Author: Varosian Antranik

VARDAN OSKANYAN: OUSTING OF BSEC MEMBERS FROM TRANSPORT PROJECTS INADMISSIBLE

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Nov 3 2006

YEREVAN, November 3. /ARKA/. Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan
believes that the ousting of some of the members of the Black Sea
Economic Cooperation (BSEC) from transport projects is inadmissible.

Speaking at the 15th meeting of the Council of the BSEC Foreign
Ministers, Minister Oskanyan stressed the inadmissibility of the
policy of ousting some of the member-states and of ignoring the
existing transport facilities simultaneously with efforts to form a
transport link.

Despite bilateral problems, the BSEC member-states have many common
features. To create a harmonious atmosphere for the settlement of
political problems these common features must prevail over differences,
Oskanyan said.

He also proposed studying the experience and new challenges and
carrying out necessary institutional reforms to enhance the BSEC’s
efficiency as part of preparations for the BSEC’s 15th summit in
Istanbul, Turkey.

Speaking of the expected membership of Bulgaria and Romania in the
BSEC, Oskanyan pointed out that it will create new opportunities
for closer cooperation between BSEC and the EU, considering common
interests and the membership of some countries in both organizations.

The 15th meeting of the Council of the BSEC Foreign Ministers was held
in Moscow on October 31-November 1, 2006. The meeting participants
adopted a declaration, and Serbia took over BSEC chairmanship from
Russia. P.T. -0–

AYVAZYAN MET THE KING

A1+
[07:17 pm] 03 November, 2006

RA Ambassador to Sweden Ara Ayvazyan met King of Sweden Karl XVI
Gustav in order to hand the King his credentials.

During the private conversation after the ceremony the sides referred
to the historic links between Armenia and Sweden and the process of
developing the relations between the countries.

At the request of the King of Sweden Ambassador Ayvazyan briefed him on
the political and economic situation in Armenia. The sides exchanged
thoughts about the perspectives of cooperation of Scandinavian and
South Caucasian countries.

AN EARTHQUAKE IN ERZRUM

A1+
[03:38 pm] 02 November, 2006

Today, a 4.8-force earthquake took place in the territory of Turkey,
65 km South-West to the city of Erzrum at about 01:19 (local time).

The underground shakes were measured 6-7 on the Richter scale.

Let us remind you that on October 2 an earthquake of 4,3 force took
place 40 km South-West to Erzrum. The underground shakes were 6 forces
and were followed by quakes measuring 4-5 and 5-6 forces.

US CONGRESS MAY RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, AMERICAN SCHOLAR BELIEVES

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.11.2006 16:04 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ US Congressmen will to all appearance will adopt a
resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, Georgetown University
professor Clyde Wilcox believes. In his words, during the coming
elections the Democrats have chances to have the majority at least
at one of the Congress chambers.

Professor Wilcox noted that in case Democrats win the elections House
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D – CA) will become Speaker and will
do her best for adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution. As
a result, in the opinion of Clyde Wilcox, the House will pass a
statement recognizing the Armenian Genocide. However, he added, for the
resolution to have effect the Senate and President should also approve
it, which the professor considered "incredible," reports RFE/RL.

CBA PROPOSES DECLARING FOREIGN CURRENCY BROUGHT INTO ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
Nov 01 2006

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 1, NOYAN TAPAN. It is envisaged to require that
citizens make a declaration in case of bringing more than 10 thousand
dollars into Armenia. Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA)
Tigran Sargsian said during the discussion of the 2007 draft state
budget in the RA NA standing committees on November 1 that the
introduction of this declaration system will allow to calculate the
amount of foreign currency flow into Armenia. According to him, the
surveys conducted by the CBA at Armenian airports and customs points
show that this year cash of more than 3 billion USD has flown into
Armenia with about 450 thousand tourists. Surveys were also conducted
to calculate the cash brought out of the country, as a result of
which the positive balance made about 450 million USD. In the opinion
of T. Sargsian, this amount may be much greater, as large amounts of
cash brought into Armenia are not declared and those surveyed do not
give exact information about it. The CBA Chairman said that inflow
of large amounts cannot but affect the price of foreign currency on
the domestic market.

THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE ARE NOT CLEAR YET

Lragir, Armenia
Nov 1 2006

The debates on the draft constitution in Karabakh go on. They also
continue connecting the constitutional process with the presidential
election in 2007. First because though President Ghukasyan announced
that he would not run a third term running, a number of circumstances
show that such attempts may be taken, nevertheless. And this completely
changes the political sphere and the direction of developments. We
asked Gegham Baghdasaryan, member of ARF Dashnaktsutyun-Movement
88, the oppositionist parliamentary group of NKR to comment on the
current situation.

The member of parliament says the race for the post of president
has already started. "The point is that as long as it is not clear
if the president will run in the election, the potential candidates
do not feel free. And in fact, the problem of the president has not
been solved yet. Although Arkady Ghukasyan stated on October 11 that
he is unlikely to run in the election, a number of facts show that
this is not so. Namely the leader of the Democratic faction of the
ruling Democratic Party Vahram Atanesyan announced after the statement
of the president that after the adoption of the Constitution "the
president will round up the representatives of the political forces
and announce about his final decision". In other words, this statement
was not the final decision. Gagik Petrosyan, the representative of the
Hayrenik faction of the second force in the parliament, stated that
the provision in the draft constitution, which enables the president to
run a third term, will not be withdrown. Therefore, it will be possible
to discuss the topic of the candidates only after the adoption of the
Constitution and the "final decision". If the president is nominated,
there will hardly be any candidates from the pro-governmental wing. If
not, there will be a number of candidates," Gegham Baghdasaryan said.

The member of parliament reminded that only the NGOs undertake talks
about the possible candidates in Karabakh. The Open Society NGO,
for instance, conducted a public poll, and Speaker Ashot Ghulyan was
given the highest popular rating. Afterwards, the same organization in
association with the Press Club of Stepanakert conducted a survey among
16 experts. And new leaders have appeared: the deputy foreign minister
Masis Mayilyan 4 votes, the head of the State Security Service Bako
Sahakyan 4 votes, NKR President Arkady Ghukasyan 3 votes, the leader
of the ARF-Movement 88 parliamentary group Armen Sargsyan 2 votes,
the former defense minister Samvel Babayan 1 vote, the leader of the
Karabakh movement 1 vote, the former member of parliament Nerses
Ohanjanyan 1 vote. "It is interesting that people appeared in the
leading places of the survey, who work in the government agencies. This
is first of all explained by the existence of "an administrative
opposition". The others think that these people have greater
possibilities for public politics. There is another circumstance: the
experts have evaluated the real chances of the possible candidates. It
is also interesting that there is an oppositionist among the leaders,
Armen Sargsyan," said Gegham Baghdasaryan.

Gegham Baghdasaryan thinks that after the adoption of the
Constitution the political parties will have meetings and decide
on their standpoint. "The political parties have appeared in a very
difficult situation. The recent maneuvers of the president slow down
the establishment of the political sphere. People do not feel free,
and cannot open the cards. Although, we have learned that some people
have already started the pre-election campaign," said the member
of parliament.

OLLI REHN: OUR RELATIONS WITH ANKARA ARE SCHIZOPHRENIC

Hurriyet, Turkey
Nov 1 2006

Olli Rehn, the EU Commissioner for Expansion, has characterized EU
relations with Ankara as "schizophrenic" in an interview with the
French newspaper Liberation. While asserting that he was against
the freezing of talks with Ankara, Rehn did underscore some of the
difficulties in Turkey’s quest for EU accession, pointing to issues
such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion as being areas
where reforms had to continue. Rehn did also stress the need for
"fairness" towards Turkey from the EU, saying "The union must come
through on its promises."

He then went on to say: "Our relations with Turkey are schizophrenic.

In the EU we downgrade strategic importance, while in Turkey, to the
contrary, it is so upgraded in terms of importance that it is thought
there that greater tolerance can be brought about on the subject of
criteria for membership. But it won’t be that way."

Cyprus ports: The key autumn issue

Rehn characterized the issue of opening up air and sea ports to
Southern Cyprus as "the key issue of the fall" in his Liberation
interview, applauding Finland for its efforts to find a solution.

Rehn: Military in Turkey needs to be under clear control of civilian
gov. Rehn also focused on the role of the military in Turkish civilian
and political life, noting there while great steps had been taken in
terms of the democratization of the role of the military’s role, there
was much more to be reformed. He said "I respect the authority of the
Turkish military within the framework of the defense area, however
the military must also clearly be under the authority and control
of the civilian administration." When reminded in the interview that
the military in Turkey was the guarantor of secularity and democracy,
Rehn said "The EU does not want to abet the Islamicists in Turkey. I
can guarantee you this." He then recalled that past efforts by the
Turkish military to interfere in and prevent the spread of Islamic
schools in Turkey had failed.

In response to Liberation-posed question about the so-called Armenian
genocide, Rehn noted that while recognition of the Armenian genocide
was not a pre-condition for membership in the EU, that peace of one
of the founding values of Europe.

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111 North Jackson St. Ste. 205
Glendale, CA 91206

Tel: 818-243-6222
Fax: 818-243-7222
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact ~ Sarkis Kotanjian
[email protected]

Armenia Fund Canada and Baroness Cox Open New School in Nagorno
Karabakh – One of the Telethon 2005 Results

Los Angeles, CA – Armenia Fund United States Western Region is pleased
to announce that its Canadian affiliate of Toronto – Armenia Fund
Canada – along with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords of the
United Kingdom, Baroness Caroline Cox recently opened a new village
school in Madaghis, Martakert, NKR. The school is part of the ongoing
regional development program of Martakert. The school is built for
150 students, has 11 classrooms, a computer room, a new office for
the principal, a teachers’ office, a medical room, a library and
a function hall. The new school proudly bears the flags of Nagorno
Karabakh and Canada.

Present at the September 27th ribbon cutting ceremony were officials
from the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, representatives of Armenia Fund
International, Armenia Fund Canada Toronto affiliate as well as a
group of Canadian-Armenians from Toronto. Migirdich Migirdichian,
Chairman of Armenia Fund Canada (Toronto) spoke during the special
opening ceremony. He stressed the importance of rebuilding the war
torn region through the collective efforts of Diaspora Armenians.

Joining Migirdichian was Baroness Cox of the United Kingdom. Lady
Cox gave a very moving speech and congratulated the villagers and
the students alike for this great occasion. The honor of cutting
the ribbon was given to Baroness Cox who was accompanied by two first
grade students. Nora Kasparian, Principal of the school, warmly thanked
Baroness Cox and Armenia Fund Canada chairman Migirdichian for their
endless efforts in realizing their dreams of having a local school.

During her speech at the event, Baroness Cox reiterated her firm
support of Armenia Fund and its mission to help rebuild Nagorno
Karabakh. Dubbed as the "Guardian Angel of Arstakh", Baroness
Cox has been an adamant supporter of Nagorno Karabakh both in
the United Kingdom and internationally, calling for the full and
proper recognition of Nagorno Karabakh, as well support for its
redevelopment. Baroness Cox has visited Nagorno Karabakh more than
62 times and has led several humanitarian missions to the fledgling
republic.

Armenia Fund has two affiliates in Canada – in Toronto and
Montreal. Over the past fifteen years, the greater Armenian Diaspora
of Canada has actively participated in the rebuilding efforts of
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian
and infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $160 million
in development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund,
Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of "Hayastan" All-Armenian
Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698

PUTIN: RUSSIA ON SHAMEFUL THIRD PLACE ON INVESTMENT INTO ARMENIAN ECONOMY

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.10.2006 18:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russian President Vladimir Putin started the meeting
with his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharian. Putin expects that
investments of Russian companies to the economy of Armenia will
increase. He stated it, when opening the meeting.

"Russia is on shameful third place on investment into Armenian
economy," the Russian leader said. "I say shameful, as it is strange
that Russia is not the first on investment into the economy of its
strategic partner," he explained. "However, trade increases and within
8 months it made 60%," Putin added.

In his turn Robert Kocharian reported that all arrangements between
Yerevan and Gazprom are being implemented. "All serious agreements
on energy projects are entering the phase of implementation," he
said. He noted Russia’s record of being the third on capital investment
volume should be changed. "I do not doubt it will change next year
considerably," Kocharian said. He also reported that the practical
implementation of a project of ArmenAl – one of the largest enterprises
in the region – was launched a few days ago, reports ITAR-TASS.

WORKS ENVISAGED BY ORDER OF STATE REGISTRATION OF REAL ESTATE TO FINISH IN ARMENIA TILL LATE 2007

Noyan Tapan
Oct 31 2006

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 31, NOYAN TAPAN. Works envisaged by the order of
defining addresses and numbering as well as state registration of
addresses of the real property will finish in all the settlements
of the republic, including Yerevan as well, till late 2007. Kamo
Areyan, the Deputy Mayor of Yerevan stated about it at the October
30 press conference. He reminded that the RA Government affirmed on
December 29, 2005, the order of naming, renaming the RA urban and
rural settlements, innersettlement geographic objects as well as
of defining addresses and numbering of the real property in those
settlements." By the Government’s decision, during 2 years legal
bodies must bring in correspondence with the mentioned order defining
of addressed in Yerevan and other cities. K.Areyan emphasized that
the base of defining addresses of the capital was formed by the
Yerevan Mayor’s instruction. The whole economics of addresses of the
capital has already been inventoried: 1258 streets and lanes, 4566
many-apartment buildings with 216750 flats, 31124 individual dwelling
houses and 5348 public, production objects and constructions. The
Deputy Mayor also mentioned that the authorized body for numbering
buildings and constructions in Yerevan, giving addresses is the Mayor,
and the state authorized body for registration of an adress is the
RA Government’s State Committee on Land-Survey of Real Property.