RA PRESIDENT DISCUSSES DETAILS OF UPCOMING OFFICIAL VISIT TO ITALY
WITH AMBASSADOR MARCO KLEMENTE

YEREVAN, January 20 (Noyan Tapan). RA President Robert Kocharian
discussed the details of the upcoming official visit of the RA
President to Italy with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of Italy to Armenia Marco Klemente during the January 20 meeting.

According to the RA presidential press service, Robert Kocharian
stressed the importance of this visit and mentioned that the
traditional friendly relations have been established between Italy and
Armenia, and good prospective is evident in the sphere of economic
cooperation, in particular, in the sphere of the small and medium
enterprises.

ARMENIA’S UNION OF COMMUNITIES CONSIDERS JONES’ DEFINITIONS OF
KARABAKH AYTHORITIES AS INCOMPREHENSIBLE AND EXTREMELY WORRYING

YEREVAN, January 20 (Noyan Tapan). Armenia’s Union of Communities sent
a letter, in which it expressed its concern over the statement on
Nagorno-Karabakh made by Assistant US Secretary of State for Europe
and Eurasia Elizabeth Jones, to the US Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to Armenia John Evans. The Union of Communities
condiders it important to present the information regarding the
authorities formed in Nagorno-Karabakh, underlining that the process
of establishing democratic institutions is taking place in
Nagorno-Karabakh, in particular, good progress has been made with
respect to promoting the local democracy. Unlike many other countries
of the region, Nagorno-Karabakh has quite an advanced and constantly
improving legislation in the sphere of local democracy, through the
democratic elections the local authorities have been formed and these
are functioning with their own powers and responsibility, and new and
new powers are given to the local authorities. In the context of the
above-mantioned processes, according to the Union, Elizabeth Jones’
definitions of Nagorno-Karabakh’s “corrupted and criminal” authorities
are incomprehensible and extremely worrying. “The extreme polarization
of our reality and the assessments given by the US high-ranking
official creates the impression of that official’s being uninformed or
biased,” the document reads. “With the aim of ending various
interpretations caused by the above-mentioned statement assessig the
reality and stating the US policy”, the Union of Communities considers
it important to provide some additional information and explanations
in connection with the above-mentioned statement, and for this purpose
it sends a letter to the Ambassador.

LARISA ALAVERDIAN CALLS ON TO CONSIDER BAKU MASSACRES AS MASS
VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

YEREVAN, January 20 (Noyan Tapan). The statement of Elizabeth Jones,
Assistant US Secretary of State for Europe and Euroasia, and, in
particular, unfortunate formulation concerning Nagorno Karabakh is the
consequence of Armenia’s wrong policy. Armen Aghayan, Political
Secretary of “In Defence of Liberated Territories” public initiative,
Karabakh war participant, declared this during the January 20 press
conference dedicated to the 15th anniversary of Armenian massacres in
Baku. According to him, “first of all we are to blame because the
Karabakh issue is solved in Moscow or Washington.” Armenia should
oppose an exact national program on settlement of liberated
territories to the processes taking place at present in the issue of
Karabakh settlement, Aghayan considers. At the same time he admitted
that the authorities of the country implement such a program
partially. Larisa Alaverdian, RA Ombudsperson, also participated in
the press conference. She acquainted the participants of the press
conference with the statement of her Azeri colleague concerning the
events that occured in Baku 15 years ago. Larisa Alaverdian expressed
bewilderment in connection with the fact that Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman
calls on the international community to consider these events in the
political field and not in the field of violation of human
rights. “I’ll spare no efforts to remain in the field of human
rights. In January 1990 mass violations of human rights were committed
in Baku. And the UN Commission on Human Rights didn’t answer numerous
applications of Armenians who suffered from Baku violence,” RA
Ombudsperson declared. According to her, without strong pressure of
the public it’ll be impossible to achieve partial restoration of
rights of the people who suffered from Baku massacres.

SCIENTISTS OF RA NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES CONDEMN ELIZABETH JONES’
STATEMENT

YEREVAN, January 20f (Noyan Tapan). The January 13 statement of
Elizabeth Jones, Assistant US Secretary of State for Europe and
Euroasia, concerning Nagorno Karabakh isn’t accidental and may have
grave consequences for the solution of this conflict. This is the
general opinion of the scientists of National Academy of Sciences of
Armenia reflected in the January 20 statement. The leading scientists
of the country and representatives of mass media participated in the
discussion and adoption of the draft statement. Nikolay Hovhannisian,
Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of RA National Academy
of Sciences, Academician Konstantin Gharagyozian, Director of the
Institute of Molecular Biology of RA National Academy of Sciences,
Academician Lenser Aghalovian, Director of the Institute of Mechanics
of RA National Academy of Sciences, Ashot Melkonian, Director of the
Institute of History of RA National Academy of Sciences, Academician
Vladimir Khojabekian, Director of the Institute of Economy, and others
were deeply convinced that speaking about the Karabakh conflict Mrs
Jones pursued certain political goals aimed at protection of
Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s interests. It was emphasized that the
position of the official Washington differs from the above-mentioned
statement. As Nikolay Hovhannisian reminded, we should take into
consideration the fact that the statement was made by a person
relieved of the post occupied by her. The scientists expressed deep
anxiety about Russia, which, in their affirmation, should speak not
only in protection of the interests of its ally but also its own
interests. “The interests of Russian Federation are touched upon here,
Russia is directly accused of the fact that it doesn’t hamper
spreading of narcobusiness and terrorism in the post-Soviet area. I am
surprised that Russia keeps silence ,” Ashot Melkonian said in his
speach. The statement also said that Elizabeth Jones’ statement
doesn’t stand any scientific criticism being slanderous in its
essence. The scientists demand more responsible, well-considered
approaches concerning estimations of conflicts from the diplomatic
circles of US.

“HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY” PARTY ESTABLISHES PUBLIC-POLITICAL
COUNCIL ON STRUGGLE AGAINST POLITICAL CORRUPTION

YEREVAN, January 20 (Noyan Tapan). The “Human Rights and Democracy”
party is declaring about its initiative to establish a public-political
council on struggle against political corruption in Armenia and calls
on all the political organizations and NGOs anxious about this problem
to participate in formation of the council. In the January 19
statement the party grounds its initiative by the fact that “struggle
against corruption is of formal character in Armenia.” “It is limited
by the document called “Anti-corruption Strategy and Program of Events
of Its Implementation,” which wasn’t discussed with participation of
subjects of civil society as a result of the unsuccessive activity of
the Armenian Office of World Bank and, perhaps, because it has nothing
in common with the corruption processes existing in the country.”
Moreover, according to the organization, the council established by RA
President for the purpose of “allegedly, complete and efficient
implementation of the program” has jested its activity away
contributing to further development of corruption in the republic, in
particular, it registered no results during a year since its
establishment, distorted the notion of “corruption” turning the abuse
of governing authorities into displays of bribe, including the
non-state sector, abstained from monitoring of corruption in the
“upper links” envisaged by the very program and the Commission on
Monitoring even hasn’t established a working group in connection with
political corruption.” It’s obvious, the party declares, that “the
subjects of the country’s civil society are to head the struggle
against corruption and first of all against its cornerstone, political
corruption, in the republic.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

JUBILEE ARRANGEMENTS DEDICATED TO 1600TH ANNIVERSARY OF CREATION OF
ARMENIAN ALPHABET TO START IN MAY-JUNE

YEREVAN, January 20 (Noyan Tapan). The process of the fulfillment of
the instructions given during the last sitting was presented at the
sitting of the Commission on Holding of Jubilee Arrangements on the
Occasion of the 1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian
alphabet. Issues regarding the place of the holding of over 20
arrangements, the terms of their holding, those responsible for the
holding of these arrangements and financial provision were specified
as a result of the discussions. According to the elaborated program,
the jubilee cerebrations will start in May-June with the holding of
the republican festival of recitation, open lessons in schools and
higher schools, the competitions of compositions, student scientific
sessions, scientific and cultural arrangements dedicated to the 1600th
anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet, as well as the
organization of the electronic conference entitled “Informational
Technologies and the Armenian Alphabet”. The republican symposium on
sculpture will be held in Artashat in August. The international
conference of the Armenian Studies dedicated to the 1600th anniversary
of the creation of the Armenian alphabet will be held in September.

The jubilee celebrations will reach their apogee in October, when the
theatrical performance depicting Mesrop Mashtots’s return to the
Homeland will be held. At the same time, “Targmanchats Ton” (the
holiday of translators) will be celebrated in Oshakan, and the solemn
arrangement will be held at the Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet
after Al. Spendiarov in Yerevan. Different arrangements to be held in
Yerevan, the regions of the republic, Artsakh, Javakhk and the
Diaspora during the whole year will be widely covered by the mass
media. According to the RA government’s press service, RA Prime
Minister Andranik Margarian, the Chairman of the Commission,
instructed to sum up once again the results of the sitting till
February 15, taking into account all the proposals, and submit the
final variant of the program to the commission for approval at the
next sitting.

“BERNS SUPPER” TO BE ORGANIZED IN ARMENIA FOR SEVENTH TIME ON JANUARY
22

YEREVAN, January 21 (Noyan Tapan). The annual “Berns Supper” will be
organized at the “Armenia-Marriott” hotel on January 22. According to
the press service of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland in Armenia, this arrangement is held in Armenia for
the seventh time in succession. “Berns Supper” is held on January 25,
the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Berns, or one of these days. The
national Scottish dances, the dawdler’s performance, the drawing of
the benevolent lottery will be held within the framework of the
arrangement held in “Armenia-Marriott”. The purpose of the arrangement
is to collect 20,000 dollars with the purpose of the purchase of
incubators for the Ijevan Maternity Home. The USDA MAP, HSBC Bank, the
Yerevan Brandy Company, “British Airways”, the “Pharmatech” company,
the “Coca Cola” company and others provided prizes for the drawing.

EVENTS DEDICATED TO 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO START
FROM SECOND HALF OF FEBRUARY

YEREVAN, January 19 (Noyan Tapan). The process of fulfilment of
assignments of the previous sitting of the State Commission on
Organization of Events Dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of Armenian
Genocide was represented during the January 19 sitting of the
Commission. In particular, taking into consideration the proposals,
the program of events was revised, issues connected with organization
of an international forum dedicated to the Armenian Genocide and
protection of human rights, as well as archives materials, creation of
photovideofilms were specified, the list of literature dedicated to
the 90th anniversary of Armenian Genocide, which will be published by
state order in 2005 was compiled, the issues of organization of the
April 24 requiems were coordinated with the Catholicos of All
Armenians. According to the Information and Public Relations
Department of RA government, it was decided to hold the Memorial
Evening dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Armenian Genocide on
April 23 in the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after
A.Spendiarian. The events will start from the second half of
February. They will be held in scientific and educational
institutions, different places of capital and regions of the republic,
the respective materials will be published in mass media. Andranik
Margarian, RA Prime Minister, Chairman of the Commission, said that
the ideas of Armenian spirit, revival, restoration of statehood should
be the basis of all the events, as well as the necessity of
recognition, condemnation and prevention of genocides as crimes
against humanity should be accentuated. An inter-department working
group was established for the purpose of provision of the
above-mentioned issues. Andranik Margarian gave instructions to
complete the program of events, the exact schedule of their
implementation taking into consideration the proposals and to submit
them for the discussion of the next sitting of the commission till
February 15.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
For Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B – 1000 BRUXELLES
Tel: +32 (0) 2 732 70 26
Tel./Fax: +32 (0) 2 732 70 27
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
December 23th, 2004
Contact: Talline Tachdjian
Tel.: +32 (0)2 732 70 27

COUNCIL OF EUROPE DEFAMES AMENIA AND OFFENDS ARMENIANS

– The Parliamentary Assembly of the Strasburg-based organization is going to
adopt two resolutions, one questioning Artsakh independence, the other
excluding the Armenian genocide from the European remembrance.

– The European Armenian Federation calls upon the European citizens and
organizations to intervene with their representatives.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is going to
examine and vote on Tuesday two resolutions respectively proposed by Mr.
David Atkinson (UK, Democrat Group) and Mr. Mats Einarsson (Sweden, United
Left).

The resolution prepared by Mr. Atkinson deals with “the conflict over the
Nagorno-Karabakh region dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference”. In this
resolution, Mr. Atkinson alleges that “considerable parts of the territory
of Azerbaijan are still occupied by Armenian forces” and that “separatist
forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region”.

Without explicitly pointing out one of the conflicting parties, the report
then evokes “large-scale ethnic expulsion” and the creation of mono-ethnic
areas “which resemble the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing”.

Recalling then a reduced set of past resolutions carefully chosen for their
pro-azeri stances, the Atkinson report aims to impose – “if the negotiations
under the auspices of the co-chairs of the Minsk group fail” – the
settlement of the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the framework of
the UN’s International Court of Justice.

“The Atkinson report is the report of Azerbaijan. This country believes that
shifting the institutional framework will turn its crimes into virtues.
Attempts of ethnic cleansing actually occurred but, contrary to Mr. Atkinson
insinuations, it was the policy led by Baku.” declared Laurent Leylekian,
executive director of the European Armenian Federation.

“Without the fight for self-determination led by the Karabakhiots, there
would be no more Armenians on these historically Armenian territories, as it
is the case in Nakhitchevan or in Turkey. By its exactions, Azerbaijan lost
all its rights on the Karabakh and did legitimate the right for
self-determination of the Karabakhiots, in full compliance with the
International Law” Leylekian added.

On the other hand, the Einarsson report supports the “establishment of a
European remembrance center for victims of forced population movements and
ethnic cleansing”.

In its draft recommendation, this report amply mentions the case of
population transfers that followed the Second World War and the forced
movements imposed by the Stalinian regime. It mentions also the genocide
perpetrated by the Nazis against Jews and Roms as well as the genocide of
Ukrainians. However, the draft recommendation deliberately omits to cite the
first genocide of the XXth century, i.e. the Armenian genocide, though
performed by, and on the territory of the member state of the Council of
Europe, Turkey.

“What credibility can we grant to an institution which gives such a biased
lecture of History?” wondered Laurent Leylekian. “The Council of Europe,
commanded by the negationist Turkey is making itself party to a second
symbolic murder of the Armenians of Anatolia and Western Armenia. It’s
pathetic when coming from an institution which claims to be the guardian of
Human Rights in Europe”.

The European Armenian Federation calls upon the European citizens and
organizations to intervene with their representative in the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe (list available at
) to
call them :

– to support – for the Atkinson report – amendments recalling that the
problem of the political status of Karabakh is still unresolved, calling
upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to renounce to bellicose declarations and
calling upon Azerbaijan to establish political contacts with the elected
bodies of Karabakh.

– To mention the case of the Armenian genocide in the framework of the
Einarsson report.

#####

FEDERATION EURO-ARMENIENNE
Pour la Justice et la Démocratie
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B – 1000 BRUXELLES
Tel: +32 (0) 2 732 70 26
Tel./Fax : +32 (0) 2 732 70 27
E-mail : [email protected]
Web :

COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
22 janvier 2005
Contact: Talline Tachdjian
Tel.: +32 (0)2 732 70 27

LE CONSEIL DE L’EUROPE DIFFAME L’ARMENIE ET OFFENSE LES ARMENIENS

– L’Assemblée parlementaire de l’institution strasbourgeoise s’apprête
à voter deux résolutions, l’une remettant en question l’indépendance
de l’ Artsakh, l’autre excluant le génocide des Arméniens de la
mémoire européenne. – La Fédération Euro-Arménienne appelle les
citoyens européens et les associations européennes à agir auprès de
leurs représentants.

L’Assemblée Parlementaire du Conseil de l’Europe examinera et votera
ce mardi deux résolutions, présentées respectivement par M. David
Atkison (Royaume-Uni, Groupe Démocrate) et par M. Mats Einarsson
(Suède, Gauche Unie européenne). La résolution préparée par
M. Atkison porte sur « le conflit du Haut-Karabakh pris en charge par
la Conférence de Minsk de l’OSCE ». Dans cette résolution, M. Atkinson
avance que « des pans considérables du territoire azerbaïdjanais sont
occupés par les forces arméniennes » et que « les forces séparatistes
contrôlent encore la région du Haut-Karabakh ».

Sans nommer explicitement l’une ou l’autre des parties, ce rapport
évoque des « expulsions ethniques à grande échelle » et de la création
de zones mono-ethniques « terriblement similaire au concept de
nettoyage ethnique ».

Citant ensuite un nombre réduit de résolutions soigneusement choisies
pour leur inclination pro-azérie, le rapport Atkinson entend forcer –
« en cas d’ échec des négociations menées sous l’égide du groupe de
Minsk » – l’Arménie et l’Azerbaïdjan à régler leur différend devant la
Cour Internationale de Justice des Nations Unies.

« Le rapport Atkinson, c’est celui de l’Azerbaïdjan qui croit encore
qu’en changeant le cadre institutionnel des négociations, ses crimes
se transformeront en vertus. Oui, il y a bien eu tentative de
nettoyage ethnique mais contrairement à ce qu’insinue M. Atkinson,
c’est Bakou qui s’y est employé. » a déclaré Laurent Leylekian,
directeur exécutif de la Fédération Euro-Arménienne.

« Sans la lutte pour l’autodétermination menée par les Karabakhiotes,
il n’y aurait aujourd’hui plus d’Arméniens sur ces terres
historiquement arméniennes, comme c’est le cas au Nakhitchevan ou en
Turquie. Par ses exactions, l’Azerbaïdjan a perdu tout droit sur le
Karabakh et a légitimé le droit à l’autodétermination des
Karabakhiotes – en toute conformité avec le Droit International.»
a-t-il ajouté.

Le rapport Einarsson, pour sa part, recommande « l’établissement d’un
centre européen de la mémoire pour les victimes des mouvements forcés
de population et des nettoyages ethniques ».

Dans son exposé des motifs, ce rapport cite largement le cas des
transferts de population consécutifs à la seconde guerre mondiale
ainsi que les déplacements forcés imposés par le régime stalinien. Il
cite également le génocide perpétré par les nazis à l’encontre des
Juifs, des Roms ainsi que le génocide des Ukrainiens. Cependant ce
projet de résolution omet délibérément de citer le premier génocide du
XXème siècle, celui des Arméniens pourtant exécuté par, et sur le
territoire, d’un Etat-membre du Conseil de l’Europe, la Turquie.

« Quelle crédibilité accorder à une institution faisant une lecture à
ce point orientée de l’histoire ? » s’est interrogé Laurent
Leylekian. « Le Conseil de l’Europe sur injonction de la Turquie
négationniste se rend complice d’un second meurtre symbolique des
Arméniens d’Anatolie. C’est pathétique de la part d’une institution
qui prétend être le gardien des Droits de l’Homme en Europe »

La Fédération Euro-Arménienne appelle les citoyens européens et les
associations européennes à prendre contact avec leur représentant à l’
Assemblée Parlementaire du Conseil de l’Europe (liste disponible sur
le site

) pour leur demander :

– de soutenir – pour le rapport Atkinson – les amendements rappelant
que le problème politique du statut du Karabakh n’est toujours pas
résolu, demandant à l’Arménie et à l’Azerbaïdjan de renoncer aux
déclarations belliqueuses et à l’Azerbaïdjan d’établir des contacts
politiques avec les instances élues du Haut-Karabakh,

– de rajouter la mention au génocide des Arméniens dans le cadre du
rapport Einarsson.

SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH CENTER OF CULTURAL HERITAGE TO COMPILE LISTS OF
ARMENIAN MONUMENTS SITUATED ABROAD

YEREVAN, January 19 (Noyan Tapan). The Scientific-Research Center of
Historical-Cultural Heritage compiled the state list of the historical
and cultural monuments of the Shirak and Tavush regions, which was
approved by the RA government. Hakob Simonian, the Director of the
Center, told NT’s correspondent that this year the government will
also present the list of the historical and cultural monuments of the
Syunik region. According to Hakob Simonian, 2,334 monuments will be
included into the list of the monuments of the Tavush region,
meanwhile their number made 700-800 in the state lists compiled in
1983 and 1986. The residential, public and monumental constructions
built in Gyumri at the close of the 19th century and in the beginning
of the 20th centuries are included into the state register of
2004. 1,996 monuments are registered in the Tavush region. The
archeological monuments, sepulchers, ancient castles, the settlements
of the Bronze Age, the monuments of the early Middle Ages have been
exposed as a result of the researches. The monumental sculptures of
the town of Ijevan, which were created by famous foreign sculptors,
are also included into the state list. The Director of the
Scientific-Research Center of Historical-Cultural Heritage mentions
the importance of the compiling of the state lists of the monuments,
as they may be destroyed as a result of the privatization of
lands. Hakob Simonian mentioned that completing the work on the
compiling of the state lists of historical and cultural monuments, the
center will start the work on the compiling of the lists of the
historical and cultural monuments situated abroad, in Russia, the
European countries and the United States.