WEATHER UPSET OSCE MG VISIT TO STEPANAKERT
PanARMENIAN.Net
05.10.2006 14:39 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ As a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter came to know from the
NKR representative office in Yerevan, the visit of the OSCE Minsk
Group Co-chairs to Stepanakert scheduled for October 4 was upset
by bad weather conditions. October 5 the mediators left Yerevan for
Moscow to participate in the meeting of the Armenian and Azeri FMs
to be held October 6.
RAMKAVAR-AZATAKAN PARTY LEADERSHIP MEETS WITH GERMAN PARLIAMENTARIAN
ARMINFO News Agency
October 3, 2006 Tuesday
Tuesday, the leadership of Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia (RAPA)
met with a member of German Bundestag, Vice Chairman of Bundestag
Caucasian group, a member of PACE, Michael George Link, RAPA press
service told ArmInfo.
Harutyun Arakelyan, leader of the party Ramkavar-Azatakan, presented
the strategy and tactics of RAPA before the parliamentary and
presidential elections. He also touched upon the development of
democratic processes, the draft of the national ideology conception,
which according to his is to be based on the model of establishment
of the national statehood. He criticized the election legislation
of Armenia that causes obstacles to the non-parliamentary powers to
enter the National Assembly.
Michael George Link agreed with the RAPA’s initiatives pointing out
that the national way of thinking should accompany development of
political ideas. A number of geo-political issues were discussed
as well.
Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
&quo t;THE DIALOGUE OF CIVILIZATIONS, CULTURES AND RELIGIONS
IS AN IMPERATIVE NECESSITY"
Says His Holiness Aram I addressing the
World Public Forum "Dialogue of Civilizations"
The World Public Forum for the "Dialogue of Civilizations" has organized its
third conference in the Greek island of Rhodes. Over 500 intellectuals,
political scientists, university professors, government representatives,
spirituals and theology experts participate in the ongoing conference.
Archbishop Yeznig Bedrossian represented the Catholicosate of All Armenians
at the conference and Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian and Mrs. Teni Simonian
represented the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
His Holiness Aram I was invited to deliver a lecture in person to the
conference attendants. Being busy and unable to attend, His Holiness
prepared an address to the conference, read by Archbishop Sebouh.
In his speech, the Catholicos first and foremost emphasizes that
civilization is a comprehensive reality, which encompasses religion,
culture, traditions and values. He explains the internal connectedness of
these various components of civilization.
The Catholicos then highlights three main points:
"1.- Dialogue of civilizations is essentially dialogue of religions.
Religion is at the heart of civilizations. It touches almost all aspects and
spheres of a society. It articulates the beliefs, traditions and values of a
community. The growing public role of religion gives a new dimension to
dialogue of civilizations, a spiritual dimension and a new language: the
language of love, compassion and humility.
2.- Dialogue of civilizations is fundamentally dialogue of values.
Spiritual, intellectual, economic, political and social values are genuine
expressions of a community’s self-understanding. Through values people
become community. Through values a community affirms its identity,
safeguards its integrity and ensures its strength, based on respect for the
other.
3.- Dialogue of civilizations is basically dialogue of people. In fact,
civilizations, religions and their values are both gifts of God and human
achievements. Their purpose is to create relationships between humanity,
creation and Transcendent. The human being has a particular place and
vocation in the created order. According to Christianity, he or she is the
steward of creation and accountable to God."
Concluding, the Catholicos stresses the imperative of dialogue in this
globalized world as the only factor of preserving the existence of humanity
and creativity, waiving the difficulties mankind faces and establishing
justice and peace.
##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.
WORKING DISCUSSIONS ON DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTORAL CODE OF RA BEGIN IN NA
National Assembly of RA, Armenia
Sept 28 2006
On September 27 in the National Assembly the discussions on the
draft amendments to the RA Electoral Code with participation of
representatives of the NA political forces, experts of the Venice
Commission, OSCE/ODIHR, international organizations, CEC (Central
Electoral Commission) representatives and experts began.
Mr. Tigran Torosyan, the President of the National Assembly, opening
the sitting, thanked the experts for the readiness to participate
in the discussions on the issues. There was no agreement reached
among political forces regarding these issues. The NA President
mentioned that the core issue of the discussions of the amendments
to the Electoral Code presented by the political forces was the
joint conclusion of the representatives of the Venice Commission and
OSCE/ODIHR. As a result of discussions, an agreement was reached to
include in the draft the proposals of the joint conclusion of the
Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR, excluding the items 28, 42-45 and
56. There were issues in the joint conclusion regarding the procedure
of the two processes. One of the issues concerned the voting procedure,
which is rather complicated according to experts. The other issue
concerned the appeal procedure. As a result of discussion with the
authors of the draft, it was decided to include all proposals in
the draft leaving as a matter of discussion the above-mentioned six
items and the two procedures. Mr. T. Torosyan mentioned that the draft
was sent to the experts a week ago, where the adopted proposals were
taken into consideration. The NA President expressed a hope that the
discussions will be held in conditions of mutual consent.
During the sitting the discussions on draft amendments to the RA
Electoral Code were held on the order of appealing the decisions,
actions and idleness of the electoral commissions, the issues of
the guarantees of the observers’ rights, obligations and activity,
the responsibility for the breaches of the electoral legislation,
the recall of the members of the Electoral Commission, the training
of the members of the electoral commissions.
The discussions of the draft amendments to the Electoral Code will
be continued on September 28.
PanARMENIAN.Net
Days of Armenia in Siberia to Be Held in Krasnoyarsk
Region of Russia October 10-13
29.09.2006 16:48 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Days of Armenia in Siberia will be held in the
Siberia International Exhibition and Business Center in Krasnoyarsk,
Russia, October 10-13. An Armenian delegation will arrive in
Krasnoyarsk to expand economic and cultural ties. Government members,
Mayors of Armenian towns, businessmen and cultural workers will visit
the region. Round table discussions on chemical, wood and tyre
industry will be held. Besides, Armenia will exhibit its alcoholic,
food and textile products. Armenian singers and musicians will give a
concert, reports the Independent News Agency.
ARMINFO News Agency
September 29, 2006 Friday
RA FM DOES NOT RULE OUT POSSIBLE PARTICIPATION OF ARMENIAN
SPECIALISTS IN MINE CLEARING OF TERRITORIES IN LEBANON
RA Fm Vardan Oskanyan does not rule out the possible participation of
the Armenian specialists in the mine clearing of territories in
Lebanon.
Asked about the possible participation of Armenia in a peacemaking
mission in Lebanon, the Minister noted the FM of Lebanon, has
officially asked Armenia to participate in future in the mine
clearing process, taking into account the experience of Armenia in
this matter. Armenia has positively responded it. At the same time,
V. Oskanyan noted the participation of the Armenian specialists will
be possible after Israel hands over the maps of the mined
territories. "We do not rule out our participation in this sphere.
However, the maps are necessary to be handed over for that and the
situation is to be settled. The discussion of this issue is underway.
I think some participation will be possible in future", V. Oskanyan
said.
EREBUNI MILITARY AIRDROME CONVEYED TO RUSSIAN AIR BASE LOCATED IN ARMENIA
PanARMENIAN.Net
28.09.2006 15:13 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ September 25-28 the sixth session of the
inter-departmental Armenian-Russian Commission on 102nd Russian
military base (RMB) located in Gyumri was held in Yerevan. Protocol
on conveying and usage of land lots of the 102nd RMB was signed by
the end of the meeting. Specifically, protocol N5 on introducing
changes to the Treaty on the Russian Military Base from March 16,
1995. The new supplement provides for allocation of lands for building
a kindergarten for families of Russian military, as well as providing
accommodation to them.
According to the protocol signed, Erebuni military airdrome is conveyed
to the RMB. Russian fighters will be located at the airdrome.
As Head of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, colonel
general Mikayel Harutyunyan stated at a news conference in Yerevan,
Armenian-Russian military cooperation is developing successfully. "We
are going to open a new school as well," he said.
COUNCIL OF NGOs OF JAVAKHK AND TSALKA CALLS ON ARMENIANS OF JAVAKHK TO PARTICIPATE IN COMING ELECTIONS OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 27 2006
AKHALKALAK, SEPTEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Council
of Armenian public organizations of Samtskhe Javakhk and Tsalka
calls on Armenians of the region of Samtskhe Javakhk and Tsalka to
participate in elections of local self-government bodies to take
place on October 5.
"Today more than ever, the problem of national existence faces
Armenians of the region of Samtskhe-Javakhk and Tsalka, and this
circumstance may not leave indifferent all the Armenians born on
this land. Participation in October 5 elections is the civic duty of
each of us and it becomes more weighty when the issue of possibility
of living independently and creating is put on the table of a part
of the Armenians," is mentioned in the Council’s statement made on
September 26.
"We must say general "no" on October 5 to fall and split, humiliation
and collapse, "yes" to Javakhk’s having status of self-government, the
Armenians’ prosperity and development, blossoming of our ancestors’
land, Armenian and Georgian peoples’ friendship," is said in the
statement of the Council of the Armenian public organizations of
Samtskhe Javakhk and Tsalka.
"NANE" DANCE GROUP PERFORMS IN NEW DELHI ON OCCASION OF 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF RA INDEPENDENCE
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 27 2006
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The "Nane"
dance group representing Armenia had a performance in the Kaman concert
hall in New Delhi, on September 25, within the framework of the events
dedicated to the 15th anniversary of declaring the independence of
the Republic of Armenia. Noyan Tapan was informed about it by the RA
Foreign Minisry’s Press and Information Department.
Ashot Kocharian, the RA Ambassador to India addressed to those present
with the welcome speech at the beginning of the concert. He mentioned
that the events dedicated to the mentioned anniversary symbolize the
centuries-old friendship of the peoples representing the two ancient
civilizations, attaching special importance to the present high level
of the Armenian-Indian friendly relations.
Government officials of India, Ambassadors accredited in India,
representatives of scientific and educational institutions and
associations, students of Armenia participating in re-training courses
in India within the framework of the ITEC program were present at
the concert.
The bright perfomance of the dance group was approved by the
spectators. The Indian TV and press covered the concert process.
The "Nane" dance group will continue its performances on September
27 and 29 in Calcutta and Chandigarh, under the patronage of the RA
Embassy and the Cultural Ties Council of India.
ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN EXCHANGE ACCUSATIONS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH DURING UN DEBATE
UN News Centre
Sept 26 2006
Armenia and Azerbaijan have accused each other during addresses to the
United Nations General Assembly of not being interested in achieving
a lasting peace settlement in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, told the Assembly
yesterday that a recent joint environmental operation between the
two countries to tackle major fires inside Nagorno-Karabakh has been
"the only positive development so far."
"The occupying forces have to withdraw from the occupied territories
and necessary conditions have to be in place to allow secure
and dignified return of the Azerbaijani displaced persons to the
Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories of Azerbaijan,"
he said.
Nagorno-Karabakh’s status can only be defined "through peaceful,
democratic and legal process with direct participation and consent
of both Azerbaijani and Armenian communities," he said, adding
that the region’s economic development must be strengthened and its
inter-communal relations enhanced.
But "it is difficult to hope for a breakthrough in the negotiations
when Armenia rejects face-to-face meetings and refuses to take a
constructive approach to solve existing problems."
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian said yesterday that "the
people of Nagorno-Karabakh chose long ago not to be represented by the
Government of Azerbaijan. They were the victims of state violence, they
defended themselves, and succeeded against great odds, only to hear
the State cry foul and claim sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Mr. Oskanian said that last December Azerbaijan destroyed or removed
thousands of hand-sculpted mediaeval Armenian tombstones.
"Such destruction, in an area with no Armenians, at a distance from
Nagorno-Karabakh and any conflict areas, is a callous demonstration
that Azerbaijan’s attitude towards tolerance, human values, cultural
treasures, cooperation or even peace, has not changed."
He added that "one cannot blame us for thinking that Azerbaijan is
not ready or interested in a negotiated peace."