Armenian TV ridicules Azeri report of protest rallies in Karabakh

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
24 May 04

[Presenter] The Azerbaijani press has set a new record of hypocrisy
due to its irresponsibility and by misleading its compatriots and the
international community. According to the Azerbaijani Ekho newspaper,
the Artsakh [Karabakh] Armenians have raised the Azerbaijani flag
at a rally as a sign of their desire to be part of Azerbaijan. This
news was received with laugh in Artsakh and Armenia, and they wished
the Azerbaijanis saw this in their dreams.

[Correspondent over video of Azeri newspapers, archive footage of
Karabakh] According to the Azerbaijani press, rallies have been
staged in Stepanakert [Xankandi] since mid-April during which the
Karabakh Armenians raised the Azerbaijani flag and expressed their
desire to return to Azerbaijan. One cannot read without laughing
these lines in the Azerbaijani newspaper which say that the Armenians
are attracted to Azerbaijan’s prosperity and the Artsakh Armenians
are seriously concerned about a possible resumption of hostilities,
which, according to the Baku source, must be completed by a blitzkrieg.

The Karabakh Foreign Ministry has said that there is no need to
comment on this nonsense. A Regnum correspondent in Stepanakert noted
that there is political stability in Stepanakert and that the second
Armenian capital is living its usual peaceful life.

The Azerbaijani newspaper’s report is pure fuss which intends to
refresh the Karabakh subject by means of internal forces and the
international community. Soon after this report, the Azerbaijanis
published another article which noted that Azerbaijan should beat
Armenia at any cost in the information war. Apparently, Baku is using
unclear and unfair struggle methods even in the information war. There
is no Azerbaijani flag in Stepanakert and there will never be. But
they are joking in Artsakh that finally one day the Armenian flag
will be waving in the Azerbaijani capital.

MENAFN, Middle East
May 25 2004

Batelco in roaming deal with ArmenTel – Bahrain

Bahrain Tribune – 25/05/2004

Batelco mobile users travelling to Armenia will now be able to make
and receive calls while they are there, thanks to the deal struck
between Batelco and Armenia Telephone Company (ArmenTel) in Armenia.
Roaming facilities between Bahrain and Armenia took effect last week.
The signing between Batelco and ArmenTel preceded the start of
operations between the telecoms companies.

Ebrahim Al Sayed, acting senior manager mobile services at Batelco
said: “We have been working to expand the international network that
our customers are using for roaming services. The signing of this
agreement increases the already substantial reach Batelco’s mobile
users have… Our aim is to provide a network for our customers that
encompasses anywhere they might travel to. The recent signing has
allowed us to extend the scope of international roaming connections
for Batelco mobile customers by a significant amount.”

Batelco now has commercial roaming agreements with 103 countries and
248 operators.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri MPs rebuke BBC for “pro-Armenian” stance

Turan news agency
25 May 04

Baku, 25 May: A number of MPs attending today’s session of the
Milli Maclis [parliament] condemned the statement by US ambassador
to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish in which he said that Washington could
not apply sanctions against US companies working in Nagornyy
Karabakh. Speaking about this were MPs Zahid Oruc, Qulamhuseyn
Alibayli, Qudrat Hasanquliyev and others.

MP Alibayli said Azerbaijan was not included in the Millennium
Challenge programme because of the low level of democracy in the
country. Azerbaijan has been deprived of US aid through the fault of
its high-ranking officials, he said.

The deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party,
Mubariz Qurbanli, called on Azerbaijani radio stations not to provide
air for the BBC’s Central Asia and Caucasus Service. He explained
his call by the “pro-Armenian” position of the BBC.

MP Musa Quliyev expressed his concern about the “activity” of the
People’s Front Party and suggested that its leader, Ali Karimli,
be deprived of his deputy’s mandate for boycotting parliament sessions.

MP Cavansir Huseynov voiced his indignation at the fact that 34
Armenian officers were working at the Russian radar station in Qabala
[northern Azerbaijan]. He said the Milli Maclis should consider
repealing the lease agreement with Russia for the use of the radar
station.

Summing up all the suggestions, Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov said the
Russian side would be informed of the discussion.

With regard to the BBC, the speaker instructed the parliament’s
standing commission on science, education and culture to prepare a
letter of protest and send it to the BBC management. He urged local
TV channels and the press to express their opinion on the issue.

As for the activity of American companies in Nagornyy Karabakh,
Alasgarov suggested that the Foreign Ministry issue a statement
saying that it is unacceptable for Washington to cooperate with
“self-styled entities”.

As far as the US assistance to Azerbaijan is concerned, the speaker
said that its suspension was explained by the fact that Azerbaijan
is rapidly developing.

With regard to depriving MP Ali Karimli of his deputy’s mandate,
the speaker instructed the head of the secretariat, Safa Mirzayev,
to look into the issue. If Karimli has indeed missed more than 30
sessions, the issue will be handed over to the disciplinary commission.

Then the MPs started discussing the draft law “On carpet weaving”.

Indusmin Acquires Exploration Rights to Block 1 and 2 In Armenia

Business Wire
May 25, 2004

VANCOUVER, British Colombia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 25, 2004–Indusmin
Energy Corp. (TSX VENTURE:IDM) (Berlin Wkn:469065) is pleased to
announce that the company has acquired exclusive exploratory rights
on the Blocks 1 and 2 in the Republic of Armenia from the Armenian
American Exploration Inc. (‘AAEC’), of Solana Beach, California, for
a non disclosed override over twenty years term on any oil or gas
discovery made. Indusmin recently applied to the Armenian Ministry
of Energy for a five year extension to the license.

AAEC, a private company, was solely owned by Allen Paulson from
California, now deceased (July 2000); it is now owned by his son,
Michael Paulson. AAEC originally commenced operations in the spring
of 1997, acquiring 200 kilometres of seismic data during 1997-8 and
drilling one well, Azat-1, to 3,524 meters by July 1998. Oil traces
were encountered at about 3,212-5 meters. Allen Paulson was previously
Chairman Emeritus of Gulfstream Aerospace, a successful business man
in California and owner of world famous horse “CIGAR” .

Block 2, which covers the south western part of Armenia, including most
of the Armavir, Aragatsotn, Ararat and Kotaik regions, as well as the
capital city of Yerevan, contains the most prospective areas for both
oil and gas in the country. To the south west of the city of Armavir,
thirty kilometres due west of Yerevan, is an area where a number of
gas prospects occur. Two wells, Oktemberyan-13E and Oktemberyan-7P,
drilled in the 1960’s, tested gas at rates of 19,000 m3/day and
900m3/day respectively; many other boreholes have gas and oil shows.

“The agreement originally signed between AAEC and the Armenian
Ministry of Energy is a Production Sharing Agreement with advantageous
terms. Because of AAEC’s high start up costs, much of which are
eligible for cost recovery, Indusmin will be entitled to 80-85% of the
output of any initial discovery, dependent upon reserve size. Several
prospects with reserve sizes ranging between 15 and 40 bcf, supported
by both seismic and surface geochemical data, have already been
identified in the Armavir area, west of Yerevan. To the east, two oil
prospects — Shorakhpur and Nubarashen — have recoverable reserves
of about twenty million barrels each,” Tim Papworth, advisor to AAEC,
previously General Manager.

Further to the news releases of January 13 and 20, 2004, the Company
announces that it has closed its private placement of 1,183,463
units at a price of $0.19 per unit. Each unit consists of one common
share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant, each warrant
entitling the holder to purchase an additional common share for a
period of two years at a price of $0.25 per share.

The Company paid finders’ fees to David McNamara of 37,500 common
shares and Peter Sugden of 6,250 common shares, at a deemed price of
$0.19 per share in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange.

The shares, shares issued on the exercise of any warrants and shares
issued to the finders are subject to hold periods that will expire
on August 3, 2004.

Further to the news release of February 29, 2004, the Company announces
that it has closed a private placement of 1,719,000 units at $0.30 per
unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one non-transferable
share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase an
additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share
in the first year of the term of the warrant and at a price of $0.40
per share in the second year of the term of the warrant.

Union Securities Ltd. acted as agent on a portion of the placement
and received $20,160 as broker fee, $5,000 and 10,000 common shares of
the Company at a deemed price of $0.30 per share as a processing fee
and a share purchase warrant entitling it to purchase up to 100,800
common shares of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share in the
first year and $0.40 per share in the second year.

–30–MRO/se* CONTACT: Indusmin Energy Corp. Carlos Munoz, 604-960
9930 Fax: 604-608-4733 or

The Company also issued 38,500 common shares to Canaccord Capital
Corporation, 16,000 common shares to Derek Ivany and 33,000 common
shares to David McNamara, all at a deemed price of $0.30 per share,
in payment of finders’ fees.

All securities issued under this placement are subject to hold periods
expiring on August 28, 2004.

The Company has also closed its shares for debt transaction announced
on January 13, 2004. A total of 1,094,735 common shares of the Company
were issued to creditors, at a deemed price of $0.19 per share,
for settlement of $208,000 in debt. The share issued under the debt
settlement are subject to hold periods expiring on August 6, 2004.

AROUND THE SQUARE
By Charlie Wright/For the Daily Ledger

Canton Daily Ledger, IL
May 25 2004

World War II lasted from Dec. 7, 1941, to Aug. 14, 1945, for the
Untied States. Japan officially surrendered on the battleship USS
Missouri to General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur in Tokyo Bay.

Thousands of Americans were killed and millions of dollars spent.
America put its best foot forward from the White House on Pennsylvania
Avenue in Washington to the little white houses across the country in
rural America to the magnificent mansions in the metropolitan regions
of the country.

Great civilian and military leaders emerged to lead the country
to victory over the enemies of our way of life. Oh, there were
adversaries, but we were Team America. Sunday and Monday, Memorial
Day 2004 will be observed to remember all who have died in defense
of our country.

World War II is recognized as the most significant event in the
20th Century. The National World War II Memorial, established by
the American Battle Monuments Commission, is the first national
monument honoring what NBC’s Tom Brokaw called “the greatest
generation.” The memorial is to be dedicated May 29 on the National
Mall in Washington. It has a threefold purpose.

*To honor the more than 16 million men and women who served in
uniform and the more than 400,000 Americans who died in the war, as
well as millions more who supported the efforts at home, from Rosie
the Riveter to the Hollywood talent performing at bond rallies;

*To commemorate the entire nation’s participation in the war; and

*To honor the high moral and idealism that motivated the nation’s call
to arms, and to serve as a lasting tribute to the spirit, sacrifice,
and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the
nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom in the world.

The American Legion advanced the idea and has been a player in seeing
the idea become a reality. Construction of the memorial located on a
7.4 acre site between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument,
began in September 2001. Dedication Day represents a unique opportunity
to honor Americans who, at a critical time in world history, stood
united in defense of freedom and democracy. It also represents the
culmination of many years of planning, preparations, and fundraising.

It took a lot of money to build a suitable memorial. Fundraising was
led by the National Chairman Bob Dole, former Senator from Kansas and
World War II veteran who received two Bronze Stars and two Purple
Hearts, and National Co-Chairman Frederick W. Smith, president and
CEO of FedEx.

Dole told the American Legion Magazine the importance of honoring “the
greatest generation” and the phenomenal campaign that transformed an
idea into a timeless tribute. Dole says the total cost of the project
is around $172 million. He tells about meeting a 73 year-old man, an
Armenian American from Pennsylvania. He wasn’t a veteran but told Dole,
“This country’s been good to me. I came here with nothing. I want to
give something back.” They were all shocked when they received the
man’s check for $1 million, the single largest contribution received
from an individual.

Return now for a moment to Sept. 2, 1945, on a ship in Tokyo
Bay. It was a Sunday. It dawned gray and sullen. Fujiyama’s white
crest reflected no ray of the rising sun. No sun over Tokyo on the
momentous day and the Japanese saw in this celestial manifestation
their “divine ancestors” were weeping. This was the day of formal
surrender to the Supreme Allied Commander General Douglas MacArthur on
the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This was to be the first surrender in
Japan’s long history. Before the day was over — at the very moment
the 20 minute ceremony ended — General MacArthur pronounced simply,
“The proceedings are closed.” Suddenly, the sun broke through and
beamed its radiance upon a world at peace.

For that brief shining moment there was peace in the world and
today, as in 1919, when Eugene Lockhart and Ernest Seitz wrote it,
“The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise.”

Armenian ruling coalition calls for dialogue with opposition

Yerkir web site, Yerevan
25 May 04

on 25 May headlined “Ruling coalition again calls for dialogue”

25 May: The ruling coalition issued a statement on Tuesday [25 May]
calling on the opposition to truly engage in a dialogue. The following
is the text of the statement.

The political coalition’s proposal to settle the existing issues
through a political accord is in fact being rejected by the National
Unity Party and the Justice bloc. Unfortunately, the opposition forces
did not take the constructive path, which was a real opportunity to
emerge jointly from the present internal political tension.

Adopting a policy of holding protest rallies instead of engaging
in a dialogue, they effectively did not adhere to the Council
of Europe’s urgings to settle issues by political means without
preconditions. This confirms that the opposition is probably not
sincere in either preserving the country’s image and stability or in
its statements to solve the problems by civilized methods.

Though the opposition, through its statements made jointly with
other parliamentary forces, emphasized the need to create a new
political situation in the republic, it, however, fails to take
proper steps. The situation in the country can change not only due
to the authorities’ readiness but also provided that the opposition
escalating the confrontation changes its stance.

Nevertheless, the political coalition, as the force executing the power
in the country, is determined to settle the problems and issues that
the people are concerned with through implementation of the Council
of Europe’s recommendations and the country’s commitments before
the Council.

The political coalition believes the possibility for a further
dialogue still exists, and expects that the opposition will, in a
responsible way, participate in the process of settling the current
problems jointly.

BBC RADIO STATION WARNED
[May 25, 2004, 23:03:55]

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 25 2004

In connection with the fact that correspondent of BBC radio station,
ignoring the laws of Azerbaijan, has gone to Nagorny Karabakh occupied
by the Armenians and has broadcast a program, chairman of the State
Broadcasting Company Nizami Khudiyev has sent to the management of
the said radio station a letter with warning.

According to the norms of international law, the broadcasting company
cannot suspend transmission of radio station directly, Nizami Khudiyev
told AzerTAj correspondent. Therefore, the management of BBC was
warned by means of the letter, also was brought to their notice
that actions of the employee of radio station contradict norms of
international law and the mentioned fact serves interests of one of
the conflicting sides – Armenia.

In the letter, also is underlined that if employees of the radio
station repeatedly will admit similar facts, then, broadcasting of
BBC in Azerbaijan would be suspended.

It has to be reminded that the BBC broadcasts in Azerbaijan within two
hours per day – 1 hour in the Azerbaijan language and for 30 minutes –
in Russian and English languages.

Azeri ruling party happy about BBC’s response to criticism

Sarq, Bak
25 May 04

Text of Lala’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Sarq on 25 May headlined
“The BBC has stopped the campaign against Azerbaijan” and subheaded
“The New Azerbaijan Party will monitor the programmes”

After the ruling New Azerbaijan Party’s secretariat sent a letter to
the headquarters of the BBC World Service, anti-Azerbaijani programmes
stopped. The ruling party will continue to monitor the BBC’s radio
programmes, the party’s deputy executive secretary, Mubariz Qurbanli,
has said.

The party’s secretariat sent a letter to the headquarters several
days ago to protest against the BBC Russian Service’s anti-Azerbaijani
propaganda. Responding to the party’s statement, the BBC has stopped
its anti-Azerbaijani propaganda, Qurbanli said.

“Although the BBC is a very powerful international media corporation,
its Russian language radio programmes, regrettably, contained some
aspects aimed against the Azerbaijani statehood. The reason for this is
that ethnic Armenians work for the Russian Service. They are directly
to blame for these programmes,” he said.

Qurbanli reckons that any body or organization operating in Azerbaijan
should voice its protest against the radio station, as the New
Azerbaijan Party did. “We believe that the party’s statement did
have an effect. The BBC looked into the issue. They told us that
appropriate measures were to be taken. However, in addition to this
we will continue our monitoring. We will issue a similar statement
again should the situation be repeated. At present, monitoring shows
that the radio station is operating within the legal limits.”

ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD, MAJOR GENERAL TOD M.
BUNTING, VISITS ARMENIA TO DISCUSS BEGINNING OF STATE PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

ArmenPress
May 25 2004

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS: Major General Tod M. Bunting, Adjutant
General of the Kansas National Guard, is visiting Armenia from
the 25th to the 29th of May, 2004, to discuss the beginning of
the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Kansas and Armenia,
reported the US Embassy public affairs office. This is Major General
Bunting’s first visit to Armenia. He and his delegation will meet
with Armenian government officials from the ministry of defense,
emergency management administration and the ministry of health to
discuss areas of cooperation, including peacekeeping operations,
health/medical activities, and disaster preparedness and emergency
management as well. The State Partnership Program is initiated with
the National Guard of a given state, with coordination provided by
the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy, and may include
military-to-military, military-to-civilian, and civilian-to-civilian
programs of cooperation.

The National Guard consists of men and women who, though working at
regular civilian jobs in their home state, dedicate a part of their
time to military service. Every state and territory has its own Guard
as provided by the Constitution of the United States. The Guard in
each state is made up of Army National Guard and Air National Guard
units. Guard units may serve to combat natural disasters, to support
regular Army or Air Force units, and, when called upon, to bear arms
against their nation’s enemies. The Guard of a given state is under
the control of the governor during peacetime, yet is available to
the President during national emergencies.

The State Partnership Program links National Guard states and
territories with partner countries for the purpose of fostering
mutual interests and establishing long-term relationships across
all levels of society. The SPP between Kansas and Armenia began
with initial discussions in March 2003. The Kansas-Armenia SPP
was officially inaugurated during the fall of 2003. The Armenian
military has asked Kansas for assistance in the two major areas of
Peacekeeping Operations and Health/Medical. Other areas of concern
and possible cooperation are Emergency Management and Planning, and
Disaster Response. Further programs in different areas are expected
to follow in time as the relationship develops and widens.

ARMENIAN PRODUCERS APPLY CODES ON GOODS

ArmenPress
May 25 2004

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS: According to the chairman of Armenian
goods coding IEN Armenia Pap Aslanian, 9 percent increase is reported
in companies using goods codes as compared to 2003. If only 95
companies received “485” linear codes in 2001, today their number
totals 250 (mainly food, alcohol and non-alcohol drinks, medicine
production) with 5000 coded goods names.

To make coding more affordable for small scale companies, IEN Armenia
has applied new payment rates which is calculated according to number
of employees. This initiation has increased the number of small scale
companies asking for codes.

In Yerevan the number of shops using code reading machines has
increased. Twenty more shops use such machines now.