Noyan Tapan news agency, Yerevan, in Russian
17 Nov 04
Armenian companies says telecom firm’s monopoly affecting their
business
Yerevan, 17 November: As a result of changes to licence No 60 of
ArmenTel Armenian Telecom , 250 IT-telephony companies, which have
signed contracts with relevant international organizations, have
licences to operate, have borrowed loans from banks and have
encountered a financial crisis now, are losing their jobs, 10
authorized representatives of the companies providing the mentioned
services and the Labour Analysis and Research Centre public
association said at a meeting with Armenia Speaker Artur Bagdasaryan
on 16 November.
Bagdasaryan said that the government had been acting within its
power, the press service of the Armenian National Assembly told Noyan
Tapan. At the same time, he proposed studying international
experience in this type of communications and prepare a bulletin
containing legal and specialized technical information.
After that, parliamentary hearings may be organized in order to find
answers to questions of concern, to discuss issues of protecting the
interests of the companies and the high-tech sphere in Armenia and to
apply innovations in this sphere in the future, the chairman of the
National Assembly said.

Mediamax news agency, Yerevan, in Russian
18 Nov 04
Armenian, German presidents discuss Karabakh settlement
Yerevan, 18 November: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan discussed
the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict with German
President Horst Koehler in Berlin today.
Robert Kocharyan also discussed the Karabakh problem with German
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder during their meeting on Wednesday 17
November, a special correspondent of Mediamax reports from Berlin.
Robert Kocharyan and Horst Koehler today examined prospects for
expanding relations between Armenia and the European Union (EU) in
the context of the EU’s New Neighbourhood Policy.
During the meeting with Gerhard Schroeder, Robert Kocharyan presented
Armenia’s position on the beginning of the negotiations on Turkey’s
accession to the EU, the special correspondent of Mediamax reports.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Postimees web site, Tallinn, in Estonian
18 Nov 04
Estonian leader condemns 1915 genocide of Armenians
President Arnold Ruutel has said that the 1915 Turkish genocide of
Armenians should be recognized and condemned. Asked why he or other
Estonian leaders had not said so before, he said the situation ahead
of accession to the EU had been tense, but now the country would have
the strength to issue clear statements on foreign policy. The
following is an excerpt from a report by the Estonian newspaper
Postimees web site on 18 November:
When asked at Yerevan university what Estonia thinks of the genocide
committed by Turkey in 1915, President Arnold Ruutel said: “It is
right that the injustice done to the people of Armenia should be
recognized and condemned.” Prolonged applause followed.
Correspondent You are the first top politician to condemn the
genocide that took place 90 years ago and took the lives of more than
1m Armenians. Why has Estonia so far avoided clear statements?
Ruutel Ahead of accession to the EU, Estonia itself was in a very
tense situation and did not wish for foreign-policy involvement in
acute crisis centres. Now, however, as Estonia is on solid ground, it
has the strength – and I have faith in this – to issue clear
statements on its positions. This cannot always coincide with all our
allies in all nuances, since every country has also bilateral
relations, even if some of the countries are located in crisis areas.
Understandably, EU value judgments form the basis for all this. They
in turn are based on the understanding that there must be no
injustice against any one people. If we speak of the Turkish-Armenian
relations that have been historically difficult it is impossible to
re-do anything or go into the reverse. The right thing, however, is
to acknowledge what has been and this will create a spiritual basis
for subsequent cooperation. Once there is acknowledgement there will
be specific steps taken towards deeper mutual understanding.
Correspondent What was your strongest message to Armenian President
Robert Kocharyan?
Ruutel To convey our experience of reform: how Estonia managed to
reform its society and comply with quite harsh requirements that were
necessary for EU membership. Passage omitted
Correspondent On the one hand, Armenia aims to join Europe and is
seeking an individual programme from NATO, on the other hand, there
are more than 6,000 Russian soldiers there, as well as a clear
military and security orientation on Moscow, which at present seems
to them as the most solid guarantor of security. What would the EU
have to offer to Armenia?
Ruutel Perhaps we will succeed, precisely through the EU, in taking
the Turkish-Armenian relations to a new level for a start. This is
where we will certainly be able to help. So that the old hatred
disappeared, to be replaced by the basic values that these societies
are now aiming for. And to arrive at a more specific agreement on
borders and territory.
Correspondent Should Estonia be involved at all in the resolving of
conflicts smouldering on the edge of Europe?
Ruutel We have the experience of restoring our independence. Why not
help the others inasmuch as it is within our powers? Positive
cooperation with all Transcaucasus countries in the fields of the
economy, culture, science and education encourages positive thinking
in those societies, which is how they can, step-by-step, rise to
cooperation between themselves. What is the alternative? Backwardness
and regional instability on the verge of conflict that is constantly
smouldering.

Mediamax news agency, Yerevan, in Russian
17 Nov 04
Armenian, German presidents discuss economic ties
Yerevan, 18 November: German President Horst Koehler today said that
his country was ready to continue to facilitate political and
economic reforms in Armenia.
Horst Koehler said this at a meeting with Armenian President Robert
Kocharyan who is on a working visit to Germany, a Mediamax special
correspondent reports from Berlin.
The president noted that Germany’s readiness was mainly conditioned
by the fact that reforms in Armenia were yielding concrete results.
Koehler recalled that the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development headed by Germany and the International Monetary Fund had
noted the economic progress achieved in Armenia. At the same time, he
noted that the Armenian government should win the highest public
confidence in the reforms that are being conducted.
Horst Koehler said that the assistance programmes carried out by
Germany in Armenia also facilitated political and economic stability
in the South Caucasus as a whole.
In turn, Robert Kocharyan said that Armenian-German relations were
developing dynamically. He thanked Horst Koehler for technical
assistance rendered to Armenia, particularly stressing cooperation in
the field of energy, water supplies and the industrial
infrastructure, as well as a programme to support small and
medium-sized businesses in Armenia sponsored by Germany’s KfW bank.
Robert Kocharyan noted that at the moment, the Armenian government
and the KfW bank were discussing a new project aimed at developing
the mortgage market.
The Armenian president also noted with satisfaction private German
investors’ growing interest in the Armenian economy. He said that
German investment played quite an important role in the field of
information technologies and mining. Robert Kocharyan said that new
investment programmes involving German capital were expected to be
launched soon.

The Guardian, UK
Nov 18 2004
Ireland leads world for quality of life
UK comes 29th in global happiness survey
by Owen Bowcott
Ireland is easily the best country in the world to inhabit, according
to a quality of life survey which relegates the United Kingdom to a
second-division ranking.
The ambitious attempt to compare happiness around the world is based
on the principle that wealth is not the only measure of human
satisfaction.
The index of 111 states, produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit
and released yesterday, combines data on incomes, health,
unemployment, climate, political stability, job security, gender
equality as well as what the magazine calls “freedom, family and
community life”.
Displayed on a notional scale of one to 10, rain-washed Ireland
emerges with a gleaming top score of 8.33, well ahead of second-place
Switzerland which manages 8.07. The UK languishes in 29th place on
6.92, narrowly in front of South Korea (6.88). Zimbabwe, racked by
political insecurity and hunger, is rated the gloomiest, picking up
only 3.89 points.
The figures may be reminiscent of a global version of the Eurovision
Song Contest, but the intention behind the study – to find the best
country to live in during 2005 – is serious as well as competitive.
“Although rising incomes and expanded individual choices are highly
valued,” the report says, “some of the factors associated with
modernisation – such as the breakdown of traditional institutions and
the erosion of family values – in part offset its positive impact.
“Ireland wins because it successfully combines the most desirable
elements of the new (the fourth highest gross domestic product per
head in the world in 2005, low unemployment, political liberties)
with the preservation of certain cosy elements of the old, such as
stable family and community life.”
Ireland’s lifestyle victory represents rapid promotion for a country
which until the 1990s suffered from large scale emigration of
citizens in search of work abroad. Membership of the EU has, however,
transformed its prospects. Ireland’s GDP per person – a standard,
comparative economic measure – overtook the UK’s GDP several years
ago: Ireland’s is now $36,790 (£19,800) compared to $31,150 in the
UK. The UK’s reputation in Europe also takes a beating. The UK ranked
the lowest out of the 15 members of the pre-enlargement EU, chiefly
due to the high social and family breakdown recorded in official
statistics.
Our other large European partners like France and Germany, occupying
25th and 26th position respectively, fared little better. But smaller
states, including Sweden, Italy, Denmark and Spain, all appeared in
the top 10. The US, which has the second highest GDP after diminutive
Luxembourg, slipped to 13th place in the survey. Other big economies
did even worse. China was in the lower half of the league at 60th
while Russia, where GDP is only $9,810, scraped in towards the bottom
on 105th.
“The results of the surveys have been attracting growing interest in
recent years,” the magazine says. “… It has long been accepted that
material well-being alone does not adequately measure quality of
life. Money matters, of course, but surveys suggest that over the
decades big increases in income have translated into only a modest
rise in satisfaction.”
The Economist’s complex equations used to produce the table gave most
weight to matters of health, well-being, political stability and
security. Less importance was attached to climate, job security,
political freedom and gender equality. The Economist’s survey,
published as The World in 2005, is in its 17th year.
Other organisations have tried to draw up comparative tables based
simply on more subjective surveys about happiness. The results do not
reflect the Economist’s priorities. The New Scientist magazine last
year published a survey which ranked Nigeria as having the highest
percentage of people who said they were happy, followed by Mexico and
Venezuela. The citizens of Russia, Armenia and Romania were the most
miserable.
Ireland
First there was a national outcry that a basket of bread, milk and
vegetables cost more in Dublin than anywhere else in the eurozone.
Then the president issued a plea last week for post-Celtic Tiger
Ireland to return to community values. So the Irish were baffled to
wake up yesterday as the world’s most envied country.
Ireland tops the survey because the 90s boom brought affluence and
preserved Eamon de Valera’s vision of a strong community.
Ireland is the fourth richest country in the world based on per
capita income. But a UN report has warned of the gap between rich and
poor.
Father Harry Bohan, who runs Céifin, an organisation examining
values, said after a series of tribunals into government corruption
and the church’s soul-searching, Ireland was now “seeking a new
spirituality”.
Angelique Chrisafis
Zimbabwe
Widespread food shortages. An HIV/Aids infection rate of more than
25%. Inflation of 200%. Unemployment of 70%. No political freedom.
State torture.
Life is tough for most Zimbabweans. Very tough.
Yet just a few years ago the country was admired as one of the
sparkling jewels in Africa’s crown, blessed with natural resources,
well-educated people, stability and freedom.
But Robert Mugabe, 80, is so determined to keep his grip on power
that he has destroyed these qualities.
Repressive laws have closed three newspapers. Public meetings of more
than three people are banned without prior police approval. And the
Youth Militia, blamed for hundreds of acts of torture, rape, beatings
and theft, is to be increased.
But no one can ruin Zimbabwe’s delicious sub-tropical climate, its
sunny days and invigorating air.
Andrew Meldrum

Mediamax news agency, Yerevan
17 Nov 04
Armenian defence minister displeased with 2005 military spending
YEREVAN
Armenian Security Council Secretary and Defence Minister Serzh
Sarkisyan said in Yerevan today that the volume of military spending
envisaged by the 2005 draft state budget is not satisfactory.
At the same time, the minister said that the budget hearings are
continuing and expressed the hope that “the government will find a
possibility to increase this sum”, Mediamax reports. According to the
minister, the salaries of officers and ensigns should be increased
first.
Serzh Sarkisyan said that “beginning from 1 January 2005, we want to
increase the salaries of officers by 50,000 drams 96 dollars , that
of contract ensigns – by 30,000 drams 58 dollars , and that of the
other military – by 10,000 drams 19 dollars “.
“We are facing a serious problem regarding the growth of
international prices, these sums must be compensated, and I am sure
that the country’s leadership will allocate enough funds for the
Armenian army in order not to harm our armed forces’ fighting
readiness,” Serzh Sarkisyan said.
The secretary of the Armenian Security Council also denied the
information that the Armenian side does not finance the Russian
border guards stationed on the territory of Armenia.

BBC News
Last Updated: Tuesday, 26 October, 2004, 13:33 GMT 14:33 UK
Q&A: Equatorial Guinea ‘coup plot’
Lawyers for Sir Mark Thatcher are arguing in a South African court against
an order for him to answer questions about claims he helped finance an
alleged coup plot in Equatorial Guinea.
Meanwhile, another 14 men are awaiting the resumption of their trial in the
Equatorial Guinean capital, Malabo, in connection with the suspected plot.
How was the suspected plot discovered?
In March, Zimbabwean police in Harare impounded a plane which flew in from
South Africa with 64 alleged mercenaries on board.
Simon Mann (second right) was jailed in Zimbabwe
The group said they were providing security for a mine in Democratic
Republic of Congo, but a couple of days later an Equatorial Guinean minister
said they had detained 15 more men who were the advance party for the group
captured in Zimbabwe.
Nick du Toit, the leader of the group of South Africans and Armenians in
Equatorial Guinea, said at his trial in Equatorial Guinea that he was
playing a limited role in a coup bid.
He told the court he was recruited by Simon Mann, the alleged leader of the
group held in Zimbabwe, and that he was helping with recruitment, acquiring
weapons and logistics for the attempt. He says he was told they were trying
to install an exiled opposition politician, Severo Moto, as head.
In September, Mann was sentenced to seven years in jail in Zimbabwe after
being convicted of illegally trying to buy weapons. Others arrested with him
were acquitted of any links to a suspected coup attempt after magistrates
said prosecutors had failed to prove their case.
Why organise a coup attempt?
Equatorial Guinea, a former Spanish colony, has been ruled by President
Obiang since he seized power from his uncle in a coup in 1979. His
government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses and of
ruthlessly suppressing political opposition.
Yet the discovery of oil several years ago has meant huge wealth and massive
investment flowing into this poor country of just 500,000 people.
Not much of this has trickled down to ordinary people. The United States
Senate is currently investigating the discovery of hundreds of millions of
dollars in US bank accounts belonging to the family of President Obiang.
And it is these massive oil revenues which could lend some credence to
President Obiang’s accusation that multinationals and foreign powers were
involved in a plot to overthrow him.
Both Mann’s trial in Zimbabwe and the Equatorial Guinea trial began amid
complaints of abuse and unfair treatment from relatives of those being held.
One suspect, a German, died in prison in Equatorial Guinea after what
Amnesty International claimed was torture.
So who was behind the apparent plot?
So far it remains unclear who was backing any plot, although the list of
suspects is growing.
Sir Mark Thatcher has denied any involvement
Mann, the old Etonian and founder of the mercenary firm Executive Outcomes,
has not been talking, although President Obiang has.
He has accused the Spanish government and the son of the former UK prime
minister, Sir Mark Thatcher, amongst others, of being behind the plot.
The South African authorities have arrested Sir Mark and charged him with
contravening two sections of South Africa’s Foreign Military Assistance Act,
which bans residents from taking part in any foreign military activity.
Sir Mark is being held in South Africa on suspicion of providing financing
for a helicopter linked to the coup plot. He denies the charges.
What is known is that Sir Mark has admitted to being good friends with Mann.
Others President Obiang alleges are involved are a former British cabinet
minister, whom he refuses to name, an oil tycoon, Eli Calil, and the exiled
politician Severo Moto, who lives in Spain. Both named men have strongly
denied involvement.
The BBC’s Newsnight television programme saw the financial records of Mann’s
companies showing large payments to Nick du Toit and also some $2m coming in
– though the source of this funding they say is largely untraceable.
What is South Africa’s role?
Mercenary activities were banned in South Africa several years ago after
complaints about security organisations like Executive Outcomes, in which
Mann was involved.
The majority of those alleged to have been the mercenaries planning to carry
out the coup are based in South Africa, with many being former members of
the apartheid-era security forces.
South Africa will be determined to be seen to be acting tough against any
attempt to destabilise another country.
However, it also will want to protect its nationals, and has vowed to
intervene if any of the alleged mercenaries are sentenced to death.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
13 November 2004
Minister Oskanian Attends CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization
Ministerial
On 12 November, Minister Oskanian attended a Ministerial Meeting of CIS
Collective Security Treaty Organization in the framework of his working
visit to Moscow.
The agenda of the Ministerial included issues of developing security system
for CSTO member states, prompt and efficient response to new challenges and
threats, prevention of drug trafficking and combating organized crime.
In his statement, Minister Oskanian referred to voting by some CSCO member
states in support of Azerbaijan’s initiative in the UN. He qualified their
position as inexplicable and divergent from the position of Co-chairs of
OSCE Minsk Group in charge of Nagorno Karabagh conflict settlement.
On the same day, Vartan Oskanian had a meeting with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov.
The two ministers explored issues of the current state and prospects of
Armenia – Russia relations. While discussing other issues of common
interest, the ministers stressed the importance of consolidated position of
the two countries’ delegations in international fora.
In the evening, Minister Oskanian received Co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group,
Yuri Merzlyakov of Russia and Henry Jacolin of France in Armenian mission in
Moscow and discussed current issues and prospects of Nagorno Karabagh
conflict settlement.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
15 November 2004
Minister Oskanian Receives Council of Europe Committee of Ministers’
Monitoring Group
On 15 November, Minister Oskanian received Council of Europe Committee of
Ministers’ Monitoring group (also known as Ago Group) headed by Germany’s
Permanent Representative to CoE Ambassador Roland Wegener. This is the
second visit of Ago Group to Armenia to assess the country’s progress in
meeting the commitments made to the Council of Europe upon membership.
Ambassador Wegener stressed the importance of continuity and consistency of
the Group’s operation and briefed the Minister on constructive dialogue held
during the Group’s meetings with National Assembly Vice Speaker,
parliamentary factions and opposition representatives. The Group also
briefed the Minister on its views on constitutional reform progress, reform
of the electoral code and the need for a dialogue between the authorities
and the opposition, importance of ensuring equal conditions for the mass
media, progress of judiciary reform and things yet to be done.
Foreign Minister stated that the Group’s visits render an additional
momentum to the reforms and contribute to Armenia’s fulfillment of
commitments towards the Council of Europe. He further introduced Armenia’s
approaches and steps taken for meeting the CoE commitments. The Minister
stated that in spite of notable achievements, there is still much to be
done.
The discussion continued during a business dinner and involved exchange of
views on several issues of international concern, including latest
developments with Nagorno Karabagh conflict regulation. Minister Oskanian
expressed hope that after elimination of current bottlenecks, it would be
possible to register a serious progress in the conflict settlement.
On the same day, Minister Oskanian and Ago Group members held a press
conference in the Ministry’s Media Hall.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
16 November 2004
Minister Oskanian Answers Questions by Armenian Mass Media On Colin Powell’s
Resignation
Question: Mr. Minister, how would you comment on Colin Powell’s
resignation?
Answer: I was sorry to hear of Secretary Powell’s resignation. During his
four years tenure, Armenia – US relations have deepened and our agenda has
become more multifaceted.
State Secretary Powell closely followed developments in our region and
wanted conflicts to be resolved and normal relations to be established
between neighbors.
I would like to emphasize Powell’s personal contribution to Armenia’s
selection for Millennium Challenge Account funding.
We value greatly Secretary Powell’s great role in each of these and other
areas. At each of our meetings, it was very clear that Secretary Powell’s
deep, multifaceted knowledge, personal integrity, and professional
commitment all come together to better serve all of us who have had the
opportunity and good fortune to work with him.
I am sure that we will continue our efficient cooperation with the new
Secretary of State for the benefit of our two nations.