ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday 8:53 AM Eastern Time

Russian citizens in CIS states preparing to vote in March 14 polls

Chairman of Russia’s Central Electoral Commission Alexander
Veshnyakov said the number of polling stations had increased in
Georgia and Moldova, and that a precinct electoral commission and
eight polling stations were set up in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

Deputy Defence Minister Igor Puzanov said more than 80,000 people
will be able to vote at 48 polling stations the ministry had set up
in CIS republics.

According to the FSB Border Guard Service, 11 polling places were set
up in Tajikistan and Armenia, and three polling stations at
borderguard groups in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, which may
receive up to 7,000 voters.

Twenty-one polling stations will be opened in Ukraine where some
62,000 Russians live or work.

In Belarus where 60,000 Russian citizens live, seven polling stations
will function.

Ten polling stations will be available for 80,000 RF citizens living
in Moldova.

In Tajikistan, 20,000 Russians, including border guards and
servicemen from the 201st division, will be able to take part in the
March 14 voting. Advance voting was arranged for remote border
outposts in Tajikistan from March 9.

Kazakhstan has 10 polling stations for 30,000 RF citizens.

In Kyrgyzstan, voting in the March 14 polls is organized in all large
settlements densely populated by Russians. There are some 15,000 RF
citizens in the republic. The servicemen at the Kant air base will
vote on Saturday.

There are two polling stations for RF citizens in Azerbaijan, with a
1,500-strong Russian electorate. They were set up under the Russian
Embassy in Baku and the Daryal Information and Analytical Center
(formerly the Gabalinskaya radar facility).

In Armenia, up to 8,000 RF citizens are expected to take part in the
March 14 election. The republic has ten polling stations, including
the military township of Kanaker where a Russian army unit is
deployed, and in Gyumri, where the headquarters of the 120th military
base is located.

Fifteen polling stations were set up in Georgia, an official at the
Russian Embassy in Tbilisi told Itar-Tass.

By now, part of Russian peacekeepers in Kodori Gorge, Gali district,
Abkhazia, and in Tskhinvali, South Ossetiam have already voted.

Turkmenistan has five voting stations for 63,00 RF citizens. Head of
the consular department of the Russian Embassy in Ashgabad Andrei
Brovarets expressed the hope that the electorate would be more active
compared with the December parliamentary election, at which just
3,000 Russians voted.

Uzbekistan has one polling station, set up at the Russian Embassy in
Tashkent, for more than 17,000 RF citizens. Everything is ready for
the polls, Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Farit Mukhametshin told
Itar-Tass. Advance voting took place in four Uzbek cities on March 6
and March 7.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday

Saakashvili certain Russia will not interfere in Georgia’s affairs

By Tengiz Pachkoria

TBILISI

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili is certain that Russia has no
intention of interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs.

Speaking in Tbilisi earlier on Friday before flying to the Armenian
capital Yerevan Saakashvili said, “Russia plans no interference in
Georgia’s internal affairs. President Vladimir Putin made a definite
statement on that score at our meeting in Moscow in February. I trust
Putin.”

Saakashvili was speaking after some local mass media alleged Russia
had the intention to increase the strength of the personnel of its
military base in Adzharia to intervene in the relationship between
Tbilisi and Batumi.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday

Armenia may help normalize Russia-Georgia relations – pres

By Tigran Liloyan

YEREVAN

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili said he believed Armenia could
contribute to the settlement of Georgian-Russian relations.

Saakashvili, who arrived in Yerevan on an official visit on Friday,
stated that he intended to normalize his country’s relations with
Russia, which he said “dramatically worsened under the previous
Georgian president.”

“We think that Armenia, with its special relations with Russia, can
play a special role in normalizing Georgian-Russian relations,” the
Georgian president emphasized.

“Russia for Georgia is a very important partner,” Saakashvili said.
In his view, it would be wrong not to use Armenia’s potential in
relations with Russia.

The Georgian president said many countries, which had developed good
relations with Russia, might contribute to the process of normalizing
Russian-Georgian ties. He said he had discussed the issue with French
President Jacques Chirac several days ago.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday

OSCE Chairman-in-Office to visit Transcaucasia

By Vladimir Abrosimov

SOFIA

Bulgarian Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Solomon Pasi
will visit Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on March 14-17, the press
service of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reports.

Pasi will meet with the three presidents, government members and
legislators.

They will analyze OSCE activities in the light of promotion of
democratic processes and settlement of conflicts in the Caucasus.
Bilateral relations will be discussed, as well.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
March 12, 2004 Friday

Armenia, Georgia adherent to European integration

By Tigran Liloyan

YEREVAN

Armenia and Georgia emphasize their striving for integration with
European organizations. They want closer interaction with the
European Union and cooperation in the United Nations, the Council of
Europe, the OSCE, the CIS and other international and regional
organizations, says a joint statement adopted after Friday
negotiations between Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and
Armenian leaders.

The Armenian and Georgian presidents said they were ready for more
active cooperation in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation
Organization. They noted the importance of cooperation in TRACECA and
INOGATE initiatives of the European Union.

Bearing in mind the need to respond to new challenges and threats,
primarily terrorism, organized crime, illegal arms trade and drug
trafficking, Armenia and Georgia call for better efficiency and
coordination of the bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the
statement says.

Agence France Presse
March 12, 2004 Friday

Bush taps ambassadors to Swaziland, Finland, Guinea, Kazakhstan

EAST MEADOW, New York

US President George W. Bush has picked nominees for ambassadorial
postings to Swaziland, Finland, Guinea and Kazakhstan, the White
House announced Thursday.

Bush wants Lewis Lucke, mission director and reconstruction
coordinator for the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) in Iraq, as ambassador to Swaziland. Lucke has
worked for USAID in Haiti and Jordan.

Bush has picked businessman Earle Mack as ambassador to Finland, and
career diplomat Jackson McDonald, currently US ambassador to Gambia,
as ambassador to Guinea.

The president has chosen career diplomat John M. Ordway, currently US
ambassador to Armenia, as US ambassador to Kazakhstan.

US ambassadorial nominations must win Senate approval.

XINHUA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE
March 11, 2004, Thursday

Greek Cypriot side to continue reunification talks: Papadopoulos

NICOSIA

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Thursday that his Greek
Cypriot side remains firm in its commitment to continue the current
reunification talks under the auspices of the United Nations.

Papadopoulos made the promise in a written speech to the opening
ceremony of a trade union congress, which was read by Labour and
Social Insurance Minister Iacovos Keravnos.

It is too early and dangerous to draw conclusions on the progress of
the UN-led direct negotiations for a comprehensive settlement to the
Cyprus problem, despite the fact that most of the positions raised by
the Turkish side are contrary to the philosophy and parameters of the
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s plan, Papadopoulos said.

He said that what he can reiterate at this sensitive and important
present juncture is that the Greek Cypriot side remains firm in its
commitment to continue working positively, constructively and
productively with the UN Secretary General on the basis of his plan,
to secure a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

The Greek Cypriot side is striving for a solution which will secure
the rights of the Turkish Cypriots and will allow them to enjoy the
benefits with the accession to the EU, within the framework of a
reunified Cyprus, the president added.

He stressed that “our firm pursuit and constant concern is and will
remain the creation of a stable, peaceful and safe environment,
necessary for the welfare, progress and well being of all the people
of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and
Latins.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey sent troops to take
control of its northern third. The two sides are currently engaged in
talks with a view to reach an agreement that would be put to
referenda, the positive outcome of which would enable a reunited
Cyprus to join the EU in May this year.

Associated Press Worldstream
March 12, 2004 Friday 3:08 PM Eastern Time

Gunfight erupts near restaurant where Georgian, Armenian presidents
dining, neither injured

by AVET DEMOURIAN; Associated Press Writer

YEREVAN, Armenia

A gunfight erupted Friday evening near a restaurant where the
presidents of Georgia and Armenia were dining, injuring at least
three people but leaving the two leaders unharmed, an official said.

The shooting started shortly after 10 p.m. local time between two
rival criminal groups outside the restaurant in the capital Yerevan,
an Interior Ministry official said on condition of anonymity.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and his Armenian counterpart
Robert Kocharian weren’t injured and they even continued their meal
after the clash, the official said.

One person was arrested, and a gun and three knives confiscated,
according to the official. It didn’t appear those involved in the
altercation were aware the presidents were nearby.

Kocharian commonly invites his guests to informal dinners at the
restaurant, located in the center of the city on the banks of a small
pond. The shooting began on the other side of the water.

Saakashvili was in Armenia for his first visit there since winning a
January election to replace former President Eduard Shevardnadze. The
U.S.-educated Saakashvili was the most prominent leader of protests
that forced Shevardnadze to resign in November, and he has received
strong support from Washington.

Earlier at a news conference, the two leaders said they agreed to
keep close contact and Saaskashvili praised Kocharian as an “ideal
partner” for Georgia.

Saaskashvili said Armenia could also help Georgia normalize its
relations with Russia, which have been complicated by the continued
presence of Russian troops and Moscow’s support of separatist
regions.

On Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry harshly warned Georgia against
trying to rein in the independent-minded region of Adzharia, whose
leader has maintained close ties with Russia.

Kocharian expressed support for new railroad lines to be built from
Russia through the Georgia’s separatist Abkhazia region, which would
also link Armenia to Russia.

Lowell Sun (Lowell, MA)
March 10, 2004 Wednesday

The dog days of spring;
The return of Aram Arakelian and his pushcart to downtown Lowell is a
sure sign of warmer weather

KATHLEEN DEELY

Aram Arakelian serves customers from his sausage cart on Central
Street in Lowell. sun/michael pigeon LOWELL New York has one on every
corner. In Boston, The Sausage Guy is king. On the streets of Lowell,
Aram Arakelian is the sole purveyor of America’s culinary icon: the
hot dog.

For 10 years now Arakelian has stuffed grilled dogs, Italian sausages
and Polish kielbasa into buns from his silver cart for streams of
hungry denizens. Want peppers and onions? Extra hot sauce? “No
problem,” is the motto of this amiable Armenian vendor.

As sure a sign of spring as daffodils and the red breast of a robin,
the sight of Arakelian’s silver pushcart means winter is bowing out.
So when he popped up on Central Street last week, regulars relished
the smell and sizzle of grilled sausage, pepper and onions in the air
again.

“When I got off the bus today I said ‘yahoo!’,” exclaimed Pauline
Sigman, who likes to hit the cart a couple of times a week.

“I’ve tried all the stuff; it’s all good. The best there is.
Sometimes I want to double up, but I’ve got to watch my weight,” said
the Lowell resident ,gesturing toward her stomach.

Before there was Sal’s Pizza, before The Old Court, Arakelian held
down this stretch of Central Street in front of Banknorth. As the
city’s only outdoor food vendor, this one-man operation has become
part of Lowell’s lore.

“I’ve seen things change, but I stay the same,” said Arakelian,
deftly slinging sausages hot off the boil onto the grill.

Menu options haven’t wavered much; prices have kept pace with the
times. But at $1.25 for a grilled dog and $4 for a savory sweet
Italian sausage stuffed with grilled peppers and onions, it’s still a
decent bite for your buck. For a dollar more, the grilled chicken
breast sub is competitive, but is made to order with fresh meat and
served on soft rolls from a Malden bakery. He’s also strong in the
condiment department honey mustard, teryaki and hot sauce can doctor
up any order.

Ten years is a lifetime in the food industry and Arakelian attributes
his success to the Middlesex College students and elderly residents
who populate the block. They have turned his cart into a meeting
place and in turn he feels at home here. “I like seeing the people.
They ask me about my kids; it feels like a family.”

Like his exuberant personality, these sandwiches overflow with
goodness, making napkins a necessity when dining “a la cart.” The
other attraction to this portable meal is its versatility. These dogs
are easy to eat canal-side now that the weather is here. With so many
pluses, could Arakelian have created the signature meal of the city?

“It’s the best sandwich in town,” bellowed real estate tycoon Louis
Saab, walking by the cart this week.

“That’s good,” Arakelian said, pleased by the impromptu endorsement.
“He owns the city.”

Arakelian’s cart is open every weekday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., if it’s
not raining. Follow the aroma to Central Street between Middle and
Market.

Kathleen Deely’s e-mail address is [email protected] .

ARKA News Agency
March 12 2004

RA President presents his condolence to the King of Spain Juan Carlos I

6TH sitting of EU-Armenia Parliament Commission on Cooperation to
start in Yerevan on March 15

RA NA Speaker congratulates Fadey Sargsian with re-election on the
position of RA NSA President

RA Deputy Foreign Minister receives Director of Caucasus and Central
Asia Office of the U.S. Department of State

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

RA PRESIDENT PRESENTS HIS CONDOLENCE TO THE KING OF SPAIN JUAN CARLOS I

YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian presented
his condolence to the King of Spain Juan Carlos I concerning
terrorist act in Madrid, President’s press office told ARKA. `From
the name of all Armenian people and personally myself I present my
deep condolences to You and Spanish people’, says the letter of the
President. L.D. –0 –

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

6TH SITTING OF EU-ARMENIA PARLIAMENT COMMISSION ON COOPERATION TO
START IN YEREVAN ON MARCH 15

YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. 6th sitting of EU-Armenia Parliament
Commission on Cooperation will start in Yerevan on March 15, RA NA
told ARKA. The sitting will be presided over by Armen Rustamian and
Ursula Schlicher. Meeting with Director Executive of All Armenian
Fund Hayastan Naira Melkumian will take place after the first day of
the sitting. Press conference of German Ambassador to Armenia Hans
Wolf Bartles, the Head of European Commission Delegation to Armenia
Torban Holtze and EU Ambassadors will take place the same day. Then
OSCE Yerevan Office will hold a meeting with the Head of the Office
Vladimir Pryakhin. Besides, delegates of EU will meet with RA NA
Speaker Arthur Baghdasarian and representatives of parliament
factions and groups.
On March 16, the Commission will continue its work, particularly,
will conduct meetings with the Head of NKR Parliament Oleg Yesayan,
the Chairman of RA National Commission on Tele and Radio Broadcasting
Grikor Amalian, the Ambassadors of Russia and USA to Armenia Anatoly
Drukov and John Ordway and Armenian Ombudsman Larisa ALaverdian.
On March 17, RA President Robert Kocharian will receive the
delegation. L.D. –0–

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

RA NA SPEAKER CONGRATULATES FADEY SARGSIAN WITH RE-ELECTION ON THE
POSITION OF RA NSA PRESIDENT

YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasarian
congratulated Fadey Sargsian with re-election on the position of RA
National Science Academy President, RA NA told ARKA. In his letter
the Speaker expressed confidence that Sargsian will continue all his
efforts for development of science in Armenia. `I am sure that under
your wise and careful supervision Armenian scientists will gain new
achievements’, the letter said. Baghdasarian wished Fadey Sargsian
successes and expressed readiness to support initiatives of newly
elected president of RA NSA. L.D. –0–

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

RA DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL
ASIA OFFICE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

YEREVAN, March 12. /ARKA/. RA Deputy Foreign Minister Ruben Shugarian
receives director of Caucasus and Central Asia Office of the U.S.
Department of State John Fox, RA MFA told ARKA. The parties exchanged
views on present affairs in South Caucasus, perspectives of Karabakh
settlement, relations of Armenia and USA with neighbor countries of
the region and development of events in the region. L.D. –0–