Author: Nahapetian Lilit

ArmenPress
June 28 2004

ARMENIA ELECTED TO ECOSOC COMMISSION

YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS: During a June 23 session of the UN
Economic and Social Council (known as ECOSOC) Armenia was elected
unanimously to ECOSOC commission on population and development,
receiving the accord of the East European countries. Armenia will be
member of the commission from 2005 to 2007.
Armenia is already a member of the UN Commission on Human Rights.
ECOSOC is the principal organ to coordinate the economic and social
work of the UN and the specialized agencies and institutions. The
council has 54 members who serve for three-year terms. The main
function of the is to serve as the central forum for discussing
international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy
recommendations addressed to member states and to the UN system.

Tajik president calls for common Eurasian energy market

Interfax
June 18 2004

Astana. (Interfax-Kazakhstan) – The countries in the Eurasian Economic
Community need a common energy market, President Emomali Rakhmonov
told an international forum on Eurasian integration held in Astana
on Friday.

“Our countries are among the richest in energy resources. In
particular, Tajikistan’s rivers alone can provide 520 billion kW
hours per year, of which only 3% is used. This is why an energy
infrastructure needs to be built and various energy, transport and
communication networks commissioned in order to join efforts in
stepping up exports,” he said.

Rakhmonov also called for joint efforts in developing the region’s
farming, not only to ensure food stores for Central Asian countries
but also to improve the Eurasian Economic Community’s positions on
the world market.

The community includes Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and
Tajikistan, while Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine have observer status
in it.

ISSUES ON PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL
VALUES DISCUSSED IN GYUMRI

ArmenPress
June 16 2004

GYUMRI, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS: “Protection of Gyumri-Kars Historical and
Cultural Values and Tourism Development” symposium held in Gyumri on
the initiative of Academy for Education Development (AED) discussed
today issues concerning the governance of cultural and historical
objects and development of tourism industry.

According to the head of tourism department of Armenian ministry for
trade and economic development Arthur Zakarian, in order to make the
process of monuments’ governance more effective it is necessary to
transfer them to the private sector of governance, determining the
issues of preservation and development, providing strict supervision
of the process of commitments’ fulfillment. He said that the sphere
of tourism is completely in the hands of the private sector and
develops dynamically.

Nina Hovnanian-Alexanian, the executive director of Armenian Agency
for Tourism Development, stated in her report that there many ways
of development of tourism in Armenia. The main constituent of this
strategy, in her words, is the creation of tourism development centers.

The chairman of the session, deputy director of “Arm project”
institute Sashur Kalashian, stressing that he is against transferring
the objects’ governance to the private sector, said that in order
to develop the intellectual tourism it is necessary to develop the
quality of tour-operators’ services, prepare skilful guides and engage
the local population in this process.

It must be also stated that the aim of the program, which is financed
by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is to
research the current condition of the historical and cultural values,
discuss the issues concerning the further protection and preservation
of these values and the prospects of development of regional tourism.

DEFENSE MINISTRY TO HAVE OWN THINK TANK

ArmenPress
May 31 2004

YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS: The official start to the construction
of the National Institute for Strategic Researches, affiliated with
Armenian defense ministry, was held today. The new establishment will
carry the name of Drastamat Kanayan, a prominent Armenian military
leader.

Addressing the present, defense minister Serzh Sarkisian said the
idea to build such an establishment ripened after Kanayan’s relatives,
living in the USA, arrived in Armenia to propose to build the institute
on funds they were going to raise.

Sarkisian said the idea was welcomed, “as being located in a
complicated geo-political environment Armenia did not have for
centuries opportunities to conduct national policy and build supporting
establishments.” He said having in mind Armenia’s ongoing integration
with international organizations, its boosting relations with Russia
and the USA, the need of such an establishment is growing day by day.

According to the defense minister, the primary goal of the new
institute will be to provide divisions of the national security
council, in the first place the defense ministry, with qualified
consulting, conducting of special researches and training of
personnel. A total of $600,000 were raised to build the new think-tank.

STATE REGISTRY LAUNCHES OWN INTERNET PAGE

ArmenPress
May 27 2004

YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS: Armenian justice ministry and USAID signed
a memorandum of understanding in 2002, envisaging to strengthen state
registry and making it more simple and predictable. As part of the
memorandum, yesterday presentation of state registry internet page
was held.

Armenian justice minister Davit Harutunian said that in a rule of
law country it is necessary that steps taken by state structures be
predictable for citizens. “Today we can state that most of project
responsibilities are met,” the minister said.

Presenting the difficult way that the state registry has passed,
he said that today the system is rather transparent. Most of the
registration procedures are simplified.

Internet project has two main components, one of which is electronic
communication system which creates a single database on more that
130,000 legal entities and entrepreneurs. The data is accessible to
8 territorial and 10 regional departments.

Later an attempt will be made to register legal entities and companies
through Internet. According to the minister, this is important
especially as an anti-corruption strategy. He said that most of the
corruption cases occur when the citizen has direct contact with the
executive body. Reducing or formalizing these contacts will eliminate
corruption in this field totally.

ARMENIAN, TURKISH SPEAKERS FOCUS ON DIPLOMATIC TIES

Mediamax news agency
20 May 04

Yerevan, 20 May: The first ever meeting of the Armenian and Turkish
speakers took place on 19 May in Strasbourg.

The major topic of the meeting between the Armenian and Turkish
speakers, Artur Bagdasaryan and Bulent Arinc, were prospects for
establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Moreover,
the press service of parliament said that Bagdasaryan and Arinc
discussed the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement and the Armenian
genocide.

The National Assembly speaker expressed his wish that Turkey
should take an unbiased position on the Karabakh settlement
process. Bagdasaryan also said that the annihilation of 1.5m Armenians
as a result of a policy of genocide was an indisputable historical
fact. At the same time, he said that territorial claims to Turkey
are not on the agenda of Armenia’s foreign policy at the moment.

PRESIDENT ESTABLISHES THREE CHALLENGE PRIZES FOR PROMOTING SPORTS

ArmenPress
May 20 2004

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert Kocharian
has established three challenge prizes, which will be awarded to the
best athletic community, the best athletic neighborhood and the best
athletic family. Kocharian’s press office said the goal of prizes
is to promote development of sports and physical training by central
and local administrations and creation of favorable conditions for it.

The winners will be decided by a government-affiliated committee on
sports and physical culture.

Three Armenian demonstrators get prison terms for “hooliganism”

Noyan Tapan news agency
18 May 04

Yerevan, 17 May: Sentences into the case of gross violation of public
order have been passed with regard to three people arrested during
the 28 March rally in Gyumri [northwestern Armenia].

Noyan Tapan news agency has learnt from the Armenian
Prosecutor-General’s Office press service that the first instance
court of Shirak Region gave Martin Kazaryan a one-year sentence.

Ararat Petrosyan on 13 May was given one year in prison as well,
but was given a trial period with the sentence suspended for a year.

Gamlet Lazarian was given nine months in prison on 13 May. A judge
found three people guilty under the “hooliganism” Article of the
Criminal Code.

Eurasianet Organization
May 17 2004

RUSSIA AND ARMENIA: UNITED BY GEOPOLITICS, DIVIDED BY ENERGY
RESOURCES
Sergei Blagov: 5/17/04

Russia has long viewed Armenia as its most dependable ally in the
volatile Caucasus region. However, a recent pipeline deal between
Armenia and Iran has emerged as a source of discord in Moscow’s
relationship with Yerevan.

The Armenian-Iranian pipeline pact was signed May 13 in Yerevan.
Under terms of the deal, the roughly 140-kilometer pipeline would
cost an estimated $220 million to build (including a $100 million
outlay on the Armenian side), and become operational by January 1,
2007. In addition, Iran and Armenia agreed on a gas-purchase deal
in which Yerevan would buy upwards of 36 billion cubic meters of gas
over a 20-year span, the Mediamax news agency reported.

The pipeline potentially could be extended, via Georgia and Ukraine,
to the European Union. Linking to the EU would require construction
of a 550-kilometer-long underwater section from the Georgian port
of Supsa to the Crimean town of Feodosia at an estimated cost of
$5 billion. The planned gas supply would amount to 60 billion cubic
meters per annum, including 10 billion cubic meters for Ukraine.

For Armenia, the deal has the potential to greatly reduce the country’s
energy dependence on Russia. Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian
told Armenian television May 14 that Yerevan placed “great importance”
on Iran’s “balancing role” in geopolitical and economic developments
in the Caucasus. At the same time, other Armenian officials sought
to downplay the impact of the deal on Yerevan’s energy dealings
with Russia.

Until recently, Russia was critical of the pipeline project. After
Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisian said in February that
an Armenia-Iran gas pipeline deal was pending, the Russian daily
Nezavisimaya Gazeta published an article entitled: “Yerevan carries
out an anti-Russian gas project.”

In recent weeks, Moscow appears to have softened its stance. On
May 13, Kocharian met Gazprom head Alexey Miller to discuss Russian
gas supplies to Armenia as well as Armenia internal and transit gas
pipelines. They also talked about the ArmRosGazprom joint venture,
which is 45-percent owned by the Russian gas giant. No details were
revealed, but no sharp disagreements surfaced.

What appears to still make Moscow nervous is the prospect of an
extension of the Armenian-Iranian pipeline. Officials in Moscow
are reportedly concerned that an EU extension could create damaging
competition for Russian energy exports. An Iran-EU connection could
also enable Turkmenistan to circumvent Russia’s gas pipeline network.
[For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].

Moscow may already be working to discourage an extension. On May 15,
Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich made an unexpected visit to
meet with Putin at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow. Two days
later, Putin met with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi
and described Iran as Russia’s “long-standing and stable partner.”

The Armenian-Iranian pipeline pact was announced the day before
Armenian President Robert Kocharian flew to Moscow for talks with
Russian leader Vladimir Putin – the fifth such meeting between the
two in less than a year.

Both behaved as though Armenian-Russian ties were as strong as ever.
Putin welcomed developing economic cooperation between Russia and
Armenia, adding that in 2003 bilateral trade was 34 percent up year
on year. Putin also hailed “coordinated efforts by Russia and Armenia
on the international arena,” notably among former Soviet states.
Kocharian, likewise, welcomed the strengthening of economic ties.

Armenia has traditionally been Russia’s closest partner in the
Caucasus. Sandwiched between hostile Azerbaijan and Turkey, and
volatile Georgia, Armenia has little option but to remain a supporter
of Russia’s geopolitical moves in the Caucasus.

In 1997, the two countries signed a friendship treaty, under which
they provided for mutual assistance in the event of a military threat
to either party. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].

The pact also allows Russian border guards to patrol Armenia’s
frontiers with Turkey and Iran. In economic terms, Armenia is heavily
dependent on Russia for its natural gas and nuclear fuel supplies.
[For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].

Editor’s Note: Sergei Blagov is a Moscow-based specialist in CIS
political affairs.

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:

May 13, 2004
___________________

ST. LEON HOSTS APPRECIATION DAY

On May 2, 2004, the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, held an
Appreciation Day Celebration, during which it honored many parish
volunteers and leaders.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), attended the festivities, and presented S.
Rex Kachigian with the prestigious St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal and a
Pontifical Encyclical on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos
of All Armenians. The St. Nersess medal is awarded to individuals who
demonstrate outstanding commitment and service to the Armenian Church.

Mr. Kachigian is currently on the parish council and has served the
church for more than 40 years. He has served as parish council
chairman, a diocesan delegate, and oversees the maintence of the parish.

“Pretty much, he has had a hand in every aspect of the life of this
community,” said the parish priest, Fr. Diran Bohajian.

Also honored by the parish that day were Minas Arakelian, Bert
Bedrosian, Dr. Barry Halejian, Barbara Hovsepian, George Kachajian, Anne
Kachigian, Hermon Kasaryan, Rose Kirian, Anne Marootian, Mary Ann
Mozian, Gregg Najarian, Katherine Ohnikian, Grace Pinajian, Takouhi
Soultanian, Dovie Tilbian, Eliz Tossounian, Edna Tungrian, Bertha
Vaniskhian, Berjouhi Varjabedian, and Alice Yazmajian.

“We honored them for their years of service to the community,” Fr.
Bohajian said. “It was a time to say ‘thank you’ to those who have
served in various capacities within the life of the St. Leon Community.
These are people who have really worked diligently to build up the
Armenian Church and the St. Leon community. And they all continue to
serve in the community.”

This was the first such recognition event organized by St. Leon. Fr.
Bohajian says he hopes to create a regular on-going recognition program,
holding celebrations every few years.

“Rex Kachigian is a wonderful example of how to be a good steward. All
these people who were honored are wonderful stewards,” said the Primate,
who noted that this year the Diocese will be focusing on the idea of
stewardship. “Being good stewards mean we are called on to contribute
to the perfection of God’s chosen vessel, His church. By contributing,
I mean giving of ourselves — of our time and talent, as well as our
financial resources – to the greater good of the church.”

— 5/13/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): The Primate presents S. Rex Kachigian with the St.
Nersess Shnorhali Medal and a Pontifical Encyclical on behalf of His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, held a celebration
to honor volunteers on May 2, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Two volunteers are feted by St. Leon Church of Fair
Lawn, NJ, during its Appreciation Day Celebration.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian speaks to the
parishioners of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, on May 2, 2004.

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