Associated Press Worldstream
October 20, 2004 Wednesday 11:23 AM Eastern Time
Europe hopes to carve new role in world affairs through “ring of
friends”
ROBERT WIELAARD; Associated Press Writer
BRUSSELS, Belgium
The 25-member European Union – now comprising eight ex-communist
nations and considering membership for Muslim-dominated Turkey – is
busily crafting a “Wider Europe” as well. It would stretch far beyond
the EU’s formal borders and aim to lock a diversity of nearby lands
into democracy and good neighborly relations through tailor-made
programs of trade and assistance.
But the blueprint for a “ring of friends” making Europe’s
neighborhood safe, secure and prosperous comes with complications:
There is Israel and its nuclear ambiguity and security morass.
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus show creeping authoritarianism. Libya may
be emerging from the cold, but it is still a dictatorship. The
Balkans remain a scary doorstep.
In many ways, however, this may be the very point.
The EU’s outreach program to sometimes dangerous places beyond its
borders marks a dramatic shift in Europe’s perception of how it can
play a key – perhaps central – role in world affairs: The strategy is
one of exploiting economic clout to both achieve influence on the
world stage and shape the rim of Europe. Perhaps Europe might even
school America – and its many Euro-cynics – in the merits of
persuasion rather than force.
“We want to strengthen the instruments available to us to become a
dynamic protagonist in the world. The EU has a leading role to play
in securing human rights and democracy,” said Austrian Foreign
Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, who is set to take over as the EU
external relations commissioner on Nov. 1.
If the United States has in the post 9/11 era become ever more
willing to use its overwhelming military might as a stick to bring
nations into line, the EU appears to be awakening to the possibility
that the lure of “Old World” good life can be a comparably persuasive
carrot in provoking change in areas of chaos and repression.
To see that go-softly approach in action, consider Turkey.
A decade ago, the notion that outside interference might succeed in
convincing Turkey to implement meaningful democratic reforms,
dismantle a system of judicial repression based largely on torture,
curb the power of a military that had dominated society for decades,
and loosen state control over the economy would have seemed remote.
But those objectives have largely become a reality. And the reason,
of course, is the strict conditions – based on human rights as well
as fiscal soundness – that Europe imposed on Turkey to win even a
prospect of EU membership.
In economic terms at least, Europe is a genuine superpower.
The EU’s enlargement last May added 75 million consumers, creating a
single market of 450 million people, compared to 420 million for
NAFTA – the countries of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Its
total GDP – [euro]8,800 billion (US$11,017 billion) in 2003 –
outstrips, by today’s exchange rate, that of the United States –
[euro]8,787 billion (US$11,000 billion).
It is already the world’s biggest trader, home to one of the world’s
most sought-after currencies and – defined as a single unit – is the
world’s biggest donor, spending more than [euro]500 million a month
in assistance projects on all five continents.
In the decades following World War II, Europe clamored for the need
for multilateralism in world affairs as a balance to U.S. might,
while relying heavily on the U.S. nuclear umbrella to nurture
standards of living that would eventually become the envy of the
world.
Now, however, there are signs it’s hoping to offer a serious
alternative to American influence in world affairs.
One prominent scholar, Robert Kagan – author of “Of Paradise and
Power,” a widely acclaimed analysis of trans-Atlantic alienation –
believes the divergences are deep, and threaten to be lasting.
“On major strategic and international questions today, Americans are
from Mars and Europeans are from Venus: They agree on little and
understand one another less and less,” Kagan writes in the opening of
his book.
By Nov. 2, the EU hopes to have deals with Ukraine, Moldova, Morocco,
Tunisia, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority under its “New
Neighborhood Policy.” Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia,
Lebanon, Libya, Syria and Tunisia are next.
In some cases the relationship is new; in others, like that of
Israel, it amounts to an expansion of existing association
agreements.
The aim is, where needed, to steer neighbors toward more democracy,
sounder economic policies, sensible defense spending, respect for
minorities, sustainable development and peaceful settlement of ethnic
disputes.
Their reward: More aid, trade, regular political consultations and –
importantly – easy access to the EU market of 455 million consumers.
“We must never forget European integration is not about milk quotas
and customs duties,” says Guenter Verheugen, the EU commissioner for
expansion matters. “It is about peace, stability and prosperity…”
Negotiations with the first seven candidates have gone fairly well,
except for Israel, which complains the EU uses the bonanza of trade
and aid to simply grab a more prominent role in the Mideast peace
process. Long wary of what it considers pro-Arab views in Europe,
Israel wants the EU to continue to play second fiddle to the United
States in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Russia, meanwhile, has brushed aside any suggestion of being part of
multi-nation deal, insisting on special treatment that would reflect
its image of itself as a global power.
The EU has proposed an alternative “strategic partnership” with
Russia that focuses on four areas: Trade and investments, cooperation
in law enforcement and nonproliferation issues, settling border
disputes with EU members Estonia and Latvia and visa-free travel for
Russians in Western Europe. The EU and President Vladimir Putin hope
to sign the accord Nov. 11, though prospects are uncertain.

Pravda Ru
President Putin meets religious leaders to counter terrorism
10/20/2004 12:56
Nine religious leaders, including Pastor Vasily Stolyar, Seventh-day
Adventist Church president for West Russia, were part of a September 29
summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which the state
leader called on pastors to help stop terrorist activities by promoting
tolerance and understanding.
The meeting, held in the Kremlin’s famed “Catherine’s Hall,” was the first
involving religious leaders with President Putin in three years, Pastor
Stolyar noted.
“Your words and actions are extremely important in the current situation,
when the criminals are trying to direct anger at the people of another faith
and ethnicity,” Putin told the delegates. “I would like to stress that a
major aim of the unprecedented series of terrorist attacks … was to drive
a wedge between the Muslim world and representatives of other faiths,” the
president added.
President Putin “expressed the desire to cooperate with religious leaders
and he sincerely hopes they can help in the consolidation of civil society.
He said he considers spiritual mentorship and preaching of the high moral
guidelines very important, and that the best economic reforms and the best
political aims could not be reached without education in spirituality,”
Stolyar said.
Stolyar also noted that Russian Orthodox Church leader, Patriarch Alexey II,
said “the main confessions of Russia were represented” in the meting, which
offers a tacit recognition of the Protestant churches as well.
Other church leaders attending included Metropolitan Andrian of the Orthodox
Old Believers Church; Pandito Hambo Lama, the 25th, Damba Ayusheyev of the
Buddhist community; Bishop Ezras of the Armenian Apostolic Church; Ravil
Gainutdin of the Islamic Council of Mufti; Metropolit Archbishop Tadeusz
Kondrusiewicz, head of the Roman Catholic Church in Russia; Rabbi Berl
Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Russia; and Bishop Sergei Ryakhovsky, Chairman of the
Russian Pentecostal Union.
APD

The Moscow Times
Wednesday, October 20, 2004. Page 4.
Cesium-137 Found
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Authorities in Armenia have arrested a man they say
was caught with radioactive cesium-137 in the trunk of his car in Yerevan,
an official said.
The highly toxic material was found Friday and “rendered harmless,” State
Atomic Oversight Department chief Ashot Martirosyan said Monday.
Yerevan resident Gagik Tovmasyan was arrested on charges of illegal trade in
radioactive materials.

PanArmenian News
Oct 20 2004
CYPRUS READY TO ASSIST ARMENIA WITHIN ENLARGED EUROPE: NEW NEIGHBORS
PROGRAM
YEREVAN, 20.10.04. Armenian President Robert Kocharian received the
Cypriot parliamentary delegation headed by the President of the House
of Representatives Demetris Christofias. As reported by the press
service of the Armenian leader, R. Kocharian congratulated the
Republic of Cyprus with the entry to the European Union, noting that
eurointegration is one of the political priorities for Armenia. D.
Christofias in his turn said Cyprus is ready to assist Armenia within
the frames of `Wider Europe: New Neighbors` program. The parties
highly appreciated the Armenian-Cypriot relationships attaching
importance of cooperation within the framework of various
international structures. In the course of the meeting Turkey`s
membership in the EU was also considered. In this view the
interlocutors expressed their concern and underscored that Turkey
should fulfill all its commitments.

The Star
Sports
Wednesday October 20, 2004
Romanian game in crisis after Mutu’s failed drugs test
BUCHAREST: Romanian striker Adrian Mutu’s positive test for cocaine is a
savage kick in the stomach for a nation already winded by soccer scandals.
The 25-year-old, a hero among his compatriots, now faces a two-year ban
after testing positive for the recreational drug on Oct 1.
The Chelsea player is said to be `destroyed’ by the positive test. Its
effect on the reputation of soccer in the east European nation could be no
less damaging.
Mutu’s admission of guilt comes days after three Farul Constanta players
were banned for doping offences by Romania’s Professional Soccer League.
Midfielders Adrian Senin and Iulian Apostol are sidelined for six months
after they tested positive for a diuretic. Teammate Mihai Baicu was banned
for the same period after admitting supplying them with urine for their
tests.
Mutu’s positive test will hurt a nation which leans heavily on its national
team’s success to help it forget chronic poverty and continued frustrations
after the 1989 fall of communism.
Certainly Romanian captain Cristian Chivu was dismayed by the news. `I’m
shocked’, the defender who plays his club soccer at Italy’s AS Roma said
yesterday.
`If I return now to the national team, who will be my teammates?’
Teenage fan Adrian Iacob didn’t mince his words when he called private
Europa FM radio.
`It’s a disaster,’ the young Steaua Bucharest supporter said. `Politics,
alcohol, corruption, injuries and now drugs. Things could not be worse for
Romanian soccer.’
Romanian supporters, almost inured to allegations of biased refereeing in
their leagues, never dreamed one of their idols could be involved in a
doping scandal. Soccer federation president Mircea Sandu may not have been
so surprised, however.
Admitting for the first time that some Romanian internationals led
unprofessional lives off the pitch, he said: `The sport doesn’t go with
alcohol and casino counters.’
In September, Romanian media reported that three players left the team hotel
the night before a World Cup qualifier against Macedonia to spend hours in a
nightclub. The national team’s staff denied the allegations at the time.
`Mutu’s case must be an alarm bell for all Romanian soccer players,’ Sandu
said. `The millions (of euros) arrived, but the whole sum can disappear in a
second.’
Mutu’s popularity soared after he scored for Romania when they beat
Macedonia and Finland in recent months.
Romania lead the World Cup European Group One standings with nine points
from four matches but will now travel to Armenia on Nov 17 without Mutu.
Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu, who is running for the ruling ex-communist
Social Democrat Party in November elections, has made no comment on Mutu’s
case. – Reuters

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
Oct 20 2004
FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH CIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
[October 20, 2004, 22:42:48]
Minister of Foreign Affair s of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met on
October 20 with Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, Executive
Secretary Vladimir Rushaylo.
Updating the Minister on his visit to Belarus in connection with the
nationwide referenda in this country, Vladimir Rushaylo called the
fact that elections monitoring within the Commonwealth became
traditional. He also pointed out the importance of strengthening
member states cooperation in fighting terror, migration problems,
ecology and other spheres including resolution of conflicts.
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov also noted the need to widen the
cooperation with international organizations and observers to acquire
more experience and knowledge in holding elections.
Touching upon the issue concerning conflicts resolution, the Minister
noted that economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia is not
possible until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is settled. He also
called on the CIS member state to express their resolute stance with
respect to settling people in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent
territories of Azerbaijan.
The parties have also discussed a number of other issues of mutual
interest.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA News Agency
Oct 20 2004
RA Minister of Finance and Economy highly appreciates the
implementation of the programs of WB in Armenia
NKR President meets famous American philanthropist of armenian origin
Vahe Karapetyan
Armenian intelligence services arrests holder of radioactive stuff
RA Foreign Minister to begin an official visit to Italy today
*********************************************************************
RA MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMY HIGHLY APPRECIATES THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMS OF WB IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, October 18. /ARKA/. RA Minister of Finance and Economy
Vardan Khachatryan highly appreciated the implementation of the
programs of WB in Armenia. As he stated to ARKA, but for the programs
of the WB, the country would have quite other problems and the level
of life. According to the Minister, `the finances assigned by the WB
are mainly used efficiently and contribute to the development of the
state’.
During the period of cooperation with Armenia since 1992, WB has
granted credits for 36 programs totaling $820,80 mln. At present,
Armenia receives the credits of the WB in terms of International
Development Association (IDA) for 40 years with the 0,75% privileged
annual rate , which is given to poor countries. A.H. -0 –
*********************************************************************
NKR PRESIDENT MEETS FAMOUS AMERICAN PHILANTHROPIST OF ARMENIAN ORIGIN
VAHE KARAPETYAN
STEPANAKERT, October 18. /ARKA/. President of Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic Arkadi Ghukasyan met famous American philanthropist of
Armenian origin Vahe Karapetyan. As NKR Main Information Center told
ARKA, during the meeting Ghukasyan gave a high esteem to the programs
implemented by Karapetyan in Artsakh and expressed a hope that he
will continue contributing considerably into development of the
Republic.
In his turn Karapetyan informed NKR President on his intention to
undertake financing of program for maintenance of North-South highway
that is of strategic importance for NKR after the completion of its
construction. During the meeting he also reported about other
projects implemented in Artsakh sponsored by him, particularly
reconstruction of church in Agavno village and development and the
adjacent territory to the church.
During his visit he acquainted the course of works on technical
maintenance of Goris-Stepanakert highway sponsored by him. In his
words, currently building of organization Road Maintenance that is
implementing the project is being renovated, while another hangar is
being constructed for keeping and maintenance of the necessary
equipment. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIAN INTELLIGENCE SERVICES ARRESTS HOLDER OF RADIOACTIVE STUFF
YEREVAN, October 18. /ARKA/. As a result of operative-investigatory
measures on October 15, 2004 the Armenian National Security Service
arrested à resident of Yerevan Gagik Tovmasyan, b. 1959 charged with
smuggling of radioactive stuff. As Armenian Security Service Press
Center told ARKA, as à result of inspection of his car, the
authorities detected radioactive material cesium-137 that spreads
rapidly and seriously damages human health causing heavy deceases of
blood. The authorities brought a charge lead by Armenian National
Security. No information is reported about the origin of the
radioactive stuff, its amount and purposes. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
RA FOREIGN MINISTER TO BEGIN AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO ITALY TODAY
YEREVAN, October 18. /ARKA/. The RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian
will begin his official visit to Italy today. According to the Media
and Information Department of RA Foreign Ministry, in frames of the
visit Oskanian will conduct meetings with his Italian colleague
Franco Frattini, the Mayor of Venice Paolo Costa and Giancarlo Galan,
Governor of Veneto region. The sides will discuss issues of bilateral
relations, Karabakh conflict settlement, Armenia-Turkey relations,
involvement of Turkey in European integration and integration
processes of Armenia in European structures, in particular in frames
of European neighbourhood program. The RA Foreign Minister will also
participate in round table session on the theme “South Caucasus:
stability and security in the region “. Oskanian will also visit the
Congregation of Mkhitarians on St. Lazzaro Island and the Center for
Armenian Culture Research and Publication in Venice. On October 22,
the RA Foreign Minister will leave Italy for Lion, where he will take
part in the arrangement organized by Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. On
October 28-29 Oskanian will head the Armenian delegation on the
session of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Black Sea
Economic Cooperation in Tbilisi. L.V.–0–
***************************************

ARKA News Agency
Oct 19 2004
RA Prime Minister finds it necessary to create an intergovernmental
Armenian-Cyprus commission on economic cooperation
Armenia and China have rich perspectives for cooperation
Armenian and Italian Foreign Ministers satisfied with relationships
level between the countries
British Interparliamentary Group holds meetings in Armenian
Parliament
*********************************************************************
RA PRIME MINISTER FINDS IT NECESSARY TO CREATE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL
ARMENIAN-CYPRUS COMMISSION ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION
YEREVAN, October 19. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan
finds it necessary to create an intergovernmental Armenian-Cyprus
commission on economic cooperation. As he stated during his meeting
with the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Republic of
Cyprus Demetris Christofias in Yerevan, the activation of the
relations between the Parliaments can contribute to the cooperation
of the executive power with the development of economic relations.
Encouraging the idea of formation of the commission, Christofias
noted that `it’s the time to set from political desires to real
activity’. Considering the present legal field and the investment
capacity of the Cyprus company, Margaryan invited the attention of
Christofias to the opportunity to make big investments in the
corresponding areas of economy of Armenia, especially in tourism and
banking sector. highly appreciating the level of bilateral relations,
the parties were for their further development. Margaryan attached
importance to studying the experience of Cyprus in Eurointegration,
the cooperation in international structures, since both sides have
the same goals and interests.
In his turn Christofias expressed the readiness of Cyprus to
contribute to the process of Eurointegration of Armenia, which was
included into Wider Europe: New Neighbors EU program. He noted that
it’s important also to develop cultural, educational and scientific
cooperation, in particular, in the organization of exhibitions and
experience exchange. A.H. -0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIA AND CHINA HAVE RICH PERSPECTIVES FOR COOPERATION
YEREVAN, October 19. /ARKA/. Armenia and China have rich perspectives
for cooperation, as the President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan stated
during his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.
According to RA President’s Press Service Department, Kocharyan noted
that neither of the countries have political problems, and have the
same approach to the international issues. According to Kocharyan,
for the last years Armenian-Chinese relations, based on a high level
of political dialogue and understanding, developed in public and
political, economic, and cultural fields.
In his turn the Chinese Minister noted that the authorities of China
pay more attention to the cooperation with friendly Armenia and
highly appreciate the input of the President of Armenia into the
Armenian-Chinese relations. According to the Chinese side, the recent
visit of Kocharyan to China is of great importance for the further
development of bilateral relations.
Attaching importance to the trade-economic cooperation as to the
priority direction of the bilateral relations, the parties discussed
the issues of the practical application of the arrangements achieved
in the course of the visit of the Armenian President to China. In
particular, the cooperation in the fields of agriculture, chemistry
and scientific-technical areas was marked out. A.H. -0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIAN AND ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS SATISFIED WITH RELATIONSHIPS
LEVEL BETWEEN THE COUNTRIES
YEREVAN, October 19. /ARKA/. Armenian and Italian Foreign Ministers
Vardan Oskanian and Franco Fratini are satisfied with relationships
level between the countries. As Armenian Foreign Ministry Press and
Information Department told ARKA, this was stated by Ministers in
Italy, during Oskanian’s official visit in that country. The sides
especially stressed the importance of cooperation in such spheres as
small and medium business, tourism, attraction of Italian capital to
Armenia. The sides also mentioned the necessity to activate high
level visits.
Today Oskanian will participate on the round table devoted to
thematic’ South Caucasus: Stability and Security of the Region’. T.M.
-0–
*********************************************************************
BRITISH INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP HOLDS MEETINGS IN ARMENIAN
PARLIAMENT
YEREVAN, October 19. /ARKA/. British Group of the Interparliamentary
Union including English MP, Laborite Gorgon Marsden, the member of
the House of Commons Jane Griffiths, the Vice-Speaker of the House of
Lords, Baroness Caroline Cox, Jim Rogers and Candy Strtone held
meetings in the Armenian Parliament. As Armenian Parliament Public
and Press Relations Department told ARKA, during the meeting with
Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Arthur Baghdasaryan it was
mentioned that the UK is ready to support Armenia as a participant
country to `Enlarged Europe: New Neighbours’. Touching upon South
Caucasus problems Speaker stressed that Armenia favours peaceful
settlement of the conflicts. Also the British Group met the Standing
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Armenian Parliament. The sides
mentioned the necessity of development of interparliamentary
relations between the UK and Armenia. As for the regional cooperation
it was mentioned inadmissibility that Azerbaijan hinders Armenia’s
involvement in such programs as TRACECA and INNOGATE. T.M. -0–

ARKA News Agency
Oct 20 2004
Construction of three lines of rope-way in Tsakhkadzor (Armenia) to
be finished in 2005
Seismic protection system must be in the same raw of Armenian
priorities
Political will to allow conducting normal elections in Armenia, RA NA
Vice Speaker
The President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan to leave for Georgia for a
three-day official visit on October 22
*********************************************************************
CONSTRUCTION OF THREE LINES OF ROPE-WAY IN TSAKHKADZOR (ARMENIA) TO
BE FINISHED IN 2005
YEREVAN, October 20. /ARKA/. Construction of three lines of rope-way
in Tsakhkadzor (Armenia) will be finished in 2005, RA President’s
press office told ARKA. Today the President got familiar with the
construction works at the rope-way and make an assignment to start
works on projecting the third line. In 2004 it is planned to finish
construction of 1st and 2nd lines, the works on which started on Aug
9, 2004. Along with that the works on construction of necessary
infrastructures are also being held.
Construction works on reconstruction of rope-way are made by Swiss
Company Lightner the agreement with which was signed in April 2004.
L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
SEISMIC PROTECTION SYSTEM MUST BE IN THE SAME RAW OF ARMENIAN
PRIORITIES
YEREVAN, October 20. /ARKA/. Seismic protection system must be in the
same raw of Armenian priorities, the Chairman of Association of
Armenian Seismology and Land Physics Sergey Balasanian told ARKA
talking about the results of 5th General Assembly of Asian Seismic
Commission finished to day in Yerevan. According to him, for
strengthening of seismic protection Armenia needs in political
decisions. `The biggest achievement of this Assembly is general
conclusion that all newest achievements in the field of seismic
protection are not yet reflected on security of people. And it
considers all countries of the world’, Balasanian said.
At this Balasanian said that at the Assembly one of the leading
Japanese scientists stated that in near 10 years problem of absolute
predictability of earthquakes will be solved. In the whole he called
the Assembly `unusually successful’ and mentioned the support of RA
Government and Yerevan Municipality.
5th General Assembly dedicated to 15th anniversary of Spitak
earthquake took place in Armenia on Oct 18-20. Representatives of
more than 46 countries arrived in Armenia for participation in the
Assembly. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
POLITICAL WILL TO ALLOW CONDUCTING NORMAL ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA, RA NA
VICE SPEAKER
YEREVAN, October 20. /ARKA/. Political will will allow conducting
normal elections in Armenia, RA NA Vice Speaker Tigran Torosian.
According to him, conduction of similar election process during next
presidential and parliamentary elections to have exceptional meaning
for the future of Armenia. `If Armenia conducts similar elections,
it’ll receive good opportunity for development. If not, it will have
to take place among corresponding countries’, Torosian said.
Torosian noted that present Election code has some defects,
contributing to election violations, namely the issue of election
lists, role of trustees during calculation of votes. `It would be
naive to think that only changes of EC will achieve the full election
process’, he said. The responsibility for violations taken by some
party will also not lead to a result, before political powers realize
the necessity of quality changes in election process. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
THE PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA ROBERT KOCHARYAN TO LEAVE FOR GEORGIA FOR A
THREE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT ON OCTOBER 22
YEREVAN, October 20. /ARKA/. On October 22, the President of Armenia
Robert Kocharyan will leave for Georgia for a three-day official
visit. According to RA President’s Press Service Department, the
official ceremony of meeting RA President will take place near
Bagratashen frontier point. Then in the residence of the Georgian
President Michael Saakashvili and Robert Kocharyan will have a
meeting behind the closed doors followed by the negotiations at the
highest level between the delegations of two countries.
According to the press release, in the course of the visit of the
Armenian President to Georgia, he will met the Speaker of the
Georgian Parliament Nino Burjanadse, the Prime Minister Zourab
Zhvaniya, the Catholicos of All Georgians Iliya the Second. Besides,
Kocharyan will put a wreath to the Memorial to heroes, perished for
the integrity of Georgia, and will participate in festivities devoted
to the Day of Tbilisi. Besides, Kocharyan will meet the authorities
of the Armenian community of Georgia. A.H. – 0–

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472 USA
(617) 926-TREE (8733)
Contact: Jason Sohigian
PRESS RELEASE
October 17, 2004
ATP INAUGURATES OHANIAN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER IN KARIN
KARIN, Armenia–Armenia Tree Project (ATP) inaugurated its Michael and
Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center in the village of Karin on
October 12. The establishment of this ATP educational center is the result
of a generous donation from Mrs. Virginia Ohanian of Belmont, MA, in memory
of her husband, the late Michael Ohanian.
ATP established its nursery in Karin in 1996, and as part of an expansion of
its programs, ATP has added environmental and forestry education to its
mission. Immediately after Mrs. Ohanian learned about this program, this
educational center was proposed and established on the nursery site. Mrs.
Ohanian was present at the inauguration, along with a number of ATP’s
diasporan supporters traveling with the Armenian Assembly of America
Trustees’ Delegation to Armenia.
Opening the program, ATP Country Director Susan Yacubian Klein explained
that the UNHCR played the primary role in the establishment of the refugee
village of Karin, but that its residents had little employment
opportunities. As a result of the opening of the ATP nursery in the village,
a number of them were able to work and provide income for their families.
`The Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center provides
much-needed jobs, but it also fills a need for hands-on agricultural
training,’ stated Ms. Yacubian Klein, adding that already over 130 students
have been taught at the center from the Agricultural Academy and the local
school in Karin.
She explained that the nursery staff assists students in practical work in
the fields, and that students also attend lectures by the staff and invited
experts. `Thanks to Ginny Ohanian, we are able to provide this outreach to
the people in Armenia,’ she emphasized.
Executive Director Jeffrey Masarjian added that in addition to the nurseries
in Karin, Aygut, and elsewhere, ATP is planning to plant one million trees
per year beginning in 2006. He also introduced Yerevan office Deputy
Director Mher Sadoyan, Watertown office Deputy Director Jason Sohigian,
Nursery Director Samvel Ghandilyan, and CTP Director Anahit Gharibyan to the
more than 60 guests on the Armenian Assembly visit.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Ghandilyan thanked Mrs. Ohanian, her family, and
other ATP supporters on behalf of the staff and the residents of Karin, for
the establishment of the educational center.
After the introductions, Mrs. Ohanian recounted her husband Michael’s
long-time relationship with Stephen Mugar, the father of ATP founder Carolyn
Mugar. She also reiterated her firm support for Ms. Mugar and the work of
ATP, recalling an earlier visit to the Karin nursery when the seedlings and
fruit trees were at the very early stage of growth.
After a ceremonial tree planting by Mrs. Ohanian and her family and a ribbon
cutting for the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center,
Mrs. Ohanian expressed her feeling of honor and privilege for this gift.
Later, guests were able to meet with ATP staff and tour the nursery,
followed by a luncheon.
During the event, the Mayor of Karin expressed his gratitude toward ATP for
choosing the village as the site for one of its nurseries. `I would like to
thank ATP for keeping people in our village,’ stated Mayor Haykaz
Ter-Gulanyan. `We are doing our best to help the nursery, and we will do
anything we can to expand it and create more jobs for local people.’
`What you are doing is an honor for the village and our country, and thanks
to ATP, Armenia is even more green than it was before you began working
here,’ concluded the Mayor of Karin.
For additional information about this event or other ATP programs, please
contact Jason Sohigian at [email protected] or visit