Author: Topchian Jane

Interfax
March 22 2004

Armenian GDP up 7.3% in Jan-Feb

Yerevan. (Interfax) – Armenian GDP increased 7.3% to 134.043 million
dram in January-February 2004, a source in the National Statistics
Service told Interfax.

Industrial production fell 5.5% year-on-year in the same period.

Armenia’s foreign trade deficit in the first two months amounted to
$79.8 million. Exports amounted to $84.8 million, with imports of
$164.6 million. Foreign trade turnover amounted to $249.4 million.

GDP in Armenia in 2003 increased 13.9% to 1.618 trillion dram, with
industrial production up 14.9% to 425.3 billion dram.

The official exchange rate on March 19 was 562.67 dram to the dollar.

Interfax
March 22 2004

Armenia-Iran pipeline may be extended to Ukraine, EU

Yerevan. (Interfax) – The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, for which a
construction agreement should be signed in the near future, may be
extended through Georgia to Ukraine and on to the European Union,
Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan told Interfax.

He said that the possibility has not been ruled out of laying a
pipeline from Iran through Armenia and Georgia an onwards along the
Black Sea bed to Ukraine. “After the Blue Stream project, the
construction of long marine pipelines is no longer a fantasy,” the
minister said

He said that the supply of gas from Iran to the Ukrainian and
European markets is in line with these countries’ plans to find
access to alternative natural gas supplies.

Iran, Turkmenistan and, above all, the European Union, wants this.
Europe hopes to build a pipeline to its territory through Armenia,
with Iranian and Turkmenistani gas. But this will involve serious and
long negotiations, involving other countries that now receive Russian
gas,” Movsisyan said.

In 2000 the institute VNIPITransgaz developed a feasibility study for
the Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Ukraine-Europe gas pipeline, with an
underwater section of 550 km from the Georgian port of Supsa to the
Crimean city of Feodosia. The Ukrainian Fuel and Energy Ministry
estimated the cost of the project at $5 billion, with gas supply
volume of 60 billion cubic meters per annum, including 10 bcm for
Ukraine.

Armenian Finance and Economics Minister Vardan Khachatryan said
earlier that construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline might
begin by the end of 2003 and be completed within one to two years.

Armenia and Iran signed an intergovernmental agreement in 1995
establishing the route of the pipeline, which stretches 114 km,
including 41 km in Armenia and 100 km in Iran. The agreement also
sets the price for gas to be transported through the pipeline at $84
per 1,000. The cost of the project is estimated at $120 million.

The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline has been on the drawing board since
1992. In addition to the two main participants in the project, other
interested parties include Russia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, countries
in the European Union, and China. The European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development has said that it is ready to finance
the project.

Presidents discuss problems of Georgia’s Armenian community

Arminfo
12 Mar 04

YEREVAN

Georgian Armenians should be full citizens of our country with equal
opportunities, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili told a news
conference in Yerevan today.

At the same time, the Georgian president noted the need for concrete
work in regions. For example, he said that a Russian military base is
the only employer in Akhalkalaki [Georgian region populated by ethnic
Armenians]. “This is not a normal situation,” he said, adding that one
could not survive without a well-developed economy. Moreover, he
mentioned tough climatic conditions in the region. This circumstance,
as well as the fact that the region is located on the border, became
obstacles to the development of the region back during the Soviet era.

As for the demands that the political status of the Georgian region be
changed, Saakashvili said that this kind of issues could be resolved
exclusively within Georgia.

I am thankful to the Armenian president for his strict position on
territorial integrity and stability in Georgia and in the region as a
whole. This is in the interests of Armenia, Georgia and of the future
of the South Caucasus,” Saakashvili said.

At the same time, he noted that “any attempt to artificially disrupt
stability is doomed to failure, as Armenia has a president who
understands very well the significance of stability and peace and
second, understands that this intention can lead to tragedy, which I
would not advise anybody even to think about”.

He noted that he even did not welcome debates on this issue. He said
that sometimes people think about this. Those are the people who have
no idea about the region and its problems but are engaged in
theoretical alterations to maps, Saakashvili said.

Armenian President Robert Kocharyan also underlined the similarity of
the positions of the Armenian and Georgian authorities, which called
for more harmonic and deeper integration of the Armenian diaspora into
Georgia’s economic, political and cultural life.

“This is the core on the basis of which concrete actions should be
taken. These include a road linking Tbilisi with the region of
Javakheti, a road which will create conditions for selling produce
from the region on Tbilisi’s markets and also economic programmes.

“We could work on this together,” Kocharyan noted. He said that the
main goal was proper integration of the Armenian community into
Georgian communities of these regions. “This is Armenia’s official
position,” the Armenian president said.

ARMENIAN NGO NEWS IN BRIEF
Volume 2, No. 41
January-February, 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

*** RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES

*** EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION
FOR CITIZENS

*** BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM

*** LET’S HELP DEBED RIVER

*** WORKING TOGETHER – BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

*** SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

*** ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR

*** ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

*** ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED

*** RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES

The Open Medical Club NGO’s Raising the Population’s Awareness on the Right
to Free Medical Services project is coming to its end. As a result of a
preliminary survey, only ten per cent of the population is informed about
their right to free medical services. The 5,000 booklets published contained
basic information on free medical services. Educational activities were
carried out through two video films produced by the NGO and aired by Yerevan
TV Channel, as well as discussions held with NGO representatives. Upon
completion of the project, another survey will be conducted, which will form
the basis for a new awareness-raising project on 2004 decrees. The project
is being implemented through funding support received from World Learning
Organization through USAID.

Contact:
Zaruhi Janibekyan
Open Medical Club NGO
60 Abovyan St.; Children’s University Hospital #1
Tel.: (374-1) 54-44-17; 54-44-18
E-mail: [email protected]

*** EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION
FOR CITIZENS

The final roundtable of the above mentioned project by the Anna National
Association of Consumers and Consumers Rights Protection Union NGOs was held
on January 29, 2004. Project staff presented to representatives of NGOs,
state structures, international organizations and Mass Media a summary of
the activities they implemented: survey to reveal the population’s awareness
of the law; booklets, brochures and Consumer newsletter published; radio
and TV programs aired; and seminars and consultancies provided. Within the
framework of the subproject, the Union of Consumer Rights Protection
developed and published Comments on Articles on the ROA Law on Consumers
Rights Protection, encompassing not only the general provisions of the Law,
but also issues related to protection of consumers rights during service
provision, and state and social protection of consumers rights. The Union
developed and launched their website – the
electronic version of the book is available, along with a number of other
legal acts related to the issue. The project was implemented with funding
support received from Eurasia Foundation through USAID.

Contacts:
Melita Hakobyan
Anna National Association of Consumers NGO
23 David Anhaght St., 3rd Floor
Tel.: (374-1) 24-92-04

Abgar Yeghoyan
Consumer Rights Protection Union NGO
10 Hanrapetutian St.
Tel.: (374-1) 46-08-24; 56-37-73
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website:

*** BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM
This forum was organized by the International Council on Social Welfare
(ICSW) and Mission Armenia NGO from January 15-17, 2004 in Yerevan.
Representatives of more than 50 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from
Black Sea Economic Cooperation nine member states (Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation and
Ukraine), ROA Ministries (Foreign Affairs, Social Security and Healthcare)
and international organizations participated in the event. The Black Sea
Regional Civil Society Forum anticipates establishing collaboration among
the regional CSOs and advocating to the BSEC that its mandate be expanded to
include social welfare issues. During the plenary sessions, the attention of
the Forum participants was drawn to problems of sustainable development,
poverty reduction, healthcare, human rights, global population aging,
migration, and more. Participants discussed the social priorities of the
region, which served as bases for a Draft Policy Paper. In this paper,
participants presented the ways and mechanisms of anticipated BSEC-CSO
collaboration to solve regional social problems. The Draft Paper will be
further developed during the coming two months before submission to the BSEC
General Assembly in April 2004. Another major result of the Forum was the
creation of the CSO Network. Headed by a Coordination Council, it has focal
points in all participating countries. Mission Armenia NGO has undertaken
the responsibilities of the Network Secretariat. The participants also
selected a Lobbying Team which will undertake necessary activities to
establish BSEC-CSO collaboration.
Contact: Hripsime Kirakossyan
Mission Armenia NGO
42 Garegin Nzhdeh St.
Tel.: (374 1) 44-47-92; 44-47-93; 44-47-61; 44-47-32
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

*** LET’S HELP DEBED RIVER

On January 13, 2004, the Vanadzor based Trichk (Flight) NGO organized a
discussion within the framework of Appeal for Consciousness project.
Leading specialists from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of
the Lori Regional Governor’s Office and the Center for Monitoring Hygiene
Epidemiology, pedagogues-biologists and representatives of NGOs dealing with
environmental issues participated in the discussion. They presented
suggestions related to environmental education, tree planting, improving
utilities and fighting against illegal utilization of forest land
contributing to landslides. Participants expressed their concerns about the
increasing levels of ammonium in the Debed River, as a result of which, many
fish have died.

Contact: Hovhanness Nikoghosyan
Trichk (Flight) NGO
Tel.: (374-51) 4-49-28; 2-16-75; 4-46-26
E-mail: [email protected]

*** WORKING TOGETHER – BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe, in cooperation with the All
Armenian Women’s Union and the Armenian Committee of Helsinki Citizens
Assembly NGOs, together are implementing the Working Together-Building
Community Connections project in Armenia. The goal of the project is to
promote dialogue between local authorities and the community, increase
community involvement in solving local problems and explore ways of
cooperation. Within the project framework, in January 2004, forums were held
in Yerevan’s Nor Nork and Arabkir communities with representatives of local
self-governing bodies (LSGB), mass media, schools, scientific and research
institutes and community members participating. During the forums entitled
Do We Contribute to the Establishment of Dialogue between LSGB and Society?
and Could We Jointly Improve our Community?, participants analyzed barriers
of cooperation between LSGB and society and suggested ways of overcoming
those obstacles. During the forum, recommendations were made. To implement
them, action plans were developed and initiative groups formed. Similar
forums are planned to be held in eight towns of Armenia. Civic Initiatives
newsletter will also be published and seminars on the Promoting Civic
Initiatives will be organized. The project is being implemented with
financial assistance from the US Department of State Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs.

Contact:
Natalia Martirossyan
All Armenian Women’s Union
Tel.: (374-1) 52-09-74
E-mail: [email protected]

*** SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

On February 3, 2004, six local NGOs presented their projects implemented
within the framework of Trans-boundary Grants Programme of the Regional
Environmental Center (REC.) Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation, the projects were designed to solve regional environmental
problems with the cooperation of NGOs. Brief descriptions of the projects
are presented below:

ž Tapan Eco-Club and its partners have developed an explanatory dictionary
of major ecological terms in Azeri, Armenian, English, Georgian and Russian
languages. The dictionary was distributed to interested NGOs and government
bodies and can be accessed at the website

ž Center of Bird Lovers and its Georgian partner studied the quantity and
seasonal composition of wetland biotypes and the ornithological fauna of
Armenia and Georgia. They developed a list of rare and endangered biotopes,
short and long-term plans for the protection of birds and recommendations
for creating protected areas. All of these materials were submitted to the
Ministries of Ecology in Armenia and Georgia. In addition, the NGOs
conducted ecological education activities among citizens of all ages.

The Association for Human Sustainable Development, with its Azeri and
Georgian partners, identified problems within the sustainable development
framework in two towns in each of the three republics. Solutions were
suggested to the local authorities and the NGOsoffered specific guidelines
for adopting Local Agenda-21 in each town studied.

ž Union of Consumers Rights Protection and its partners conducted
preliminary monitoring of selected foods in each country to reveal
potentially dangerous foods. They then carried out laboratory testing of
foods, and publicized the results in newspapers, and on radio and TV
programs. The NGOs also prepared a comparative analysis of laws relating to
food security in the three countries and developed recommendations to
harmonize this legislation in each country. These recommendations were
introduced to relevant state structures.

ž Armenian School and its partners developed a CD and the website
, which introduces environmental problems of the
South Caucasus countries through stories, animations, games and quizzes. The
CD, available in Armenian, Azeri, English and Georgian, was distributed
among schoolchildren and environmental NGOs.

ž Greens Union of Armenia and its partners studied international legislation
and standards related to pipeline construction. They assessed the current
and anticipated impact on the ecological situation along the planned
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Erzrum pipeline routes. Their reports were
disseminated among NGOs and society, thereby bringing them into the Caucasus
Network of Public Observers.

REC Caucasus is currently developing a publication which will highlight
success stories. When completed, this will be available for all interested.

Contact:
Hovhanness Ghazaryan
REC Caucasus Information Point, Armenia
1 Charents St., 2nd floor
Tel.: (374-1) 57-47-43
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

*** ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR

Lori Regional Office of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems
(IFES) organized Interests Protection seminar in Vanadzor on February 4-6,
2004. The seminar had two objectives: 1) transfer theoretical knowledge and
practical skills to participants and 2) form groups which would actually
carry out interests protection activities. Representatives of various
Vanadzor based NGOs and universities, as well as individuals concerned with
the issues of accessibility of information and freedom of speech in
communities participated in the seminar. During the training, some
participants decided to direct their activities towards contributing to the
provision of transparency and accessibility of information in condominiums.
Others chose to form a youth club/board, which will attempt to organize the
leisure time of young people and act as a link between the youth and local
self governing bodies, thus providing an opportunity for young people to
participate in decision making processes. The groups developed action plans.
The initiative groups began their activities on February 14. Preliminary
meetings have already been held and timetables set.

Those interested in the activities of the initiative groups or wishing to
get involved, may contact Lori Regional Office of the International
Foundation for Education Systems (IFES) at telephone number (374-51) 4-29-68
or by e-mail at [email protected].

*** ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

On February 11-12, 2004, the issue of legislative regulation of volunteer
activities was discussed in Tsakhkadzor. World Learning NGO Strengthening
Program and AAA NGO Training and Resource Center jointly organized the
workshop, with USAID support. The event brought together lawyers,
professionals from various backgrounds and NGOs. The workshop accurately
reflected the situation with Volunteerism in Armenia, both in the sense of
attitudes by government and public need. During the discussions, NGOs raised
the problems they face in this field, especially related to tax and social
welfare issues. The Draft Law on Volunteers and Volunteer Activities also
was discussed in detail. All participants emphasized the need for legal
regulation and suggestions were made regarding content and technical
structure. At the end of the second working day, participants decided to
form a working group of lawyers and NGOs, who will further develop the draft
legislation. Once completed, the draft will be presented to such interested
structures as ROA Ministry of Justice, the State Fund for Social Welfare, as
well as to a wider public. Future actions will then be defined.

Contacts:
Yan Karpovich
World Learning NSP
24 Moskovian St., #1
Tel.: (374-1) 58-26-20, 52-08-51, 54-35-76
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

AAA NGO Training and Resource Center
39 Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

*** ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED

The Vanadzor based Lusastgh NGO is implementing their White Stick project to
educate on the need for protecting the rights of the blind. Designed to
contribute to the betterment of social conditions of the blind, the project
will reveal needs of beneficiaries and suggestions on solving their
problems. Within the framework of the project, events have been organized to
disseminate information and highlight problems faced by the blind. One of
these events was the February 24 roundtable devoted to the discussion of the
Annual Program on Social Protection of the Disabled, with a particular focus
on issues of the blind.

As prescribed by Article 5 of the ROA Law on the Disabled, the Government is
authorized to include an Annual Program on Social Protection of the
Disabled. The programs may include activities directed at social and legal
protection of the disabled and particularly ensuring education and
requalification of the blind. The discussion highlighted a number of
suggestions in this regard.

Contact:
Nune Pepanyan
Lusastgh NGO
Tel.: (374-51) 4-29-14
E-mail: [email protected]

__________________________________________________________________________

Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource
Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for
electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Primary funding for the
NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by
the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Individual
NGOs are welcome to submit information for publication to the NGOC. The NGO
Center is not responsible for the clarity of information provided by
individual NGOs.

Dear Readers,

The not-for-profit, non-governmental sector of Armenia is rich with diverse
civic initiatives and activities. This electronic publication, though far
from covering all activities of the sector per any given period of time, is
intended to contribute to raising awareness, both inside and outside
Armenia, of the activities of Armenian not-for-profit, non-governmental
organizations.

Your comments and feedback about this electronic publication are greatly
appreciated.

Thank you.
NGOC staff.

Contact Information:

In Armenia:Armenian Assembly of AmericaNGO Training and Resource Center39
Yeznik Koghbatsi St.,Yerevan 375010Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13;
53-92-04Fax: (374-1) 54-40-15E-mail: [email protected]:
In the United States:Armenian Assembly of AmericaNGO Training and Resource
Center122 C Street NW, Suite 350Washington, DC 20001 USATel: (202)
393-3434Fax: (202) 638-4904E-mail: [email protected]: