Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 19, 2004, Friday
RUSSIA AND THE U.S. ARE RIVALS IN THE CAUCASUS
SOURCE: Vremya Novostei, November 16, 2004, p. 5
by Gayane Movsesyan
ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VARDAN OSKANYAN ON THE INFLUENCE OF
EUROPEAN AND U.S. PRESENCE IN THE REGION ON RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN
RELATIONS AND THE PROBLEMS OF SETTLING THE KARABAKH CONFLICT
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan acknowledged on November 15 that
his views of the prospects of settling the Karabakh problem are
pessimistic. He complained that Baku wants to hold negotiations only
with Armenia. Mr. Kocharyan noted that in this regard he has to
defend the positions of Armenia and Nagorny Karabakh in negotiations,
though “this format does not reflect the essence of the conflict”.
This topic was discussed in Moscow during Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan’s visit.
Question: Armenia doubts that Russia is its ally. Some forces demand
that Armenia orient to joining NATO. Will Yerevan change its foreign
political course?
Answer: The strategic character of Armenian-Russian relations will
not change. Take a look at the dynamic of contacts of our presidents.
Our negotiations are very productive. In fact, the population was
displeased a bit when the Russian-Georgian border was closed – this
created some obstacles for passengers and cargo moving to Armenia.
However, the border was opened, and society calmed down.
Question: Does the US and European presence in the region affect the
Russian-Armenian regions?
Answer: Armenia continues partnership with European and NATO
structures. This is a matter of security of the Caucasus, which
coincides with Russia’s interests. Russia and the US, Russia and
Europe are rivals in the Caucasus – not enemies. Such situation
cannot worsen relations between Russia and Armenia. We act on the
basis of the Friendship agreement signed in 1997. We also signed the
long-term agreement on economic cooperation. This makes our economic
contacts more active.
(…)
Question: Is there progress in settling the Karabakh conflict?
Answer: Nagorny Karabakh is one of the most topical problems in the
Caucasus. Azerbaijan often makes bellicose statements but the
armistice concluded in 1994 remains. This is a very important factor.
We have reached a point where we can achieve concrete decisions. This
has become possible thanks to negotiations held by the Armenian and
Azerbaijani presidents. However, concrete decisions require strong
political will. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan is trying to torpedo
constructive ideas.
Question: Armenia insists on solving the conflict in complex.
Azerbaijan prefers step-by-step settling of the conflict. Is it
possible to reach a compromise?
Answer: It’s a very important task for Armenia to determine the
status of Nagorny Karabakh. We reached concrete agreements regarding
this problem under Heidar Aliyev in 2001. However, Azerbaijan’s
position has become stricter since Ilkham Aliyev came to power.
Meanwhile, we have some approaches, which make it possible to settle
the problem.
(…)
Question: Azerbaijan insisted on adding the issue regarding the
situation in Azerbaijan’s territories occupied by Armenia to the
agenda of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly. Is it
reasonable?
Answer: Discussing this issue at the UN General Assembly will not
contribute to settling of the conflict. This will hinder the process.
I think that this is a serious mistake made by Azerbaijan, unless it
seeks to torpedo the situation. The international community states
that this move is very dangerous. The co-chairmen of the Minsk OSCE
group and a representative of the EU opposed discussing this issue at
the session.
We could reach a new level of relations if we started a second round
of negotiations at the level of foreign ministers. However, it’s
impossible now. We propose to continue discussing this problem within
the framework of the Minsk OSCE group. If Azerbaijan decided to
discuss the problem with other international structures it must
discuss it with representatives of Nagorny Karabakh.

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 19, 2004, Friday
THE COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE
COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY HELD A MEETING IN MOSCOW
The foreign ministers of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia and Tajikistan discussed topical problems of international and
regional security, and the performance of the organization in the
main sectors of its activities. They considered the
military-political situation in the responsibility zone of the
Organization of the collective security treaty, the situation in the
central-Asian region, nonproliferation of mass destruction weapons
and the post-conflict situation in Afghanistan. In this regard the
ministers focused on improving legal mechanisms of the Collective
rapid deployment force, the joint staff of the organization of the
collective security treaty and training of servicemen.
He statement passed by the foreign ministers reflects the intention
of member nations of the organization of the collective security
treaty to take additional measures against terrorism, drug
trafficking, proliferation of mass destruction weapons and more.
According to the document, members of the organization consider US
President George W. Bush’s initiative on nonproliferation of mass
destruction weapons as an important element of the world’s security.
Two meetings of executive bodies of the organization of the
collective security treaty will be held in November. The Council of
the defense ministers will hold a meeting in Moscow on November 25.
The committee of secretaries of the security services will hold a
meeting in Yerevan on November 30.
Source: Krasnaya Zvezda, November 17, 2004, p. 3
Translated by Alexander Dubovoi

RosBusinessConsulting Database
November 19, 2004 Friday 6:04 am, EST
Russia not to send more servicemen to Armenia
Russia is not planning to increase its military contingent in
Armenia, a representative of Russia’s Armed Forces told journalists
in Yerevan, having added that this decision had to be made at the
level of the countries’ Presidents and Prime Ministers. As such, he
refuted information that Russia was going to re-deploy its military
base in Georgia to Armenia, the ARKA news agency reported.
Russian military presence in Armenia, along with border troops, is
considered to be an important factor in Armenia’s security. The
personnel strength of the Russian base in this country amounts to
4,000 people.

Sun 14 11 2004 20:17:24 PM
Artist Interviewed:: KASABIAN
I’m sitting in a mangy tour-bus with Karloff from Kasabian, guerilla
rock group rising in fame from their top 20 hit, Club Foot and support
from XFM. Whatever. What I am struck by is how the guys are into easy
reads in a big way, with at least three television magazines scattered
about the bus, as well as the Sun, and some Mr. Men books. Maybe I
need my priorities straightening out. Maybe this wasn’t what I was
expecting from young, anarchistic guerilla rockers. Where’s Young
Socialist? These are boys described by NME as `Edgy, euphoric and
electrifying.’
Kasabian came to fame in May when their song Club Foot became a
surprise top 20 hit, and more success followed when their album was
released in September. Kasabian had a top summer, playing at
Glastonbury and Summer Sonny in Japan, and are invading Great Britain.
Twenty minutes ago Kasabian were playing in their home town, Leister
at the Summer Sundae event to a large, openly enthusiastic audience,
not to mention a few besotted female fans. But while the other members
of the band are enjoying a beer in the sunshine, Chris Karloff has
kindly agreed to give me a few minutes for questions before they all
head-out to perform at Reading.
First of all, I ask Karloff about the unusual name for the group. The
group’s name was actually taken from Linda Kasabian, the star witness
who put Charles Manson in jail, but as Karloff tells me, it also has
“the significant meaning of `butcher’ in Armenian.” Their website,
which suits their music, is built out of a self-confessed `obsession
with guerilla shit’.
So how was the set?
My electrics blew up in stage in the first stage ‘cos my synth blew
up… But it’s good to come back at home. Generally it’s better to
play later, which would have been better. But it was good fun, I saw
people really getting into it.
Do you have a favourite track?
I love all of them, I do like Club Foot, because I like playing the
bass. I do also like Reason is Treason. It’s cool and good exercise
for my wrist.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve met ?
It would have to be Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend. It was unreal, we
were going to walk off and Roger Daltry carried on speaking to us. You
know – normal bloke after everything he’s done. And he’s done a lot.
Who’ve you been influenced by musically?
Everything from Jimi Hendrix to the Beatles to the Stones to Bob Dylan
– to name the obvious ones, to Pink Floyd pretty things, to film
scores: John Williams, Bernard Herman… loads and loads of stuff.
How do you come up with the music?
Me and Serge mainly. We just sit around on the computer and get
something down, a loop, a riff, whatever and add things on from
there. It’s just like a snowball.
So what’s with all the T.V. magazines?
We really like T.V.! Don’t get a chance to watch much of it though.
Final Life message:
Don’t be a miserable bastard, anybody do what you got to do, don’t
bottle it in. Cos you will regret it
And don’t listen to other people unless you know you can value their
opinions.
May the power of revolution stay with you, Kasabian.

Berwick Advertiser, UK
November 18, 2004
Operation Christmas Child finds premises
A PROCESSING centre for shoeboxes donated to the Operation Christmas
Child appeal has been found in Berwick.
The Berwick area co-ordinator, Harry Plater, made an urgent appeal a
fortnight ago for suitable premises to receive up to 3000 shoeboxes,
full of gifts destined for children in the third world, which are
expected to be donated locally.
This week he was able to announce that he had secured the use of the
former Job Centre in Castlegate.
Harry said: “We have to thank Lord Joicey for the loan of the
property. We were offered places in Wooler and West Allerdean, but it
really had to be in Berwick.”
The processing centre will be open from 10am-4pm, Monday to Saturday,
until December 10. You can also drop shoeboxes off at Cornhill
Village Store, Lyn’s Shop in Norham, Berwick Community Centre and the
Tweeddale Press.
Last year more than 3000 boxes were sent out from Berwick,
contributing to 1.25 million from the British Isles and 6 million
worldwide. This year’s parcels will be sent to Armenia, with any
overflow going to the former Soviet state of Kyrgzstan.
This year, chocolate and sweets will be accepted in the shoeboxes
provided they have a best before date after March 2005.
Anyone who can help in any way with the appeal can contact Harry on
(01289) 330807.

Indian Express
November 18, 2004
NO CLEAR FAVOURITES AT KOCHI
Remis means draw in French and the word is used by most of the
European chess players to signify the result. And it is ‘remis’
(equality) as the 43rd World Junior and 21st World Junior Girls Chess
Championship action begins at Hotel Casino on Friday offering a level
playing field in both sections. Though in FIDE rating points, some of
the top seeds are more equal than others, there is no clear favourite
for the Kochi edition of the event in either section. You may not
find a Teimour Radjabov (Azerbaijan), Sergey Karjakin (Ukraine), Bu
Xiangzhi (China), Hika Nakamura (USA) or Luke McShane (England) in
this World junior. These are names that have hit the headlines in the
last few years by antiquating records and are at the top of the
rating list for juniors. So the top seed in the open section Ferenc
Berkes of Hungary at 2630 may be ahead of someone like Tigran L
Petrosian of Armenia, who at 2539, is seeded fourth, but both of
them, who are room mates at Casino here, insist that not too much
should be read into the rating aspect. Humpy, who has come for this
event with her sister Chandra Hawsa, who is playing in the World
junior girls, her father cum coach Koneru Ashok and mother, missed
the opening ceremony but looked relaxed as she is free from the load
of expectations by playing in the open section. “I am playing with an
open mind,” says the strongest-ever Indian woman player. “I don’t
look at results here. It is just another tournament for me,” adds
Humpy. In the girls section too, there is hardly anything to choose
between the top three players at least. Ekaterina Korburt (Russia,
rating 2400), Elisabeth Paehtz (Germany, 2398) and Dronavalli Harika
(India, 2391) are all Woman Grandmasters and may consider themselves
as front-runners. However, Paehtz feels some of the competitors have
a definite advantage and they are certainly not Europeans, according
to her. Apart from Harika, the one Asian who could emerge from the
pack, is Zhang Jilin of China, seededs seventh here and for whom this
is her third visit to India. Jilin is the junior champion of China
and is eager to assert her country’s supremacy in women’s chess. “I
would like to repeat the success of Zie Jun and Zhu Chen (World women
champions),” says the Chinese girl.

Los Angeles Times
November 19, 2004 Friday
Home Edition
Movies; REVIEW ;
Life and comedy bloom in the ashes
by Kevin Thomas, Times Staff Writer
Hiner Saleem’s droll comedy “Vodka Lemon” reveals a beguiling gift
for making things happen in a place where nothing much is going on.
It is set in what looks to be the middle of nowhere — a tiny village
in a vast snow-covered valley in rural Armenia. The nearest post
office is in a town a bus ride away. This scattering of rough-hewn
roadside cabins in the deep of winter resembles a near-abandoned
mining town in the Old West.
In a post-Soviet present as harsh as the climate, the inhabitants in
fact feel abandoned themselves. One neighbor remarks that democracy
has given the people freedom, but his friend points out that the
Communists gave them everything else. Now everyone has to pay for
gas, electricity and oil while the community hovers near a bare
subsistence level. Except for a passing shepherd and his flock, no
one seems to be working, nor do there seem to be any job
opportunities whatsoever. Clearly, the younger generation is fleeing
— and much of it has already fled.
That includes one of the sons of Hamo Isko (Romen Avinian), who has
sought a better life in Paris. (Another is off in Samarkand,
Uzbekistan, and the other stays home and drinks.) Hamo is a striking
patriarchal figure, a ruggedly handsome, silver-haired, bearded man
of military bearing; he looks to be a fit 70 or thereabouts. His
service pension is the equivalent of $7 a month, and some of the
film’s rueful humor derives from him selling by the roadside his
three absolutely nonessential possessions: a country-style armoire
with folk art decorations that in many other places would fetch a
fancy sum but yields only $10 for Hamo; an old TV, which may or may
not work; and Hamo’s military camouflage uniform. (The sale of the
armoire to a passing couple triggers a comic sequence worthy of the
classic silent comedians.)
With nothing much to do, Hamo spends a lot of time visiting the
cemetery where his recently deceased wife is buried. He notices that
an attractive woman, Nina (Lala Sarkissian), visits the grave of her
late husband with much frequency. Gradually they take note of each
other. The attraction is mutual, but Hamo is beset by the feeling
that he must be loyal to his wife’s memory, and Nina is overcome even
more strongly by shyness. As Saleem, a long-exiled Iraqi Kurd, wends
his way through amusing incidents and various subplots, he generates
hope that romance may find a way to blossom between two people who
have so little in life outside of, potentially, each other.
“Vodka Lemon” is an appealingly wry little film that is as appetizing
as its title, which is the name of a roadside liquor stand where Nina
works. Saleem, whose fourth film this is, ends on a note of inspired
whimsy that has aptly been compared to a magical image by Marc
Chagall.
*
‘Vodka Lemon’
MPAA rating: Unrated
Times guidelines: Suitable for older children
Romen Avinian…Hamo
Lala Sarkissian…Nina
Ivan Franek…Dilovan
Ruzan Mesropyan…Zine
A New Yorker Films release. Writer-director Hiner Saleem. Producer
Fabrice Guez. Executive producer Michel Loro. Cinematographer
Christophe Pollock. Editor Dora Mantzorou. Music Michel Korb.
Production designer Albert Hamarsh. In Armenian, Russian and Kurdish,
with English subtitles.
Exclusively at the Fairfax Cinemas, 7907 Beverly Blvd. (at Faifax
Avenue), (323) 655-4010; and the One Colorado, 42 Miller Alley (at
Colorado Boulevard), Pasadena, (626) 844-6500.
GRAPHIC: PHOTO: POOR CASH FLOW: Hamo, played by Romen Avinian, tries
to sell his armoire by the road in his post-Soviet Armenia village.
PHOTOGRAPHER: New Yorker Films

PanArmenian News
Nov 19 2004
CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS SPOKE ON SENDING ARMENIAN SERVICEMEN TO
IRAQ
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Patronal Echmiadzin hopes that the issue of
sending of the Armenian servicemen to Iraq will receive a solution,
which will take into consideration the concern of Armenians residing
in Arabian states, Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II stated
today. He also added that the Armenian Apostolic Church in the person
of the leader of the Iraqi Diocese has already expressed its concern
over the issue. To remind, the probable sending of the Armenian
servicemen to Iraq caused controversial reaction among the Armenian
society. Afraid of response from the direction of the Islamic
extremists hundreds of thousands of Armenians residing in Arabian
states including Iraq speak against the arrival of Armenian officers.
People in Arabian countries also reacted violently to the possible
sending of the Armenian contingent to Iraq. The question is still
awaiting resolution.

PanArmenian News
Nov 19 2004
AMBERD MEDIEVAL FORTRESS TO BE RESTORED IN ARMENIA
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian Government intends to allocate funds
for full restoration of Amberd Medieval fortress – a significant
cultural and historical monument of Armenia. Minister of Economy and
Finance of Armenia Vardan Khachatrian stated it the Armenian National
Assembly today. In 13-14 centuries Amberd has been the residence of
Armenian Proshian (Vachutian) dynasty, which comes from Artsakh
(Karabakh).

PanArmenian News
Nov 18 2004
“YARKHUSHTA” (“MILITARY DANCE”) – PREMIERE OF YOUNG FILM DIRECTOR
HARUTYUNIAN PICTURE HELD IN YEREVAN
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The principal hero of “Yarkhushta” (“Military
Dance”) is Pargev – a volunteer soldier, who got disabled in the
Artsakh (Karabakh) war and continues his struggle after reentering
the peaceful life and comes out undefeated. The press and the country
society has widely responded to the first film of young film director
G. Harutyunian. Pargev, who lost his leg in the liberation war, goes
to the town from his village to phone his daughter, who is in
Holland. On his way he encounters the indifference and often contempt
of people. He is taken for a mendicant in the town. A sexual minority
representative, who had taken the former warrior for a beggar, throws
a coin to him. Pargev’s patience comes to an end and he strikes the
person, who gave him the coin. At a certain moment the film hero
finds himself in despair. Tearfully he asks his daughter by phone to
speak Armenian with her children. The daughter suggests the father to
leave all and to move to Holland. Pargev, who shed his blood for the
country, refuses. He also refuses from a Dutch artificial limb. “You
will even be able to dance military dance yarkhushta,” his daughter
tells him. However Pargev objects, “An Armenian man should dance his
dance on an Armenian prosthetic device on the Armenian land.” In the
final the hero dances yarkhushta – the dance of struggle, remaining
undefeated in the native land. “There is weeping in the film, the
film director says, however it is not a weeping of despair, but a
purifying, sobering weeping. …Pargev is one of those, who did not
give up in the battlefield and his struggle continues.” The film
premiere is also expected to be held in Moscow cinema in Yerevan.