Author: Tadevosian Garnik

Rescuer 2006 Exercises to Open in Yerevan July 14

PanARMENIAN.Net
13.07.2006 13:15 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ July 14 the opening ceremony of Rescuer 2006
exercises will be held at the Military Aviation Institute of Armenia,
Spokesperson of the Armenian Defense Minister, colonel Seyran
Shahsuvaryan told PanARMENIAN.Net. The exercises to be held within
the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace Program. Some 250
representatives of 12 countries will take part in these. Rescuer 2006
exercises are of command and staff nature and are aimed to organize and
compare work of the Military and Medical Department of the Armenian
Defense Ministry and Rescue Service of Armenia, as well as expansion
of cooperation opportunities with NATO partner states.

OSCE MG Optimism on Solving Karabakh Issue in 2006 Groundless

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.07.2006 16:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Optimism of the OSCE MG on solving the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict in 2006 is groundless, Director on Political Affairs
of ARF Dashnaktsutyun Bureau Kiro Manoyan told journalists today. He
attributes this especially to the position of the Azeri party. At that
Manoyan believes that the circumstance that 2006 is not an election
year both in Armenia and Azerbaijan is a positive one. "There will
be elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2007 and 2008 and making
concessions will be harder," he said.

Manoyan remarked that official Baku is not initially disposed to
solving the conflict by compromise. "For the Azeri President talks are
a tool to gain time and find means to enhance the military potential
of the country," he said, reports Novosti-Armenia.

Russia trying to redraw borders in conflict zone – Georgian minister

Channel 1, Tbilisi
10 Jul 06

[Presenter] As we speak, Deputy Foreign Minister Merab Antadze is
commenting on the situation at Ergneti [police checkpoint on South
Ossetian border through which Russian, Armenian citizens have been
trying to enter Georgian-controlled territory since Russia closed
the Zemo Larsi – Qazbegi border crossing on 8 July]. We go live to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

[Antadze, addressing a briefing] As for sending them [from Zemo Larsi]
to the Roki Tunnel [on South Ossetia section of Georgian-Russian
border], I should tell you that this is not only a gross violation
of a Georgian-Russian agreement. This is [also] a calculated attempt
by Russia to move the Georgian-Russian border from Roki to Ergneti
and to destabilize the situation in the region and increase military
tension in the conflict zone.

At the same time, I should state very clearly that Georgia will not
allow the transfer of the de facto border and will not fall for the
continued acts of provocation staged by the separatists and their
supporters in the conflict zone.

I should also tell you that the people who will have arrived at the
Roki Tunnel from the Russian side before 14 July, as well as those
who have already entered Georgian territory, [will be allowed in]
out of humanitarian considerations. You probably know that there
are children and elderly people among them and they are in quite a
difficult situation.

I should once again stress that all of this has been caused by Russia’s
efforts, essentially encouraging these people to break Georgian
law. Their action amounts to the violation of Georgian law. We have
nevertheless decided that until 14 July people coming to Georgia
will be able to proceed [through Ergneti] without hindrance. This
applies only to people. Freight and other kinds of traffic will be
stopped. This will last until 14 July only.

As for the actions which, as I have said, continue to take place in the
conflict zone, they are aimed at raising tension. We have information
to this effect. Russian officials’ recent statements in the media
that Georgia is preparing to settle the conflict in Tskhinvali region
by force are an attempt to prepare both the Russian public and the
international community for possible military action, which Russia,
it its own words, will resort to should there be a need to protect
its citizens in the conflict zone.

I should once again state that we will not fall for these acts
of provocation. We have a very clear programme and we will try to
implement this programme and settle the conflict by peaceful means
together with our partners.

I would also like to say a few words about the appalling act of
terrorism which took place in Tskhinvali. I am referring to the
terrorist attack on [Oleg] Alborov [South Ossetian security council
secretary].

I should state with full responsibility that this was an act
of terrorism aimed at getting rid of a political opponent. This
individual was one of just a few – unfortunately – representatives
of the de facto authorities with a clear vision of prospects for
the cohabitation of the Georgian and Ossetian peoples. He had a very
realistic understanding of the situation.

50 MLN DRAMS ALLOCATED BY GOVERNMENT AS COMPENSATION TO INHABITANTS
OF 10 HOUSES BURNT ON MAY 30 IN THE DISTRICT OF KOND

YEREVAN, JULY 10, NOYAN TAPAN. A compensation will be given to
inhabitants of 10 houses burnt on May 30 in the district of Kond. As
Vano Vardanian, Deputy Mayor of Yerevan informed at the July 10 press
conference, the RA Government allocated 50 million drams (nearly 120
thousand U.S. dollars) as compensation. In his words, the inhabitants
suffered from the fire did not complain over the compensation
size. According to V.Vardanian, the inhabitants will receive their
sums in the coming days and will implement the reconstruction works
of their housing.

Speed up the fight against corruption, Nzimbi urges
By NZAU MUSAU

Kenya Times, Kenya
July 9 2006

THE Anglican Church yesterday said it was not impressed with the pace
at which the Government was pursuing the war against corruption.

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi said the church was disappointed to see that
the war against graft had slackened, three years after it picked up.

"As a Church, we are pained to see how the war on corruption has
lost momentum . We began with a lot of enthusiasm and we wonder what
happened," Nzimbi said.

The Archbishop was speaking to the Kenya Times after he confirmed
11 church faithful of St Augustine Church in Nairobi. He said the
manifestation of the graft was coming in many forms which were hurting
the nation.

He challenged the Government to to face graft squarely because
Kenyans were suffering and keenly watching the Government they had
popularly elected.

"The more this government delays, the more other issues arise. This
does not however, mean that we have forgotten about outstanding
issues like the Goldenberg, the Ndung’u report and the Anglo Leasing
scandals. We are still looking forward to see concrete action being
taken," Nzimbi said.

The Archbishop petitioned the Government to pay special attention
to North Eastern Province to curb killings caused by many years of
neglect of the by successive governments. He urged the Government
to supply the area with water and improve infrastructure. He also
called for the opening of a Kenya Meat Commission branch in North
Eastern Province to support the economic activities of the people
and to open up the area for commerce.

He challenged older people in leadership positions in government,
Parliament and even in homes to prepare the young to take over instead
of viewing them with suspicion.

"It is very important for those in leadership to hand over peacefully
and smoothly to the young. It is not any good to cling on in old age,"
Nzimbi who did not want to name names said.

Although he would not comment on the Armenian brothers saga, Nzimbi
said the church was not happy with the handling of the issue.

RUSSIAN-AZERI RELATIONS ARE QUITE OK – AZERI PM
Author: S.Agayeva

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
July 6 2006

Russian-Azeri relations are quite OK, Trend reports quoting Artur
Rasizadeh, Azeri Prime Minister, receiving Valentin Buravlev, deputy
Governor of Chelyabinsk Region, the Russian Federation, in Baku.

Azeri Prime Minister said Azeri-Russian relations are successfully
progressing both at federal and regional level. Rasizadeh informed
the guest of Azeri-Armenian conflict , refugees sate and Baku’s
peaceful efforts.

In turn, Buravlev informed Prime Minister of meetings held with heads
of various governmental authorities of Azerbaijan and documents
signed. He stated his confidence in the further development of
relations between Azerbaijan and Chelyabinsk Region.

7 INSTEAD OF 5 BILATERAL DOCUMENTS SIGNED WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF RA PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO IRAN

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jul 6 2006

TEHRAN, JULY 6, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Relations between
Iran and Armenia are friendly, stable and developing. President of
Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared this
at the July 5 press conference held after the ceremony of signing
bilateral documents within the framework of Armenian President Robert
Kocharian’s two-day working visit to Tehran.

According to reports of Armenian and Iranian media, the Iranian
President expressed the hope that the signed documents will be a big
step in the direction of further development of interrelations of
the two countries. 7 instead of 5 planned documents on partnership
were signed as a result of the negotiations – "Memorandum of Mutual
Understanding Between Iranian and Armenian Governments on Aid Provided
by Iran for Armenia’s Development," "2006-2011 Cooperation Program of
Preservation of Cultural Heritage Between Armenian Ministry of Culture
and Youth Affairs and Iranian Organization of Cultural Heritage and
Tourism," "Contract Attached to Financing Agreement of High-Volt
Electric Conductivity 3rd Line," "Agreement on Legal Cooperation
Between Armenia and Iran by the Civil and Criminal Code," "Mutual
Understanding Memorandum Between Armenian and Iranian Ministries
of Energy," "On Financing of Construction of the High-Volt Electric
Conductivity Line Between Armenia and Iran."

In response to the question, how much these documents will contribute
to promotion of Iranian investments in Armenia, RA President Robert
Kocharian emphasized that the first precondition for the investments
is the formation of a full-value legal-contractual field. He mentioned
that the signed agreements replenished over 100 bilateral documents
ratified earlier.

As Robert Kocharian evaluated, the mutual disposition of both countries
is very favorable and this is one of the single cases in history
when neighboring countries have no disputable issues as a heritage
of history.

The same day the delegation led by the Armenian President had a
meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and Secretary
of Iranian National Security Supreme Council Ali Larijani. At the
meetings, discussing international and regional issues, the sides
stressed that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict should be solved with
the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as expressed the hope
that the disagreements relating to the Iranian nuclear technologies
will have a good end.

The delegation also visited Imam Khomeyni’s tomb, where RA President
laid a wreath and made notes in the book of honorable guests.

On July 6, RA President Robert Kocharian met with the representatives
of the Iranian Armenian community, after which returned to Armenia.

ARMENIAN JUSTICE MINISTER HAS NO PLANS TO BECOME A PRESIDENT

Panorama.am
12:50 06/07/06

Justice Minister Davit Harutunyan said he has no plans to nominate
himself as a candidate for presidency of the Republic. In his words, he
has no plan to establish his own party, either. He promised to official
announce about such intentions in case he has some. He, however, does
not exclude the possibility that he may join a party. "Several months
ago I said that I am not going to join any party lines but it does
not mean I will keep to that decision for ever," he said, also saying
that he is engaged in politics and will continue to do so.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: YEAR OF ARMENIA IN FRANCE INDICATES HIGHEST LEVEL OF RELATIONS BEWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jul 6 2006

YEREVAN, JULY 6, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Armenia attaches great
importance to the agreement reached between RA and French Presidents,
according to which 2006-2007 was announced Year of Armenia in France,
which indicates the highest level of relations established between
the two countries. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian, Chairman of
the State Commission Coordinating the Spade-Work of Year of Armenia
in France, declared this at the July 5 fourth sitting of the joint
steering committee on Year of Armenia in France.

Stating that, in essence, this is the last sitting of the joint
committee, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the huge
work done up to now, including discussion of hundreds of projects of
events, creation of a joint fund, signing of the respective convention.

Andranik Margarian expressed gratitude to the French side, to all
state and cultural organizations and individuals who contributed
to the process of preparation of Year of Armenia together with the
Ambassador, Embassy and Commissar of Armenia in Paris. He emphasized
that the Armenian side will provide assistance as far as possible
for holding these events at the highest level.

Asserting that the Armenian people is well familiarized with the French
cultural values, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that Year of
Armenia in France will be an occasion for the French people to get
to know the Armenian cultural heritage as much closely as Armenians
know the French one, as the Armenian cultural heritage, according
to him, having centuries-old traditions is an integral part of of
the European civilization and system of values. According to him,
the holding of Year of Armenia in France, in one of the capitals of
world art and culture, is an exclusive opportunity for presenting
the Armenian cultural values not only to France, but also through
France to Europe and to the world. According to the Prime Minister,
bearing big and positive supplies of Armenian-French friendship,
Year of Armenia in France also contains an important message for many
thousands of French Armenians who, according to him, are a peculiar
bridge between the Armenian and French peoples.

As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Government Information and Public
Relations Department, Andranik Margarian confirmed that as Head of the
Armenian Government and Chairman of the State Commission Coordinating
the Spade-Works of Year of Armenia in France, he will visit Paris to
take part in the conference of Armenian-French sister cities to be
organized on October 17-18 with the sponsorship of the French Senate
and RA National Assembly. The Prime Minister assured that Armenia is
ready to do everything possible to make Year of Armenia in France
a bright and impressive event symbolizing one more important stage
in the Armenian-French friendly relations, which, according to him,
particularly, in the recent period undeviatingly develop in political,
as well as economic, cultural and other directions.

Mrs Valerie Teranova, Adviser of the French President on Special
Errands, once more emphasized that President Jacques Chirac attaches
great importance to Year of Armenia in France. Numerous and various
events are held in France every year, but Year of Armenia is an
exclusive event, as not only friendly, but also warm and sincere
relations were historically formed between the two peoples, she said.

Jerome Paskier, head of the French delegation, Deputy Director of
French General Department on International Cooperation and Development,
also expressed satisfaction with the results registered at the July
4 meeting of joint committee’s working groups.

Henri Cuny, Ambassador of France to Armenia, and Edward Nalbandian,
Ambassador of Armenia to France, commissars from both sides, Mrs Nelly
Tardivie and Assistant to RA President Vigen Sargsian, presented the
process of spade-works on holding of events of Year of Armenia in
France, which includes more than a hundred events to be organized
both in France and in Armenia.

NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT OSCE MG CO-CHAIRS CALL FOR ARMENIAN AND AZERI PRESIDENTS TO EXPRESS POLITICAL WILL

AZG Armenian Daily
05/07/2006

Taking into account recent speculation about the basic principles
for a peaceful settlement of the NK conflict proposed to both parties
by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, it is necessary to make the following
clarification.On June 22 the Minsk Group Co-Chairs reported to the OSCE
Permanent Council on the results of the past months of negotiations
between the sides on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.They reported on
their intensive mediation activities over the past seven months aimed
at achieving agreement on the basic principles for a settlement. These
included three visits of the Co-Chairs to Baku and Yerevan, three
times together and several more times separately, two meetings of
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and two
summits between Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev, first in Rambouillet
in February and then in Bucharest in early June.

In addition, a joint Mission of Representatives of the Co-Chair
countries at the Deputy Foreign Minister level traveled to the region
in May. Throughout their mediation efforts, the Co-Chairs stressed, as
always, the belief of their nations and of the international community
that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be resolved in no other way than
a peaceful one. They also stressed the need for the leaders of Armenia
and Azerbaijan to prepare their publics for peace and not for war.

The mediation efforts of the Co-Chairs resulted in the proposal
to Presidents Aliyev and Kocharian of a set of fair, balanced, and
workable core principles that could pave the way for the two sides to
draft a far-reaching settlement agreement. The principles are based
on the redeployment of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territories
around Nagorno- Karabakh, with special modalities for Kelbajar and
Lachin districts (including a corridor between Armenia and Nagorno-
Karabakh), demilitarization of those territories, and a referendum or
population vote at a date and in a manner to be decided through further
negotations to determine the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Deployment of an international peacekeeping force and a joint
commission for implementation of the agreement would be established,
and international assistance would be made available for demining,
reconstruction, and resettlement of internally displaced persons in
the formerly occupied territories and the war-affected regions of
Nagorno-Karabakh. Certain interim arrangements for Nagorno-Karabakh
would allow for interaction with providers of international assistance.

The sides would renounce the use or threat of use of force, and
international and bilateral security guarantees and assurances would
be put in place.

Regarding the vote to determine the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh,
the Co-Chairs stressed that suitable pre-conditions for such a vote
would have to be achieved so that the vote would take place in a
non-coercive environment in which well-informed citizens have had
ample opportunity to consider their positions after a vigorous debate
in the public arena.

Unfortunately, at their most recent meeting in Bucharest the Presidents
did not reach agreement on these principles. The Co-Chairs continue
to believe that the proposals developed through the past two years of
negotiations hold the best potential for achieving a just and lasting
settlement of the conflict.

They strongly believe that it is now time for the two Presidents to
take the initiative for achieving a breakthrough in the settlement
process based on these principles, and they stand ready to assist the
parties to conclude an agreement if the Presidents indicate they are
prepared to do so. Although no additional meetings between the sides
under the auspices of the Co-Chairs are planned for the immediate
future, they will be ready to reengage if the parties decide to pursue
the talks with the political will that has thus far been lacking.