ARKA News Agency
May 6 2004

Parliament factions of Armenia agreed on continuation of political
consultations

Real estate market and availability of hypothec workshop to promote
introduction of more efficient mechanisms in Armenia

The second annual competition for journalists working in
Nagono-Karabakh Republic held in NKR

OSCE to conduct its regular monitoring on Armenian and Azerbaijani
armies contact line

High school of judges to be established in Armenia

RA State Register Agency to switch to on-line registration of legal
entities

*********************************************************************

PARLIAMENT FACTIONS OF ARMENIA AGREED ON CONTINUATION OF POLITICAL
CONSULTATIONS

YEREVAN, May, 6. /ARKA/. Parliament factions of Armenia agreed on
continuation of political consultations and developed the agenda of
discussed issues, says the statement of parliament factions and
deputy group People’s Deputy made today after 5-hour consultations
initiated by the Speaker of the Parliament. The participants of the
consultations noted the necessity of creation of new political
situation in the country, taking the statements of coalition members
and joint statement or opposition as of May 4 as the base. The
statement is signed by all Parliament factions and deputy group
People’s Deputy. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

REAL ESTATE MARKET AND AVAILABILITY OF HYPOTHEC WORKSHOP TO PROMOTE
INTRODUCTION OF MORE EFFICIENT MECHANISMS IN ARMENIA

YEEVAN, May 6. /ARKA/. Armenia’s experience in the cadastre system as
well as in hypothec will promote not only introducing of more
efficient mechanisms for the development of the property circulation,
but also to further strengthening of formed partnership in favor of
interests of the country’s sustainable development, as it is
mentioned in the welcome statement by Manuk Vardanyan, Head of the RA
State Cadastre Committee to the participants of Real Estate Market
and Availability of Hypothec workshop held by UN European Economic
Commission on land administration. In his message Manuk Vardanyan
wished an efficient meeting and business cooperation to the
participants of the workshop.
On 6-7 May `Real Estate Market and Availability of Hypothec’ workshop
organized by UN European Economic Commission on land administration
will be held in Armenia. During the workshop the participants will
discuss Armenia’s experience in reforming the cadastre system as well
as the issues on hypothec crediting necessary for the development of
the real estate market. The workshop will be attended by the
representative of eth state structures, commercial banks, private
companies, Secretariat of UN European Economic Commission as well as
other international organizations. T.M. -0–

*********************************************************************

THE SECOND ANNUAL COMPETITION FOR JOURNALISTS WORKING IN
NAGONO-KARABAKH REPUBLIC HELD IN NKR

STEPANAKERT, May 6. /ARKA/. The second annual competition for
journalists working in Nagono-Karabakh Republic( NKR) was held in
NKR. According to the ARKA’s reporter in Stepanakert, one more
nomination called The Best Publication on Military added this year to
the previous three ones: `Golden Feather, the Beast Journalist
Investigation and the Best Political Analysis. A journalist with best
professional skills and the best materials published to be awarded
Golden Feather, a special diploma and a prize at AMD 50 thsd. the
winners in other nominations to be awarded diplomas and monetary
rewards at AMD 25 thsd. ($1 ÑØÀ = AMD 548.81). A.H. –0–

*********************************************************************

OSCE TO CONDUCT ITS REGULAR MONITORING ON ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI
ARMIES CONTACT LINE

YEREVAN, May 5. /ARKA/. OSCE plans to conduct its regular monitoring
on the contact line of the Armenian and Azerbaijani armies on 6 May.
As Trend agency reports with reference to Azerbaijan Defense
Ministry, the monitoring is planned on the area of village of Kapanly
of Terter region. From Armenian line the monitoring will be conducted
by OSCE Chairman-in-Office’s Personal Representative Andrzej
Kasprzik, its field assistants Yu. Schmidt, M. Vymetal and
Representatives of High Planning Groups. From Azerbaijani line, the
monitoring will be attended by field assistants of OSCE
Chairman-in-Office’s Personal Representative I. Palatinus, K. Pikles,
representatives of High Planning Group. T.M. -0–

*********************************************************************

HIGH SCHOOL OF JUDGES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, May 5. /ARKA/. Two year high school of judges will be
established in Armenia, as Davit Harutyunyan, RA Justice Minister
told at his briefing. In his words, currently the procedure of
appointment of judges cannot be considered perfect. As earlier
reported by the Minister, the School is aimed at providing a higher
level of Armenian judges. It will be possible to enter the school on
competitive base, while the candidates must already have a certain
experience of activity. The first academic year will be devoted to
theoretic knowledge and the second to practical courses. `Only the
graduates of the School will be able to work as judges in the
future’, the Minister said. T.M. -0–

*********************************************************************

RA STATE REGISTER AGENCY TO SWITCH TO ON-LINE REGISTRATION OF LEGAL
ENTITIES

YEREVAN, May, 5. /ARKA/. RA State Register Agency will switch to
on-line registration of legal entities, RA Minister of Justice David
Harutyunian stated today at the briefing. According to him, with this
goal 10 regional divisions of the Agency were equipped with the
computers connected to Internet and another 8 divisions will be
connected by the end of the year. L.D. –0–

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th Street NW Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE

May 6, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

SENATE AND HOUSE MEMBERS COMMEMORATE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
IN FLOOR SPEECHES

WASHINGTON, DC – Over 25 Senate and House Members joined Armenians
around the world last week in commemorating the 89th Anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide, offering “Special Order” remarks on the House
floor and Congressional statements made in the weeks surrounding
April 24th, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA.)

Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
organized the April 27th House commemoration, providing
Representatives with an opportunity to offer 5-minute statements in
remembrance of the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Turkish
Government from 1915-1923. Senators and House Members also
submitted additional statements in the days surrounding April 24th.

“We want to thank Congressman Pallone for taking the leadership
every year in hosting this Special Order,” said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian. “We appreciate, as well, all the hard
work by Armenian American organizations and individuals throughout
the U.S., educating their federal, state and local legislators
about the Armenian Genocide and the terrible consequences of its
denial.”

During their statements, many Senate and House members urged
support for legislation marking the 15th anniversary of the U.S.
implementation of the U.N. Genocide Convention. H.Res.193 and
S.Res.164 cite the importance of learning the lessons of the
Holocaust as well as the Armenian, Cambodian and Rwandan genocides
to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The House version of
the measure has 111 cosponsors and was adopted unanimously by the
Judiciary Committee last May. Its Senate counterpart currently has
39 cosponsors.

Excerpts from the Senate and House floor speeches follow.

———————————————–
SENATORS (listed in alphabetical order)
——————————————- —-

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA): This week marks the 89th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide. Between 1915 and 1923, the Ottoman Empire
conducted the first Genocide of the 20th Century, killing an
estimated 1.5 million Armenians and displacing thousands more. The
campaign was so devastating that at the beginning of World War I,
there were 2.1 million Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire.
Following the Genocide, fewer than 100,000 Armenians remained.

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI): The international community has a long
way to go in punishing and especially, preventing genocide. But we
have made the first steps. As we move forward, we must learn the
lessons of Armenia’s genocide. Can we recognize the rhetorical
veils of murderous leaders, thrown up to disguise the agenda at
hand? Have we, the international community, learned that we must
not stand by, paralyzed, as horrors occur, but work collectively to
prevent and stop genocides from occurring? We owe the victims of
the Armenian genocide this commitment.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA): I am proud to represent an Armenian
community of half a million in my great State of California. They
are a strong and resilient community, taking strength in the
tragedies of the past and the promise of a better tomorrow. This
community is leading the effort to preserve the memory of the
Armenian Genocide not only for future generations of Armenian
Americans, but, indeed, for all Americans and all citizens of the
world. I urge my colleagues to join me in remembering the first
genocide of the 20th century. Through our commemoration of this
tragedy, we make clear that we will not tolerate mass murder and
ethnic cleansing ever again and we will never forget.

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI): I believe the highest tribute we can pay to
the victims of a genocide is by acknowledging the horrors they
faced and reaffirming our commitment to fight against such heinous
acts in the future. In commemorating the tragedy of the genocide
today, I would also like to recognize the fact that yesterday
Canada’s House of Commons, took the courageous step of officially
recognizing that the events initiated on April 24, 1915, were in
fact a genocide and crime against humanity. It is my hope that all
people of goodwill will join in calling this tragedy by its correct
name–a genocide. I hope that our colleagues will join me in
commemorating this tragedy and vowing to honor and remember the
innocent victims of the Armenian genocide.

Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI): Thus, as we reflect on this atrocity, let us
call for our own country to recognize the Armenian Genocide, just
as my own State of Rhode Island has done, and as the parliaments of
Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Russia,
and Sweden have done over the past 6 years. Let us also pledge
never to ignore atrocities by those who claim the legitimacy of
government. We must never ignore and we will never forget.

———————————————–
REPRESENTATIVES (listed in alphabetical order)
——————————————- —-

Rep: Rob Andrews (D-NJ): The senseless crime of genocide is one of
the most reprehensible acts that can be committed by man. To
attempt eradication of an entire population based on a misguided
prejudice is absolutely vile, and the United States should do
everything in its power to try and prevent such atrocities from
happening in the future. Only by explicitly defining genocide and
ensuring that all cases of genocide throughout history are
appropriately identified can we effectively deter this crime.
Particularly at this time of heightened vigilance around the world,
it is absolutely imperative that America take a strong stance
against the most troubling of all terrorist acts, mass killings.

Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA): It is important to recognize the historical
atrocities perpetrated against the Armenians. We must teach our
children about the fear, torture, mass graves, and expulsions of
the Armenian people. Through education and commemoration, our
children can grow up to be better citizens and better Americans.

Rep. John Conyers (D-MI): Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise to remind the
world that the 24th of April marked the 89th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, a systematic and deliberate campaign of genocide
of the Ottoman Empire. Also, it marked yet another year with the
U.S. formally not recognizing the atrocities that occurred.
Considering how well documented the genocide is in the U.S.
archives and through an overwhelming body of first-hand,
governmental, and diplomatic evidence, this is nothing less than a
disgrace.

Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL): The Armenian Genocide is a historical
fact, despite the efforts of some to minimize its scope and deny
its occurrence. Many of the survivors of the genocide came to the
United States, where they and their descendants have contributed to
our society in countless ways. In my district, there is a
significant population of Armenian survivors and their families
that showed heroic courage and a will to survive. With faith and
courage, generations of Armenians have overcome great suffering and
proudly preserved their culture, traditions, and religion and have
told the story of the genocide to an often indifferent world. As
Members of Congress and people of conscience, we must work to
overcome the indifference and distortions of history, and ensure
that future generations know what happened.

Rep Cal Dooley (D-CA): Our statements today are intended to
preserve the memory of the Armenian loss, and to remind the world
that the Turkish government–to this day–refuses to acknowledge
the Armenian Genocide. The truth of this tragedy can never and
should never be denied.

Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ): Even more disturbing are the governments,
institutions, scholars, and individuals who deny the enormity of
these crimes against humanity. It is inconceivable that individuals
and governments continue to ignore the substantial evidence–
including numerous survivor accounts, photodocumentaries, and
official documents in the archives of the United States, Britain,
France, Austria, and the Vatican–that prove these atrocities took
place. It is also frustrating that some rationalize these crimes or
refuse to recognize this premeditated ethnic cleansing as genocide.

Michael Honda (D-CA): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the Members
of the House to join us in recognizing past instances of genocide
and reaffirming our Nation’s commitment to never again allow the
perpetration of such atrocities anywhere on this earth. House
Resolution 193 appropriately reaffirms America’s obligation to
international genocide conventions, and underscores the importance
of recognizing past crimes against humanity, including the
Holocaust and the Armenian, Cambodian, and Rwandan genocides.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA): This genocide is another significant
example of the injustice, torture, pain, and death that grows out
of intolerance, cruelty, and hatred. There are still a great
number of survivors of the genocide in America and many of their
children and grandchildren reside throughout the country. On this
day we join them in remembering and acknowledging the heinous act
that victimized their families. If we let such atrocities be
forgotten, then we are in danger of letting them be repeated.

Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI): Mr. Speaker, for myself and my
constituents, I rise today to urge those who deny this genocide to
accept it as fact. Only then can we move forward and stop these
atrocities from repeating themselves over and over again.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY): Without recognition and remembrance,
this atrocity remains a threat to nations around the world. I’ve
often quoted philosopher George Santayana who said: “Those who do
not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” And to
remember, we must first acknowledge what it is–Genocide.

Rep. George McGovern (D-MA): Mr. Speaker, last May, the House
Committee on the Judiciary reported out House Resolution 193. We
have been waiting for nearly 1 year now for the Speaker of the
House to schedule this bill for a debate and for a vote, and I
would urge at this time that the Speaker schedule this bill as
quickly as possible so that the House of Representatives may join
those nations and those scholars who affirm the Genocide Convention
and recognize the Armenian Genocide and Holocaust as genocides of
the 20th century.

Michael McNulty (D-NY): From 1915 to 1923, the world witnessed the
first genocide of the 20th century. This was clearly one of the
world’s greatest tragedies–the deliberate and systematic Ottoman
annihilation of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children.
Furthermore, another 500,000 refugees fled and escaped to various
points around the world–effectively eliminating the Armenian
population of the Ottoman Empire.

Rep. Martin Meehan (D-MA): To deny this truth is to tarnish the
memories of the millions of Armenians who lost their lives to
ethnic cleansing. As a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus,
I have joined my colleagues in sending a letter to President Bush
urging him to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide during his April
24th commemoration address. By drawing attention to the legacy of
this genocide, we can strengthen our resolve to prevent future
human tragedies of this kind.

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ): Mr. Speaker, the unfortunate thing is,
although so many other countries and so many of our own States have
recognized the Armenian genocide, we in the Congress continue not
to recognize it. I think it is important that we do so. The
gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) was here earlier, and he
mentioned the House Genocide Resolution, H. Res. 193, which has now
111 cosponsors. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the House
Committee on the Judiciary on May 21, 2003, but it has not been
brought to the floor for consideration. I would urge the Speaker
and the leaders on the Republican side of the aisle to bring this
resolution to the floor. It is important that they do so.

Adam Schiff (D-CA): For those of us who care deeply about the
issue, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that our Nation,
which has championed liberty and human rights throughout its
history, is not complicit in Ankara’s effort to obfuscate what
happened between 1915 and 1923. Worse still, by tacitly siding with
those who would deny the Armenian genocide, we have rendered hollow
our commitment to never again let genocide occur.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA): It is time for Turkey to acknowledge this
genocide, because only in that way can the Turkish government and
its people rise above it. The German government has been quite
forthcoming in acknowledging the Holocaust, and in doing so it has
at least been respected by the peoples of the world for its
honesty. Turkey should follow that example rather than trying to
deny history.

Mark Souder (R-IN): Despite a compelling record proving the
massacre of millions of human beings, there are still individuals,
organizations, and governments that deny what happened 89 years
ago. Given the United States’ longstanding dedication to combating
human rights abuses, it is shocking that the United States
government has not officially recognized the savage butchery of one
of the 20th Century’s worst human rights violations.

Rep. John Tierney (D-MA): I rise today to speak on one of the most
unspeakable acts that ever came to pass. Beginning in 1915,
innocent and unsuspecting Armenians of all ages were led by Ottoman
Empire officials from their villages to their brutal death. Such
atrocities endured for eight years. By 1923, an estimated 1.5
million Armenians were massacred.

Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IN): Sadly, there are some people who still
deny the very existence of this period which saw the
institutionalized slaughter of the Armenian people and dismantling
of Armenian culture. To those who would question these events, I
point to the numerous reports contained in the U.S. National
Archives detailing the process that systematically decimated the
Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. However, old records are
too easily forgotten–and dismissed. That is why we come together
every year at this time: to remember in words what some may wish to
file away in archives. This genocide did take place, and these
lives were taken. That memory must keep us forever vigilant in our
efforts to prevent these atrocities from ever happening again

Diane Watson (D-CA): Turkey’s failure to acknowledge the truth is a
burden on the alliance between our two nations. I would say to our
President, it should be called as it is, a crime of genocide. So I
call upon the President of the United States to uphold the
commitment he made back when he was running for President and put
the United States of America on record acknowledging the Armenian
genocide.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA): We must identify ways to facilitate the
lifting of the blockade against Armenia and encourage a peaceful
resolution of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabagh. We must help
Armenia continue to flourish as a burgeoning democracy, extend
Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status to strengthen her
economy, and stand ready to help maintain her military strength.
Let us resolve ourselves to ensure that the coming year will be one
that brings full recognition of the genocide that took place, and
peace to the region and the memory of those who perished.

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY): Like communities that survived the
Nazis efforts at extermination, the Armenian community today is
often faced by those who deny the Turkish effort to commit genocide
ever occurred. Despite records and accounts preserved in our own
National Archives, there have been those bent on erasing this
horrible memory from the annals of history. We will not let that
happen. That is why today’s commemoration here in the United States
Congress and those going on this week is so crucial.

#####

CENN – MAY 6, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. Review BTC Construction to be Held in June
2. Shah Deniz Schedule on Target
3. BP to Produce Over 6 million Tons of Crude in 2004
4. Controversial Disaster Film Casts Spotlight on Global Warming
5. Rating of Free Press
6. Tehran: Iran to Export Natural Gas to Azerbaijan, Armenia
7. World Bank Approves $35 mln in Loans for Armenia
8. Panel Discussion: Cauc/ Policy of the Major Powers and Future of ROA
9. Register Now Online for Bangkok Congress

1. REVIEW BTC CONSTRUCTION TO BE HELD IN JUNE

Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerTag,
May 4, 2004

A commission headed by Abid Sharifov, Vice-Premier of Azerbaijani
government, will depart for Turkey to carry out a regular review of
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline construction on its Turkish section in
early June, stated Mr. Sharifov on press conference with the
journalists. The vice-premier has observed that as per agreement with
the Turkish party such reviews on the BTC Turkish section with its
direct participation are carried out once each month on the level of
general contractor for construction – the Turkish company BOTAS.

Commenting on delays in the BTC Turkish section construction A. Sharifov
has stressed that in any even small project, for instance, when a house
is constructed, delays occur, tens of problems appear – when ditches are
dug, communications are laid etc. The BTC is a very large-scale project
and naturally the pipeline construction costing around $3 billion cannot
do without any problems at all. There are problems, but they are
resolved as soon as possible, both on the territory of Georgia and on
the territory of Turkey, – A. Sharifov believes.

The length of BTC pipeline is 1,762 km, of which – 443 km are in
Azerbaijan, in Georgia – 248 km, in Turkey – 1070 km. The pipeline
capacity is 50 million tons of oil per annum. The construction works
will be completed in the beginning of 2005.

A Greek Consolidated Contractors International Company is a contractor
for the construction of the Azeri part of BTC pipeline, a contractor for
Georgian part is Spie Capag/Petrofag, which is also a contractor for
works on the construction of pumping stations on the territory of both
countries. The Turkish company BOTAS is the contractor for the Turkish
part of BTC pipeline.

2. SHAH DENIZ SCHEDULE ON TARGET

CBN, May 6, 2004

The Shah Deniz gas and condensate development project has made
significant progress since Stage 1 sanctioning in February last year.
“The project is progressing according to schedule to meet the target of
delivering first gas to the market before winter 2006.

3. BP TO PRODUCE OVER 6 MILLION TONS OF CRUDE IN 2004

Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerTag,
May 4, 2004

BP-Azerbaijan plans to extract 125 thousand barrels of oil daily to
increase the production to 6,2 million tons by late 2004, stated
president of BP-Azerbaijan David Woodward.

According to him, 32,5 million tons of oil has been produced from Chirag
field since November 1997.

4. CONTROVERSIAL DISASTER FILM CASTS SPOTLIGHT ON GLOBAL WARMING

Source: State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerTag,
May 6, 2004

The sci-fi thriller The Day After Tomorrow is sparking controversy for
its portrayal of climate disaster. NASA officials ordered their
scientists not to answer questions about the film (bosses backed off
after a New York Times story), while a Bush/Cheney campaign spokesman
quibbles with the New York Post over political fallout from the movie.
Meanwhile, 20th Century Fox promoters try to squelch the words “global
warming” altogether.

The $125 million motion picture opens with an Antarctic ice sheet
collapsing beneath a team of polar scientists. Tidal waves batter
Manhattan, before the city is frozen in ice. Tornadoes blast Los
Angeles, while blizzards sweep India. The paleoclimatologist hero played
by Dennis Quaid warns a dismissive vice president bearing uncanny
likeness to our current one “if we don’t act now, it will be too late.”

The over-the-top storyline far exceeds real-life climate scientists’
most extreme projections. But like any good fable, the movie taps a more
basic truth: Global warming is happening today. While research on the
problem is continuing, responsible experts say we need to act now to
start fixing the problem.

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) can help reporters, reviewers,
and editors writing about The Day After Tomorrow sort fact from fiction
on global warming, and discuss the sharp political reaction to the film.
We have climate experts on staff, and can also help you reach local
scientists in your area.

5. RATING OF FREE PRESS

Source: Caucasus-Press, May 4, 2004

Georgia has freest press among the CIS countries. That’s the opinion of
American Human Rights Organization `Freedom House’, which has published
its `Rating of Freedom of World Press – 2004′. The countries got marks
according to 100-point system in which 0 means the highest level of
freedom and 100 means the lowest level of freedom.

Georgian press has been recognized as partially free, it held 112th
place with 54 points. Press in the rest of the CIS has been deemed as
non-free – Moldova (the media in this country as well as in other
post-Soviet countries listed below have been deemed as non-free, 63
points 127th place), Armenia (64 points 134th place), Ukraine (68
points, 150th place), Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan (71 points, 156th
place), Tajikistan (73 points 160th place), Kazakhstan (74 points, 161st
place), Belarus and Uzbekistan (84 points, 182nd place), Turkmenistan
(95 points 190th place).

Danish, Icelandic and Swedish mass media are freest of all (8 points
each), the least free press exists in North Korea (98 points). For
example USA got 13 points and held 15th place, Germany got 16 points
(25th place), Japan got 18 points (33rd place), Great Britain, France
and Poland got 19 points (37th place), Israel got 28 points (64th place)
and China got 80 points (173rd place).

Data from 198 countries of the world have been processed for this
rating. 73 countries are evaluated as having free press, 49 countries
are deemed to have partially free press and 71 countries are thought to
have non-free mass media.

6. TEHRAN: IRAN TO EXPORT NATURAL GAS TO AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA

Source: IRNA, Iran, May 5, 2004

Iran is to export 200 to 350 million cubic meters of natural gas to
Azerbaijan per annum from the coming winter according to a contract that
is to be signed by the two sides after necessary negotiations and
agreements.

Deputy Minister of Petroleum for Caspian Oil and Gas Affairs Hamdollah
Mohammadnejad told IRNA here on Wednesday that Iran has been in talks
for more than one decade with the republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia on
export of its natural gas.

Mr. Mohammadnejad said that Iran is also to export 1.2 to 2.5 billion
cubic meters of natural gas to Armenia a year for a period of 20 years
through a 20-inch pipeline.

The gas, he added, would be transferred to Magri border region through a
120 kms pipeline.

The official said that feasibility studies on the pipeline project have
been completed and it would be implemented once Iranian and Armenian
sides sign related contract.

He said Iran gives the priority to transfer of gas to neighboring and
the Central Asian republics on the long run in a bid to upgrade mutual
economic cooperation.

7. WORLD BANK APPROVES $35 MLN IN LOANS FOR ARMENIA

Source: Interfax, May 5 2004

The World Bank board of directors on Tuesday approved three new credit
programs for Armenia totaling about $35 million, Roger Robinson,
director of the World Bank office in Yerevan, said at a press conference
Wednesday.

The World Bank will allocate $10.15 million for public sector
modernization, $23 million for water supply and sewage system
restoration in 300 municipalities, and $1.74 million on agriculture
reform and compensation for industry losses caused by bad weather, he
said.

The programs are planned to last four to five years. Loans will be
disbursed according to the standard easy terms offered by the
International Development Association (IDA) with repayment in 40 years
at 0.5% per year with a 10-year grace period, Robinson said.

8. PANEL DISCUSSION: CAUC/ POLICY OF THE MAJOR POWERS AND FUTURE OF ROA

Sunday, May 23, 2004
4:00 PM
Free admission

The Armenian Cultural Committee of Boston presents
A Panel Discussion:

“The Caucasian Policy of the Major Powers and Future of Armenia”

Panelists:
Dr. Murat Acemoglu
David B. Boyajian

Moderator: Dr. Armen Bagdoian

Location:
Church of the Good Shepherd
Corner of Mount Auburn Street and Russell Avenue
(1/2 mile from Watertown Square & one block from Common Street)
Watertown, Massachusetts

9. REGISTER NOW ONLINE FOR BANGKOK CONGRESS

IUCN, May 5, 2004

Online registration for the 3rd IUCN World Conservation Congress is now
available! IUCN members and other invitees may register directly on the
registration page. This is the first time that IUCN is offering this
service through a carefully developed system that accommodates all the
many and varied delegates of the Bangkok Congress — members, commission
members, partners and other participants. The registration system
includes a series of explanations to assist with the overall process,
including a contact email and telephone number for specific enquiries
and assistance. The French and Spanish versions of the registration site
will be available at the:

—
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)

Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Detroit Free Press
Obituaries

Andree Burney: Taught French, English to many

May 6, 2004

BY JEANNE MAY
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Andree Gregory Burney, who taught French and English to hundreds of students
in the Detroit area, died of cancer Sunday at Harper Hospital in Detroit.

She was 63 and lived in Plymouth.

After earning two bachelor’s degrees — in education and political science
— at Wayne State University, she started teaching there.

“She was in the College of Education, teaching other teachers how to teach
French,” her husband, Philip, said Wednesday. “She used the audio-lingual
method. They’d come into class, and she’d take their books away and speak
nothing but French to them.

“Both her children spoke both French and English always, and both passed
French in college without taking a course.”

After several years at Wayne State, Mrs. Burney took about a decade off to
rear her children, then went to the Lycee International School in Detroit,
where she taught English to students from overseas. She also taught English
to Armenian children at the Alex Manoogian School, and in the early ’70s,
she taught French at Oak Park High School.

>From there, she moved to Fordson High School in Dearborn, teaching French
there at the same time she taught it at Henry Ford Community College in
Dearborn. She retired in 2002.

She came by French naturally. She was born in Marseilles, France, in 1939 —
a year before Germany conquered France in World War II. Her family had fled
to France from their native Armenia.

When she was 2 years old, her father managed to get out of the country and
come to the United States, intending to send for his family.

But they were trapped.

“She could actually remember at nighttime going to the air-raid bomb
shelters, hearing the sirens,” her husband said.

In 1947, her family reunited in Dearborn, and she graduated from Fordson.

While she taught, she earned a master’s degree in linguistics at Wayne State
and a master’s in French literature at the Sorbonne in Paris. She also took
students for summers in Europe about 20 times.

When she was young, she learned to play the piano, and she sang with the
Schoolcraft Community Choir and the St. John’s Armenian Church Komitas
Choir. She also sang at the weddings of each of her children.

Besides her husband of 41 years, survivors include a son, Phillippe; a
daughter, Yvette Faiter; her mother; two brothers, and three grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at St. John’s Armenian Church, 22001
Northwestern Highway, Southfield. Arrangements are by the Simon Javizian
Funeral Home in Detroit.

The family suggests any memorial donations be made to the church, 22001
Northwestern Highway, Southfield 48075.

Contact JEANNE MAY at 586-469-4682or [email protected].

The Russia Journal

EBRD to invest USD 100 million in Armenian energy sector

WORLD/CIS » :: May 06, 2004 Posted: 16:16 Moscow time (12:16 GMT)

YEREVAN – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set
to invest USD 100 million in the Armenian energy sector, according to the
head of the Armenian Central Bank, Tigran Sarkisian. As reported by a
Rosbalt correspondent, Sarkisian told a press conference that the funds
would be used to construct small and media hydroelectric power stations in
Armenia.

Sarkisian noted that cooperation with the bank would continue to develop. In
particular, he said, the bank intends opening a branch in Armenia. /Rosbalt/

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TOP STORIES
05/06/2004
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1) Council of Europe Not the Politburo, Says Kocharian
2) Parliament and Opposition Leaders Meet
3) Hardliner Abashidze Flees Ajaria
4) Azerbaijan Not Ready for Risks or Responsibilities
5) ANC Praises Republicans for Advancing Genocide Reaffirmation

1) Council of Europe Not the Politburo, Says Kocharian

YEREVAN (Armenpress/RFE/RL)–President Robert Kocharian said on Thursday said
that while he finds the recommendations of last week’s Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe (PACE) resolution “normal,” he disagrees with its
assessment of the Armenian authorities’ response to the street protests
launched by the opposition one month ago.
The April 28 resolution warns Armenian authorities that PACE will consider
stripping the Armenian delegation’s voting rights in the Assembly, unless it
remedies, by September, abuses addressed in the resolution.
“We are reviewing [the document]. I see no particularly big problems in its
content,” he told journalists. “But there are quite serious inaccuracies in
the
description and chronology of events.”
He said that a response to the descriptive segment of the resolution will
come
in a few days, while an official response will be submitted to the June
session
of PACE. He also said that a PACE monitoring delegation will arrive in
Armenia
soon to examine the situation first-hand.
“The Council of Europe is an organization of which we are also a member. We
have a right to vote and express our opinion there. We are there to defend our
common interests, not to clear domestic matters,” stressed Kocharian, adding
that the Council of Europe should not be perceived as the Soviet Union’s
governing Communist Party Politburo. “You must not regard the Council of
Europe
as the former Politburo where they made and imposed decisions.”
Though important, the decisions of PACE are not binding for the Council of
Europe leadership.
Kocharian also downplayed fears that international focus on Armenia’s
political instability would affect foreign investment into the country.
“Armenia’s economy will suffer greater damage if investors begin to question
the ability of authorities to establish order in the country.” He admitted,
however, that recent tensions will bear some negative impact. “Those people
attempting to escalate tensions do not realize that negative repercussions
will
eventually be felt by all Armenian citizens.”

2) Parliament and Opposition Leaders Meet

YEREVAN–Opposition leaders and 13 senior representatives of all parliament
factions met behind closed doors late Thursday to try to defuse political
tensions sparked by the month-long opposition campaign against President
Robert
Kocharian.
Initiated by parliament speaker Artur Baghdasarian, the talks began late in
the afternoon and lasted for about five hours.
A brief statement issued by the participants afterward said they agreed on
the
“necessity to create a new situation in the country” and that a 32-point
agenda
for further “consultations” was formulated.
According to one of the negotiators for the Justice party Victor Dallakian,
the agenda will be disclosed by Friday.

3) Hardliner Abashidze Flees Ajaria

BATUMI (AFP)–Georgia’s President Mikhail Saakashvili triumphantly arrived in
the Black Sea region of Ajaria after the province’s renegade leader resigned
and flew into exile in dramatic scenes overnight.
Georgian officials announced new elections to choose a replacement for ousted
leader Aslan Abashidze and appointed an interim administration to run
Ajaria–site of the region’s biggest oil terminal–until a new leader is
chosen.
“I congratulate you all,” a jubilant Saakashvili said as he arrived in Ajaria
to chair a meeting of his ministers.
“We have shown the world that we are a great people. Only we could have
staged
two bloodless revolutions in six months,” he said.
Abashidze’s departure in the early hours of Thursday morning was the final
act
of last year’s revolution, in which Saakashvili led weeks of protests which
forced then President Eduard Shevardnadze to go into retirement.
But the Ajarian chief, a member of Shevardnadze’s old guard, stayed on, and
until Thursday, had defied the authority of the capital, Tbilisi, and shown
growing separatist tendencies.
Russian news agencies reported that Abashidze had landed in Moscow,
accompanied by Russia’s Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov, who had
earlier
flown to Ajaria to help mediate the conflict.
His departure avoided what many feared would be a bloody separatist war,
causing turmoil in Georgia just as Western oil companies are building a
multi-billion-dollar pipeline through the country to export oil from the
Caspian Sea to world markets.
With Abashidze’s 12-year rule over Ajaria suddenly over and his feared
paramilitaries handing in their weapons, Saakashvili’s administration set
about
filling in the power vacuum.
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said on Ajarian television that new
elections would be called and announced the creation of a commission, made up
of Saakashvili aides and local figures, to run the region in the interim.
But he said that Ajaria’s autonomous status within Georgia, enshrined in law
since the start of the last century, would be respected.
“The new elections will be held with due account taken of Ajaria’s special
status, which will now be finally clarified by a special constitutional law,”
Zhvania said.
On the streets of Ajaria’s palm tree-lined capital Batumi Thursday, the last
vestiges of Abashidze’s rule were being swept away.
Special forces troops from Tbilisi were in position outside government
buildings, instead of the masked men in camouflage fatigues who had propped up
Abashidze’s regime.
Drop-off points were set up around the city where civilians could hand in the
weapons they were given by Abashidze’s security forces to defend against an
invasion from Tbilisi.
Meanwhile some 2,000 Saakashvili supporters were holding a celebratory rally
outside the local administration building chanting “Misha!,
Misha!”–Saakashvili’s affectionate nickname.
It was a token of their new freedom. Previous opposition rallies in Batumi
had
been brutally dispersed by police loyal to Abashidze, with dozens of people
arrested.
Abashidze is a former Communist official who had ruled his corner of Georgia
with a rod of iron and appointed his own relatives to key positions.
His fate was sealed this week when thousands of his opponents took to the
streets to demand his resignation, defying the police.
At the same time Saakashvili, the 36-year-old who came to power in last
year’s
“rose revolution” in the Georgian capital, introduced direct presidential rule
and Georgian special forces were dropped in to Ajaria by helicopter.
Abashidze appeared to have made use of an offer from the Georgian
president of
safe passage out of the country for him and his family if he agreed to go
quietly.

4) Azerbaijan Not Ready for Risks or Responsibilities

YEREVAN (Armenpress/Yerkir)–Karabagh leader Arkady Ghukasian reiterated that
the Mountainous Karabagh conflict cannot be resolved unless Stepanakert
becomes
a full party to negotiations.
“Sooner or later, Azeri leaders will have to agree to negotiate with
Karabagh,
and I am confident that the international community shares this very
viewpoint,” said Ghukasian, citing an OSCE Budapest summit resolution
identifying Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Mountainous Karabagh as the parties to
the
conflict.
Citing Azeri “distrust, enmity, and war rhetoric,” Ghukasian said that the
“package solution” must be sought, rather than the “step-by-step approach.”
While the first proposes settling key problems, including status, security
guarantees, and troop withdrawal, with a single, comprehensive agreement, the
latter calls for Armenia to surrender specific buffer zones to Azerbaijan, in
exchange of deployment of international peacekeepers in Mountainous Karabagh.
“We have the resources to resolve the conflict in one to two years, but we
should also realize that resolution and peace contain certain risks;
Azerbaijan’s leaders do realize this, and are not ready today to take the
risks
and shoulder responsibilities.”
In a reversal of previous opinion on the effectiveness of the Minsk Group,
which spearheads the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe’s
(OSCE) efforts to find a political solution to this conflict, Azeri president
Ilham Aliyev said earlier this week that the Group’s activity is apparent, and
that “the co-chairmen are determined to deal with the problem.”

5) ANC Praises Republicans for Advancing Genocide Reaffirmation

LOS ANGELES–The largest Armenian-American grassroots public affairs
organization in the Western US praised a number of Republican legislators in
the US Congress for their outstanding support on issues of concern to tens of
thousands of Armenian-American voters throughout California, Nevada, and other
western states.
In a statement, the Armenian National Committee of America–Western Region
also commended Republican Governors of Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska for
officially acknowledging the Armenian Genocide.
A record number of Governors issued proclamations this April acknowledging
the
Armenian Genocide and April 24 as a Day of Remembrance. The list includes
Republican Governors Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho, Judy Martz of Montana, and Mike
Johanns of Nebraska.
The ANCA-WR also applauded California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s move
designating April 24 a Day of Remembrance for the Genocide, as well as
Republican State Senator Chuck Poochigian’s powerful proclamation at the April
24 Commemoration in Montebello, California.
“We appreciate the work of our Republican friends, particularly the Governors
and members of Congress who support the ANC’s initiatives to raise awareness
about the Armenian Genocide and urge Congress to pass resolutions
acknowledging
this crime against humanity,” said ANCA-WR Government Relations Director Armen
Carapetian.
Last week, the Nevada ANC honored Senator John Ensign (R-NV) as the “ANC Man
of the Year” for his staunch support of Armenian-American issues. Senator
Ensign introduced Senate Resolution 164, reaffirming US’s commitment to
preventing genocides and punishing perpetrators of genocide. The legislation
also clearly identifies the mass murder of Armenians from 1915 to 1923 as a
case of genocide. The bill is currently backed by 39 Senators, nine of whom
are
Republican.
Several months ago, ANC-Orange County honored Congressman Ed Royce
(R-Fullerton) with its Freedom Award for his consistent support of issues that
concern Armenian-American constituents. Just last week, Royce, who serves on
the influential International Relations Committee, reaffirmed his pledge to
fight for official acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide while addressing
the
ANCA Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide Observance.
At its largest annual event, the ANCA-WR presented Congressman George
Radanovich (R-Fresno) its “Man of the Year” honor several months ago for his
dedication and commitment. Radanovich is the principal author and sponsor of
H.R. 193, which acknowledges the Armenian Genocide. The legislation passed
unanimously in the House Judiciary Committee on May 21, 2003 and awaits a vote
on the House Floor.

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06 May 2004

U.S. Welcomes Dialogue on Political Reforms in Armenia
Davidson calls on authorities to investigate assaults on political activists

The United States welcomes the recent dialogue on political reforms between
the Armenian government and opposition parties, and sees the new law on
demonstrations and rallies passed by the National Assembly as a “step in the
right direction” towards greater political freedom, U.S. diplomat Douglas
Davidson told the OSCE Permanent Council May 6.

Davidson also called on Armenian authorities to “fully investigate” recent
assaults on political activists.

Following are Davidson’s remarks:

(begin text)

United States Mission to the OSCE
Vienna

STATEMENT ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN ARMENIA

As delivered by Deputy Representative Douglas Davidson to the Permanent
Council

May 6, 2004

Mr. Chairman, the United States is pleased that Armenian parliamentarians
from the governing coalition and opposition parties met on April 26 and 27.
We encourage both sides to continue meeting and to work within the
constitutional process to promote political reform in Armenia.

The United States has long been concerned about the practice of
administrative detention and the Soviet-era Code of Administrative Offenses
still in force in Armenia.

We note that the new law on Public Demonstrations, Gatherings and Rallies,
passed by the National Assembly on April 28, is a step in the right
direction. However, we encourage the government to work with the Council of
Europe and other experts to further refine the law to bring it fully in line
with international standards.

We also look to the Armenian authorities to fully investigate recent
assaults on political activists and we look forward to the swift and
thorough resolution of these cases.

Thank you very much.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: )

06 May 2004

U.S. Names Countries Eligible for New Assistance Funds
Government corporation also plans to help other countries qualify

The recently created Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the U.S.
government has named 16 countries eligible to apply for development aid from
an innovative new program.

In a May 6 news release, the MCC said that its board of directors selected
the countries — Armenia, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Georgia, Ghana,
Honduras, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua,
Senegal, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu — based on their governance, social
investment and economic freedom.

The MCC said it also approved a program to help some other countries meet
eligibility requirements.

The Millennium Challenge Account program announced by President Bush in 2002
is designed to help poor countries spur the economic growth and attract the
investment necessary to further development. Congress has appropriated $1
billion for the MCC for this fiscal year.

Following is the text of the release:

(begin text)

Millennium Challenge Corporation
May 6, 2004

The Millennium Challenge Corporation Names
MCA Eligible Countries

Washington, DC — Today, the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) selected the 16 countries eligible to apply for Millennium
Challenge Account (MCA) assistance in FY04 [fiscal year 2004]. MCC, a newly
created government corporation designed to work with some of the poorest
countries in the world, is based on the principle that aid is most effective
when it reinforces sound political, economic, and social policies that
promote economic growth.

“This is a historic day for the Millennium Challenge Corporation,” said
Secretary of State, Colin L. Powell, Chair of the MCC Board. “The
President’s vision has come to pass, and today’s decision by the Board of
Directors is a major step in implementing the vision of the MCC.”

The selected countries include: Armenia, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde,
Georgia, Ghana, Honduras, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique,
Nicaragua, Senegal, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu. In making its determinations, the
Board considered both the past and current policy performance of the
candidate countries in the areas of governing justly, investing in their own
people and promoting economic freedom. The Board also considered trends that
indicated policy improvement or slippage.

“Our mission — encouraging and rewarding good policies that produce
sustainable economic growth — holds profound implications for freedom and
security across the globe,” MCC CEO [chief executive officer] Paul
Applegarth said today. “Today’s decision demonstrates the clear commitment
of the U.S. to reducing poverty and human suffering.”

The Board also approved a “Threshold Country” program, which will be
directed toward a limited number of candidate countries that have not met
the requirements for MCA eligibility but demonstrate a significant
commitment to meeting the requirements for eligibility. The Threshold
Country program will provide an added incentive to countries that are
committed to reform, and will be used to assist such countries in making
further progress towards becoming eligible for MCA assistance in future
years. MCC expects to work closely with USAID [U.S. Agency for International
Development] in this effort.

The United States is committed to the MCC as an innovative approach to
delivering foreign aid. Congress has appropriated $1 billion for the MCC for
this fiscal year, and President Bush has requested $2.5 billion for FY05.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: )

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
May 5, 2004

SITUATION “NEITHER PEACE, NOR WAR”

On April 27-29 a seminar was held in Stepanakert on “Coverage of
problems of ethnic minorities in the mass media”. The seminar was
organized by the representatives of the London institute of variety of
mass media together with the press clubs of Yerevan and
Stepanakert. In the seminar participated the director of the institute
Militsa Pestic, the editor of the news bulletin of the press club of
Yerevan Elina Poghosbekian, reporter of the newspaper “Republic of
Armenia” Galust Nanian, reporter of the newspaper “Iravunq” Argine
Harutyunian, as well as 15 journalists representing the mass media of
Karabakh, and the chairman of Stepanakert Press Club Gegham
Baghdassarian. The seminar lasted for three days during which problems
of ethnic, religious and sexual minorities, as well as the disabled
and socially insecure classes of the society were
raised. Representatives of the above mentioned groups were also
invited to speak about their problems and express their own attitude
towards the mass media. In particular, the chairman of the Union of
Blind People S. Vardanian complained of lack of newspapers and books
for blinds and also of the fact that the only available mass medium
for blind people radio provides more information on international
events than the situation in Armenia and Karabakh. The chairman of the
Union of Russians and Russian Speaking Citizens of Karabakh Lyudmila
Petrossian expressed their wish to have the Russian version of the
news on Artsakh public television. During the seminar there was a
suggestion to teach the journalists to sell to the editor the article
or idea of interest for him. In the West this is a common practice. To
the seminar were invited the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Azat
Artsakh” Marcel Petrossian and the director of the public TV and radio
company Garik Grigorian. The journalists managed to sell 6 of the
presented 8 articles to them. The journalists who participated in the
seminar expressed the opinion that such undertakings are necessary
because along with raising the level of professional qualification
these allow to view differently certain questions which may be
considered unimportant in everyday work.

EVIKA BABAYAN

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
May 5, 2004

GERMAN PRESS PUTS UNDER DOUBT

The supporters of Turkey’s membership to the European Union bring
honest but unconvincing arguments, says the German newspaper Leipziger
Volkszeitung. Turkey’s integration to the EU will indeed favour the
political stabilization of the country, but is this good, asks the
newspaper? In case of membership Turkey will become the first country
of the EU by the number of population. This means that at the EU
Ministerial Council Turkey will have considerable weight, and will be
represented in the Europarliament by the largest group of members of
parliament. The countries, which are for Turkey’s membership, will
hardly agree to such distribution of forces; this is the opinion of
the newspaper. Moreover, membership of new countries to the EU will
also mean expansion of the territory of the EU. In case of Turkey’s
membership the EU will have common border with Syria, Iraq, Iran,
Azerbaijan and Georgia, i.e. crisis regions, writes the German
newspaper. IN THE UPCOMING TEN YEARS EU MEMBERSHIP “DOES NOT THREATEN”
TURKEY, THINKS JACQUES CHIRAC. It will take at least ten years from
Turkey to become member of the EU. This was stated by the president of
France Jacques Chirac during the press conference devoted to the
questions of wider EU. He mentioned that the talks for the membership
of Turkey will last long, 10 years and more. According to the French
president, the necessary conditions for membership to the EU have not
been provided in Turkey yet, informed the agency “Interfax”.

PANARMENIAN