sectors worth more than ˆ240 million.

Press contact:
Axel Reiserer
Tel: +44 20 7338 775
E-mail: [email protected]

2. NGOS SIGN ETHICS CODE

Source: Messenger, September 28, 2004

A group of 40 Georgian NGOs signed a new professional code of ethics on
Sunday in the Sheraton Metechi Palace, giving themselves five silver
principles to follow for greater success.

As the chair of the Civil Development Center “Alternative” the NGO who
coordinated the work on the code, Irina Tsintdadze told the Messenger,
work on the code started in 2003.

A special group consisting of eight NGO representatives elaborated the
final draft, including current members of the government MP Giga Bokeria
, Minister of Education Kakha Lomaia and new Head of Poti Port Temur
Miminoshvili, all of whom led NGO prior to their governmental posts.

The project stemmed form the work of the Citizens Advocate Program
(CAP), a USAID funded project whose stated goal is to improve the
capacity of civil society organizations and help them “promote citizens”
interests and effectively advocate their cause”.

The NGOs who signed the code on Sunday and who will sign the code later
on will be monitored. In May, CAP will select award-winning NGOs based
on the criteria of the code.

The NGOs who signed the code now have “five silver principles” which
they must follow in their work. The principles call for NGOs to
publicize annual reports on their work. They also must regularly
organize financial audits. Information about the NGOs, its members and
financing must be open for public, and their activities must be
transparent as well as NGOs must have “a clear policy on the finances
and staff.”

Tsintsadze claims the code must not only call for punishment in case an
NGO does not follow the principles; she says there must also be awards
for outstanding NGOs as positive reinforcement.

Tsintsadze says that the Sunday presentation is far from the end of the
work, “It work has not ended with Sunday signing.” She adds that as the
code comes into force, the NGO will continue to analyze the sector, in
particular making a survey of NGO clients.

Georgia is the third post soviet country after Estonia and Armenia to
have such an ethic code for NGOs. MP Levan Berdzenishvili, who
participated in establishing the Estonian code, provided consultations
for those creating the Georgian ethnical code as well.

“We are creating standards for NGOs so that people can evaluate our
job,” Tsintsadze told The Messenger. She says the NGOs who signed the
code will create “a network” and exchange information.

The goal of the code is to increase the responsibility of the NGOs
towards society, to make their financial activity more transparent and
to perfect the norms of management of NGOs.

Tsintsadze adds six more NGOs expressed their intention to sign the
code. She says the presentation of the code will be held in the regions
in order “to make the regional NGOs interested in signing code” as well.

3. GAZPROM’S INVOLVEMENT IN IRAN-ARMENIA PIPELINE TO BE DISCUSSED

Source: Interfax, September 27, 2004

The Russian-Armenian inter parliamentary commission on economic
cooperation is planning to discuss the involvement of Russia’s Gazprom
in the construction of the gas pipeline connecting Iran and Armenia in
mid-October, a source in the Armenian government told Interfax. Gazprom
intends to offer its cooperation on the construction of the 41 km long
Armenian section of the pipeline connecting the town of Megri (located
on the Iranian border) to the town of Kadzharan (320 km southeast of
Yerevan) and also on the reconstruction of the pipeline connecting
Kadzharan and Yerevan (which has a pipe diameter of 500 to 700 mm).

The cost of building the Armenian section of the pipeline exceeds the
$30 million loan provided for this purpose by the Export Development
Bank of Iran, which increases Gazprom’s chances of participating in the
project

4. ARMENIA TO CONSUME 20% OF ELECTRICITY GENERATED FROM IRANIAN GAS

Source: Interfax, September 27, 2004

Armenia plans to consume up to 20% of the electricity it generates from
Iranian gas, Armen Movsesian, the Armenian energy minister, told
reporters.

Armenian officials earlier said Armenia would export all the electricity
it generates with Iranian gas to Iran and, possibly, to Georgia.

The Energy Ministry said it would export 3 kilowatt-hours of electricity
to Iran for 1 cubic meters of gas received from Iran.

Armenia and Iran have signed a $30-million credit agreement to finance
the construction of the Armenian section of the Iran-Armenia gas
pipeline. The pipeline is 141 km long, inducing 41 km in Armenia and 100
km in Iran. The total cost of the project is estimated at $210-$220
million. The pipeline is expected to be launched before January 1, 2007.

Gas should start to arrive in Armenia from January 2007 and will be used
at Armenian thermal power plants to produce electricity for export to
Iran. Iran will supply 36 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Armenia
over 20 years according to the document.

5. RA AMBASSADOR TO US AND RECTOR OF UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT DISCUSS
PERSPECTIVES OF COOPERATION IN THE SPHERE OF EDUCATION

Source: ARKA, September 27, 2004

Ambassador to US Arman Kirakosian and Rector of University of
Connecticut discussed perspectives of cooperation in the sphere of
education, RA MFA told ARKA. Kirakosian stated on his assistance to the
project of implementation of program of Armenian Studies in the
University of Connecticut. He noted the important role of this project
not only for traditional Armenian studies, but also in strengthening of
cooperation of Armenian and American experts and scientists from this
field. Kirakosian also read a lecture called “Present Condition and
Perspectives of Armenian-American Relations”.

At present administration of University of Connecticut discusses issues
on creation of regular chair of Armenian Studies. University created
special committee, one of which goals is to involve science potential of
Yerevan State University in given process.

6. COMPLEX EXERCISES LAUNCHED AT NPP IN BELOYARSK

Source: ITAR-TASS News Agency, September 28, 2004

Rosenergoatom Concern, that operates numerous nuclear power utilities
across Russia, launched complex exercises at the Beloyarsk nuclear power
plant near Yekaterinburg at 8.00 Moscow time on Tuesday. Over 500 people
take part in the two-day exercises.

Observers from the United States, France, China, Ukraine and Armenia
will monitor the exercises. The top managers and personnel of the
Beloyarsk NPP, specialists from the Rosenergoatom crisis management
centre and experts of the group for assistance to NPPs in emergencies,
as well as means and forces of the Ministry for Emergency Situations and
the Russian Defense Ministry take part in them.

The objective of the exercises is to improve operational interaction and
information exchanges in the course of clean-up operations after
possible emergencies at nuclear power plants and to test special
hardware and means of communication.

One reactor of the BN-600 series is now operational at the Beloyarsk
nuclear power plant. It is the world’s most powerful fast-neutron
reactor. Rosenergoatom specialists plan to use the spent nuclear fuel
imported into Russia in the fast breeders of the BN-600 type. The design
service life of Power Generating Unit 3 at the Beloyarsk NPP is 30
years, and it runs out in 2010.

The Beloyarsk nuclear power plant is now building its fourth power-
generating unit that will use a BN-800 breeder with s capacity of 800
megawatt. It will be commissioned in 2009.

7. RUSSIAN GAZPROM TO PARTICIPATE IN IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE PROJECT

Source: IRNA, Iran, September 27, 2004

Inter-parliamentary commission of Russia- Armenia in economic
cooperation is to consider next month the participation of Gazprom firm
in construction of the gas pipeline between Iran and Armenia.

An informed source in Armenian government told Interfax News Agency on
Monday that the Russian Gazprom Company intends to offer its cooperation
for construction of 41 kilometers of the pipeline in the Armenian
territory.

According to the aforementioned source the expenditure of construction
is around 30 million dollars that will be financed by a loan from
Iranian Bank of `Export promotion `.

Interfax News Agency said Iran and Armenia signed an agreement on May
2004 to establish a consortium to provide gas for Armenia. According to
the agreement Iran will provide 36 billion cubic meters of gas for
Armenia in 20 years period. Meanwhile, it is possible that the
agreement be renewed for another 5 years and the amount of gas be
increased to 47 billion cubic meters.

The construction work in Iran side started in mid-July and in Armenia
side will start by the end of October.

8. HUNTING AND FISHING TOURISM PLANNED TO DEVELOP

Source: ArmenPress, September 28, 2004

Conditions for hunting of moufflons and wild goats are created in Vayots
Dzor that is possible due to increased reproduction rates, Natural
Resources Management Agency head Artashes Ziroyan told Armenpress. “We
should think about providing for reproduction and sale of international
demanded species,” he said, adding that in case of a desired level of
reproduction is secured, hunting of bears, especially of old males, may
also be organized.

According to A. Ziroyan, the initiative aims to create preconditions for
development of hunting tourism in Armenia, supported by an Italian
company. In his words, hunting tourism is becoming a matter of
discussion for the Armenian government.

“There are some animals in Red Book which may be put under limited
hunting in case their reproduction is properly secured. The money
collected from hunting will be re-directed back to their reproduction
and natural protection,” the agency head said, saying that the price of
one moufflon ranges from $4-6,000 in international market.

The ecotourism development project envisages also conditions for funs of
fishery who would like to travel to Armenia.

9. ECOLOGIST FERDINAND GRIGORYAN TO TAKE HOME KNOW-HOW FOR VANADZOR
NURSERY

Source: Armenian Mirror-Spectator, September 25, 2004

WATERTOWN, MA–Massachusetts’ forests, farms, nurseries and arboretums
have proved a fertile research laboratory for Armenian ecologist
Ferdinand Grigoryan, who is in the US for seven weeks, to learn and
collect information for Tsiatsan (Rainbow), the environmental NGO which
he founded in 1997.

Now working in partnership with the Armenia Tree Project (ATP),
Grigoryan has visited Levon Kachadoorian’s Everlast Nursery in
Leicester, Concord’s Walden Pond, Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, Mahoney’s
Rocky Ledge Nursery in Winchester, various supply stores and talked to a
local Armenian-American farmer, Krikor Soujian, about his corn crop.
Each visit has been an opportunity to study planting and cultivation
techniques, or to learn about how small retail nurseries work.

What he has absorbed he will take back to Armenia where Tsiatsan’s main
project will be to develop a 15-acre reforestation nursery in Vanadzor,
in the Lori district, which by 2006, is hoped to have the capacity to
produce one million trees a year. The goal is to plant trees that are
indigenous to Armenia such as maple, oak, linden, walnut and beech.

“Mainly, I am learning about how people care for the environment here,”
said Grigoryan in an interview at ATP’s headquarters. “The idea of
protecting the environment is still new in Armenia. There is a lot that
needs to be grasped, not just about protecting the environment, but new
growth techniques that can be applied in agriculture.”

Grigoryan will be taking seeds home for testing as well as books and
some specific implements such as sprinkler heads, which will be used in
the irrigation system at Vanadzor. But, it is education that will ensure
the long-term success of environmental and reforestation projects, he
said.

“Trees were being cut down at a great rate in the early ’90s, due to the
energy crisis. But people have learned that deforestation leads to
degradation of the soil and to erosion. We now have a program in the
Lori schools about environmental protection. We want to educate the
students to become stewards of the land,” he said.

To reach people who live in rural areas outside of Yerevan, Grigoryan
plans to produce a series of television programs on the environment to
air twice a month on community stations free of charge.

“We especially need to train people who are dependent on the land. If
they cut down a tree, we are teaching them to plant a tree to replace
it,” said Grigoryan. “In this way, we can change people’s psychology.
Someone who has planted a tree is much less likely to cut it down.”

There are signs that Armenia is beginning to pay more attention to its
environment, said Grigoryan. “Some legislation has been passed, and the
Armenia Forestry Agency has been transferred from the Ministry of
Environmental Protection to the Ministry of Agriculture. All of these
ministries have a limited budget. But, as an NGO, Tsiatsan can have
access to the top professionals in Armenia, in topography and many other
fields.”

Also, Yerevan State University and more importantly, community colleges
are beginning to teach courses on ecology and protection of the
environment. And the Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) is encouraging their
members to help with environmental education in the schools.

He added, “The Armenia Tree Project has done a tremendous job in
Armenia. They are a great partner for us. There is no organization like
it.”

Grigoryan said he had a special appreciation for what has been
accomplished at Walden Pond. “I wanted to learn how natural forests are
being protected,” he said. “There is no cutting of trees there and when
erosion occurs, the problem is addressed immediately. I admire the way
the area has been conserved, and there is a relationship there between
the animals and people that I haven’t seen before.”

While he was here, Grigoryan visited St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary
School and invited the students to come to Armenia, meet students there
and work on the Vanadzor planting project.

Beyond planting trees, Grigoryan said, care and maintenance are
extremely important. He cited a recent case of the fir trees planted at
Echmiadzin in honor of all previous catholicoses. The trees died soon
after as a result of neglect.

“The NGO involved in the planting should have been responsible for the
maintenance. The trees were not watered properly. Yes, people should
have been educated to take care of them, but there should be
accountability,” he said.

Grigoryan concluded, “Each tree I plant is for the future and for future
generations. And each generation can do this. It’s very important. This
is the most important work of my life.”

10. ECOLOGY AND ECONOMY IN HARMONY

We believe that we can have a real, measurable and positive impact on
the biodiversity of the world. If you are a non-governmental
organization (NGO) or an environmental agency who thinks the same way,
please read on Building on last 2 years’ success BP is pleased to
announce the third Georgian Biodiversity Competition

The competition that is part of BP’s Biodiversity Strategy in Georgia
supports our commitment to undertaking a series of specific biodiversity
initiatives in the countries and areas where we operate.

The cost of the projects submitted for the competition should be in the
range of $5,000 – $20,000. These projects should:

o Deliver practical, long-term benefits
o Have potential for dual benefit for climate change and biodiversity
o Include sustainability initiatives
o Have identified ways of measuring performance and success
o Be based on sound science
o Be cost effective

We will also consider projects with a research element if they also add
practical, long-term benefits.

Projects can be submitted by one organization or by a group of NGOs.
Please note that only credible NGOs and organizations can participate in
the completion.

The document submitted for the competition should include detailed
project description (objectives, expected outcomes, implementation
dates, detailed work plan (action, date, responsible people and their
CVs) and budget breakdown.

Submission deadline is 25 October 2004. The winner project will be
announced in December 2004.

All proposals should be addressed to Communication Team

(38, Saburtalo str., Tbilisi, Georgia/177) Tel: 995 32 59 34 00

For additional information you are welcome to attend a meeting on 4
October 2004 to be held in Courtyard Marriott Hotel at 11:00 am.

11. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Duty Station: Akhaltsikhe

Employer: CARE International in the Caucasus

Position title: Environmental Education Coordinator (EEC)

Project: Improved Schools Project (ISP)

Job Summary:

BTC funded Environmental Education Program (EEP) of Improved Schools
Project (ISP) aims to contribute to the conservation of natural
resources in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and its support zone
through influencing attitudes, values and patterns of behavior towards
environment amongst school children participating in the program.

Under the direct supervision of ISP Project Manager, the EEC will be
coordinating the process of developing and implementation of teachers
training in Active Learning Methodology and environment conservation
issues. S/he will oversee the creation of Nature Clubs and its
functioning on regular bases. EEC will coordinate the process of
development and competitive selection of environment conservation
micro-projects. S/he supervises two Environmental Education Officers.

The EEC is responsible for coordinating the monitoring and evaluation of
program activities.

The position requires that the Educational Coordinator work in close
coordination with experts, project consultants and relevant governmental
and non-governmental organizations.

Qualifications, Skills and Experiences:

Required:

o Degree in Environmental or Natural Sciences or Natural Resources
Management;
o Good writing and public speaking skills;
o Demonstrated ability to work comfortably and effectively in a
professional, organized manner;
o Demonstrated ability to collaborate with school administrators and
staff;
o Good understanding of the environmental problems in Georgia;
o Demonstrated experience in coordinating / organizing larger scale
learning events;
o Good command of English and Georgian languages (both speaking and
writing);
o Demonstrated competencies in working with others to achieve results:
coaching, contributing to team success, delegating responsibility,
developing teams;
o Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation;
o Excellent communication skills;
o Computer skills including ability to use MS Word, Excel and email;
o Ability to extensively travel throughout the target area.

Desired:

o Demonstrated experience of working for internationally funded
environmental projects;
o Ability to work with diverse people in diverse locales;
o Ability to motivate and interest youth in exploring the natural world;

o Organization, flexibility and ability to work independently.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae (English
version) to one of the following addresses:

CARE-Georgia HQ
74a Chavchavadze Ave., / 11 Mosashvili St., Tbilisi

or

CARE CIP-West field office
26 Aspindze St., Akhaltsikhe

The applications could be also submitted electronically to:
[email protected]

The deadline for submission of applications is: 8 October 2004, 17:00.

Please include position title in the subject line.

CARE is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages women to
apply.

12. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — HOUSING AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT

For the purpose of BP in Georgia and under the BP management
supervision, Ira Ltd. is seeking to recruit a suitable qualified
individual for the position of Housing and Administration Assistant.
Housing and Administration Assistant will be a third party contractor
working under BP management supervision.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Roles & Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

o Wok as a member of a team responsible for routine and non-routine
maintenance of the electrical, mechanical and administration of BP’s
offices, apartments and warehouse facilities;
o Supervise maintenance and construction contractors working on behalf
of BP;
o Receive instructions, carry out activities in an unsupervised
environment and report results each day;
o Track all incoming requests from internal customers and follow up the
status of each section to supervisor on a daily basis;
o Insure BP’s health and safety policy is applied to each job and that
all contractors perform to appropriate health and safety standards;
o Insure BP’s health and safety facilities are maintained in the office,
apartments and warehouse facilities;
o Maintain accurate records, produce reports and keep filing systems for
all activities;
o Safely drive a vehicle to work sites and follow all BP driver and
vehicle safety procedures.
o Document all work and maintain communication with clients/customers on
the BP computer network

Experience & Education:

The incumbent will have:

o Strong administrative background
o The ability to supervise contractors while maintaining BP rules,
processes and producers
o Previous experience in mechanical, electrical and construction
activities
o University degree – preferred
o Fluent English & Russian skills
o 5 years of experience in related activities
o Preference will be given to candidates wit office and housing
administration experience
o PC proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications

Georgian citizenship is required.
How to apply / Additional information

If you feel you have required sills and experience to fulfill this role
please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant application
form available at the address below.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 11 October 2004
6:00 pm. All applications received will be acknowledged but this is no
way implies that candidates will be interviewed and /or offered
employment.

HR Department
BP Georgia 38 Saburatlo str., Tbilisi, Georgia

13. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN

BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd. Georgia is seeking to recruit a
suitable individual for the position of Operations Technicians for
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Pipeline Operations.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Selected individuals will be formally trained before Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
Pipeline is fully operational and following the induction program will
be working in a team involved in integrated BTC pipeline operations and
maintenance, to ensure efficient operation and mechanical integrity of
BTC facilities.

General Roles and Responsibilities include but are not be limited to the
following:

o Demonstrate understanding of Operations activities from previous
employment or training
o Demonstration of understanding of operational maintenance procedures
o Following necessary pipeline maintenance processes, procedures and
commitments
o Following Company policies, commitments and management systems
o Demonstration of high commitment towards Health, Safety & Environment
o Safe and effective control of site
o Permit to work system and all site safety registers
o Assure that procedures in areas of HSE and Production are followed.
o Proactive approach to problem solving and willingness to take
responsible decisions
o Must be willing to work at remote location
o Requirement to have good communication skills to interface with all
personnel on site and Pipeline Operations team
o Requirement to have good team working sense
o Demonstrate understanding of various equipment specification
o To take active role in Pipeline / Facility integrity management
o Demonstrate ability of work planning and time management

Experience & Education:

The incumbent will have:

o Relevant University degree in technical field (engineering)
o Sufficient experience in working in industrial entities e.g.
electrical, instrumental, mechanical, production
o English skills both oral and written and willingness to develop
further
o Driving skills (at least “B” category)

How to apply / Additional information

If you feel you have required sills and experience to fulfill this role
please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant application
form available at the address below.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 11 October 2004
6:00 pm. Georgian citizenship is required.

All applications received will be acknowledged but this is no way
implies that candidates will be interviewed and /or offered employment.

HR Department
BP Georgia 38 Saburatlo str., Tbilisi, Georgia

14. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — FIRE & SAFETY TECHNICIAN

BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd. Georgia is seeking to recruit a
suitable individual for the position of Fire & Safety Technician at
Supsa Terminal.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Fire & Safety Technician is responsible for ensuring that all safety
equipment is fully functional and available for immediate use and that
the planned inspection and maintenance of this equipment is undertaken
in good time. In addition, the post holder is responsible for providing
safety related training for Supsa Terminal personnel, including permit
to work, gas-testing, fire fighting techniques and equipment.

Roles & Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
o Demonstrated commitments to health, safety and the environment;
o Active participation in ASA and STOP Programs;
o Ensuring through audit, inspection and maintenance that all fire
fighting equipment, breathing apparatus and other safety equipment are
maintained are ready for immediate use;
o Preparation of emergency exercises;
o Assist with preparation of site Emergency Response Plans;
o Provision of support to induction and safety training courses for
Supsa Terminal personnel and contractors;
o Involvement in the Accident/Near Miss Investigation process;
o Provide support to HSE Tbilisi team and pipeline operations as
required.

Experience & Education:
The incumbent will have:

o University degree preferable in a HSE field or oil related discipline;

o Experienced in inspection and maintenance of oil related safety
equipment
o Fluent Georgian, English & Russian skills;
o 3 years in a safety environment and preferably in an oil related
industry;
o PC proficiency preferred;
o Successful candidates should preferably by based in the local area.

How to apply / Additional information

If you feel you have required sills and experience to fulfill this role
please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant application
form available at the address below.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 12 October 2004
6:00 pm. Georgian citizenship is required.

All applications received will be acknowledged but this is no way
implies that candidates will be interviewed and /or offered employment.

HR Department
BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd. Georgia
BP Georgia 38 Saburatlo str., Tbilisi, Georgia

Youth organization leadership plans for growth

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

September 28, 2004
___________________

ACYOA CENTRAL COUNCIL WORKS ON IMPLEMENTING GOALS

You can’t move forward without a map. During their first meeting this
fall, the volunteer leaders of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of
America (ACYOA) sat down to look at their map and see how they can get
to where they want to go.

The ACYOA Central Council and its executive secretary gathered at the
St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church in Wynnewood, PA, on Saturday, September
11, 2004, to plan ways to reach the organization’s goals for the coming
year, which were established during a July meeting in New York City.

PLANNING GROWTH

During the July meeting — with the input of Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, and Dr. Sam Mikaelian,
executive director of the Diocesan Center– the ACYOA Central Council
compiled a list of goals for the group, divided into four categories for
the organization to address.

Each broader goal was given a time frame for completion, and each was
broken into smaller goals, to facilitate planning and execution.

According to the goals set by the Central Council by May 2005, ACYOA
will:

* Improve communications by increasing contacts between the Central
Council and the chapters and parishes;

* Strengthen existing programs by expanding and improving its highly
successful Armenia Service Program (ASP) trip to Armenia in 2005,
studying the possibility of establishing a second trip to Armenia, and
planning unique fall regional conferences to be held in each region;

* Work with local parishes and chapters to expand local chapters,
develop resources for local leaders, and establish or revitalize three
new chapters;

* Implement a new fundraising strategy by establishing a fundraising
committee and developing new fundraising methods.

CONNECTING PARISHES

One new project discussed during the September meeting is called “ACYOA
Fasts for Armenia.” This effort is meant to allow local ACYOA chapters
throughout the Diocese to participate in the same project on the same
day.

During “ACYOA Fasts for Armenia,” to be held on a day yet to be
determined, ACYOA members will come together and fast while
participating in Bible studies and other activities. The objective is
to increase hunger awareness and raise funds to benefit Armenia.

It is just one of the ways the Diocesan ACYOA leadership is working to
tie together young Armenians in parishes throughout the Diocese. They
will host a series of fall regional conferences this year, bringing
young Armenians together to discuss their faith. Topics of discussion
will include learning to live within God’s word, sexuality and spouses,
and programming ideas for local ACYOA leaders.

The first regional conference will be for Midwest regional parishes on
Saturday, October 23, 2004, at the St. John Church of Southfield, MI.
Mid-Atlantic parishes will meet at the St. Mary Church of Livingston,
NJ, on Saturday, November 6, 2004. The Holy Resurrection Church in New
Britain, CT, will host the New England parishes on Saturday, November
13, 2004. And on Saturday, January 15, 2005, Southern parishes will
gather at the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX.

These day-long conferences are free and open to anyone between the ages
of 18 and 28. If you would like more information on any of the
conferences, e-mail ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at
[email protected].

ACYOA members and young Armenains will also have the chance to get
together this fall in Boston, when the ACYOA chapter at the Holy Trinity
Church of Cambridge, MA, hosts the Archbishop’s Tournament.

Besides planning ACYOA programming, during their fall meeting the
Central Council members discussed other projects, including
participation in the upcoming meeting of the Standing Committee of
Oriental Orthodox Youth of America (SCOOYA) and sending representatives
to a Pan-American Youth Meeting to be held in October. That meeting
will bring together youth leaders from the Eastern Diocese, Western
Diocese, and Canadian Diocese to help increase communication and discuss
common challenges that face the youth of the Armenian Church.

After their business meeting, on Sunday, September 12, all seven ACYOA
Central Council members worshipped with the parishioners at the St.
Sahag and St. Mesrob Church, after which they joined the parish for its
annual parish picnic.

— 9/28/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Members of the Central Council of the Armenian
Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) gather in Wynnewood, PA,
for a planning meeting on September 11, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): During a recent meeting, the ACYOA Central Council
set goals and objectives for the coming year, which include supporting
local parishes in establishing ACYOA chapters and formulating a
fund-raising strategy.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): The St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
PA, welcomed the ACYOA Central Council members during its annual picnic
on September 12, 2004.

# # #

www.armenianchurch.org
www.armenianchurch.org.

Chinese leaders, Armenian president stress technological cooperation

Chinese leaders, Armenian president stress technological cooperation

Xinhua news agency
28 Sep 04

(New China News Agency)

Beijing, 28 September: Top Chinese leaders and visiting Armenian
President Robert Kocharyan agreed here Tuesday [28 September] that
the two sides should strengthen cooperation in economic, technological
and other areas.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National
People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, said China is ready to
work with Armenia to broaden their cooperation in legislature and
many other areas.

China’s top legislator described Armenia as a bridge linking Asia and
Europe, a country with a long history and rich cultural heritage. He
stressed that China attaches great importance to developing its
relations with Armenia.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Armenia is an “important partner of
cooperation” and a “reliable friend” of China in the Caucusus region.

“China supports the efforts of the Armenian government to maintain
social stability and promote economic development,” Wen said. “China
is ready to have wide-ranging and in-depth cooperation with Armenia
on the basis of mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit.”

China-Armenia trade reached 4.75m US dollars in the first half of 2004,
up 88.7 per cent from the same period last year.

A bilateral scientific and technological cooperation commission has
selected 15 upcoming projects for cooperation. Wen said China hopes
the joint commission will help tap more potential for cooperation
and bring relations to a higher ground.

Kocharyan said both Armenia and China agree that each country has
the right to select its own approach to development and its own way
of life. He said Armenia is glad to see the cooperation between the
two sides and expects good results.

The Armenian president added that there are no political disputes
between Armenia and China. Armenia wishes to expand cooperation with
China in agriculture, mechanics, science and technology, traditional
Chinese medicine, education and service sectors.

Glendale: Attracting ethnic candidates to ranks

Los Angeles Daily News, CA
Sept 26 2004

Attracting ethnic candidates to ranks

Fire Department redefining itself for community

By Naush Boghossian
Staff Writer

GLENDALE — Patrick Hambarchian and Sevak Karapetyan’s parents were
not exactly thrilled when their boys made the decision to become
firefighters.

It’s a dangerous job, their parents said. It’s not a prestigious
career. It doesn’t pay enough.

So the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce stepped in to pay the
$2,500 to put them through the one-year program at the Glendale
Arroyo Seco Fire Academy.

“With this scholarship, we can help Armenian parents and kids
understand that there is no stigma to be attached to careers in fire
or police,” said Armen Janian of the Armenian chamber.

“We want Armenians to know it’s a very rewarding career financially,
and, more important than that, it’s rewarding because they are
helping the community.”

Once Hambarchian and Karapetyan graduate from the academy, they will
be state certified firefighters. In order to become Glendale
firefighters, they would need to attend another fire academy.

The Glendale Fire Department, which has no Armenian firefighters,
finds itself coming up against Armenian families’ perceptions of what
constitutes an “acceptable” career, Capt. Carlos Guerrero said.

“We’re having difficulty recruiting Armenians and Koreans and
reaching them as far as having them consider the fire department as a
professional career,” Guerrero said. “These two young gentlemen are
the trailblazers. We’re hoping they’re successful in their endeavor
and will be role models to other Armenian kids.”

Karapetyan said his parents initially struggled with perceptions of
firemen they carried over from Armenia, where the profession does not
inspire respect.

“When I told them I was thinking about it, they weren’t too happy
about it,” said Karapetyan, 20. “After I told them about it more and
made them see the difference between fire departments here and in
Armenia, they’ve become more flexible. Since they see how I’ll be
helping the community out, they’re for it.”

His father said the announcement took him by surprise, but he said he
was proud his son will set an example for other Armenians.

“This is dangerous work, and you want your child to be in a safe
place, but the important thing is this is something he really loves,”
Norik Karapetyan said. “The boys have to become an example, and they
must do well, because by seeing them, young Armenians will choose
that path.”

Ultimately, nothing — neither the lack of money nor their parents’
disapproval — was going to stand in the way of them pursuing their
dreams, both boys said.

“It’s what I want to be,” Hambarchian said. “It doesn’t matter to me
who does or doesn’t approve of it. I couldn’t see myself doing
anything else.

“I don’t want to come home and say I made a lot of money. That
doesn’t matter to me. Knowing I helped someone out that day, I’d be a
lot more happy with myself.”

Both are aware that if they do land jobs as firefighters, they could
set an example for other Armenians interested in the field.

“If the kids see that people from their background and culture are
heroes, they might feel it’s more acceptable to get into it,”
Hambarchian said. “Just to see someone of your culture working in a
field, it could inspire them.”

Samtskhe-Javakhetia Armenians complain of Georgia discrim. policy

PanArmenian News
Sept 25 2004

ARMENIANS OF SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETIA COMPLAIN OF DISCRIMINATION POLICY OF
GEORGIAN AUTHORITIES

25.09.2004 15:21

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Representatives of the European Center for Minority
Issues (ECMI) met with the public and political figures of the
Armenian-populated Samtskhe-Javakhetia region of Georgia in
Akhalkalaki September 22. The Center founded its office in
Akhalkalaki to carry out the program of integration of the region
with the Center. ECMI manager for the Samtskhe-Javakhetia integration
program M. Hertovt expressed concern over the issues of integration,
then Javakhetia residents presented their problems, such as the
discrimination policy pursued by Georgian authorities to change the
demographic situation in the region, subjective personnel policy,
ignoring of Armenian non-governmental organizations when awarding
international grants, and imposing the obligation on studying the
Georgian language without providing corresponding conditions. Upon
completion of the meeting the participants expressed hope that all
the problems will be solved with mutual understanding.

BAKU: Azeri president meets Spanish foreign minister in New York

Azeri president meets Spanish foreign minister in New York

Lider TV, Baku
24 Sep 04

[Presenter] Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is due to deliver a
speech at the 59th session of the UN General Assembly today. The
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict will be the key topic of the president’s
speech. The president has already held a number of meetings.

[Correspondent over video of Ilham Aliyev meeting named officials]
President Ilham Aliyev, who is on a visit in New York, has received
Solomon Pasi, chairman of the OSCE [Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe]. The president called on the OSCE chairman to
boost the organization’s efforts in the settlement of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. The sides exchanged
opinions on the OSCE’s future activities and its expansion. Pasi
informed President Ilham Aliyev of Bulgaria’s position on this issue.

Following this meeting, President Ilham Aliyev met the president of
Exxon Mobile. The Exxon Mobile president congratulated Ilham Aliyev on
the 10th anniversary of the Contract of the Century. He spoke about
successful projects of development of the Caspian natural
resources. The meeting also discussed the Exxon Mobile company’s
future activities in Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev also met Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel
Moratinos. Extending greetings from Spanish King Juan Carlos I and
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to President Ilham
Aliyev, Moratinos said that the Spanish government was closely
observing processes in Azerbaijan and was of high opinion of President
Ilham Aliyev’s policy. The president noted great potential for the
development of relations between the countries. By exploiting this
potential, we should expand political, economic and other ties, the
president said, adding that our country was successfully integrating
into European structures. Since Azerbaijan joined the European Union’s
Wider Europe policy, we have been planning to bring our ties with this
body to a new stage, end quote.

One of the meetings President Ilham Aliyev held throughout the day was
with the president of the Open Society Institute, George
Soros. Stating that he is very keen on processes in Azerbaijan, Soros
said that our country is developing economically.

Mahsati Seyidzada for Lider TV.

El zoo del siglo XXI: Kirk Kerkorian

El Mundo
September 15, 2004

EL ZOO DEL SIGLO XXI / KIRK KERKORIAN.
El ultimo ‘tiburon’ del Pacifico.
Albanil, boxeador, piloto suicida y multimillonario. El magnate que
demando a Daimler Chrysler ha vendido MGM a Sony.

PABLO PARDO / Especial para EL MUNDO

EEUU. Kerkor Kirk Kerkorian, el magnate que demando a Daimler
Chrysler, ha vendido MGM a Sony

WASHINGTON.- Kerkor Kirk Kerkorian esta a punto de vender por tercera
vez el estudio de cine Metro Goldwin Mayer (MGM). A sus 87 anos, todo
hace pensar que esta vez es ya la definitiva. Pero con Kerkorian
nunca se sabe. El viejo leon del capitalismo estadounidense puede
volver a la carga. Al fin y al cabo, esa es su especialidad.Albanil,
boxeador, piloto suicida en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, adicto al
juego, amigo de mafiosos y de artistas, Kerkorian es el hombre que
ejemplifica el sueno americano. Se ha convertido en la trigesimo
tercera mayor fortuna de Estados Unidos, con un capital de 5.000
millones de dolares, segun la revista Forbes y ha sobrevivido a tres
divorcios y a dos investigaciones de la Comision del Mercado de
Valores (SEC) de EEUU. Y todo ello sin haber ido nunca a la
Universidad.

Desde que empezo a trabajar a los siete anos no ha dejado de cerrar
tratos, muchos por medio de los tribunales, ha partido la cara a mas
de uno -dentro y fuera del ring- y ha transformado a Las Vegas de una
pacifica ciudad con unos cuantos casinos en una especie de
Disneylandia no apta para menores de edad.

Las Vegas ahora teme que con la venta de MGM Kerkorian pase a un
segundo plano. Pero parece improbable. Con una mala leche y ganas de
pelea iguales que siempre -que le pregunten a DaimlerChrysler, a la
que demando por 9.000 millones de dolares el ano pasado- Kerkorian,
un destacado miembro de la influyente minoria armenia de EEUU, no
parece nacido para irse a envejecer a una residencia de ancianos en
Florida.

Con su ultima operacion, Kerkorian vende MGM a la japonesa Sony por
4.800 millones de dolares (3.900 millones de dolares). El gigante de
la electronica se queda asi con tres grandes casinos de Las Vegas y
con la productora de exitos de taquilla recientes como Una rubia muy
legal, la serie de James Bond y, sobre todo, unos 4.000 clasicos
listos par ser transformados en DVDs y puestos a la venta. Siguiendo
su mas puro estilo, Kerkorian ha jugado a enfrentar a Sony y a Time
Warner en una puja de la que esta se retiro al llegar a 5.600
millones de dolares.

Para Kerkorian, vender MGM es casi una rutina. En treinta anos lo ha
hecho tres veces. Es el estilo empresarial de un ‘buscavidas’ pura
sangre.

Kerkorian nacio en Fresno (California), en una familia en la que solo
se hablaba armenio. “No aprendimos ingles hasta que empezamos a vivir
en calle”, ha dicho. Lo cual, en su caso, fue pronto. La recesion de
1921 arruino a los Kerkorian, y a los nueve anos de edad el joven
Kirk ya vendia periodicos viejos en Los Angeles.

La familia viajaba constantemente en busca de oportunidades de
trabajo, y Kerkorian siempre era el nuevo en la escuela. Asi que tuvo
que aprender a hacerse respetar. Se convirtio en pandillero, y de ahi
en boxeador.

En sus ratos libres, cuando no estaba internado en un reformatorio en
el que la disciplina se imponia a latigazos, siguio entrenando, hasta
convertirse en campeon amateur de boxeo del Pacifico.

Despues de pasar un ano trabajando de vaquero en Nevada para pagarse
un curso de piloto, Kerkorian se fue a Canada. En 1940, y por un
sueldo de 1.000 dolares de entonces (10.000 dolares de hoy), acepto
el trabajo mas peligroso de su vida: pilotar bombarderos ‘mosquito’
desde Canada a Gran Bretana.

Con mas de 25.000 dolares de la epoca en el bolsillo, se fue a
celebrar el fin de las hostilidades a Las Vegas. En su primera noche
en la ciudad, gano en el casino 700 dolares. Fue el inicio de una
ludopatia que le llevaria a perder -o ganar- hasta 80.000 dolares de
1950 en una sola noche.

La relacion de amor entre Kerkorian y Las Vegas ha durado mas de
medio siglo. Ha sido uno de los grandes transformadores de la ciudad.
Ayudado por sus excelentes contactos con la comunidad armenia
estadounidense -un lobby casi tan influyente como el judio-, lleva
sesenta anos realizando operaciones urbanisticas y especulativas en
la ciudad.

Su carrera ha sido una sucesion de exitos, aunque no ha logrado dos
de sus objetivos fuera de Las Vegas: el control de Chrysler y
convertir a MGM en una inmobiliaria que no tenga nada que ver con el
cine.

El general McArthur dijo que “los viejos soldados no mueren, solo
desaparecen”. Todo hace pensar que Kerkorian no morira nunca.En todo
caso, cuando desaparezca de la faz de la tierra reaparecera en
cualquier pelicula de Scorsese o de Coppola.

LO DICHO Y HECHO

“Soy un hombre hecho a mi mismo. Empece a aportar ingresos a mi
familia con nueve anos”

1917: Nace en Fresno (California). 1939: Aprende a pilotar
aviones.1967: Abre el primer hotel-casino de Las Vegas. 1971: Compra
por primera vez MGM. 1985: Vende la compania a Ted Turner, dueno de
la CNN. 1988: Recompra MGM y se desprende de ella dos anos despues.
1995: Lanza una OPA hostil por Chrysler. 1996: Compra de nuevo MGM.
2003: Demanda a Daimler por la compra de Chrysler.2004: Vende MGM a
Sony.

Nat’l Assembly starts debates on bank deposits compensation bill

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY STARTS DEBATES ON BANK DEPOSITS COMPENSATION BILL

ArmenPress
Sept 13 2004

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS: Central Bank governor
Tigran Sarkisian presented today to parliament’s consideration a
government-designed bill on compensating banking deposits of physical
persons, saying the bill calls for creation of the Bank Deposits
Compensating Fund to protect all citizens’ deposits if the bank is
declared bankrupt or insolvent.

The Fund is to collect financial means which will be used for returning
the deposits. Sarkisian said Armenian commercial banks have been
making obligatory payments to the Fund for 12 months already in the
amount of 0.5 percent of their assets’ value, but added that after
the passage of the law, the payment amount will reduce to 0.2 percent.

He said some 480 million drams have been already accumulated on it. The
fund has also received 3.5 million euros from a German KfW bank for the
same purpose. Sarkisian said under the bill the amount of compensation
is 2 million for deposits in Armenian Drams, while deposits in foreign
currency will be compensated in the amounted of 1 million drams. He
explained the difference by the stable growth of drams’ value against
the US Dollar and the volume of the GDP, adding also the amount of
compensations may grow together with the growth of the GDP.

Kerkorian to wager it all on Las Vegas after MGM sale

Kerkorian to wager it all on Las Vegas after MGM sale
by Veronique Dupont

Agence France Presse — English
September 14, 2004 Tuesday 9:31 PM GMT

NEW YORK Sept 14 — Kirk Kerkorian, the 87-year-old multi-billionaire,
has turned his back on Hollywood so he can concentrate on Las Vegas,
which he helped turn into the world’s gaming capital.

By agreeing to sell the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie studios for nearly
five billion dollars to a group led by Sony Corp, Kerkorian is ending
a tumultuous link with the legendary film studio that he first bought
in 1969.

Kerkorian, who had an 89 percent stake, has bought and sold the
studios three times since.

MGM has won about 200 Oscars during its 80 years but is now several
decades past its prime in the eyes of most Hollywood observers.

Kerkorian is partly to blame for this, they say, by selling off many
of its prized catalogue assets. But there are still about 4,100 films
in the MGM vault, including the James Bond and Pink Panther series.

Kerkorian, the son of Armenian immigrants who was born in the
Californian town of Fresno on June 6, 1917, could almost be the
subject of a film in his own right.

He started earning money selling newspapers at the age of nine,
left school at 13 to become a boxer and then a professional pilot.
Kerkorian flew for the Royal Air Force in World War II.

After the war, he built a private airline while making his main
fortune from property speculation.

In 1962, Kerkorian bought about 80 acres (32 hectares) of land in
Las Vegas, in the Nevada desert, for less than one million dollars.

He built three hotel-casinos, which were then the biggest in the
world and helped to make Las Vegas a worldwide name that attracted
not just hardcore gamblers, but also businessmen and families.

Disaster struck in November 1980, when the MGM Grand Hotel burned
down killing more than 85 people and injuring hundreds.

The site was sold and a new MGM Grand was built on another part of
the Las Vegas Strip, which has become one of the main venues for top
boxing bouts. The MGM-Mirage group now owns 10 establishments in the
city including the prestigious Bellagio.

Kerkorian, who is known as the “Quiet Lion” because of his low key
image, now has one of the top 50 fortunes in the United States,
estimated at more than 3.4 billion dollars.

Married three times, his most recent divorce made international
headlines.

His marriage to Lisa Bonder lasted one month. She sued him seeking
a monthly 320,000 dollar payment for a daughter that he says —
DNA samples in support — is not his.

Kerkorian said he had been “set up” by his ex-wife.

The couple had been together for 10 years. Kerkorian said Lisa put
pressure on him to marry her and that he agreed to a brief marriage
on condition she agree to divorce after one month. He said she then
changed her mind and resisted the divorce. The US media feasted on
the court case.

Kerkorian has publicly backed Democratic challenger John Kerry for
the November 2 presidential election. And despite his age shows no
sign of seeking to retire.

Kerkorian wants to profit the maximum from the gambling craze that
has swept the United States over the past two years and lifted Las
Vegas profits to new heights.

Three months ago he bought the Mandalay Resort hotels and casinos
group, another cornerstone of the Strip, for 7.9 billion dollars.

If the purchase is approved by US authorities, Kerkorian will head
the world’s second biggest gaming group, controlling much of the land
around Las Vegas that can still be built on.

Azeri police disperse anti-Armenian picket outside British embassy

Azeri police disperse anti-Armenian picket outside British embassy

ANS TV, Baku
10 Sep 04

[Presenter] The United People’s Front of Azerbaijan Party has held
a picket outside the British embassy in Baku.

[Correspondent over video of protesters chanting “Karabakh” and the
police trying to disperse them] Officers of the Sabayil district
police department, who were guarding the British embassy, noticed the
arrival of the pickets a little later, and only a couple of minutes
into the picket, did they begin attacking the protesters. They took
the protesters’ slogans and flags and detained the most active members
of the party.

The embassy’s employees were watching the picket. After a brief clash
with the police, eight members of the party were detained and taken
to Sabayil district police station No 39.

According to information from the party, the eight men were released
later.

Mahir Mammadli and Sehrac Azadoglu, ANS.